Reishi extract has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat arthritis and other forms of inflammation for over 2,000 years. Also commonly known by its Latin name as “Ganoderma,” or Chinese “Ling Zhi,” Reishi is by far the most searched medicinal mushroom on the Internet with over 200,000 searches per month. And although it may not be the panacea (“cure-all”) that some hold it to be, the fact that modern research confirms it as an inflammation modulator may help explain why it has long been heralded as such in the Orient.

In fact, Chinese medical practitioners have been prescribing Reishi extract for ages in cases of arthritis, bronchitis and other conditions involving any type of inflammation. Modern research in Asia as well as in America and Europe confirm the validity of these uses. Out of 19 papers used for this article, 17 reported positive results in the use or Reishi extract for arthritis. Only two were studies were inconclusive, both of which were conducted by the same research team. (1,2)

An American study conducted in 1993 by Lin et al. concluded that a water extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) demonstrated “significant anti-inflammatory activity.” (4) A study out of India ten years later found that an extract of Reishi decreased inflammation in conditions of acute edema and chronic edema by 56% and 60%. (3) Seven additional research papers were found during the writing of this article that all concluded that Reishi is a potent anti-inflammatory medicinal mushroom. (5,6,7,8,9,10,11)

Next we'll be looking at some studies that more directly relate to the use of Reishi extract with arthritis. A paper published in 2006 by Blum et al. claimed to provide supporting clinical evidence demonstrating that use of Reishi extract for joint health was both safe and effective. (12)

The same year, another study summarized findings that Reishi in combination with a Chinese herbal remedy known as San-Miao-San demonstrated a positive “immunomodulatory effect” on rheumatoid arthritis. (13)

The mechanism through which Reishi achieves this beneficial effect on arthritis was suggested in a study the following year, 2007, by Ho et al., which states that GL-PP [Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide] significantly inhibited the proliferation of RASF [Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts] (14)

A number of other studies also report positive findings for using Reishi extract with arthritis (15,16,17) One of them even reports favorable results in comparing Reishi with prednisone, and without the side effects. (18) Furthermore, a different study found that supplementation with Reishi extract actually helped to balance the side effects of prednisolone experienced by some patients, including proteinuria and cell toxicity. (19) (Prednisone breaks down in the body to form prednisolone, which is the active compound.)

In conclusion, the body of research does seem to support the use of Reishi extract in cases of arthritis. Remember that it is important to always work with a licensed medical practitioner when using any herb for medicinal purposes.

Note: “Reishi” is the Japanese name on the mushroom known in English as “Varnished Conk.” It actually encompasses several closely related species, the most common of which is Ganoderma lucidum (Common Reishi or Red Reishi). This species can be found in the U.S. but is much more common in South East Asia. It is also well known by its Chinese name, Ling Zhi.

Several closely related species of Ganoderma also go by the name of “Reishi”. Most common of these are the Hemlock Reishi (Ganoderma tsugae) found on Hemlocks in the Appalachian Mountains, and the Chinese species “Black Reishi” (Ganoderma sinense). Less common are Ganoderma resinaceum (sometimes called “Red Reishi,” although that name is more often used for G. lucidum), Ganoderma neo-japonicum (no common name other than “Reishi”), and Ganoderma japonicum (Purple Reishi).

For over 2,000 years, Reishi extract has been used as a “cure-all” herbal remedy in Chinese Medicine, with the oldest written record of any medicinal mushroom in Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic. Although it may not be totally accurate to claim that Reishi extract cures everything, traditional as well as modern use indicates that it may be a powerful anti-inflammatory agent in a large host of conditions, including arthritis.

