Organically
Certified reishi mushrooms and extract now available
The Reishi mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, is one of the most valued plants
in traditional Chinese medicine, and is described with ginseng as one of the two
most important elixirs. In historic times, the use of reishi was highly restricted
by the limitations of a wild crafted supply. Today, modern cultivation methods
are used for the commercial production of reishi mushrooms, insuring a uniform
product and sizable quantities.
North American Reishi has pioneered the use of reishi mushrooms in the West. During
the last 5 years we have searched the Orient for the reishi variety with the highest
naturally occurring level of triterpenes. Through the use of HPLC we succeeded
in identifying this mushroom cultivar. Not found in other popular medicinal mushroom
species, triterpenes set reishi apart. Having achieved this quality standard,
we set out to reach the next important measure of quality - organic certification.
'These
reishi mushrooms are without equal.'
October 1997 marks the date that North American Reishi received certification
from the internationally recognized organization OCIA for seven tons of red reishi
mushrooms. These mushrooms are grown on hardwood logs using a special process
that allows exclusion of all chemicals. Log grown reishi are characterized by
a more solid flesh and compact cell structure. The nutrition supplied by the logs
allows the mushrooms to reach a peak of genetic expression. These reishi mushrooms
are without equal.
As a direct consequence of the organically certified reishi mushrooms, our guaranteed
potency reishi extract is now produced with these organically certified mushrooms.
North American Reishi set the standard for reishi extracts with our 4% triterpene,
12.5% polysaccharide guaranteed product in 1992. We have now reached the next
milestone.
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Benefits
of Reishi
Neurological benefits: A Japanese study showed that long-term application
of Reishi promoted deep, slow-wave sleep in insomniacs. It has also been used
to treat neurasthenia, a condition common in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Cardiovascular benefits: Japanese scientists have identified over 100 Ganoderic
acids (triterpenes) in Reishi mushrooms. Research in Japan, Russia and China have
demonstrated circulatory system benefits. Ganoderic acids in Reishi extracts have
also been found to be highly effective anti-allergic agents as well as useful
in the treatment of severe liver problems.
Other benefits: In Japan, polysaccharides from Reishi are now patented
for use as immunopotentiators in the treatment of cancer. These polysaccharides
are now being classified as 'host defense potentiators'.
Breaking News: Cordyceps
A large natural health care company that sells into the over the counter, drug
store market, has just come out with a cordyceps product. This product is being
promoted for increased vitality, stamina and endurance as well as to reduce tiredness
and fatigue. This is a well financed company that does an excellent job of educating
its primary customers, namely pharmacists. In fact, in its latest educational
supplement it touts mushrooms as a category that will be the source of new treatment
modalities in North America.
If you haven't already taken a look at cordyceps, let us know and we can send
you some detailed information. With cordyceps going into the mainstream market,
it is an excellent time to consider it for your customers.
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