This is the product I'm talking about.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I'm not familiar with the company but, at a glance, it appears to be a very good formula.
As long as you have some assurances of their sources, who they are which can come with a little more looking (I'll try to do tomorrow).
The price seems a little high but mushrooms can be a bit higher and if they are well "done" it could still certainly be a fair price for a good product.
Often, VitaCost will cost less. But here, it's a a few dollars more. See the reviews, though, for some additional input. Excellent customer reviews here:
About TED TALKS Presenter: Paul Stamets, Mycologist -
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
This product is recommended by my Lyme doctor.
Posted by SacredHeart (Member # 44733) on :
Ok cool thanks for the input. I bought some because the lady at the health store said she has people come in sick all the time, and when they take that product they feel better in a few days.
I think I am also going to buy some reshei mushrooms to make tea with. It is supposed to boost the immune system ten fold. I think it reduces inflammation too.
Posted by SacredHeart (Member # 44733) on :
Aren't those mushrooms the one he is producing, or is P and G doing something different?
Posted by Abxnomore (Member # 18936) on :
My mistake, for some reason I thought your were talking about a New Chapter product that is similar. Yes, the product you are referring to is the one he is producing.
Posted by SacredHeart (Member # 44733) on :
I was just looking into Turkey Tail mushrooms and those look promising too. They can boost the immune system up to ten fold, or if its over active they level it out.
Posted by valeriedc (Member # 24950) on :
Though best to avoid f your immune system is overactive.
Posted by SacredHeart (Member # 44733) on :
I don't know valeriedc........It seems to know when the body is sick, so helps to boost the immune system.....They have antiviral and anti bacterial properties too.
I'll see what happens. =)
Posted by Tbrown2 (Member # 42446) on :
I've just finished reading pages of reviews and they all seem promising however none seem to cross reference with lyme. This product has my curiosity as many people are fighting cancer with it and are succesful. Let us know how it works for you maybe this is my next suppliment to try.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Tbrown2,
you say "they all seem promising however none seem to cross reference with lyme. (end quote)
Depending upon the mushroom or the nix, they may not be so much an infection fighter as say something like garlic can be. More specifically mushrooms work as food - nourishment for the body, so that body can better work as intended.
Just as bilberry can help eyes, specifically, ginger can help the lungs "open up" when congested . . . and milk thistle can help the liver . . . mushrooms seem to help nourish key foundational functions of the body.
Although in the TED Talks presentation, mushrooms can have more specific influences, too. I would not expect them to be specific to borrelia in the way that we might be looking for but, nonetheless, the right mushrooms or mix of them can be a marvelous support method.
valeriedc,
you say that you thought "best to avoid [any immune stimulant] if your immune system is overactive." (end quote)
Thanks for point that out. That's true. Many medical mushrooms are immune MODULATORS. Although some can soothe it or rev it.
Someone above hit on the "modulation" being important -- sorry but I can't go back up and find who said that.
Many herbs and some mushrooms nourish the body in such a way that the body can use that food / nutrient package as best it "sees" fit for that person, at that point in time, for what's going on.
CORDYCEPS is a key mushroom that is suggested for many with lyme for ADRENAL support, one way the "modulation" aspect works. Not like rocket yet helping to provide some energy & endurance support.
But back to immune boosting (never what we want, really).
Typically, someone with lyme will have [in very basic terms] "flipped" immune function with part overactive and just so revved but not really able to work effectively - as it "hunts" down what it can't really find because lyme is so very good at evading the immune system and hiding.
Another key "part" of immune function is just worn out. And immune system has various "parts" or aspects.
We certainly do not want to take either immune stimulants or immune suppressants. MODULATION is the key, such as with specific nourishment for the body that can help support immune function.
Mushrooms are very nourishing, as are various herbs. The trick is knowing what's what.
A LL ND would be best to consult so as to know which ones might be best for a particular person. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- When considering herbal / nutritional / adjunct methods, because lyme is so very complex & unique, as are possible coinfections:
if at all possible - because each person & each case is different - it's best to consult with an ILADS-educated LL ND (lyme literate naturopathic doctor) (or similar) who has completed four years of post-graduate medical education in the field of herbal and nutritional medicine -
- and someone who is current with ILADS' research & presentations, past and present, and has completed the ILADS Physician Training Program (see: www.ilads.org )
so they really know all they can about the science of lyme . . . how lyme (& other TBD) act and what we can do about that in various ways.
