History of Medicinal Mushrooms

5,300 years ago, an injured and starving man from Val Venosta, Italy, fled across an Alpine glacier to escape pursuers. But his enemies caught up with him and with a practiced arrow-shot penetrated his shoulder blade and subclavian artery. Before long, he was dead from blood loss. “Oetzi the Iceman” was found mummified in 1991. On his person were pouches containing mushroom remedies, the oldest known proof in existence of medicinal mushrooms usage.

One of the mushrooms was Birch polypore – Piptoporus betulinus – which it is believed he used as a remedy against intestinal parasites. Eggs of the whipworm parasite (Trichuris trichiura) were found in his intestines. The other mushroom in the possession of Oetzi was Tinder fungus – Fomes fomentarius – which has been traditionally used in Europe to cauterize wounds and stop bleeding.

Birch polypore and Tinder fungus are both polypores, which have pores on their undersides, hence the name. Most polypores grow on trees and none is known to be poisonous.

With a couple of notable exceptions, most polypores are inedible because they are woody and fibrous. But as natural remedies in the form of tea, extracts and poultices, they have been invaluable to people all across the globe for many millennia.

Native American traditions tell of using different kinds of polypore extracts to combat smallpox and other diseases introduced with the arrival of Europeans. This includes Reishi (Ganoderma resinaceum), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), Birch polypore, and Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), as well as the now rare and endangered species Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis).

And as though by no coincidence, Agarikon also holds the distinction as the oldest medicinal mushroom in historic European literature. In 65 B.C., Greek physician Dioscorides recorded it in Materia Medica as a remedy for tuberculosis. More recently, K. Grzywnowics in a 2001 article titled Medicinal Mushrooms in Polish Folk Medicine said Agarikon tea was traditionally considered an elixir for long life and listed historical uses to include lung conditions (coughing, asthma) and rheumatoid arthritis, but also infected wounds and open bleeding.

So far, we’ve only covered the history of medicinal mushrooms in Europe and America and have barely even touch upon their use in Asia, where their use has been even more exhaustive. At least three Asian species must be included in any article on the history of mushrooms.

First out is Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), sometimes nicknamed the “Mushroom of Immortality” due to its wide range of healing properties. Reishi was mentioned in Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic from around 2,000 years ago. Many ancient Oriental temples and wood-carvings include images of this highly revered “cure-all” fungus.

Next is a mushroom from Tibet known as Cordyceps, a small fungus growing out of the bodies of silk caterpillars. Its first mention was in The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman, 200 A.D. Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, today it’s popular with athletes to improve strength and stamina.

Last but not least is the medicinal mushroom Shiitake, better known as a culinary delight. However, Shiitake is also one of the most research mushrooms for medical properties. Commercial cultivation of Shiitake began about a thousand years ago in China. Medicinal uses include immune enhancement, antibiotic and more. Shiitake extracted Lentinan polysaccharide is approved as an anti-cancer drug in Japan.

Modern research into medicinal use of mushrooms began in earnest in the late 1960’s Japan. One pioneer, Dr. Ikekawa, discovered that families of mushroom growers had significantly lower cancer rates than their surrounding communities. Scientific research into medicinal mushrooms has expanded exponentially since that time and continues to increase and intensify until this day. Medicinal mushrooms are still in the process of making history.

Note: This article is for informational purpose only. None of the mushrooms mentioned herein have been approved for medicinal use by the FDA. Never use any mushroom medicinally without consulting a licensed medical practitioner.

Dr. Markho Rafael has worked in the natural health field since the mid-90’s as an author and researcher, now specializing in mycomedicinals. Click medicinal mushroom for mushroom articles and products. Material for this article comes from several different sources. However, a large portion comes from the literature of medicinal fungus expert Paul Stamets, who deserves special credit and thanks.

5 Magical Secrets That Will Help You Never Do Ab Workouts Again.

You don’t need ab workouts! Instead of doing real exercises to try and strengthen yourself the old-fashioned way, check out these 5, totally-viable, completely-not-ridiculous ways to replace them for good.

#5 Lean, Toned Abs are So Last-Year.

Things have changed — now it’s all about beer bellies! No one really cares so much about great abs anymore. All the big trendsetters when it comes to what’s hot and what’s in are saying it loud and clear — flab is fab, lean is not.

#4 You Don’t Really Notice Extra Fat, Anyway.

