In 1999, the tree conk Hemlock Varnish Shelf was found to possess "the strongest antioxidant activity of five species of Ganoderma [Reishi] tested." It was found to have stronger antioxidative activity than Vitamin E. The abundance of antioxidants in Hemlock Varnish Shelf has been confirmed by several other research papers. [827, 828, 829, 830]
Growing on Eastern Hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) throughout the Appalachian Mountains, Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) is the local variety of Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma spp.) in the eastern parts of the U.S.
Much of the therapeutic benefits are the same as those of the Common Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), which is the oldest used medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine with a 2,000 year history.
Hemlock Varnish Shelf is not limited to the U.S., though, and plenty of Asian research has been conducted specifically on this species of Reishi.
Commercially cultivated in Taiwan and exported to mainland China as a medicinal mushroom, Hemlock Reishi has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory diseases, particularly asthma and autoimmune conditions.
In modern scientific literature, we can only find one study on the use of Hemlock Varnish Shelf in the treatment of an autoimmune disease. A paper published in 2001 stated: "Improved the survival rate of lupus" [800] with the administration of Ganoderma tsugae extract.
In cases of asthma or lung inflammation, there have been three studies confirming the effectiveness of Hemlock Varnish Shelf. It's been found to "exert anti-inflammatory effects on airway responses" [801] in cases of allergic asthma and broncheoalveolar inflammation. [802, 803]
In the annals of herbal medicine, several wood conks have been used to cauterize open wounds and speed up healing, including Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis) and Tinder Fungus (Fomes fomentarius). Now, modern medicine has discovered this unique application of mushrooms, and the species of choice is neither of the two mentioned above, but Hemlock Varnish Shelf. Sold as Sacchachitin, the skin substitute made from Hemlock Varnish Shelf has been said to support "rapid wound healing." [804] A "wound area covered by SACCHACHITIN completely healed by 21 days, while that covered with cotton gauze did not," concluded one study. [805, 806, 807]
Ganoderma tsugae extract has also been used in studies on cancer with results that encourage continued research. [808, 809, 810, 811, 812] Breast cancer [816] and lung cancer patients in particular have responded favorably in the studies conducted. [808, 809, 810, 811, 812] A study on cancer metastasis also reported positive results from the use of Hemlock Varnish Shelf. [817]
Similarly as the Common Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Hemlock Varnish Shelf also exhibits immunomodulatory properties, [817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823] which means that it may adjust the immune response either up or down depending on what the situation calls for. [824, 825] While we mostly think of the immune system as something we wish to be strong, in autoimmune conditions and inflammatory diseases, the over-active immune system actually needs to be slowed down, or "put on ice" as it may be.
Last but not least, a 2004 study concluded that Hemlock Varnish Shelf also possessed liver protective properties as well as being anti-fibrotic. [826]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Growing on Eastern Hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) throughout the Appalachian Mountains, Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) is the local variety of Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma spp.) in the eastern parts of the U.S.
Much of the therapeutic benefits are the same as those of the Common Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), which is the oldest used medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine with a 2,000 year history.
Hemlock Varnish Shelf is not limited to the U.S., though, and plenty of Asian research has been conducted specifically on this species of Reishi.
Commercially cultivated in Taiwan and exported to mainland China as a medicinal mushroom, Hemlock Reishi has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory diseases, particularly asthma and autoimmune conditions.
In modern scientific literature, we can only find one study on the use of Hemlock Varnish Shelf in the treatment of an autoimmune disease. A paper published in 2001 stated: "Improved the survival rate of lupus" [800] with the administration of Ganoderma tsugae extract.
In cases of asthma or lung inflammation, there have been three studies confirming the effectiveness of Hemlock Varnish Shelf. It's been found to "exert anti-inflammatory effects on airway responses" [801] in cases of allergic asthma and broncheoalveolar inflammation. [802, 803]
In the annals of herbal medicine, several wood conks have been used to cauterize open wounds and speed up healing, including Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis) and Tinder Fungus (Fomes fomentarius). Now, modern medicine has discovered this unique application of mushrooms, and the species of choice is neither of the two mentioned above, but Hemlock Varnish Shelf. Sold as Sacchachitin, the skin substitute made from Hemlock Varnish Shelf has been said to support "rapid wound healing." [804] A "wound area covered by SACCHACHITIN completely healed by 21 days, while that covered with cotton gauze did not," concluded one study. [805, 806, 807]
Ganoderma tsugae extract has also been used in studies on cancer with results that encourage continued research. [808, 809, 810, 811, 812] Breast cancer [816] and lung cancer patients in particular have responded favorably in the studies conducted. [808, 809, 810, 811, 812] A study on cancer metastasis also reported positive results from the use of Hemlock Varnish Shelf. [817]
Similarly as the Common Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Hemlock Varnish Shelf also exhibits immunomodulatory properties, [817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823] which means that it may adjust the immune response either up or down depending on what the situation calls for. [824, 825] While we mostly think of the immune system as something we wish to be strong, in autoimmune conditions and inflammatory diseases, the over-active immune system actually needs to be slowed down, or "put on ice" as it may be.
Last but not least, a 2004 study concluded that Hemlock Varnish Shelf also possessed liver protective properties as well as being anti-fibrotic. [826]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
About the Author:
Dr. Markho Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, specifically working with MycoMedicinals from Paul Stamets, including synergistic reishi blends such as G5 (Ganoderma Five) and CordyChi Extract. For scientific references to this article, please go to the Ganoderma tsugae research list.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment