Shiitake (Lentinan edodes)

Common name: Hua gu

Parts used and where grown: Wild shiitake mushrooms are native to Japan, China, and other Asian countries and typically grow on fallen broadleaf trees. Shiitake is widely cultivated throughout the world, including the United States. The fruiting body is used medicinally.

In what conditions might shiitake be supportive?

Â¥ chemotherapy support

Â¥ hepatitis

Â¥ HIV support

Historical or traditional use: Shiitake has been revered in Japan and China as both a food and medicinal herb for thousands of years. Wu Ri, a famous physician from the Chinese Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644), wrote extensively about this mushroom, noting its ability to increase energy, cure colds, and eliminate worms.1

Active constituents: Shiitake contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, shiitakeÕs key ingredientÑfound in the fruiting bodyÑis a polysaccharide called lentinan. Commercial preparations employ the powdered mycelium of the mushroom before the cap and stem grow; this is called LEM (lentinan edodes mycelium extract). LEM is also rich in polysaccharides and lignans.

Research indicates that LEM helps decrease chronic hepatitis B infectivity, as measured by specific liver and blood markers. A highly purified intravenous form of lentinan has been employed in Japan for the treatment of recurrent stomach cancer, which increases survival with this cancer (particularly when used in combination with chemotherapy). These effects may be due to shiitakeÕs ability to stimulate specific types of white blood cells called T-lymphocytes. Case reports from Japan are also highly suggestive that lentinan is helpful in treating individuals with HIV infection. However, large-scale clinical trials have not yet been performed confirming this action.2

How much should I take? The traditional intake of the whole, dried shiitake mushroom, in soups or as a decoction, is 6-16 grams per day. For LEM, the intake is 1-3 grams two to three times per day until the condition being treated improves. As LEM is the more concentrated and hence more potent extract, it is preferred over the crude mushroom. Tincture, in the amount of 2-4 ml per day, can also be used.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Shiitake has an excellent record of safety but has been known to induce temporary diarrhea and abdominal bloating when used in high dosages. Its safety during pregnancy has not yet been established.

References:

1. Jones K. Shiitake: The Healing Mushroom. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1995. 2. Hobbs C. Medicinal Mushrooms. Santa Cruz, CA: Botanica Press, 1995, 125-8.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

SHEEP SORREL (Rumex acetosella)

Common names are field sorrel, red top sorrel, sour grass and dog eared sorrel. It is a hardy perennial, and is much smaller than either French or Garden Sorrel. Is often tinged a deep red hue especially towards the end of the summer. It grows to about a foot high. It has narrow sharp pointed leaves and spikes of green flowers turning to red. Flowers in late spring.

Sheep sorrel grows wild in most parts of the world except the tropics. It is abundant in Britain, where it is sometimes called Field Sorrel. Considered as a common weed in the U.S., it thrives with little moisture in acidic soils.

The entire plant may be harvested to be used in essiac. Or, just the leaves and stems may be harvested, which allows the plants to regrow and be reharvested again for seller profit. Because of this, it is very difficult to locate and purchase dry whole-plant Sheep Sorrel with roots and at this time no markters use whole-plant Sheep Sorrel in their essiac. The solution is to grow your own Sheep Sorrel from seeds. If you can find a good source for them, the seeds are expensive to buy.

The plant portion of the Sheep Sorrel may be harvested throughout the spring, summer, and fall, early in the morning after the dew has evaporated, or late in the afternoon. Harvest on a sunny day, as the plants need several days after a rain in which to dry properly. Harvest leaves/stem or whole plant before the flowers begin to form, since at this stage the energy of the plant is in the leaves, stems and roots. In the fall, plant energy is concentrated in the roots.

Never buy or collect more than a year’s supply of Sheep Sorrel, as it loses it potency when stored longer. It can be obtained commercially but be careful to purchase Sheep Sorrel that is certified organic and pesticide free. Fresh Sheep Sorrel will be green in color and have an aroma of sweet grass.

Sheep Sorrel is high in vitamins A, B complex, C, D, K and E. Its minerals include significant levels of calcium, iron, silicon, magnesium, sulphur, zinc, manganese, iodine and copper. Sheep Sorrel also contains beta carotene and chlorophyll; citric, malic, oxalic, tannic and tartaric acids and it is rich in potassium oxalate.

Because of the oxalic acid, Sheep Sorrel is generally not recommended for use by persons with a history of kidney stones.

Young Sheep Sorrel leaves were popular as a cooking dressing and as an addition to salads in France several hundred years ago. Indians also use Sheep Sorrel leaves as a tasty seasoning for meat dishes and also baked it into their breads. In early days it was of use against scurvy.

Sorrel plants have been a folk remedy for cancer for centuries both in Europe and Asia, more recently in North America. Alleged to break down tumors and alleviate some chronic conditions and degenerative diseases, it is an astringent and diuretic. It has been anecdotally reported to be a fever reducer, aid digestion, relieve stomach hemorrhage and jaundice. There are no scientific studies that prove Sheep Sorrel does anything of benefit for any health condition.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Senna (Senna alexandria)

A Powerful Laxative

Fast facts: relieves constipation

During the ninth century, legend has it, the great caliph of Baghdad became dissatisfied with the medicines available in his court, particularly the laxatives. It seems they did more harm than good, causing severe abdominal distress. The caliph sent for a famous physician, Mesue the Elder, who brought new medicines to the court, including a “gentler” laxative, senna.

