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A rare find.

Wild Red Reishi on our doorstep!

We soon foraged further afield on our land, and although we found a little more, we also found that this mushroom is indeed rare, unlike the Ancient Reishi (Ganoderma applanatum), which is abundant in comparison.

Also unlike a lot of the other species growing here, Red Reishi is an annual mushroom, growing on hardwood – in our case, Blackwood, or Acacia melanoxylon. It seems to favor older trees and loves old stumps, helping to break them down and create new life – but we have also found it growing on living trees too.

Wild reishi products are extremely rare as wild harvests are obviously limited – which doesn’t make for highly commercial products. But we believe the increased potency of wild plants as well as the energies they absorb from growing in a wild natural environment rather than in a grow-room or controlled outdoor area makes this a precious, powerful product of note – this really is Wild African Energy at its best!

Reconnecting with the wild

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The joy of finding Reishi that has grown wild rather than been grown in a hothouse is that it has absorbed all of the energies of the forest, of the weather, of the astrological activity – and we believe that that is what makes it so special, because it is these wild energies that we then take into our own bodies when we drink wild Reishi teas or tinctures. This helps remind us of our wilder, more natural, less “domesticated” state of being and helps bring us closer to it.

Wild plants also have to be tough to survive as their predators are not controlled as they would be in a farming situation. As a result they are vulnerable to attack and they develop potent chemical defenses against such attacks. These chemical substances, if beneficial and biologically assimilable in our own bodies, then become “medicines” to us and can have profound health benefits.

Wild soils also tend to be far richer and less demineralized than cultivated soils and this, too, adds to the potency of wild plants.

Immuno-modulating benefits Reishi will keep the immune system perfectly balanced. Reishi will keep the immune system perfectly balanced. The benefits of Reishi are many and varied. One of its main benefits is that it is a very potent immune system modulator. This means that it is capable of balancing the immune system either way – if the immune system is deficient or underactive it will bring it up again; if it is overactive (as in cases of auto-immune disease and allergies) it will regulate it back down. The ganoderic acids in Reishi help to fight allergies and are also powerful anti-oxidants.

No 1 Anti-Aging-Longevity Herb Reishi mushrooms have always been known as “the mushroom of immortality” and for good reason. They contribute to longer life spans by combating some of today’s most challenging age-related conditions such as autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and liver and cardiovascular disease. Research has identified 3 specific compounds in Reishi that are essential to its powerful antioxidant and anti-aging effects:-

Polysaccharides – help prevent abnormal blood vessel formation and also boost immune function.

Triterpenes – these protect the liver, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent blood clotting that leads to heart attack and stroke and fight allergic responses triggered by histamines.

Ganoderma lucidum peptide is a unique protein that has incredibly potent antioxidant properties. Reishi extracts act on many different areas of our bodies and it is this multi-targeted action that may contribute to their promotion of longevity.

Reishi extracts are known to protect cellular DNA from oxidant damage that causes aging. They also protect mitochondrial DNA, as well as the mitochondria themselves, from oxidant damage – which otherwise causes mitochondrial inefficiency, reducing energy production – another major cause of aging.

Reishi also protects kidney tubule cells from oxidant damage that leads to kidney failure. And reishi also increases expression of a key longevity gene which promotes an increased life span in mammals (between 9-20% increase in total life span). Neuroprotective properties Reishi extracts have been found to stimulate the production of “nerve growth factor” – which in turn supports the rapid development of healthy neurons and enhances their mitochondrial function.

The triterpenes and polysaccharides found in Reishi reduce the oxidative impact of destructive proteins such as “Abeta” – the chief trigger of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as protecting the brain cells from the inflammation known to cause Parkinson’s disease. Studies have also shown that Reishi extracts can also benefit those who have suffered a stroke. Firstly, it can limit the size of the stroke-damaged area in the brain, in turn limiting the behavioural and functional damage caused by the stroke. Secondly, Reishi extracts protect brain tissue from hypoxia/reperfusion injury – the “one-two” punch of oxygen starvation followed by excessive oxidation that produces most of the damage in the brains of stroke sufferers.