Yeah, fine, we gain some fat — but who has ever heard of anyone’s body ‘placing’ that fat in an unfortunate place? I know we just chatted about those pot bellies above, but really, it’s not a big deal, because our bodies figure it all out and send the fat to places that never really see the light of day. So just eat away and don’t really worry, you’ll be fine!

#3 No One Goes to the Beach Anymore.

Aren’t beaches all polluted and stuff now? And global warming is making summers all crazy and unpredictable? If you combine that with a few other factors (I’ll get back to you on what those are once I think of them), you’ll see that a nicely toned body thanks to a few ab workouts isn’t really necessary at the beach, as most of the world’s beaches are empty year-round.

#2 Buy One Of Those Electrode-Based Machines.

Wondering why you see all those ads for those weird, pulsating ab workout machines that attach to your stomach? It’s easy! They just really, really work! Seriously, there’s no issue at all with them being inconvenient, fake, or prone to breaking down. Nope, you just attach a bunch of awkward electrodes to your flab and blast it away, we swear!

#1 You Can Probably Just Take A Few Pills.

If using a pulsing robo-machine doesn’t fill you with excitement, why not fill yourself with those amazing diet pills instead? According to the people advertising them (who, of course, have no interest in anything but your health), they really work well, and are totally awesome! Sure, they might be placebos that do nothing at best and kill you at worst, but hey, someone’s got to try ‘em, right? Goodbye crunches!

If, for whatever reason, you’re still stuck in the dark ages and actually want to do a great abs workout to get a lean, toned body the “old fashioned” way, Zuzana’s workout videos at Bodyrock.TV will take you through it in the best way possible.

Is A Chiropractor A Genuine Choice?

What do they do?

In conventional medical fields there are basically three forms of treatment; cut, burn and poison. Chiropractors approach treatment of disease from a direction that insists the body will heal itself it simply given the freedom, through adjustments, to do that. Due to the fact that nearly all patients walk out without any significant injury or recovery time, they fall under suspicion with many people. The mission of any chiropractor or chiropractic treatment is to guide the body into healing itself through corrective treatment that doesn’t involve damaging or drastic forms of treatment as initial forms as much as possible.

With more and more satisfied and restored people turning to chiropractic treatment the major medical community has been turning to it for more and more answers, especially involving the spine.

Learning how chiropractic works to heal your body doesn’t seem to be a grave concern for many people, but they are glad that they are feeling better and have no ill effects to show for it. Even though there are more chiropractors than there are general practitioners, it is still a very in demand type of medical field. Not to mention that it is also the highest drug free treatment available to people in the entire medical industry.

What exactly defines Chiropractic?

The easiest way to explain what the practice is, is to look at its definition which is comprised of Greek words that translate into “practice of the hands”. When you think about any medical treatment which uses the hands in its practice, it becomes clear that chiropractic is a contact medical field.

In a brief explanation, a chiropractor will use force to adjust the bones of the spine, and other joints, to free up nerve signal channels so the body can communicate easier. These movements are referred to as “manipulation” and can properly align your spine and other joints so that you will eventually experience reduced or eliminated pain.

Is Chiropractic A Conventional Medical Discipline?

To be a chiropractor, candidates must complete the same pre-medical course of study and a rigorous course load in human anatomy. The number of laboratory, clinical and classroom hours for each chiropractor is 4200 hours. Upon completed the rigorous undergraduate study, every chiropractors moves on to complete their doctorate degree, which involves learning the same difficult and complex knowledge that any other medical professional is required to know.

The greatest difference is what the education teaches the doctors who do the practice. Traditional doctors want to use drugs and invasive actions in treatment, but chiropractors use the body itself.

The author enjoys writing articles about boise chiropractors & chiropractors in Boise idaho. Click on the links above to learn more about these topics! This and other unique content ‘boise’ articles are available with free reprint rights.

Why Do We Need To Join A Gym And Why We Don’t

For people who need to concentrate on their fitness, joining a gym is better. However, there are people who decided on stopping and get themselves exercising alone. Now, why do you think these people join a gym and why do others do not ever consider joining a gym? Here are several of the advantages and disadvantages of joining a gym.

Benefits of joining a gym:

In gym, you have the access on superior quality equipments than what you can’t afford. Such equipments include different varieties of dumbbells, barbell, cardio machine, weight lifting machines. and other equipments for your work out. Other gyms have provisions for pools, basketball courts, and other areas for sports activities. Having a lot of available equipments will keep you from being tired of doing the same workout daily. You can learn different workouts using these available facilities.