In fact, Chinese medical practitioners have been prescribing Reishi extract for ages in cases of arthritis, bronchitis and other conditions involving any type of inflammation. Modern research in Asia as well as in America and Europe confirm the validity of these uses. Out of 19 papers used for this article, 17 reported positive results in the use or Reishi extract for arthritis. Only two were studies were inconclusive, both of which were conducted by the same research team. (1,2)

A U.S. based study conducted in 1993 showed that a water extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) exhibited “significant anti-inflammatory activity.” (4) Ten years later, an Indian research paper was published which stated that the use of Reishi extract helped decrease inflammation in acute edema by 56% and in chronic edema by 60%. (3) Using the “Article References” link on this page, you will find references to seven additional research articles that confirm Reishi extract as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. (5,6,7,8,9,10,11)

Other research has been conducted on Reishi extract that relate specifically to arthritis. In 2006, Kenneth Blum et al. published findings in support of both the effectiveness and safety of using Reishi extract for “joint health,” providing “clinical evidence” to back up their claim. (12)

Also that same year, a Chinese study by Xi Bao et al. came to the conclusion that Reishi plus another medicinal herbal remedy commonly used in China seemed to have a “beneficial immunomodulatory effect” on arthritis. (13)

The answer as to how, precisely, Reishi extract accomplishes this “immunomodulatory effect” may have been given by another Chinese study the following year, which states that an isolated Reishi polysaccharide peptide “significantly inhibited” RASF, which is an indicator of rheumatoid arthritis. (RASF stands for “Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts.”) (14)

Five additional studies are included in the references that report positive findings between Reishi and arthritis. (15,16,17) One goes so far as to state that Reishi shows favorable results when compared to prednisone, and is free from the side effects. (18) In extension of this, a separate study also found that not only was Reishi extract free of the side effects of prednisone, it could also help balance the existing side effects of prednisolone* such as cell toxicity and proteinuria. (*Prednisolone is the active compound of prednisone. The liver breaks down prednisone and converts it to prednisolone.) (19)

In conclusion, the majority of research on the use of Reishi extract for inflammation or arthritis appears to support its effectiveness. Please remember that it is very important to always consult a licensed medical doctor before using any herb for medicinal purposes.

Note: “Reishi” is the Japanese name on the mushroom known in English as “Varnished Conk.” It actually encompasses several closely related species, the most common of which is Ganoderma lucidum (Common Reishi or Red Reishi). This species can be found in the U.S. but is much more common in South East Asia. It is also well known by its Chinese name, Ling Zhi.

Several closely related species of Ganoderma also go by the name of “Reishi”. Most common of these are the Hemlock Reishi (Ganoderma tsugae) found on Hemlocks in the Appalachian Mountains, and the Chinese species “Black Reishi” (Ganoderma sinense). Less common are Ganoderma resinaceum (sometimes called “Red Reishi,” although that name is more often used for G. lucidum), Ganoderma neo-japonicum (no common name other than “Reishi”), and Ganoderma japonicum (Purple Reishi).

When you take an aspirin for a headache, or a multivitamin for your health, do you really give it any thought? Most of us don't. We've been lulled into thinking if you buy it from a store, it must be okay-it can't hurt us, right? Wrong. For me, that trust thrust me into a nightmare I'll never forget.

It was a hot Sunday in July. I was in Connecticut visiting my best friend Ralph. At the time he managed a GNC (General Nutrition Center)store at the local mall and was a big believer in herbs and natural supplements. Got indigestion? Take some Papaya Enzyme. A cold? Echinacea was all you needed. It seemed like a good idea, taking “natural” supplements instead of over the counter drugs. Who wouldn't think it was healthier and better for us? Unfortunately “natural” does not always mean healthy. That Sunday morning, Ralph gave me a capsule of a supplement called “Ripped Fuel”. It's marketed as an energy booster and weight loss aid. It seemed like a harmless way to get more energy and maybe drop a few pounds-that is until I was rushed to the emergency room a few hours later-my blood pressure sky high, my heartbeat out of control.

I took the capsule and Ralph and I headed out to do some shopping. As we browsed in a clothing store I began to feel a bit anxious. Butterflies had begun dancing in my stomach and I felt nervous. A summer thunderstorm rolled in and the store lost power. I got more anxious and noticed my hands were very cold. Goosebumps covered my arms. Still I thought nothing of it. I figured the storm had gotten me a little nervous. After the clothing store we headed for the post office. While Ralph went to pick up his mail, I waited in the car. The sun had come out and the temperature was about 85 degrees. Yet I was sitting in Ralph's jeep, the windows rolled up tight, shivering violently. I was freezing. My hands were shaking.

“Ralph, what's wrong with me?” I asked, holding out my shaking hands.
“Uh-oh….you aren't used to caffeine are you?” he asked.
I wasn't. I usually drank caffeine free soda and never drank tea or coffee.
“You'll be okay. You just have the caffeine jitters.”
I relaxed for a few minutes. Then suddenly I could not catch my breath. I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest.
“I can't breathe! I can't breathe!”

Everything went black. I hit the dashboard and slumped there. I came to as Ralph was pulling into a gas station. He was calling my name. I sat up slowly, looking at him but unable to comprehend. I was weak and shaking. Ralph, thinking I might have had a sudden drop in my blood sugar, went inside and bought me a package of Oreos and a bottle of Gatorade. He had to feed them to me, as I was too weak to even speak. As
we left the station, I felt myself begin to pass out again.

“Ralph, help me!!” I remember crying before I passed out again.
“Sue, Sue! Sue, stay with me!”

Thank God he stayed calm. He got me to a nearby clinic. I sat in a wheelchair as Ralph talked to the doctor. My head fell to one side. I looked down in horror to realize my hands were locked in grotesque claws, frozen in some sort of spasm. My feet were too, my toes curled up tight. Two nurses tried to pry my hands open and couldn't. What was happening to me? Suddenly a Grand Mal seizure rocked my body, knocking me out of the
wheelchair and onto the floor. People shouted and moved all around me. I just remember Ralph's face, looking absolutely terrified.

I was hooked up to oxygen, valium, dilatin and a host of other medications. I was in a fog, to sick to care if I was going to live or die. An ambulance was called and I was rushed to UConn Medical Center's ER.

The demon that began this nightmare was Ephedra. Ephedra. also known as Ma Huang, is a Chinese herb. It's been used by the Chinese for thousands of years as a cold remedy. Western medicine uses extracts of this herb in many common over the counter medicines such as Sudafed (pseudo ephedrine)and in asthma medications such as Primatene Mist (Ephedrine). Used this way, Ephedra is harmless and effective, but when it is combined with
caffeine, like in Ripped Fuel, it can be harmful and sometimes deadly. Ephedra stimulates the central nervous system and opens the bronchial passages, activating the heart, increasing blood pressure and speeding up metabolism. Caffeine intensifies this even more. Products such as Ripped Fuel, HerbTrim and countless others have seized upon this and trumpet themselves as pep pills and weight loss aids. Some companies even market
it as a “natural high.”. This despite warnings by most health professionals that Ephedra should NEVER be used as a weigh loss aid.

After a rash of deaths and severe reactions like mine were reported, the FDA announced plans to regulate the these products and prohibit the marketing of products that contain more than 8mg of ephedra per serving and forbid labeling that recommends consuming more than 24mg in a 24 hour period. (Ripped Fuel contains 334mg of ephedra in ONE capsule, and recommends taking TWO capsules 3 times a day!). While some may protest that the Chinese have been using Ephedra for thousands of years without incident, it is important to note that in China it is only available by prescription and is not used to lose weight, as a pep pill or to “get high”. By 2000, the FDA required all products containing the herb to have a warning stating “High doses of Ephedra may result in heart attack, stroke, seizure or death.” In April 2004, after many reports of reactions like mine and worse,they finally banned Ephredra from being sold in the United States.

