PhilipLawlor.com

Growing on dead or dying birch trees, the fungus Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus) can be found around the globe in temperate climates wherever birch trees occur.

Birch Polypore’s main claim to fame is that it was found among the possessions of Oetzi, the mummified Stone Age man from 5,300 years ago whose remains were found in 1991 in a glacial ice cave on the border of Italy and Austria.

The general consensus is that Oetzi the Iceman used the Birch Polypore against an infection of the intestinal parasite Trichuris trichuria, of which eggs were found among his remains. [190]

Folk lore from Europe tells of Birch Polypore being used in this fashion, as a remedy against parasites. It has also been used as a general antibiotic, and to stop bleeding. [25]

Studies from 1997 also reported that compounds isolated from Birch Polypore helped reduce chronic skin inflammation [191] as well as inflammation in general. [192]

It was found effective against Bacillus megateterium, [194] and a study in 2000 found it to contain an antibiotic compound named Piptamine. [193] Paul Stamets suggests that it be studied for effectiveness against Bacillus anthracis, more commonly known as anthrax. [134]

Another potent compound isolated from Birch Polypore is Betulinic Acid, which is produced by birch trees and then extracted and concentrated by the Birch Polypores. A study on melanoma in 1995 found that Betulinic Acid exhibited toxicity against melanoma cells while having no adverse effect on healthy cells. [195] A later study, in 2002, may have discovered the mechanism behind Betulinic Acid’s cancer toxicity when it found that it inhibits certain enzymes involved in the growth and development of tumors. [196]

In a 2001 study on the effect of Betulinic Acid derivatives on HIV, it was reported that these compounds blocked HIV replication. [197]

In 2004, medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets filed a patent on an extraction method of Birch Polypore after researchers at USAMRIID (U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease) and NIH (National Institute of Health) published findings that Stamets’ Birch Polypore extract effectively killed vaccinia and cowpox viruses while not harming human tissue. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.

Dr. Markho Rafael has been in the natural health field since Chiropractic College in the mid-90’s. He now specializes in research and writing about medicinal fungi, specifically working with the MycoMedicinals of Paul Stamets, whose Birch Polypore extract is part of the synergistic blend Paul Stamets Host Defense. For scientific references to this article, go to the Piptoporus betulinus research page.

Growing on dead or dying birch trees, the fungus Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus) can be found around the globe in temperate climates wherever birch trees occur.

Birch Polypore’s main claim to fame is that it was found among the possessions of Oetzi, the mummified Stone Age man from 5,300 years ago whose remains were found in 1991 in a glacial ice cave on the border of Italy and Austria.

The general consensus is that Oetzi the Iceman used the Birch Polypore against an infection of the intestinal parasite Trichuris trichuria, of which eggs were found among his remains. [190]

Folk lore from Europe tells of Birch Polypore being used in this fashion, as a remedy against parasites. It has also been used as a general antibiotic, and to stop bleeding. [25]

Studies from 1997 also reported that compounds isolated from Birch Polypore helped reduce chronic skin inflammation [191] as well as inflammation in general. [192]

It was found effective against Bacillus megateterium, [194] and a study in 2000 found it to contain an antibiotic compound named Piptamine. [193] Paul Stamets suggests that it be studied for effectiveness against Bacillus anthracis, more commonly known as anthrax. [134]

Another potent compound isolated from Birch Polypore is Betulinic Acid, which is produced by birch trees and then extracted and concentrated by the Birch Polypores. A study on melanoma in 1995 found that Betulinic Acid exhibited toxicity against melanoma cells while having no adverse effect on healthy cells. [195] A later study, in 2002, may have discovered the mechanism behind Betulinic Acid’s cancer toxicity when it found that it inhibits certain enzymes involved in the growth and development of tumors. [196]

In a 2001 study on the effect of Betulinic Acid derivatives on HIV, it was reported that these compounds blocked HIV replication. [197]

In 2004, medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets filed a patent on an extraction method of Birch Polypore after researchers at USAMRIID (U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease) and NIH (National Institute of Health) published findings that Stamets’ Birch Polypore extract effectively killed vaccinia and cowpox viruses while not harming human tissue. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.

Dr. Markho Rafael has been in the natural health field since Chiropractic College in the mid-90’s. He now specializes in research and writing about medicinal fungi, specifically working with the MycoMedicinals of Paul Stamets, whose Birch Polypore extract is part of the synergistic blend Paul Stamets Host Defense. For scientific references to this article, go to the Piptoporus betulinus research page.

The white underside of the mushroom Artist Conk (Ganoderma applanatum) turns brown when bruised and can be intricately etched into detailed carvings, hence the English common name of this ubiquitous American tree fungus.

Artist Conk is a perennial that can live for 40-50 years or longer and grow quite large. Mushroom expert David Arora calls it “the most common conk in our area [USA],” together with Red-belted Conk (Fomitopsis pinicola). [400]

“The only regions where [Artist Conk] seems to be absent are those where there aren’t any trees!” says Arora. [400] It can grow on most hardwood trees plus some conifers species, like the northwestern Douglas Fir.

