Medicinal Mushroom Alcohol Extract vs. Hot Water Extract

By Dr. Markho Rafael

Medicinal mushrooms, hugely popular for thousands of years in the Orient, are coming in vogue today also in the West. On the coattails of their increasing popularity follow issues of quality and ethical representation between competing brands.

All species of medicinal mushrooms appear haunted by this issue. Particularly so, it seems, is red reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), the oldest medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Please note, however, that the information in this article applies generally to all medicinal mushroom species.

An obvious caution is to stay away from cheap, mass-produced reishi. It may be merely dried and pulverized. In order to be medicinal, the mushroom cell-wall has to be broken down. Mass-produced reishi may be mostly inert and ineffective.

There are many real therapeutic brands on the market, though. But even among them, there are significant differences. They all claim to be the best, naturally, because they all want to sell their particular brand. So let's sift the data, get the facts straight, and clear up misleading information that is out there.

Below are three common methods for extracting medicinal compounds from reishi. Each method results in different compounds. All groups have been shown to have therapeutic effects in scientific studies.

1. Water (Hot) Extraction (polysaccharides, etc.)

2. Alcohol/Ethanol Extraction (triterpenoids, etc.)

3. Fermented (arabinoxylanes, etc.)

Polysaccharides have been shown to possess powerful anti-tumor qualities through enhancing the immune system and by inhibiting blood profusion through tumors. They are also strong antioxidants. [1]

Triterpenoids include a large number of related medicinal compounds whose proven effects include stabilization of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood clotting. But most importantly, the triterpenoids are the anti-inflammatory compounds of reishi. [1] Inflammation is a serious component in asthma, allergies, arthritis and many more conditions.

And then there are the new and unique medicinal compounds that get created when reishi is fermented. These "secondary metabolites" have their own therapeutic properties, different from the first two groups, including anti-tumor, immune support and blood-sugar balance. [2]

This article is not meant to recommend any particular brand so none will be mentioned by name. But the author does know of two reishi companies (Japanese and American) that both claim only hot water extract of reishi is effective and that alcohol extracts are of no use.

Of course they do that to promote their own brand. In reality both hot water extract and alcohol extract contain unique medicinal compounds that are all very important.

To determine if a brand of reishi (or Ganoderma) contains all the important medicinal compounds from the mushroom, find out if it utilizes both alcohol and hot water extraction. An additional plus would be if it also includes fermented reishi.

An additional point to keep in mind is the form the reishi comes in. Reishi that dissolves completely in a water-based liquid such as coffee probably only contains reishi from hot water extraction. As a substitute for regular coffee, this would be a superb health-choice. However, it will not contain the water-insoluble triterpenoids so valued for their anti-inflammatory properties.

On the other hand, alcohol tinctures can actually contain both water soluble polysaccharides and alcohol soluble triterpenoids. The way you know is that the polysaccharides will fall out of solution because of the alcohol, and will make the tincture cloudy. That's alright though; you just need to shake before you take. Capsules and tablets may be one or the other or both. The only way to know is ask the manufacturer or read their information.

[1] Boh B, Berovic M, Zhang J, Zhi-Bin L. "Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds." Biotechnology Annual Review 2007;13:265-301.

[2] Tang YJ, Zhang W, Zhong JJ. "Performance analyses of a pH-shift and DOT-shift integrated fed-batch fermentation process for the production of ganoderic acid and Ganoderma polysaccharides by medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum." Bioresour Technol. 2009 Mar;100(5):1852-9. - 30425

About the Author:

Dr. Rafael has worked in the health field since the early 90's, recently specializing in medicinal mushrooms. He partners with Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC on red reishi extract and cordyceps extract plus the newly popular mesima and more.

Exercise For Fibromyalgia- Tips To Treat Fibromyalgia

By Shaun Marsh

Fibromyalgia, or popularly called FM, is that type of chronic illness that shows signs ranging from a mere body fatigue to a more painful and more constant body aches and pains. Today, this type of illness has made doctors difficult to diagnose because each case vary from the other and that, no proven cause has yet to be established of the problem.

But then, over the years, studies have shown that this type of chronic disorder is a type of problem in one's nervous system, specifically the sensory processing. Thus, signs such as stiffness, fatigue, or pain that patients often suffer made experts draw out a conclusion that having the right exercise for fibromyalgia can help the problem.

So how can proper exercise help fibromyalgia? People with fibromyalgia often set aside the thought of doing exercises because in the first place, the body is already in pain, so why make it worse? However, one should remember that the only way to keep the muscles healthy to avoid chronic pains and stiffness is to provide it with proper exercise. When the muscles are relaxed, the chance of experiencing painful stiffness is generally avoided.

When you start doing your exercise for fibromyalgia, keep in mind that the exercise is intended to improve your health and not for you to lose weight. You may start doing so by setting small goals and then gradually increasing those goals as you go on.

Swimming is a very effective exercise for fibromyalgia because you get to exercise your heart and your body at the same time. Additionally, the water provides you with a gentle support to protect your body.