Many LL NDs incorporate antibiotics (depending upon the licensing laws in their state). Some LLMDs and LL NDs have good working relationships.
When possible, it's great to have both a LLMD and LL ND and even better when they have a long-standing professional relationship.
Herbal Safety considerations & reference books; etc.
Links to many articles and books by holistic-minded LL doctors of various degrees who all have this basic approach in common:
Understanding of the importance of addressing the infection(s) fully head-on with specific measures from all corners of medicine;
knowing which supplements have direct impact, which are only support and which are both.
You can compare and contrast many approaches with links to articles, books, methods . . .
BODY WORK methods / links (and why anyone who works on your spine MUST be LL to the degree they at least know to never suddenly twist neck or spine. Never. Ever. And that we should never be advised to do neck / head / shoulder stands.) -
Posted by SacredHeart (Member # 44733) on :
All good points. The one I am going to start with is Turkey Tail because it seems to boost the immune system ten fold.
I'll see how that goes, then I may add the Red Reshei.
I bought both today so I can start making tea.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- " boost the immune system ten fold"
not really good with lyme, though, for many reasons. Immune system is already just clobbered, haywire, on over drive and just worn out, all at once. To push it "ten fold" can spell disaster.
Likely best to find mushrooms that tend toward modulation, adaptogens. SUPPORT is key, not boosting. -
Posted by Tbrown2 (Member # 42446) on :
So you would recommend the host defense over the turkey tail Keebler? Was just going to ask which one was preferred and what the difference was
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Sorry. I cannot recommend one over the other. I have not studied those mushrooms or the formula for their properties. I'd like to now as I love to study mushrooms more than herbs, actually. But it's just not on my plate right now.
I do know that Host Defense is an excellent company.
There are hundreds of mushrooms. A LL ND would know best.
There are many good books on mushrooms so that you can understand their individual properties and how they work . . . but someone who really understands the state of the immune system with lyme is best to interpret that for you needs.
Now, I know not everyone can afford a LL ND, so it can take some time reading, taking our own notes . . . for mushrooms, I find setting columns to my notepaper helps to categorize my top contenders.
I got in trouble a while back with a mushroom that, yes, had good properties in general BUT it was also very sedating. That part had not been mentioned in any book or article I read.
In a rare appt. with my reg. ND, the instant I told her I was beyond my regular exhausting and sleepiness . . . but I'd had fewer seizures since taking . .. . (whatever mushroom it was) and was at least glad for that.
With a sweet & kind smile, taught me that it was not the right one for my body . . . "it's very sedative in nature" and she helped me figure out what was better.
Still, in general, rather than thinking of finding something to fight for you, find something that will support.
In a formula, if one is a "booster" be certain that you also have one in there to balance that, one that might be a little calming in nature.
Read as much as you can so that you really come to know all the properties. Mushrooms are absolutely fantastic. Just remember that every mushroom is different.
For nerve repair help, Lion's Mane is good. I found this to be very helpful a few years back.
I don't intend to make this more work but it does take a while to figure out. Mushrooms are absolutely fantastic and they are worth every minute we take in learning more about them - they will give back to us.
Sometimes, we don't have the time, energy or focus ability and make a good guess after a little reading.
If you think you have a good balanced formula, buy the smallest bottle and just start with one a day, at lunch, in the middle of a meal. That's usually good for anything new. -
Posted by SacredHeart (Member # 44733) on :
Keebler,
The host defense brand has several different formulas. I am currently taking total immune support, which also contains turkey tail and a list of ten or more other mushrooms.
I ordered red reishi and turkey tail mushrooms to make tea with. They are both immune system modulators. Turkey tail just has the ability to kick into overdrive if it decides you need it.
Turkey tail worked very well with cancer patients. That is where the ten fold increase was observed from what I understand. Here is some info:
What Makes a Mushroom Medicinal?
The short answer: Polysaccharides (carbohydrate chains) help stimulate the immune system, which then either helps calm an inflammatory condition or potentiate an underactive immune system.