In gym, there are available trainers, staffs, and other members that you can consult regarding your activities. Professionals such as dieticians, gym instructors, physical therapist, yoga instructors, bodybuilders, and aerobic teachers are available in gym. You can consult these people on how to exercise properly, utilise the equipment correctly, and have a good diet suited to your training.

Joining a gym is better than to have your personal gym at home. Buying equipments for a gym will cost you a lot of money. As long as the gym is near your place or work place, joining here is great.

Disadvantages of joining a gym:

The greatest disadvantage of joining a gym is the high price. Apart from membership fee, there is also a regular fee. Then there is also an additional bill when hiring a personal trainer. Other gyms also bill for parking lots and use of locker rooms.

Then there is a matter of time and distance. An spare time to travel just to go to a gym takes a lot of effort, most especially for working people.

There is also a question on the availability of the equipments. If there are a number of people in a gym, there might be competition in using some equipments.

Learn a gym where you can change your wellness and physical fitness. You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.

The Best Rowing Machines for Sale

Fitness Rowing Machines are an excellent way to get fit, get into shape and enjoy your workout at the same time, all without injuring your joints. There are many rowing machines for sale that are perfect for a home gym. What you decide to get in the end will depend on your budget, your space and your fitness goals.

I used to row for my University team. Part of our training was in the gym and we used the concept 2 rowing machines.(More about these machines at a later stage) I was quite unfit when I joined the team but within 3 months of being part of the team and participating in the hectic training sessions, I was super fit and had lost a lot of body fat. Regardless of whether you are going to stick to a training schedule like I did, or use the Ergometer to keep fit at home, you will get a full body workout if you learn how to use the machine properly, and if you get the right rowing machine.

However, in this article, we are not going to be talking about getting the perfect body, but finding out which fitness rowing machines are worth getting for use at home. When you do an online search, be sure to look for elliptical machines or Ergometer rowing machines too since they mean the same thing.

Have you done any shopping around for rowing machines for sale? Have you noticed that there are 2 main differences? That difference is in the handle mechanism. One group has metal handlebars which are attached to the machine and which move in an arc. The other group has a string and a flywheel. This is the main feature that differs between the two. So how will this affect your rowing experience and workout?

If you are not an ex rower and are not planning on improving your technique and want a compact rowing machine then the group with the metal bars should be just fine for you. If however, you have used the gym commercial rowing machines, then you have used a concept 2 rower machine. Once you have used this type of rower, nothing else compares to it and settling for the equipment with metal handle bars just might not satisfy you!

The concept ii rower is the commercial rowing machine of choice because it is so tough at the same time as being very effective. This machine is not just limited for commercial use and many people buy rowing machines like the concept ii for their personal home use. The prices range from just over $1000 and are rarely above $2000. If space is not a problem, and you don’t need to fold up the machine, and if you want the best fitness rowing machine on the market, then consider the concept2. Concept 2 is not the only maker and you should also compare this to the WaterRower Rowing Machine, The Tunturi Rower, LifeCore Rowing and Kettler Rowing machines.

If you are looking for more affordable rowing machines then look out for the stamina rowing machine range. They have a wide variety to choose from; including the concept 2.This type of rowing machine is often small and compact and will fit under a bed or stand up against the wall. Some people prefer these machines with the metal bars because they don’t have to worry themselves about technique but can still get a decent workout.

As you can see from this article not all Rowing Machines on Sale are the same. Make sure you know what you getting before you spend your hard earned cash. For more detailed information on fitness rowing machines, visit the website below. http://rowingmachinesforsale.net

Reasons Why You Should Hire A Personal Fitness Trainer

It is difficult to acquire the shape you want unless you have a personal trainer who will guide you along the way. Achieving the physique we crave isn’t as simple as many folks assume it is. To figure out your body type and its specific needs requires expertise and experience.

The most prized possession that any of us have is our own body. Every individual has unique physical traits. This demands the expertise of a personal fitness trainer who can focus on every client to ensure they reach their goals.

Many times people desire a body that is toned, but are not motivated and this prevents them from turning this desire into a reality. It takes a bit of a push to get us out of this lazy slump. Your fitness instructor will furnish you with this essential motivating factor.

