" Roots ... "

“ I'm talkin' 'bout R.O.O.T.S., I can't hate where I'm from ...

But now I got me, me, that's because of my R.O.O.T.S.

Hey, I can't be mad at what y'all meet ahead

I don't regret my ghetto struggle due to my success

It ain't that beautiful to write on overcoming' stress

Before you reap it, gotta sow it, yeah

I'm talkin' 'bout R.O.O.T.S., I can't hate where I'm from ... 

Somebody had to be just for me to get away ...

I'm talkin' 'bout R.O.O.T.S. “

~ Flo Rida ~ Roots ~

***

Medicinal Mushrooms ... used by all ancient cultures all over the world.  It is considered that they have the power nutritionally and spiritually.  Regardless of your view, these foods may be worth a taste.

... always consult with your health care practitioner first ... 

Medicinally speaking, mushrooms are one of nature’s greatest gifts.  Medicinal mushrooms are mushrooms or mushroom extracts used in the practice of medicine; especially those that contain key immunomodulating active compounds.  Modern scientific studies of these mushrooms have increased significantly within the last three decades, helping to popularize these fungi and their unique health-boosting effects. 

We are understanding how these mushrooms are capable of slowing aging, improving blood flow, reducing the risk of heart disease, improving your skin and hair, stabilizing cholesterol and blood sugar, protecting the kidneys and liver, improving respiratory function, decreasing platelet aggregation, increase sexual function and athletic ability.  As well, mushrooms with anti-tumor activity appear to increase the number and activity of killer T and natural killer lymphocytes, with no toxicity to healthy cells.  

Different types provide different properties so to get the full spectrum of healing agents these mushrooms have to offer, it is best to utilize a blend of several mushroom species.  Also, it is easier for pathogens in your body to adapt and become resistant to one type of mushroom than to several.  

Immunomodulating  agents in medicinal mushrooms include:

Polysaccharides, Glycoproteins, Ergosterols, Triterpenoids

It is the synergism between these elements that makes mushrooms so medicinally powerful ... 

Here are some varieties to consider for your palate ...

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

• This potent immune-boosting mushroom; has anti-tumor and antiviral properties; lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.  
• Shiitake is``used medically for any and all diseases involving depressed immune function, including cancer, AIDS, environmental allergies, candida infections, and frequent flu and colds.’’  
• The shiitake mushroom is found on fallen broad leaf trees such as chestnut, chinquapin, beech, oak, maple, and walnut. 
• Shiitake has high levels of calcium, vitamin B2, and vitamin C. 
• It is the second-most widely cultivated mushroom after the common white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus).

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

• Reishi is useful for many ailments
• It has immunostimulant properties, calms anxiety, and is used as a general tonic.
• It is anti-allergenic and antiviral, and is used for hepatitis and heart arrhythmia.
• Reishi can also be used as an antidote for poisonous mushrooms. 
• this mushroom is “especially suitable as a calming herb for people with anxiety, sleeplessness, or nervousness accompanied by an adrenal weakness.”
• In China, reishi is known as ling zhi. Ling zhi belongs to China’s highest class of medicines
• it’s considered a tonic, thought to impart strength, vigor, and longevity.

Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)

• The turkey tail mushroom has cholesterol-lowering effects, immune-enhancing activity, and antioxidant activity
• these mushrooms are an excellent fungus to collect in the wild because they are so widespread and abundant.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

• Maitake has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in several studies
• Extracts are commonly marketed to enhance immune  function and to treat HIV and cancer
• It may also help reduce blood pressure and raise HDL (the so-called “good”) cholesterol.
• Maitake means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese; some say it is so named because in ancient times, people who found the mushroom danced with joy because it could be exchanged for its weight in silver
• Maitake is used in traditional medicine to treat  diabetes and hypertension. 

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

• Chaga has anticancer and anti-tumor activity  
• it as “a hard black, deeply cracked stalk less growth found on alder, birch, and elm.” 
• Chaga looks as if it’s been burnt and can grow to lengths of four to five feet.
• chaga has also been used as a tonic, blood purifier, and pain reliever.

Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus)

• The oyster mushroom may inhibit tumors. 
• it can lower serum and liver levels of cholesterol after two months of administration
• In China, oyster mushrooms are indicated for joint and muscle relaxation, Hobbs writes.
• Oyster mushrooms contain eight amino acids and vitamins B1 and B2. 
• The mushrooms may be an excellent blood builder; 
• oysters have 19 mg of iron per 100 g of dried mushroom.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis, Sphaeria sinensis)

• The cordyceps is a fungi that has been used for a wide range of conditions
• In vitro and animal studies have shown it to have anti-tumor, radio-protective and anti- diabetic effects
• it has also been used to treat fatigue, sexual dysfunction, coughs and  as an immune stimulant.

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