Cordyceps and GMO's

Fri, June 11, 2010 12:24:05 PM

Eflash - Cordyceps and GMO article

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Cordyceps   Cordyceps Cordyceps – the caterpillar fungus Cordyceps sinensis, a well-known and valued traditional Chinese medicine, is also called DongChongXiaCao (winter worm summer grass) in Chinese. In herbal medicine, it is commonly used to replenish the kidney and soothe the lung and it is believed to benefit fatigue, night sweating, hyposexualities, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, asthemia after severe illness, respiratory disease, renal dysfunction and renal failure, arrhythmias and other heart disease, and liver disease. As the rarity and upstanding curative effects of natural Cordyceps, several mycelial strains have been isolated from natural Cordyceps and manufactured in large quantities by fermentation technology, and they are commonly sold as health food products in Asia. Cordyceps is now cultivated not using caterpillars but having bio-identical genetics and with a potency superior to that of the fungus in the wild. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) adopts a more holistic philosophy than in Western medicine. It emphasizes the importance of balance in the mind and body and the smooth flow of an optimal amount of energy, known as chi or Qi, in maintaining health. This balance is known as yin and yang. There is a lot of evidence to show that some of these ideas are sound in the treatment and diagnosis of a patient. Western scientists have discovered two chemical messengers that allow cells to communicate, called cAMP and cGMP. These also seem to be opposites very much like yin and yang. When Chinese doctors believe yin and yang is out of balance, western doctors see a change in the two chemical messenger levels, e.g. in the yin condition we find cAMP is low and cGMP is high and in the yang condition it, is the reverse. In Western medicine, the treatment is targeted specifically at the disease and the diseased organ. Where as in TCM the target is the whole patient since the treatment is based on the whole system being out of balance. Many modern western drugs are the purified forms of chemicals present in traditional medicines. Aspirin is made chemically now in pure form, but the original source was willow bark. Digitalis was originally purified from fox glove, a flower, and ephedrine from a desert shrub. Only a few fungi have been used as traditional medicines. Scientists continue to visit other countries to collect and study traditional medicines hoping to discover new drug sources. The caterpillar fungus is a traditional medicine that has been widely used as a tonic and/or medicine by the Chinese for hundreds of years. The use of this fungus was relatively unknown in this country until it was credited for the success of Chinese women athletes at the National Games in Beijing, in 1993. Three Chinese track runners set new world records during the Games at three different distances, 10,000 m, 15,000 m and 30,000 m. Their coach, Ma Zunren, attributed the runner’s success to intensive training as well as a stress-relieving tonic prepared from the caterpillar fungus. In the old days, Chinese people thought that the caterpillar funguses (DongChongXiaCao) were worms. However, after years of study, it was found that it really is a fruiting body produced by the fungus, Cordyceps sinensis, on dead caterpillars of the moth Hepilus fabricius. Spores of Cordyceps sinensis grow inside the caterpillars filling the caterpillar with filaments (hyphae). When the caterpillar dies the fungus produces a stalked fruiting body that produces spores. The spores are spread in the wind to the next generation of caterpillars. Uninfected caterpillars pupate into relatively large primitive moths. There are many claims of what Cordyceps mushroom can do. In China the fungus is used to regulate and support the gonads, and as a lung and kidney tonic. It was also recommended as a tonic ‘for all illness’ because of its claimed effects to improve energy, appetite, stamina, and endurance and sleeping patterns. According to some herbalists the fungus can pretty much do everything, ‘This is one of the most popular and precious longevity-promoting herbs because it strengthens the adrenal glands, increases sexual vitality, relieves bronchitis and emphysema, reduces blood fats and sugars, lowers blood pressure and improves blood circulation’. It is also supposedly able to increase a person’s immune system. These effects are cause because of its high affinity to the Yin organs: the heart, kidneys and liver. Some people believe the caterpillar fungus may put the following in remission: tuberculosis, coughing, anemia, and back and knee pains. Today, the caterpillar fungus is mainly used as a tonic to increase strength or for rejuvenation after a long serious injury. Some also believe that the fungus can also reduce stress. If scientific research supports these claims and identifies the active ingredients produced by the fungus it may become very valuable in modern medicine. Scientists have already identified several compounds isolated that might be useful when purified as drugs to combat some types of cancer and lymphocytes [natural killer cells]. Scientists from the University of Nottingham in Great Britain say they've documented how Cordyceps can fight cancer and the new discovery could increase the effectiveness of mushroom-derived cancer treatments. For the study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, Dr. Cornelia de Moor of the University of Nottingham and her colleagues investigated a drug called cordycepin, which was originally extracted from wild growing Cordyceps and is now prepared from a cultivated form of the mushroom. The University of Nottingham scientists found that the Cordyceps-derived treatment has two important effects on cells that could impact the growth of malignant tumors. At low doses, cordycepin inhibits the uncontrolled growth and division of cells while at high doses it prevents cells from sticking together, essentially blocking the cells from growing. Scientists at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, published research in the journal Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy showing that oral Cordyceps can reduce the occurrence of cancer spreading to the lungs in metastatic breast cancer. Although the researchers found that Cordyceps does not reduce the growth of the primary breast tumor, they noted that deaths from breast cancer are primarily due to the development of metastases. That means a treatment that stops the spread of metastatic tumors could save countless lives. Although various medical therapies currently exist that attempt to stop the growth of cancerous metastatic tumors, they have little effect so this makes the Dalhousie University research into Cordyceps very important.   References http://www.zhion.com/herb/Cordyceps.html http://www.naturalnews.com/027869_cordyceps_cancer.html http://herbarium.usu.edu/fungi/FunFacts/Caterpillar.htm http://www.world-of-fungi.org/Mostly_Medical/James_Howard/James_HowardSSM.htm       Important GMO information   Click a link below to see the video Everything You Need to Know About Dangerously Genetically Modified Foods (Video is in 6 parts and in .wmv format  Windows Media Player is required) Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Genetically Engineered Soybeans May Cause Allergies “I used to test for soy allergies all the time, but now that soy is genetically engineered, it is so dangerous that I tell people never to eat it—unless it says organic.” -Allergy specialist John Boyles, MD   Beginning in 1996, genes from bacteria and viruses have been forced into the DNA of soy, corn, cotton, and canola plants, which are used for food. Ohio allergist John Boyles is one of a growing number of experts who believe that these genetically modified (GM) foods are contributing to the huge jump in food allergies in the US , especially among children.   The UK is one of the few countries that conduct a yearly food allergy evaluation. In March 1999, researchers at the York Laboratory were alarmed to discover that reactions to soy had skyrocketed by 50% over the previous year. Genetically modified soy had recently entered the UK from US imports and the soy used in the study was largely GM. John Graham, spokesman for the York laboratory, said, “We believe this raises serious new questions about the safety of GM foods.” Click Here for more...     Stay tuned for more articles about GMOs!   Yours in Good Health! Sincerely, Chris Ritchason Dr. Jack & Verlyn Ritchason, Founders The Back to Herbs Team   Disclaimer: We do not directly dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of herbs or supplements as a form of treatment for illness. The information found on this Web Site is for educational purposes only to empower people with knowledge to take care of their own health. We disclaim any liability if the reader uses or prescribes any remedies, natural or otherwise, for him/herself or another. Historically all of these herbs & vitamin supplements may nutritionally support the bodies biological systems. Please consult a licensed health professional should a need be indicated. To be removed from this email list, please send an email to eflashremove@backtoherbs.net with the subject, "remove". Back to Herbs Internet and Global Sales 390 Manhattan Avenue, #B Grover Beach, CA 93433 www.backtoherbs.net

