Monday, March 8, 2010

Shiitake and Reishi Mushrooms

Shiitake and reishi are Japenese mushrooms with a delicate texture, strong stems, and well defined undersides. They are attractive and have impressive health promoting properties.

Shiitake contain polysaccharide, lentinan, that strengthen the immune system by increasing T cell function. Shiitake mushrooms contain eighteen amino acids, seven of which are essential amino acids. They are rich in B1, B2, and B3. When sun-dried, they contain high amounts of vitamin D. Their effectiveness in treating cancer has been reported in a joint study by the Medical Department of  Koibe University and Nippon Kinkoko Institute in Japan. These mushrooms are considered delicacies and are entirely edible.

Reishi have been popular for at least two thousand years in the Far East. They were rated number one on anient Chinese lists of superior medicines, and were believe to give eternal youth and longevity.

Today, both Shiitake and Reishi mushrooms are used to treat a variety of disorders and to promote vitality. They are also used to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease, to control and lower colesterol, build resistance to disease, and to treat fatique and viral infections. They are also know to have anti-tumor properties valuable in capsule, pill, and extract form.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing pg. 91

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Aromatherapy

I use aromatherapy as part of my family's wellness regimen. I keep a several essential oils on hand. My staples are: Tea Tree, Eucalyptus Citradora, Globus, and Radiata, Lavender, Rose, Geranium, and Chamomile. They each have their unique medicinal qualities. The follow are descriptions of their therapeutic qualities.

Tea Tree

Valuable Uses: Rashes, insect bites, nail fungus, dermatitis, ringworm, thrush, head lice, sore throats, boils, bronchial congstion, scabies, ulcers, wounds, cold sores, acne, fatigue, useful for all infections.
Therapeutic Properties: Anti-infectious, antibiotic, balsamic, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, vulnerary, anti-inflamitory, expectorant, immunostimulant, decongesent, analgesic, antiseptic.

Eucalyptus Citradora, Globus, and Radiata

Citradora
Most Valuable Uses:
Chest infections, antiseptic, fungal infections, insect repellent, sores, wounds, asthma, sore throat, fever, chickn pox, measles, bacterial skin infections, general body tonic, rheumatism, relaxation, arthritis, cystitis.
Therapeutic Properties:
Anti-infectious, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, calmative, pectoral, antibiotic, vulnerary, antifungal.

Globus
Most Valuable Uses: Catarrh, bonchitis, colds, flu, fever, sinutitus, muscular aches and pains, headaches, sluggishness, mental exhuastion, rheumatism, asthma, insect bites, rashes, skin ulcers, chilblains, sore throats.
Therapeutic Properties:
Antiseptic, balsmic, expectorant, antibiotic, antifungal, febrifuge, anti-infectious, antiparasitic, anti-neuralgic, antiputrescent, pectoral. The antiseptic properties of this oil increases with age.

Radiata
Most Valuable Uses: Catarrh, bonchitis, colds, flu, fever, sinutitus, muscular aches and pains, headaches, sluggishness, mental exhuastion, rheumatism, asthma, insect bites, rashes, skin ulcers, chilblains, acne.
Therapeutic Properties: Antiseptic, anti-infectious, antibiotic, antiviral, antiinflamatory, expectorant pectoral vulneraru, tonic, febrifuge.

Lavender
Most Valuable Uses: Cuts, grazes, burns, rheumatism, chilblains, dermatitis, eczema, sunburn, iunsectbite, headaches, migraine, insomnia, infections, arthritis, anxiety, tension, panic, hysteria, fatigue, infammatory conditions, rashes nervous conditions, dysmenorrea, spasms. Can be used safely on children.
Therapeutic Properties: Antiseptic, analgesic, cytophylactic, anti-spasmodic, tonic, cicatrsive, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, antivenomous, antitoxic, antiparasitic, antitussice, diuretic, restorative, decongestant, antidepressant, calmative, sedative, antibiotic, anti-infectious.

Rose Maroc
Most Valuable Uses:Infertility, female reproductive problems, depression, anxiety, headaches, nervouse tension, circulation, skin care, emotional crisis, scarring, general tonic.
Therapeutic Properties:
Anti-infectious, antiseptic, asringent, tonic, stimulant, aphrodisiac, emollient, nervine, cytophylactic.
Rose Otto
Most Valuable Uses: Female reproductive problems, infertility, scarring, poor circulation, childbirth, aphrodisiac, nervous tension, calming, emotional crisi, general tonicskin problems, skin care.

Geranium
Most Valuable Uses: Female reproductive disorders, fertility, circulatory disorders, antidepressant, menopause, brusing, ulceration, hemorroids, antibacterial, anti-infectious, nervous fatigue, emotional balance.
Therapeutic Properties: Astringent, haemostatic, diuretic, antiseptic, antidepressant, regenerative, tonic, antibiotic, antispamodic, anti-infectious.

Chamomile
Most Valuable Uses: Pain relief, fever, menraul problems, skin problems such as rashes, eczema, chilblains, teething pain and other children ailments, muscular spasms, sedative, rheumatism, depression, nerveousness.
Therapeutic Properties: Analgesic, antispmodic, calmative, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, vulnerary, immunostimulant, sedative, antieuralgic, nbervine, antidepressant.