Perhaps you have Read my post on Magical
Mushrooms: How they Reduce Breast Cancer Risk. Here is some more fun mushroom wisdom.
Coriolus mushrooms are actually the source of PSK, a
compound used in drugs used to treat a wide variety of cancers. PSK seems to work in multiple steps of the
malignant process by inhibiting adhesion, invasion, motility and metastatic
growth of tumor cells in animal models of cancer. Also called Turkey Tail, Coriolus PSP (supplement
form that differs slightly from the drug PSK) offers significant immune
support. In fact, the “cold remedy”
suggested by my oncologist is to take Coriolus PSP, oregano oil, chaga and
grapefruit seed extract (all in supplement form) for three days. I wouldn’t take oregano oil for too long or
too often as it is estrogenic properties, but as part of a quick cold remedy,
it works well.
Via Mark Kaylor, Mushroom Wisdom:
“In many parts of the world, Turkey Tail extracts are
used as adjuvants in cancer therapy, both as prescription items for instance in
Japan, or as dietary supplements taken by patients along with conventional
treatment …As a cancer-preventive agent used on a regular basis Turkey Tail may
inhibit carcinogenesis by reducing the effects of some carcinogens, such as
those occurring in tobacco smoke, on susceptible host cells; it has shown
anti-tumor activity in many cancers (shortened for this post).
The use of these extracts during conventional cancer
treatments, such as chemo and radiation therapy, have a rational basis because
some research shows that it might reduce the possibility of secondary
malignancies induced by radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Turkey Tail may also protect healthy host
cells during radiation and chemo treatments by either directly or indirectly
acting as an antioxidant, reducing the effects of oxidative stress.”
A note about medicinal mushrooms: After 3-4 months using a single extract at a
high does, a small number of people will experience a slight “tailing off” in
terms of immune support. Using two extracts
simultaneously creates a far more powerful immune response than using any
single extract alone. (JHS Natural
Products). When using mushroom extracts
for preventive immune support they can be used at a lower dose as compared to
use for immune challenges, so the “tailing off” is not experienced. The best choice over the long term may be to
rotate between two different mushroom extracts, using one extract at a time,
and then rotating to a different extract every six months. Even though the “tailing off” is not
experienced at lower doses, it may be best to keep coming at the immune system
from different directions, changing up the protocol to keep it fresh. That said, this is all a very individual
choice and I have had good luck with using maitake and shitake first and then
switching to chaga and shitake. Recently
I added in meshima too. It is best to
speak with your medical provider for advice on the best combination for your
body.
Nothing in this post
represents medical advice, and I encourage you to discuss this information with
your integrative oncologist or naturopathic doctor. I have compiled this
information solely for those seeking information on medicinal mushrooms and
their ability to support the body against cancer.
For more mushroom wisdom:
Elyn
~~If you don’t know your
options, you don’t have any~~
Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, professional cancer coach,
radio talk show host, speaker, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart
Cancer Foundation. She is also on the peer review board of the Natural Standard
Database. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits
their own individual needs. She mentors women who are coping with issues of
well-being associated with breast cancer and its aftermath; she is passionate
about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. Elyn has
been featured on CNN Money, Talk About Health and more and has contributed to
Breast Cancer Answers as well as written for the Pink Paper, Breast Cancer
Wellness, Natural Healing-Natural Wellness, Integrative Oncology Essentials, and other publications
and newsletters. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys.
Follow Elyn on Linkedin
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Donate to the Emerald Heart
Cancer Foundation
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