Our ancestors would burn Artist Conk because it produced not only a pleasant odor but an insect repelling smoke as well. [25]

As commonly seen in modern scientific research, the focus of studies on Artist Conk extract has largely been in regards to its anti-tumor potential. Several studies have affirmed that it does exhibit tumor inhibiting properties. [402, 403, 404, 405] A 2008-paper by Jeong et al. reported that a compound isolated from Ganoderma applanatum “significantly inhibited the growth of solid tumor [Sarcoma-180] and increased the natural killer (NK) cell activity.” [401] Natural killer cells are white blood cells that are part of the body’s defense against cancer.

A less commonly studied area when it comes to medicinal mushrooms is their effect on blood glucose levels and diabetic complications. Jung et al. in 2005 reported that an alcohol extract of Artist Conk showed blood glucose lowering properties. [407] This was later confirmed in 2007 when a new study reported an average 22.0% blood glucose lowering effect by a compound isolated from Ganoderma applanatum, as well as a lowering of blood lipids (triglycerides and cholesterol) by 20.3%. [406]

But the primary focus of the 2005 study by Jung et al. was on the Artist Conk extract’s potential as an aldose reductase inhibitor. Aldose reductase is an enzyme commonly considered the culprit to many of the organ complications seen in diabetes. Finding a way to inhibit aldose reductase is believed to be a major key to combat diabetic complications. Three separate studies have concluded that Artist Conk extract is a potent aldose reductase inhibitor. [407, 408, 409] Jung concludes, “These results suggested that G. applanatum [Artist Conk] might possess constituents with anti-diabetic and inhibitory effects on diabetic complications.”

Moving on to other areas of health, a 2005 paper published findings that Artist Conk extract “could strengthen gastric mucosa barrier,” which may come in handy for treating gastric ulcers. [410] Other studies have reported Ganoderma applanatum extract as immune boosting, [25] anti-bacterial, [411, 412, 413] antioxidant, [416] anti-viral, [414] diuretic and anti-parasitic. [415]

In his book Mycelium Running, medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists inflammation and respiratory conditions as areas where research has shown Artist Conk extract to have a beneficial effect. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by a medical doctor.

Dr. Markho Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic University in 1996. He currently specializes in medicinal fungi, working with the extracts of Paul Stamets, including the synergistic MycoSoft Gold Formula with Artist Conk. For scientific references to this article, please visit the Ganoderma applanatum research page.

For the people who are living with chronic heartburn, or acid reflux, life can be extremely painful. Regular life, work, socialization can become a hard task to accomplish when you are in unimaginable pain. Chronic heartburn is much worse than average heartburn, it is much more severe.

Some may be able to get through the day without having so much as one episode of this condition, but as soon as their head hits that pillow, they are in for a nightmare. I can assume that the burning chronic heartburn one must suffer every night must indeed mess up one’s sleeping schedule.

The term acid reflux actually refers to the extra amount of stomach acid your body has made that gone back up the esophagus. A highly burning sensation occurs with this condition and can actually cause long lasting problems when one has this chronic condition.

The reason that stomach acids effect your esophagus so much is simple. You stomach lining is specially made to be able to contain it’s powerful acids. These acids are used to help breakdown food so that it can be absorbed by the intestines. Unfortunately, esophagus is not made to handle such strong, powerful acid and can be worn away very painfully by them.

Fortunately, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There are many medications that you can purchase right at the store, as well as prescriptions with a higher strength of medicine, that help keep chronic heartburn at bay.

Although medications may help with acid reflux disease, the best way to control heartburn is with proper diet. Altering the way you eat can be a huge help in eliminating acid reflux. This doesn’t have to completely change your life. Cutting out a few of the foods known to bring on heartburn attacks may be all you need to do.

If you are suffering from chronic heartburn, your best bet is to consult your health care professional to find out what types of medications are available to you. These medications can help control your acid reflux attacks while you figure out what type of diet changes will help you the most.

Many people suffer from chronic heartburn, but you don’t have to be one of them. Take the steps to living a pain and worry free you.

If you are looking for heartburn remedies, you can find it here… home remedies for heartburn.

Taking vitamin supplements is one way to combat the appearance of cellulite. However, if a product claims to cure cellulite, beware. Vitamin supplements are an important element in fighting off cellulite but are not a cure. A low fat/high fiber diet, exercise, drinking plenty of water, and taking vitamin supplements are the most effective ways to reduce cellulite.