If senna was the gentler alternative, the caliph’s old laxatives must have been real gut-wrenchers. Senna is such a powerful laxative that it can cause cramping and abdominal distress if not used with caution.

“Like aloe, buckthorn and cascara sagrada, senna contains anthraquinone glycosides, chemicals that stimulate the colon,” says James A. Duke, Ph.D., a botanist retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and author of The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs.

It’s quite possible that you’ve taken small doses of senna without being aware of it. The herb is an ingredient in many over-the-counter laxatives, including Fletcher’s Castoria, Senokot, Perdiem and Innerclean Herbal Laxative.

Anthraquinone laxatives should be considered as treatment for constipation only as a last resort, says Anne Simons, M.D., assistant clinical professor of family and community medicine at the University of California’s San Francisco Medical Center. “First, eat a diet that’s higher in fiber, drink more fluids and get more exercise,” she recommends. “If that doesn’t provide relief, try a bulk-forming laxative.” One such laxative is psyllium (Metamucil). “If that doesn’t help,” advises Dr. Simons, “try ingesting the lubricant laxative mineral oil. And if that doesn’t provide relief, try an anthraquinone laxative in consultation with your physician.”

Senna is certainly effective, but most authorities consider two other anthraquinone laxatives to be gentler-buckthorn and cascara sagrada.

A Moving Experience Senna tastes awful. Herbalists generally discourage using the plant material and instead recommend over-the-counter products containing it. However, if you’re interested in trying the unprocessed herb, you can brew a medicinal tea from one to two teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Let steep for ten minutes. Add sugar, honey and lemon to taste. You can also mix it with pleasant-tasting herbs, such as anise, fennel, peppermint, chamomile, ginger, coriander or licorice. Drink up to one cup a day in the morning or before bed for no more than a few days. To take senna in capsule form, simply follow the package directions.

Senna should not be given to children under 2. For older children and people over 65, start with a low-strength preparation and increase strength if necessary.

Don’t, under any circumstances, be tempted to use more than these small amounts of senna. Larger doses can cause diarrhea, nausea and severe abdominal cramping, with possible dehydration. Senna’s powerful action means it should not be used by those with chronic gastrointestinal conditions, such as ulcers, colitis or hemorrhoids. Pregnant and nursing women should not take senna. And senna should never be used for more than two weeks, because over time, it can cause what’s known as lazy bowel syndrome — the inability to move stool without chemical stimulation.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Saw Palmetto (Sabal Serrulata)

Saw Palmetto is a small, palm-like plant native to North America. Native Americans and early American settlers used the berries to treat problems associated with the genitals, urinary tract and reproductive system. This herb is called the “plant catheter” due to its therapeutic effect on the neck of the bladder and the prostate in men. Saw Palmetto is widely used in Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and now the U.S. for nutritionally benefiting the prostate and urinary tract. It has been marketed as an aphrodisiac for both men and women.

The active constituents are volatile oil, steroidal saponin, tannins, and polysaccharides. Saw Palmetto is a tonic, and is one of the few herbal remedies that are considered to be anabolic – it strengthens and builds body tissues.

For men it treats an enlarged and weakened prostate gland. It has shown significant action in treatment of conditions associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Saw palmetto extract works to prevent testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone, the hormone thought to cause prostrate cells to multiply, leading to an enlarged prostate. It is chiefly used as a diuretic and to tone the bladder by improving urinary flow, and relieving strain. Regular use of saw palmetto may decrease urinary frequency, especially during the night, by allowing complete bladder expulsion and reducing inflammation of the bladder and enlarged prostrate.

Saw palmetto inhibits androgen and estrogen receptor activity and may be beneficial for both sexes in balancing the hormones. Because of it hormonal effects it can aid the thyroid in regulating sexual development and normalizing activity of those glands and organs.

Women have used the herb to stimulate breast enlargement and lactation as well as treating ovarian and uterine irritability. It has been prescribed for reduced or absent sex drive, impotence and frigidity. Because of its potential hormonal effects, pregnant women should not use it.

The berries have been recommended in treatment of diseases that deprive the body of strength and growth. Preliminary evidence exists to also suggest saw palmetto may also aid those suffering from thyroid deficiency. Saw palmetto is a good expectorant for use in clearing chest congestion and can be used to treat coughs, asthma, and bronchitis.

It has also been used to stimulate appetite, improve digestion, nourish the nervous system and increase the assimilation of nutrients to the body.

Parts Used: Fresh berries and dried berries as capsules or in preparation as a tincture.

Common Use: The berries have long held a reputation as sexual stimulants and aphrodisiacs. The largest use today is as a supplement for reducing enlarged prostate glands, treating urinary tract problems and for improving body strength.

Care: Saw Palmetto can be found in sand dunes along the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts. The plant grows from the Carolinas to Texas. Prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sun. The berries are harvested in autumn. Seeds are removed after the herb is dried for propagation in the spring.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.