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Reishi, Chinese Herb INSTEAD of Prednisone

AndyF16
6 Recommendations

Just over the weekend I was reading from a reliable source, about the Chinese Herb called Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum). Well known to that community for over 3000 years to combat chronic inflamation and antistress conditions. Used instead of Prednisone.

Reishi works slowly with the immune system to reduce abnormal inflammation where Pred shuts down the immune system. It doesn't have any of the side effects like moon face, water retention, insulin inbalance, adrenal hormone issues, insomnia, anxiety and depression.

I am not a doctor, just passing on the information from the book (Herbal Remedies for Dummies). Please do your own research.

All the best to you all.

AndyF16

Explore topics in this discussion:

Cancer Surgery Motrin Crohn's disease Anxiety Lupus Prednisone Acupuncture Sarcoidosis Asthma Psoriasis Stroke Fever Diabetes Seizures Pain Insomnia Depression Methotrexate

58 replies

gonenatural

Hi Andy,

I am all with you on herbs. The huge problem is the medical community. They don't and won't look into prescribed meds to see if they mix poorly with herbs and that is where you can run into trouble and I have drs angry at me for using herbs, red faced yelling at me, and I've had others wishing they knew more but refuse to learn.

I thank you and going to save the info because I am suppose to be on prednisone but can't due to the severe side effects nor will I take it.

Gone Natural

ingrid0420

Hi all,
Thanks for the info on reishi. I will look into it today.
I was dx with pulm sarc on 10/08 officially. I now know I have had it for at least 14 years, having had the symptoms of bumps and severe joint pain back then.
I am supposed to be on preds but am not, due to fear of symptoms and the fact that it is not a cure. So far these are the herbs I am taking and find effective.
The herbs should be int the most fresh and strongest form. I was fighting the extreme chronic fatigue,dry cough, wheezing, joint pain, and other pains. I heard about oil of wild oregano. I was fighting a bad cough and chest cold. It was ironic that I was on my way to work and the doc was on the talk radio speaking of this. I stopped at my local health food store and bought it. I was supprised that it had an immediate effect on the fatigue. After a few days the chest cold was gone. I take this everyday. I am using tumeric,olive leaf extract,vitamin c,omega 3 oil,licorice,and most recently ashwatangha. Drink lots
of water,be strict on diet, try to reduce caffiene. Well,
gotta go for now. Have a great day.

ncwoolgatherer

I have been seein a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and acupunture for the past three weeks. The results, esp with my muscle pain, have been amazing. I'm fortunate that my PCP is all in favor of the idea.

Alternative medicine is growing in the USA. In my area of the country alone there are clincs at both UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University Medical Center http://www.dukeintegrativemedicine.org You can get plenty of info online and can even see if there is a facility near you at http://nccam.nih.gov

I actually have an appt today so I will see what I can find out about Reisha

I just love this group. I've learned more from the networking with all of you than anywhere else.

red-rash

HEY I WILL LOOK INTO THIS TOO ALSO LET YOU NO WHAT I FIND OUT

AndyF16

I am not on the herb, however felt sharing my readings would certainly benefit many here.
My Sarc Doc in Toronto calls Pred a "Poison" and exhausts other options before putting a patient on it. I had read on this site even before seeing the Doc how Pred effected the body and certainly did NOT want to take it.
I am please to say since my DX in May-08, I have not needed it. Now with the news on Reishi, if I ever need Pred, I will refuse and take this 3000 year old Chinese approach.
As far as where to buy it, I can't help you at this point. If you can find a Chinese Store of sorts I hope they could point you in the right direction

Thanks to all for your replies. I hope this information helps in the fight.