Tai chi and yoga are also ideal ways of exercising. Generally, there are lots of exercises you can consider that are ideal to lessen your fibromyalgia sufferings. Keep in mind that with proper exercise, you get to achieve a good night's sleep and at the same time, your stress levels are gradually reduced while boosting your energy levels. So if you are too tired with your fibromyalgia attacks, get moving and start exercising. - 30425

About the Author:

Learn more about fibromyalgia pain relief. Stop by at the site to find out aboutFibromyalgia Symptoms and much more.

Important Facts on Reactive Arthritis

By Kim Archer

Reactive arthritis is an autoimmune disease that develops as a response to an infection in some other location of the body. Since its growth is activated by another infection, it is termed "reactive". Most frequently, reactive arthritis takes place due to of the occurrence of some kind of sickness like gastrointestinal, bacterial or genital infections. Even food poisoning has been thought to bring about reactive arthritis. It's often difficult to establish the real reason, since the original illness has normally been cured before the signs of reactive arthritis turn up.

Reactive arthritis is a condition that is inclined to assail individuals who are in their twenties and thirties. It appears that men are more affected by the disease than women. Moreover, white men are more likely to acquire reactive arthritis than black men, and the reason for this is that of distinctive types of tissue. And finally, HIV-positive individuals have a greater chance of being affected by reactive arthritis.

This illness can have an effect on the spine, urinary tract, colon, joints, eyes, heart and mouth. Many of the symptoms of this disorder are not unlike other kinds of arthritis, especially psoriatic arthritis.

When a person develops reactive arthritis they will normally observe three noticeable signs. Among these is swelling and irritation in the large joints, leading to stiffness and decreased range of motion. The second is inflamed eyes, or conjunctivitis, involving soreness and reddening of the eyes along with blurred vision. The third indicator is called urethritis, which causes difficulty urinating. The individual will encounter a burning feeling at the time of urination. Moreover, they also are apt to urinate more often. Further signs of the ailment include the development of a rash on the soles of the feet. The problems that arise will usually remain for around three weeks to a month.

The treatment of reactive arthritis must be done quite carefully. Prior to proceeding with any sort of treatment, the health care provider will conduct tests, both in the clinic together with in a laboratory. The doctor will take urine samples and stool cultures, and will test the blood of the patient. Performing an MRI is also a good idea.

Managing reactive arthritis needs to aim at finding and eradicating the situation in the regions that have been infected. Most effective line of attack to treat the infections is through antibiotics. To treat inflammation of the joints the health care provider may suggest utilizing steroids and analgesics. When the situation is unusually severe, making use of an immunosuppressant is advised. - 30425

About the Author:

Reactive arthritis symptoms are similar in many ways to those of other forms of arthritis. This disease affects your joints and organs, and can seriously impact your life. Fortunately, there is a way to minimize the pain and distress of this condition. Find out how at Arthritis Relief.

The Quest For The Treatment Of Fibromyalgia

By Shaun Marsh

Combining the alternative and conventional treatment is the most effective approach utilized on the treatment for fibromyalgia. The interplay of medications, stress reduction techniques and proper nutrition is a great way to reduce the symptoms produced by the condition.

There is no single treatment for this disease, which is why the solution may seem like it is complicated. It is needed that the solution would involve all possible method to address the complicated problem. This is the ideal method of approaching the condition because it attacks from various angles, which would lead to a much desired effect. Nonetheless, the discovery of the real causes and understanding of the course of disease are the only ways that the real solution would be achieved.

Fibromyalgia needs to be researched well so that this goal can be reached. Currently, there are many researches done to make this a reality. The treatment however is to be decided on the severity of the disease and how the individual is affected by it. Your doctor will recommend various treatment regimens, which are individually designed to suit your needs. Generally, it will be a trial and error but most of the treatments involved are effective on their own.

The focus of the treatment process is to alleviate the symptoms and relief from the pain inflicted by the disorder. Naturally, your physician will follow through the regimen that would enable you to have the best quality of life possible. Along with the treatment regimen, you also have to enhance the quality of your sleep. You need to rest adequately because it can make the whole situation worst if you do not rest.

There are many studies that claim there is a relationship between estrogen levels in the blood, menopause and this condition. However, this needs further evidence. Future studies should also focus on this aspect since we all know that women tend to be the ones affected more than men.

Exercise, relaxation techniques, physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic procedures and medications are just some of the alternative entities that are merged in one. However, you have to remember that there is really no cure for this particular condition. - 30425

About the Author:

Looking to find the best information on the treatment for fibromyalgia , then visit site to all you need to know about fibromyalgia including fibromyalgia diagnosis for you.

Ways To Seek Treatment For Fibromyalgia- Know What Works And What Doesn't

By Shaun Marsh

Currently, there is no treatment present that is effective for fibromyalgia because of the lack in understanding about the cause. Many of the treatments available are ineffective and fraudulent even though they claim to cure the disease. They are present because major companies just want you to shell out some money.