Corn Silk and GMO (Genetic Modification)

Dear Health Enthusiast,

This month's topic is a perfect example of the perils of Genetic Modification. Please read the GMO and Corn Silk articles below. Imagine the potential side effects that a genetically modified product might cause if contaminated with GMOs. Be aware and stay vigilant - we're all in this together.

Sincerely,

Chris Ritchason
Dr. Jack & Verlyn Ritchason, Founders
The Back to Herbs Team


Click a link below to see the video

Everything You Need to Know
About Dangerously
Genetically Modified Foods

(Video is in 6 parts and in .wmv format
Windows Media Player is required)

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6


Introducing the GMO Series

It’s time to reclaim a food supply without dangerous genetically modified organisms (GMOs). And we can do it—together.

When European consumers said no to GMOs, the food companies kicked them out. As more and more US consumers rejected GM bovine growth hormone, most dairies and brands, including Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Kroger, Dannon, and Yoplait, responded. Click Here for more...



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Genetically Modified Soy Linked to Sterility, Infant Mortality

“This study was just routine,” said Russian biologist Alexey V. Surov, in what could end up as the understatement of this century. Surov and his colleagues set out to discover if Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) soy, grown on 91% of US soybean fields, leads to problems in growth or reproduction. What he discovered may uproot a multi-billion dollar industry.

After feeding hamsters for two years over three generations, those on the GM diet, and especially the group on the maximum GM soy diet, showed devastating results. By the third generation, most GM soy-fed hamsters lost the ability to have babies. They also suffered slower growth, and a high mortality rate among the pups.

And if this isn’t shocking enough... Click Here for More!
Stay tuned for more articles about GMOs!




Corn Silk


Corn silk (Zea mays)

Corn silk is also known as mother's hair, Indian corn, maize jagnog, Turkish corn, yu mi xu, and stigmata maydis.

The Indians of Central and South America, where the food crop is native, praised corn as a gift from the gods. The Incas used corn silk, the soft strands surrounding an ear of corn, as a healing herb, reports Garilasco de la Vega (1539-1610). Some historians believe that corn has grown for more than 7,000 years in North America. The venerable plant's stigmas, the Corn Silk, have long been used in folk medicine to treat urinary conditions including inflammation of the bladder and painful urination.