Diabetes and Obesity Reishi has been shown to have benefits across the entire spectrum of diabetes and its associated condition obesity. These 2 health conditions are now recognised to be so closely related that a new term “diabesity” has been coined to describe these 2 conditions as one single disease. Research has shown that the polysaccharides and triterpenes in Reishi extracts can prevent the development of new fat cells from pre-adipocytes, helping to limit excessive fat storage seen in obese people. These extracts also have favourable effects on lipid profiles (cholesterol and triglycerides) which are often elevated in those with obesity and/or diabetes and are also risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Reishi extracts also work to lower blood sugar by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase, the chief enzyme responsible for digesting starches into sugars. This inhibitory action prevents the sharp after-meal spike in glucose that can be very dangerous as we get older.

Reishi extracts also limit the destruction caused by “advanced glycation end” products (AGE’s) – the proteins whose malfunction promotes aging and inflammation. Reduction of high blood sugar and glycation in turn reduces diabetic consequences such as kidney disease and Reishi extracts also speed up wound healing in diabetics due to the result of increased antioxidant function in the body. Liver Tonic Our livers are the processors of all of the toxic threats from our environment and also from the destructive molecules produced in our own bodies. And whilst the liver is well-protected with its own antioxidant and detoxification systems, oxidation and inflammation can eventually take their toll. Reishi extracts increase the detoxification action of the liver and inhibit inflammation in liver cells. Reishi polysaccharides also restore natural liver antioxidant systems to normal function following an infection, while inhibiting liver enzymes that produce excessive oxidative stress. Reishi also limits the activity of beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme that is elevated in many liver conditions, including inflammation, cirrhosis and jaundice. Reishi has also been shown to have extraordinary results in the condition “liver fibrosis” – the final stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (the most common liver disease).

Reishi extract has been demonstrated to actually reverse the fibrosis even after it was well-established. This is particularly note-worthy as fibrosis is usually considered to be irreversible.

Cardiovascular protection: It is used to improve cardiovascular health as it helps to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol and reduce hardening of the arteries, angina and shortness of breath related to coronary heart disease.

Natural cancer protection Reishi is, of course, also well-known for its anti-cancer properties. This comes from its stimulatory effect on the body to produce interferon and interleukin-1 and -2 – which are our own bodies’ potent natural anti-cancer substances. Stimulating our natural protection like this is probably what makes it such a strong protective substance against this disease. Reishi also reduces angiogenesis – the formation of new blood vessels to tumours.

Reishi has also been shown to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, whilst at the same time building up the body’s immune system, which gets so damaged by these conventional cancer treatments.

Spiritual benefit Reishi calms the mind and enables us to step into self-mastery Reishi calms the mind and enables us to step into self-mastery And last, but certainly far from least, is Reishi’s ability to bring about excellence on an inner, spiritual level. It is known in Asia as the Mushroom of Spiritual Potency.

It is an incredible anti-stress herb and has been used for its spiritual benefits for thousands of years. It is known to calm the mind, sharpen focus and concentration, improve memory, ease tension and build willpower, thus over time building great wisdom. It is these “Shen” qualities that make it such a revered herb in Chinese tonic herbalism. People who take a lot of Reishi on an ongoing basis will testify to its peace-bringing qualities – it helps people leave behind damaging habits.

The Supreme Protector bigstock-Man-on-peak-of-mountain-Conce-38652742 Aim HIGH on Reishi! Reishi is known as the “Supreme Protector” because it protects us on every level – physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally. When we are so looked after it is then easy for us to soar free and reach greater and greater heights in our lives. We really can’t speak highly enough of this incredible herb.

Wild Red Reishi is also safe for anyone to take in any quantity – it is totally non-toxic and anything not taken up by the body will be automatically excreted. It appears to have a cumulative effect in the body so… more IS more! Dual extraction tinctures Colour label-reishi-in situThe immuno-modulating effects of Reishi come from its beta-glucans and other beneficial polysaccharides and are extracted via a hot-water extraction.

