The humble fungi, with its visible fruit called the mushroom, holds some of nature’s most potent weapons. Used by the plant to protect it from invaders these natural compounds have been used for thousands of years to help fight cancer, boost the immune system, support kidney and liver function, and lower blood pressure. Recent research is uncovering the specific properties that make the mushroom such a medical miracle. In the 1980s scientists at Harvard University made the discovery that compounds within mushrooms were able to stimulate cells in the immune system. Since then there have been many studies uncovering more details of how mushroom supplements work and how effective they are in treating various illnesses. Different mushrooms from around the world seem to have slightly different benefits and here are some of the most well known. Well Known Types of Mushrooms The Maitake or “dancing” mushroom from Northern Japan is used to help fight cancer. It increases the activity of our own immune’s system cancer killing ‘natural killer’ cells. Studies show is not only increases tolerance of conventional cancer treatment but significantly improves remission rates. It has been most effective against breast, prostate and liver cancers. Known as the “herb … Continue reading The Miracle of Medicinal Mushrooms