What happened to me? I spent nearly 12 hours in the Emergency room until my condition stabilized. I felt ashamed. I was treated like a junkie coming off a bad trip when before this I'd never done anything stronger than aspirin. It took me years to recover- I struggled with seizures, depression, weakness and low blood pressure. My metabolism was out of control. I'd go 3 days without eating because my appetite was gone, and
then eat non stop for another 3 days. My weight swung from 115 to 140 and back again. I had to be checked daily. In a constant fog due to the drugs I was on to control the seizures and my depression, I eventually lost my job. I suffered through regular tests to see if my blood sugar was back to normal. The test consisted of me having to spend the day in the hospital, having my blood taken ever half hour. I'd leave, unable to bend
my arms, which were bruised and looked like I was a class A junkie. I thought I'd never be normal again. Ralph went through a period of tremendous guilt. Although I told him over and over it wasn't his fault, he had to deal with the fact I almost died because of something he gave me. Ephedra hurt him almost as much as it hurt me. We are still the best of friends, but he doesn't work for GNC anymore.

It's been nearly 12 years now and I am back to normal. I'm off all the meds, and haven't had a seizure in 10 years. My energy is normal and I am now able to enjoy life again. Although it was hell, I know I'm very lucky. Ralph only let me take one capsule instead of the recommended dosage of two. I'm convinced if I'd taken two I would be dead. Don't be fooled like I was. Believing all things natural are safe can be a
mistake-in some cases a deadly one. NEVER take a natural supplement without talking to your doctor first. Your health, and possibly your life, could depend on it.

So many Americans suffer from high blood pressure. It claims the lives of many every day. Some people choose the route of medication prescribed by their doctor. Some doctors know that this medication is not the best way to cure high blood pressure. Many doctors urge their patients to make serious changes in their diet, and exercise routines to help fight this battle of high blood pressure that is so damaging to the body.

Forever HealthCare Chinese Herbs are a great alternative to curing your high blood pressure if you do not want to damage your liver by taking harsh medications. What blood pressure medication really does is slow down your organs; this is not a good thing thereby showing that your blood pressure is lower. Many who take this medication may find that they have to take a potassium pill or eat bananas, because the blood pressure medication strips your body of this nutrient. In fact this medication after prolonged usage strips your body of many nutrients it needs to function properly. Maybe you are on medication and you sincerely know that it is not helping you.

The doctor who prescribed it may tell you, you have to stay on this medication forever. When our doctors tell us things or offer suggestions many times we are afraid to go out on a limb and instead listen to our bodies. We may not know what the best solution is so we do what the doctor suggests thinking that doing something is better than not doing anything at all. In some cases, this is true. In other cases, taking that medication prescription slip could be a deadly mistake. Taking the doctor's advice has saved many lives, but when it comes to medication for high blood pressure, you will never cure your blood pressure with it.

Forever HealthCare Chinese Herbs are the best high quality affordable herbs that can get your body operating to the best capacity than it can. I began taking the herbs 8 years ago. My husband suffers from high blood pressure or hypertension; he almost fell for the “doctor scare”. Melissa the owner of Forever Healthcare talked him through the solution. He followed the steps below to help his blood pressure, and when he gets off track he repeats these steps that helped him. He was on the verge of a stroke. These products saved his life.

Steps Toward A Better You, and a Lower Blood Pressure

Step 1-If you have already been taking medication, you must cleanse your body of toxins first. Even if you have not been taking the medication before starting any herbal program, or natural program in order for the supplements to take effect the body must first be rid of vial toxins.

Order the Superior Nature Cleanse Colon Cleansing Formula from Forever Healthcare Herb shop on-line. Which by name is on the website is Senna Leaf/Lubrication Formula. There is an entire cleaning package that includes: 1 bag of sienna leaves, 1 bag of lubrication tea, a bottle of digest chi, and a box of sang ji sheng tea . Price $29.99

Sienna leaves- the leaves have to be put in water and boil to make a very strong tasting tea for cleansing. Warning this tea does not taste good, but you are helping your body.

Lubrication Tea packet- it is natural bulk nutrients to lubricate your body to ease or loosen the toxins out that have been in your body for weeks, months, or years depending on the last time you cleansed your body this does not include laxatives, they do not purge the body of the toxins.