Patients are more often than not informed that there is no cure to the condition. This is a fact however there is the presence of a good treatment regimen. It will involve a multidisciplinary approach, which consists of both traditional and conventional medicines.

Exercise, management of stress and medications are just some of the method employed to this kind of approach in order to relieve the patient from symptoms. It is important that quality of life is maintained and this is the focus of this approach. Furthermore, extensive studies are being done today so that patients can remain hopeful for new treatment.

The studies are present to improve our comprehension about the course of disease and understanding about its nature and the effects it has on the body. Pain can be alleviated by regular exercise. Typically, the sore muscles will develop more strength and flexibility therefore will become more tolerant to pain.

Some of the medications that will give you relief with pain are acetaminophen, muscle relaxants and NSAID. Moreover, another medication for sleep disturbances is given though it is not administered for long periods of time. It is because the medication will no longer have any effect if utilized for extended time. Antidepressants are also utilized to address the issue of sleep disturbances and depression. Another medication that is also approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia is the anticonvulsant or the seizure medication. Relief from pain is also possible through this medication.

Massage therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic manipulations are just some of the alternative medicines employed to alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Stress can also be addressed with the use of the alternative methods that are mentioned. Remember at the end of the day, being hopeful and optimistic can make a hige difference. - 30425

About the Author:

Want to find out more about treatment for fibromyalgia, then visit the www.rapidfibromyalgiarelief.com for tips on coping with fibromyalgia .

Finding Out The Treatment Fibromyalgia In Pregnancy

By Shaun Marsh

The exact reason why fibromyalgia exists is not yet known. Both alleviation of symptoms and focusing on the quality of life are the focus of the treatment process for most patients. Prescription medicine, alternative medicine, work outs and changes in the lifestyle are combined to form one powerful treatment regimen for fibromyalgia patients.

However, the approach is a trial and error. This means that the interplay of the ones mentioned could be limited to a single patient only. Furthermore, it means that you have to change the method entirely for another patient. The most important thing to remember is let the medical team work together as a whole in order to devise a plan that is unique for each patient.

Nevertheless, there is only limited information and background for the disease process, which make the entire treatment regimen limited. There are no studies done to prove that one single approach is working for most cases. No one has ever understood how the disease works particularly during pregnancy.

The insufficient knowledge about the course of disease poses great danger to the mother and child. There are studies that are focused on this but most of them have conflicting evidence about the disease activity on pregnancy. This should prod the research facilities to further their studies in order to discover the treatment and exact background of the disease process during pregnancy.

It is important that researches are done so that no life will be sacrificed when time has come to deliver the unborn baby to the world. However, it is already known that pregnancy can aggravate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. But, this has to be taken further.

We have to remember that the most important stage of pregnancy is the third trimester where there is an increase in the frequency of symptoms. It means that the disease process is already making its way to progression. - 30425

About the Author:

Learn more about how to treat fibromyalgia . Stop by the site where you can find out all about treatment for fibromyalgia.

3 Treatment Techniques To Seek Relief from Fibromyalgia Pain

By Shaun Marsh

Desperate to seek fibromyalgia pain relief?

If you are, here are 3 simple ways to seek relief from fibromyalgia. But before I discuss these treatment techniques, I want to point out the importance of self-belief and hope.

Usually people affected by fibromyalgia are so stressed out and fatigued that they lose the belief that they can ever lead the lifestyle they once had or always wanted. It is at this juncture that the role of the family members and friends become extremely important.

Now, let's take a look at 3 fairly easy to follow techniques to seek relief from fibromyalgia pain.

1. Exercise: Though exercise would be the last thing on earth, a fibromyalgia patient wants to do, it is actually helpful in treating fibromyalgia pain. Also by not exercising, you run the risk of putting on weight which leads to a host of other medical problems. You can take up very simple activities like walking, stretching, jogging and swimming.

2. Physical Therapy: Adding physical therapy with exercise is a perfect combo to cope with fibromyalgia pain. Physical therapy can help you loosen those stiff muscles and bring about an awareness of posture and body movements. Make sure that you consult with a licensed physical therapist.

3. Acupuncture: It's amazing how some of the practices that have been followed in the East are still relevant in today's world. Acupuncture has been followed for thousands of years by the Chinese. In this practice, critical points of your body will be stuck with needles. It is very important you get your acupuncture done by a certified acupuncturist.

Do remember at the end of the day, it is your mental strength and optimism that will help you in treating fibromyalgia. Never surrender your life to fibromyalgia and always seek help. I know it is easier said than done but there is no other way out to seek relief from fibromyalgia, is there? And other than making your life miserable, what good does surrending your fate to fibromyalgia and giving up hope does? - 30425

About the Author:

Learn more about fibromyalgia pain relief by visiting Rapid Fibromyalgia Pain Relief, where you can find out all about thetreatments for fibromyalgia.