The adaptogenic qualities of Reishi come from the terpenes it contains and these are extracted via an alcohol extraction process. Adaptogens assist the body in dealing with various types of stress – whether physical, emotional or mental. It is these adaptogenic qualities that make Reishi an effective anti-cancer medicine, liver & heart tonic and blood sugar-stabiliser. African Forest Medicinals’ Wild Red Reishi Tincture is a dual-extract tincture – i.e. both hot water and alcohol combined – providing the best of both worlds in one single product.

Turkey Tail has already been used in many commercial anti-cancer medicines, in particular in “Krestin”, an approved anti-cancer drug in Asia and has already proven to be very beneficial in treating breast cancer. PSK reduces cancer metastasis (cancer spreading to other parts of the body) and also stimulates interleukin-1 production in human cells (part of the body’s natural defense mechanism against cancerous cells).

PSK is also a very effective scavenger of free-radical oxidizing compounds through its production of manganese superoxide dismutase (a super anti-oxidant) so it offers excellent support in protecting our cells from free radical oxidative stress.

PSK has also been found to be effective against E coli and Staphylococcus aureus infections as well as against the Candida albicans fungus.

PSP Trametes versicolor or “Turkey Tail” mushroom Turkey Tail also contains PSP – polysaccharopeptide – that has possible use as a powerful antiviral agent against HIV and also increases the production of interferon, interleukin-2 and T-cells – all part of the body’s immune defenses. Polysaccharopeptides also have very strong immunomodulating properties (adjusting the immune system either up or down in order to balance it according to its needs). Research is underway, but it is looking very hopeful that PSP is extremely effective in destroying prostate cancer stem cells. Anti-Viral, Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Tumour.

Turkey Tail is loaded with antioxidants and as well as being anti-viral, also boasts powerful antibacterial and anti-tumour properties. It is also one of the most effective natural substances for destroying harmful chemical toxins both in the human body and the natural environment.

Turkey Tail and Chemotherapy

Turkey Tail is also a very effective chemo-protective agent in the sense that even when a person is undergoing chemotherapy, Turkey Tail can support the destruction of malignant cells while shielding the healthy cells from the damaging effects of the treatment – another function that is attributed to PSK. So in this way Turkey Tail has become very well known for offering a natural, multifaceted healing approach to breast, lung & colon cancer, sarcoma, carcinoma and leukaemia.

Turkey Tail in Traditional Chinese Medicine Turkey Tail is beneficial for infections and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract; infections and irritations of the digestive tract, infections of the urinary tract, lung diseases, chronic congestion and general lack of energy/not feeling well. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Turkey Tail is used to clear phlegm and excessive dampness from the body and to increase life force. It is also considered to be a powerful liver tonic.

Turkey Tail and Urinary Tract Infections

As mentioned above, Turkey Tail is very effective at treating urinary tract infections (UTI’s). We have had an excellent testimonial from someone who had been suffering from a chronic UTI for 3 months and our Turkey Tail tincture cleared it up within 2 days! The lady in question went back to her doctor after this – who found absolutely no trace of the infection remaining.

Turkey Tail and HPV

There is now evidence of Turkey Tail being used to treat the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – the pre-cursor to cervical cancer. Turkey Tail – Woman’s Best Friend! With Turkey Tail’s effectiveness at treating breast cancer, UTI’s and HPV – it really is a Woman’s Best Friend! A wonderful ally to add to your medicine cabinet, ladies Wild-Harvested Dual Extraction Tinctures.

There are an enormity of other health benefits to consider when consuming Turkey Tail and it can be consumed on a regular basis even if there is no evidence of disease. It is a biological response modifier and can support the healthy, balanced functioning of many levels of our being.

Wild Turkey Tail is by far the most potent variety, and our dual extraction tincture (alcohol & hot water) provides the full spectrum of its beneficial nutrients and active constituents. Turkey Tail is easy to identify in the wild and is one of the most prolific mushrooms on the planet (particularly in the northern hemisphere). Turkey Tail varies in colour on top of the mushroom but is uniformly white underneath. They grow in clusters on decaying trees and, in our experience at least, seem to prefer branches rather than trunks of trees.