This is known as immunomodulation and there are specific mushrooms (reishi, cordycdeps, maitake, turkey tail) which have been scientifically validated to be immune system modulators.
The longer answer: There is a growing percentage of the global population who are afflicted with auto immune disorders. When attempting to guide the body back to balance/homeostasis from an autoimmune condition one must be aware that immunostimulation/immunopotentiation may not be desired. What may be necessary is immunomodulation.
The science behind explanations of the biological activity of medicinal mushrooms, although sound, needs to be broadened to include long term, large population, double blind, placebo controlled trials.
Polysaccharides, specifically 1,3 and 1.6 beta-glucans, AHCC (active hexose correlated compound) are able to stimulate hemapoetic stem cells in the bone marrow. Theses stem cells then differentiate into all the cells of the immune system and essentially direct the overall immune response.
As any immunologist will freely admit, the immune system is incredibly complex. Our understanding of the complex internal and external interactions which effect the immune system is in it’s infancy.
We do know that medicinal mushrooms, because of the bioactive constituents they contain have the potential to rebuild and heal an immune system which is not functioning optimally. This is good news, which interestingly enough, is also beneficial for your immune system.
Posted by SacredHeart (Member # 44733) on :
Errr ehh..Man...Lyme maybe??? I was responding to T Brown, but you can read too Keebler. lol
Posted by Tbrown2 (Member # 42446) on :
Thanks Sacredheart. Be sure to keep me updated as I am interested in this product
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
My Lyme doctor had me take it. I don't know that I saw any benefits, but it would have been hard to tell since I was taking so much.
Posted by SacredHeart (Member # 44733) on :
Ya sixgoofy, I hear ya. That is why I am thinking I'm going to buy the mushrooms out right and make my own meds with tea.
I figure I can probably get more in my system that way, and it is cheaper. Also looking at possibly making my own batch of tincture.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
That's a good idea. I'm a fan of taking things in a more natural form. I take very few supplements and try to get what I need from food.
Incorporating superfoods and superfood powders into smoothies helps. And teas, of course. I think it's important to think it terms of healing foods.
The problem with making your own tinctures is that it takes so long. I have herbs soaking in vodka on my counter right now making a relaxation/sleep tincture for my dad's birthday in May. Takes so long.
Posted by bitbit99 (Member # 43654) on :
Hello, still so very new here but I was wondering...... I have had lyme and co now for over 5 yrs and one of my biggest aggravations has been candida and yeast type symptoms... grrrrrr
Was wondering if this or these types of mushrooms could get me all yeasty again... ?
Appreciate any opinions offered, Thank You Posted by SacredHeart (Member # 44733) on :
BitBit this is what I found.
Scientific research shows that:
not a single edible mushroom will make Candida worse,
mushrooms are excellent food for those with Candida infection,
some mushrooms found in the forest or at the greengrocers’ are Candida-killers,
ordinary Portobello champignons help the immune system fight Candida albicans.
Thank you so much for reply....Haven't had a mushroom in over 5 yrs !
My friend picked up some medicinal caps with mushrooms in them and now I can try to read up and see if they help with lyme or cancer .
But even better than that, I can now have a few mushrooms on a steak or a mushroom omelette.
I wasn't even praying for mushrooms, but I'll take what I can get these days Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- BitBit,
you can enjoy LOADS of mushrooms - and a nice big portabella as the main star of the meal, too.
Glad to see the detail of mushrooms as food, safe for those with candida.
Mushrooms are usually on my plate at least once a day. I could not live without their culinary goodness & nutrients in my life. And I don't say that lightly. Aside from the fabulous taste - and that does matter quite a lot - I just feel so much better with them.
A trick that took me years to figure out.
HOW TO STORE MUSHROOMS
My experience is mostly with portabella & crimini
I get food delivery about every 3 weeks. This way will keep mushrooms fresh for that long.
line a plastic bin (shoe box size is what I use, like that for my veggies) with 2 layers of paper towels that will loosely line the insides and also provide a "top" to just loop over.
do not put on the plastic lid. They will mold. Terribly. Fast. When a tight lid is used, moisture develops in the bin and mold follows.
They need to have some breathing room but do need the double paper towel loose top, so not totally exposed to air.