Several vitamins and minerals aid in the reduction of cellulite. Moreover, there are specific reasons why these vitamins and minerals work against the appearance of cellulite. Vitamin C is one of the best vitamins you can take for cellulite. Vitamin C helps strengthen the skin and is a powerful detoxifier. Good food sources of Vitamin C include asparagus, berries, tomatoes and onions, however one of the best sources of Vitamin C is citrus fruit. The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C is 75 mg. for women and 90 mg. for men. Smokers should add an additional 35 mg. per day because their metabolic turnover of Vitamin C is more rapid.

Another vitamin supplement that can be used to combat cellulite is Vitamin E. Found in oil capsules, Vitamin E improves circulation in the body and helps improve the appearance of this skin. Nuts are a good source of Vitamin E and are high in protein. However, nuts also have a high fat content. If you are on a low fat diet, limit the intake of nuts and add a vitamin supplement of Vitamin E instead. Green leafy vegetables are another good source of Vitamin E and do not contain much fat at all.

Another vitamin supplement that can help reduce cellulite is Selenium. This supplement works by improving the action of vitamins C and E. Broccoli is an excellent food source of selenium and calcium. Broccoli contains lipoic acid, which helps prevent the hardening of collagen in the skin cells.

In addition to selenium, calcium is another vitamin supplement that will assist in reducing cellulite. Calcium is important for fighting body fat and providing strong bones. A few good food sources of calcium are low fat yogurt, skim milk, spinach, cottage cheese, and baked beans. Calcium can also be taken in supplement form although not much is absorbed this way.

Many health specialists recommend that adults between the ages of 19-50 should have approximately 1000 mg of calcium per day. For adults over 50 years of age, the RDA is 1200 mg. per day. It is often difficult to get the RDA of vitamins and minerals just through your diet alone. Vitamin supplements can help assure your body has all the vitamins and minerals it needs to fight cellulite and other health problems. You will start to notice a difference a few months after taking them.

While it is known that there is no one method that cures cellulite, vitamins and minerals are crucial in increasing the bodys ability to maintain healthy skin elasticity. When the collagen, septa and other components of healthy skin are properly nourished, then the appearance of cellulite can decrease eventually. A long-term change in lifestyle and diet is necessary to maintain healthy, cellulite free skin. These lifestyle changes will lead to other improvements in the body as well.

In order to have perfect skin, you must eat a proper diet, exercise, drinking an adequate supple of water and adding vitamin supplements. Lifestyle changes such as reducing intake of alcohol, quitting smoking will help reduce cellulite. Also exercises such as yoga that increase blood circulation will help reduce cellulite. In addition, there is the extra-added benefit of having a healthier body over-all with these healthy lifestyle changes.

Planning a trip soon and are looking to get into that swimsuit? Feeling frustrated because of cellulite? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with cellulite and imperfect skin. At Your Cellulite Solution you will find plenty of trips and tricks to help you deal with cellulite. You will also find more information about Cellulite Vitamin Supplements

Arthro is joint in Latin. Scopy is view. Arthroscopy is literally to view a joint. The use of arthroscopy allows an orthopedic surgeon to look inside a joint and see what needs to be done. Arthroscopy is very useful in the diagnosis and treatment of problems with the knees.

Modern arthroscopes and high resolution cameras make this hi-tech solution a very effective method for diagnosis and treatment of ailing knees.

The Structure of the Knee

Three bones make up the knee: The femur, the tibia, and the patella. They are cushioned at their juncture by articular cartilage, which allows the bones to work together smoothly.

Synovial membrane is a thin, smooth membrane that coats the interior surfaces of the knee. In a healthy knee, the synovial membrane produces a lubricant that allows the knee to function comfortably and smoothly.

The largest joint in the body, the knee is (as stated) made up of three bones. The upper end of the shin bone, or tibia, supports the lower end of the thigh bone, or femur. There is a groove in the end of the femur that the patella, or kneecap, slides along. Strong ligaments between the femur and tibia support the structure. The thighs large muscle provides strength.

Click here for more on knee arthroscopy .

Problems With the Knees

When knees are healthy, they function smoothly; however, knees take a beating every day. They are used almost constantly as we go about our daily tasks. After a while, the knees become worn by work, sports, injuries, aging, arthritis, and general weakening of the tissues. The result is pain and a general loss of function.

With arthroscopy, a number of conditions can be diagnosed and treated:

Chondromalacia: Softened articular cartilage and/or damaged joint surfaces.

Crystalline arthropathy: Gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflamed synovial membranes.

The patella or kneecap can become unstable or misaligned.

These problems can be located using arthroscopy.

Meniscal cartilage can become torn.

Bone and cartilage can become fragmented and loose.

Posterior and anterior damaged cruciate ligaments can be diagnosed.

Arthroscopy is extremely useful to the orthopedic surgeon in locating and assessing all of these knee problems. The use of the modern technology helps todays orthopedic surgeon deliver efficient and effective treatment.

Dr. Edelson is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine. His clinic, Sports Medicine Oregon, focuses on athletes of all ages. Click here to learn more about Dr. Edelson, Portland SLAP Repair and Bicep Tears in Portland.