The Lubrication package has rehmannia, bamboo leaves, licorice, red sage root, wood peony, mulberry fruit, and other bulk herbs to make the cleansing process go smooth. The tea when prepared properly is a dark black color and again tastes terrible. The only way to combat the strong flavor is to maybe try drinking some sweet tasting juice in between sips of the lubrication to take the not so pleasant taste out of your mouth. I have even combined it with apple juice to sweeten it and help with the bad taste.

The Digest Chi is a natural digestion supplement which restores the stomach energy. You stomach becomes weak anytime you cleanse your system. You must restore this energy with the supplement. You will take digest chi after your last meal before cleansing. After cleansing and you begin light meals, you will want to take the digest chi to assist with digestion.

The Sang Ji Sheng Tea- This is a bulk tea you will never find in a regular store. This is a miracle tea that restores your blood and helps to hydrate the body again. It has natural b-vitamins in it along with other nutrients.

If you cannot stomach this process the other alternative to cleansing is order Bowel Cleanse. It does a great job of cleansing but not the same as the Sienna Program. To take bowel cleanse all that is required is to swallow the herb capsules about 4-5 with large amounts of water.

Step 2- Along with your cleansing package that you choose you will need to order Blood Pressure Chi. You will begin to take this daily and drink the Sang Ji Sheng Tea after you have recuperated and fully cleansed. These two products along with the sheet of suggested “body cooling” foods on the sheet from Melissa, the owner, that come with your order will send you on your way to a healthier lifestyle ,as well as the number one goal of lowering your blood pressure the right way, and actually curing it.

Advice: During this process of cleansing your body from toxins and weaning yourself off of the blood pressure medication if this is your choice, you will feel sick. You may feel weak, dizzy, and have a bad headache in the beginning. Order Head Soothe Chi, from Forever Healthcare's website, a natural herb to get rid of headaches and dizziness to remedy the situation before hand.

One man to whom my husband had go see Melissa at her local herb shop in Norcross, Ga. was doing great on the program. He used the herbs she suggested for him, but he had headaches and dizziness because he body was readjusting, healing itself from all the previous damage. The doctor said perhaps you should stop the herbs. Even though the guy had lost weight, he looked better and felt better, his blood pressure was down, but he got scared because of the doctor's suggestion and because of the mild sickness he was feeling. Most doctors study medicine, not herbs and they are to recommend medications for a number of reasons, though the medication is not always the best answer.

The point is do not be afraid, you are curing and freeing your body. Your liver will thank you. Once the medication is stopped the liver has to repair itself. Someone who has an alcohol, or prescription medication, or street drug dependency when they stop taking it they will feel sick at first. The same thing with prescribed blood pressure medication, or a drug you have taken for a period of time.

Just drink that tea which is a pain to prepare but tastes delicious. Get a good strainer to prepare the Sang Ji Sheng Tea to get the entire little tree branches and leaves out of it. This tea tastes delicious with a sweetener of your choice and lemon. My husband and I drink it plain. He substitutes his water intake with the tea; this is perfectly safe, and better for you.

It's like drinking water with added nutrients to build up you blood. Plain water does not do this. Your body can be compared to a car engine. The engine needs oil to function; your body needs blood circulation to function. Your oil gets low you must replenish it. Your blood gets low from actively working, working out, exerting ourselves, you need to build up your blood iron enriched foods are not enough.

You will be enjoying a beverage and building up your blood, and on your way to curing and/or helping to assist with getting your blood pressure back on track.

Cure high blood pressure or hypertension the natural way. Do research before taking anything new. Know your strengths, weaknesses and don't be afraid to think outside the box. Sometimes simple nutrients or herbs are what are needed to cure or change big problems with our body. You just need to investigate all alternatives before just listening to doctors you are ultimately the leader and driver of your body.

Supplements cost between $12.99-$16.99
teas-/$6.00-$8.00

Website: www.healthcareherb.com