Studies showed Reishi extract is effective against all four types of allergic reactions including positive effects against asthma and contact dermatitis. Reishi works in 3 ways:

• it inhibits histamine release from mast cells
• it regulates and balances the immune system
• it is anti-inflammatory

‘Reishi’s anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties inhibit the release of histamine thus preventing or alleviating allergic sensitivity reactions’. Optimum Nutrition Magazine.

Reishi strengthens and stimulates the immune system to attack bacteria, virus and cancer cells. However, and unlike other immune boosting herbs, Reishi has the extraordinary capacity to regulate and balance the immune system when it is overactive and has over compensated in autoimmune conditions like allergies and is an approved treatment in Japan for myasthenia gravis, a severely debilitating autoimmune disease.

Histamine mediated allergic reactions are chronically elevated pro inflammatory immune responses. The immune system responds as if it is under attack from what is perceived to be a dangerous and potentially life threatening foreign body. Medical science and drug research are target specific, focusing on treating the symptoms of allergies and do not consider the causative factors underlying allergic responses i.e. the natural defence mechanisms of the body. Reishi works on the underlying cause for the condition and not just the symptoms.

Reishi’s anti-inflammatory benefits are thought to be partly due to its strong antioxidant action. The immune system and antioxidant activity becomes weaker with age, hence the rising incidence of life threatening infections in older people. Reishi is a powerful antioxidant destroying damaging free radicals implicated in ageing and many diseases, including cancer and one reason why it is called ‘The Long Life Herb’ and ‘The Great Protector’. A compound in Reishi, GLB 7, actually slows production of free radicals. Recent research proved that when free radical damage was reduced the subjects lived 20% longer. Antioxidants have an extraordinary ability to forestall age related changes to the immune system and even reverse many aspects of immune function in people with damaged immune systems.

Although new to the west Reishi has been rated the top and most important herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 2000 years with Ginseng in second place and so highly treasured it was traded for its own weight in gold and only available to Emperors. Now it is the most thoroughly researched herb in Asia with over 200 active ingredients and unique compounds that are the most biologically active obtainable from any plant source. Oleic acid and cyclooctasulfur are the main active ingredients that inhibit histamine release from mast cells.

Reishi and Cordyceps are very safe and can be taken over prolonged periods without side effects. In fact they have an accumulative effect and the longer they are taken the better they work.

From prweb.com