Middle shelf is good. Top shelf can be too drying. Be mindful if there is a "frozen spot" in your fridge to avoid that.
If the larger ones, like portabellas, cut off the fuller stems so they fit more easily but do not cut off the entire stem so they can keep some of their moisture.
Wash the stem pieces removed, dry, freeze for later use in a soup broth (where they will be fished out). the larger stems are often too fibrous to enjoy as food, themselves.
For larger mushrooms, place them in the container so they have air circulation on all sides, not flat against side or each other.
For smaller ones, just don't pack them in. Shake the container each time you remove some.
Do not cut or remove stems from smaller mushrooms until prep & cooking time. Some are tender enough to eat, some are not.
WASHING MUSHROOMS
The chefs seem to all say on the cooking shows "oh, never wash your mushrooms, just brush them with a very soft special mushroom brush."
Well . . . ick. Just, ick.
I want my mushrooms washed clean of dirt. I use a little food grade produce wash and gently wash under running water with my hands. Be sure to really get into the "gills" of the portabella and wash the sand out.
You can shake and cut and sauté but, it is true as the chefs say, they will be soggy and won't cook up as nicely as when dry.
Sometimes, they still work out okay for me.
If I plan in advance, I can set the larger ones on a little jar or juice glass to drip dry on counter.
I've put washed mushrooms in the fridge for overnight experiment and they worked very well to just cut & cook the next day.
For crimini or smaller mushrooms, to wash, drip dry and then store a night or two in fridge, just be sure they have room to rock and roll and are not sitting in moisture.
For just one night, I've left the paper top off so they can really dry out after their bath. Mushrooms can really hold water.
Now, I never read any of this anywhere and I'm sure some years ago I searched. There may be better ways but this is just what has worked for me.
The hardest thing is using that much paper towel, really, as, well, you know, the planet and all.
I suppose since the mushrooms are not yet clean, anyway, a brown paper bag used to carry them home in might also work for someone with more skill at this. But my trial of that proved unsuccessful and they really dried out too much.
Perhaps, for a few days, they would be just fine on the countertop. But with delivery just every few weeks, this fridge method works for me. -
[ 02-19-2015, 06:57 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- When sautéing onions AND mushrooms: sauté the onions first, then push aside and add the mushrooms.
Add a little salt to bring out some moisture if mushrooms are dry.
If mushrooms have just been washed and are a bit wet, Do NOT add salt to either onions or mushrooms until they are well on their way to brown. Salt will bring out the moisture and make the dish more mushy, harder to sauté.
Do not cook the mushrooms first and then add onions or it will never cook, too much moisture.
Also be sure to not overcrowd pan with either onions or mushrooms, or there is just too much moisture to properly brown.
OVEN, ROASTING, much easier than stovetop sautéing, I think. Onions & mushrooms can be roasted together, just be sure they have enough room and stir at least once during the process.
Garlic and ground Ginger, perfect partners, too.
COOKING A BATCH of all this? After cooling, put in fridge. After cold, then distribute into small glass jars for freezer - in portions you can work with -- this will not spoon out once frozen. So nice to have a few little jars of this on hand in the freezer. Do not store in plastic.
Sort of like a SOFRITO combination popular in Caribbean, Latin American, and Spanish cooking - but they add all kinds of spices, too, so explore the variations.
STORING FRESH GINGER
clean jar that will fit just inside your freezer.
Cut Ginger root pieces large enough to hold onto to grate but small enough to fit into the glass jar.
Wash the pieces of ginger root. Dry with paper towel and let air dry for hours.
Peel off a bit of the sides at the end that is most logical to put to the grater or the zester.
You can use fresh but then, for what's left, put in freezer jar and just pull out a bit with you want it. It will zest / grate so nicely. Put back what left right away to freezer.
You might need a bit of paper towel to hold onto it and keep finger tips from being ice cubes.
Keeps pretty much forever this way . . . but remember it's there. GINGER in just about everything can be a nice player.
Fresh ginger root is about a million times better than dried ginger powder from a jar. They are not even close to equal. -
[ 02-21-2015, 01:12 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- A good starter, just stumbled upon this - staring maitake and shiitake
![[Smile]](smile.gif)