AndyF16

elizaruth

Have you used it? Any special dosage that's safe?

akasha

Hey AndyF16,
I just read that you have a sarc Dr. in Toronto, can you tell me whom this is? I life in Aurora On. and see all my specialists at St. Mikes. I am very happy with them but it is good to know of more Dr.'s whom know about sarcoidosis.
Where abouts do you live? I am very interested in this Reishi herb. Lately after taking 5Mg. of prednisone for about 5 years I feel my immune system is gettig worse. I pick up every germ and transform it in Bronchitus or worse. I am desparate to find an other solution so that my immune system does not feel attacked. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for the tip.
Akasha.

bigjoe

Here is a good article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408175308.htm

bigjoe

AndyF16

Thanks Big Joe for the link. I have not been able to look on the net for more info however this link will help. There are some suppliers online want to check here in Toronto.

All the best to you.

AF

AndyF16

Hi Akasha,
My doctor is Dr. Mytra Niroumand at Mount Sinai. Actually just did a google search and she comes up from what I wrote on this site when I mentionned this in another post.
I live in Toronto. See my profile for more details.

Hope this helps you.

Have a great day.

AF

akasha

Hi AndyF16,
Thanks for you response and your suggestion about reishi mushrooms. I had heard about this a long time ago and forgot about it. I went to the carrot common [?] store down town that same day and obtained the capsules.
I will see my Dr. next week and mention to him that I like to try this and maybe it can get me off prednisone. I did a lot of research since you mentioned this.I tried to hold out off prednisone but inventually I had no choice. I take it so I will be able to be with my grandchildren otherwise I am too exhausted because my lungs are not so good and I lost one kidney already. I rather go the natural way as well, but we do not always have a choice.
I hope we can get to talk on the phone some time I ask on this website if you want to be my friend. It will be nice to have somebody live so close.
Hope to talk to you soon. Akasha

Krissy

I feel guilty saying this, but I am interested in following the progress of anyone who tries this. I have tried so many herbs and natural medicines from a naturopath friend but I mostly found they work for a short time and then the inflammation gets on top of them.
When I stopped all supplements and remedies except for fish oil and followed Delirious's Sarcoidosis Diet that she posted, everything stabilized.
I hope that everyone that tries it keeps us informed.

AndyF16

Hi Krissy,
No need to feel guilty, we are all looking into ways to to help each other cope with Sarc. I am still looking for a place locally for Reishi. Once I have used it for a few weeks, I will report back.

All the best,

AF

AndyF16

Thanks TG,
First time we have connected and just wanted to thank you for all the funny stuff you contribute here. I know many appreciate it tremendously.

AF

minerva

Hi all, I Googled Reishi on the Internet and found many different websites. There were the schrooms for tea but also in capsule form. Does anyone know which is best to take?
Also it's expensive on some websites but not so much on others. There is a new herbal store in my neighborhood so I think I will go and inquire there about it.

AndyF16

Hi Minerva,
I am still tracking it down myself, The Gardner has ordered the tea and he will be reporting back. That's great If you have found several sources. My suggestion is to try what you can afford. Depending on the strength as well. The capsules would be stronger as they would be an extract, purified, and refined. I read the tea takes some getting used too.

If the information in this string can help even one person then I am ecstatic.

Good Luck to all.

AF

jackie911

I was recently diagnosed with sarcoidosis of the lungs. Does anyone know of a good pulmonologist who specializes in sarcoidosis in the kansas city area. I will see a Dr. Larry Botts today for the first time, but he was referred to me while I was in the hospital. He may be great, but I would like to have some feedback from the group, if anyone has information that can be shared.

AndyF16

Thanks TG, and this link brings me to a Canadian Distributor which great since I live in Toronto.

Will be ordering later today and like you will advise.

Take Care,
AF

AndyF16

Hi Jackie911,
May I suggest you create another Discussion thread "Looking for Pulm Dr in Kansas City"

This way you will get more exposure to your question and this discussion has a different deading.

Hope this helps and welcome to this awesome site.

AF

jackie911

Thanks, I will.

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Help and information from FSR

Sarcoidosis and the Body
Sarcoidosis is a "multiorgan" disease - meaning it almost always involves more than one organ. It's unpredictable and affects different people in different ways.

You can learn about the ways in which sarcoidosis affects the body in FSR's Sarcoidosis and the Body brochure.

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