The urinary system responds very well to corn silk, partly due to the presence of significant amounts of the essential mineral potassium in the corn silk. Also due to its diuretic action - the corn silk can serve as a general remedy for the majority of problems likely to affect the urinary system. The flow of urine and the elimination of toxins are increased by corn silk, while it also relaxes and soothes the muscular lining of the urinary tubules and the muscular urinary bladder itself. This action helps to relieve physical irritation in the bladder and improves the condition. Corn silk works to alleviate irritation at the site or localized area in those cases where a chronic irritation affects the urinary bladder and the urethral walls leading to the frequent urination.

A strong antiseptic and ameliorative action is present in corn silk. At the same time, properties in corn silk remove toxins from the body, in the treatment of congestion and catarrh, in the reduction of deposits and irritants from the kidneys and urinary bladder – the detoxification power of the corn silk is extremely valuable in a variety of ways. Corn silk has been effectively used in the removal of urinary stones and accumulated gravel in the urinary tract. It is also used extensively where chronic bladder irritation and physical bladder weakening have led the to the development of a frequent need for urination and perhaps to the display of sudden bedwetting. Corn silk also acts locally on the prostate relating to disorders, which give rise to an inability to pass urine properly.

HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY
The urinary tract region is the main area where the remedial actions of the corn silk are felt to the greatest extent. Various constituents of the corn silk perform different roles in the body. For example, the compounds called the saponins are said to be mainly responsible for all the anti-inflammatory action of the remedy and the compounds called the allantoin are the main healing agents in the corn silk as a remedy. A soothing effect as well as a demulcent action arises from the abundant mucilage in the corn silk. This serves to heal the irritated tissues and helps in tissue recovery. The overall diuretic effects of the herb is balanced by the presence of abundant quantities of the mineral potassium, the diuretic action affects the conditions of water retention in the body. The combination of an overall diuretic action and the presence of the mineral potassium benefits a variety of urinary tract disorders, and is useful in the treatment of cystitis and prostatitis and all other urinary tract infections. One essential blood-clotting factor in the body is vitamin K, which is a fat-soluble vitamin found in corn. This vitamin is essential for normal clotting of blood and the prevention of excessive bleeding following injuries.

Topical problems and skin irritations as well as inflammation can also be treated effectively and benefit from corn silk's healing and soothing abilities - as an external or topical treatment, corn silk is also excellent for rapidly healing wounds and all types of ulcers affecting the skin.

Corn silk also has served as a remedy for heart trouble, jaundice, malaria, and obesity. It has also been used to treat gonorrhea. Since corn silk is used as a kidney remedy and in the regulation of fluids, the herb is believed to be helpful in treating high blood pressure and water retention. Corn silk is also used as a remedy for edema (the abnormal accumulation of fluids).

Historically, corn silk has been mainly used for urogenital infections. The active ingredient maizenic acid, is believed to act as a cardiac solution, which stimulates diuretic action in the body. Maizenic acid is known to effect the bladder and kidneys and helps the liver and intestines as well. Corn silk also contains Vitamins B, PABA, K, Silicon, and freed oils, resin, and mucilage.

Corn silk is used to treat urinary conditions in countries including the United Sates, China, Haiti, Turkey, and Trinidad. Corn silk is also used in the medical system of China, where problems such as internal fluid retention and jaundice are treated using the corn silk. Furthermore, in China, corn silk as a component in an herbal formula is used to treat diabetes. Other medical uses - Temporomandibular joint syndrome or TMJ.

Corn silk has been used for over a century for kidney problems, for acute and chronically inflamed bladder and prostate glands. Corn silk has the ability to remove gravel from the kidneys, urethra, bladder, and prostate gland. Corn silk has a cleansing effect on urea and will neutralize scalding urine. Corn silk is an herb to turn to for urine retention, catarrh of the bladder, gonorrhea, is useful in controlling inflammation and relieving pain. Corn silk will help when the urinary tract needs opening up or when there is mucus in the urine.

Physicians have used Corn silk as a diuretic and for conditions of cystitis. Corn silk is valuable in the treatment of renal and cystic inflammation.

CONSTITUENTS

• Flavonoids (maysin)
• AlIantoin
• Alkaloids
• Saponins
• Volatile oil (about 0.2%)
• Mucilage
• Vitamins B, C and K
• PABA
• Potassium
• Silicon.
• It also has moderate amounts of Iron, Zinc, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus.

Precautions:
Do not use corn silk if you also take Lasix (furosemide).




NSP sells Cornsilk as well as Urinary Maintenance which is for urinary system and kidney support.




Yours in Good Health!


Sincerely,

Chris Ritchason
Dr. Jack & Verlyn Ritchason, Founders
The Back to Herbs Team



References

http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_corn.htm

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0003/ai_2603000301/

http://www.space-age.com/std/uti.html

http://www.theherbprof.com/hrbCorn silk.htm

Anew Herb Shoppe

www.mynsp.com/aepalacio

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