"S" HERBALS

Each capsule supplies: Shiitake Mushroom Powder (aerial part) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 mg

RECOMMENDATION: One (1) to four (4) capsules between meals as a dietary supplement or as oterwise directed by a healthcare professional.

Contains: 90 Capsules

From Wikepedia Medicinal use Shiitake mushrooms have been researched for their medicinal benefits, most notably their anti-tumor properties in laboratory mice. These studies have also identified the polysaccharide lentinan, a (1-3) â-D-glucan, as the active compound responsible for the anti-tumor effects.[3] In fact, some countries classify lentinan as a clinical drug.[4] The speculative anti-cancer properties of this mushroom are thought to be linked to upregulation of the immune system. An in vitro study supports this idea, by showing a chemical in shittake could activate various components of the immune system, including Nk cells. T cells, macrophages, and interleukin-6.[5] In an experiment with human colon cancer cells, shiitake exhibited strong anti-cancer properties.[6][4]

Immune system enhancement may not be the only possible anti-cancer mechanism of shiitake. An in vitro study revealed shittake could induce selective apoptosis in murine melanoma cells.[7]

Extracts from shiitake mushrooms (such as ichtyol) have also been researched for many other immunological benefits, ranging from anti-viral properties to possible treatments for severe allergies, as well as arthritis.[8]

Lenthionine, a key flavour compound of shiitake, also inhibits platelet aggregation, so it is a promising treatment for thrombosis.[9] Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is an alpha glucan rich nutritional supplement produced from the mycelia of Lentinula edodes of the basidiomycete family of mushrooms.[10] The immunological effect of AHCC has been studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 21 healthy volunteers.[11] The AHCC group showed a significantly higher number of total dendritic cells compared with baseline, a significantly higher number of DC1 cells compared with baseline, a significantly higher number of DC2 cells compared with controls, and a significantly increased mixed-leukocyte reaction compared with controls. There was no significant difference in cytokine production, NK cell activity or other immune function parameters between the two groups.

Shiitake are also one of a few known natural sources of vegan and kosher vitamin D (vitamin D2).

[edit] Anti-bacterial and Anti-viral Research Chemicals naturally present in shiitake have demonstrated anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties in laboratory research. An in vitro experiment on Vero cells, showed that shiitake inhibited the release of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1).[12]

Lentin, a chemical naturally occurring in shiitake, has strong anti-fungal properties and in vitro research has shown it can inhibit the human immunodeficiency virus-1.[13][14] Data for shiitake's effect on human HIV treatment is extremely limited, but one study produced promising data.[15]

Shiitake possess multiple chemicals which have demonstrated antibacterial[16][17][18] and antiviral[5] properties.

Researchers have identified a proteinase inhibitor inhibitor in shiitake.[19]

The Sandalwood trees are regularly found in Sri Lanka, Hawaii, India and the South Pacific islands. The best harvesting of Sandalwood for the essential oil that is used in perfumes and incense is from trees that are at least 40 years old; however, 80 years or more produce the best oil. To harvest the oil the entire tree is toppled instead of being cut down at ground level to better utilize the oil from the root as well.

Sandalwood can be added to hot water to create a tea type infusion; however, Sandalwood is not for ingestion and doing so can cause great harm. Instead the ‘tea’ can be used as a wash for the face and hair to cleanse and help treat skin blemishes.

Sandalwood Uses Sandalwood is used in many spiritual ways including the Hindu rituals and ceremonies, Ayurvedic purposes, Buddhist meditation, as well as Western metaphysical and Wicca ceremonies.

Sandalwood powder or oil can be mixed and made into a paste and is thought to treat many skin ailments, relieve fever or sunburn, skin infections and acne, and balance the circulatory, nervous and respiratory systems.

Sandalwood essential oil is often used in lotions and soaps as well as incense, candles and perfumes and is thought to soothe the mind and relieve stress and tension.

Sandalwood oil when mixed in another carrier or base oil such as jojoba oil can be used to treat acne or blackheads.

The wood of the Sandalwood is often used in carving and woodworking.

Sandalwood Cautions Sandalwood oil should not be used directly on the skin but should first be added to a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.

Sandalwood is not for internal use.