We understand the ideal exercise routines that are required in order to attain this objective. Your fitness coach is armed with the best information regarding the proper positions and equipment needed for workouts. A fitness trainer provides assistance to concentrate on a given part of the body to achieve the desired results.

The required equipment will be provided to you by a professional fitness trainer, who will also teach you the correct method of using them. In addition, your personal trainer will supervise your diet.

A professional fitness trainer’s wisdom and expertise is very important. A professional fitness trainer is unparalleled in information and aid. Your personal training sessions will enlighten you with fitness tips as well as broadening your knowledge of fitness.

With individual fitness training, the fitness instructors will assist you in getting your shape back as quickly as possible; you will also learn how to keep your shape. You just need to focus on your workout, while your fitness trainer is responsible for devising your exercise program. If you are aware of the health improvements you need to make and where you have to reach, then you can reap maximum benefits from personal training.

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Good Fitness Program: Things You Should Know

The present age is one of widespread knowledge about the part that health and fitness play in living a more satisfying and enriched life. Therefore people have become immensely interested in looking for and enrolling in fitness programs.

Fitness programs can be implemented at your house or in a gym, and they have several advantages. Firstly it helps you to determine your objectives about fitness, and chart out a plan so that you can attain those goals. For example, if your goal is to get rid of 5 kilos in a couple of months, the fitness program will instruct you on the daily workouts that are to be done and the kind of food you should eat in order to reach your goal.

A fitness program also enables you to remain encouraged and focused on the task at hand. It compels you to seriously stick to a plan and not make any excuses. When you find after regular intervals that you have made impressive progress since you began with the program, it will eliminate all your doubts about its efficacy, and you will be motivated to finish it in time.

However, some essential things in the fitness program are required to ensure its success. Only that program which is effective and is worth the time and money spent on it must be chosen, so that you find yourself in excellent health after following the program.

The fitness program that is appropriate for you depends on many elements. You should take into account your current health level. The intention should be to execute a fitness program that is going to challenge you, but would not result to any health troubles. So its essential to assess your current health before formulating a fitness program.

Any fine fitness program should have very well defined objectives, and advisably not too many of them. Therefore if reducing weight is your objective, then be focused on that rather than beginning to pump iron for getting a muscular physique.

Depending on what goals you have set, you must decide if you need to go to a gym or if you can workout at your house. Then you need to find out if you will need a personal instructor or not. However, it is always recommended that you take some help from a personal instructor both in creating your fitness program and implementing it.

Finally, you should ensure that the fitness program can comfortably fit in your routine. If you set an extremely tough objective for yourself, then you may not have sufficient time through the day for the whole set of exercises, and will gradually lose the will to go forward with your fitness program. Whereas if your targets are too modest, you will start doubting the point of all your strenuous efforts to stick to the program. Therefore it is always better to set a reasonable target and adhere to the routine in order to have a fruitful fitness program.

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What A Personal Trainor Can Do For You

We all have very different bodies and once you realize that, then it is obvious that a personal fitness trainer is necessary. If you are unhappy with a generic fitness program, then turn to a personal fitness coach.

Times have changed and now it’s not just the rich and famous who can afford an experienced fitness trainer. Today, expect to be paired with a fitness instructor at the time you begin a relationship with a top notch gym. Your personal fitness trainer will oversee the development of a fitness plan that is specially tailored to your physique. Every exercise regimen is tailor-made specifically to the needs of the client as an individual.

There are many advantages to using an expert fitness trainer. Your personal trainer will devise a program that is tailored fit with your body structure and your needs. They will identify and then focus on the part of your physique that will be targeted with rigorous exercise. They will work on the areas that need the most conditioning through personal training sessions.

Your physical fitness trainer can assist you in selecting the proper equipment required as well as the correct techniques for using them. You will learn proper posture from your personal fitness training lessons.

Certified personal fitness trainers are fully informed in the areas of nutrition, proper diet, and bodily makeup. They will create the right diet for you to follow and encourage you to have that fantasy figure that you can have if you follow a healthy diet and a good exercise routine. A trainer will also offer you tips to help you combat diseases and health hazards, so that you can lead a healthier and more enriched life.

To fully comprehend the best weight loss program for you, you should use personal training directed by a fitness coach. In addition, your personal fitness coach provides motivation and makes sure you remain committed to your exercise plan by varying your routines.

Personal trainer always keep in their mind that achieving the customer’s goal is also their obligation. The personal trainer takes on 50% of the commitment by offering the success formula along with the motivation and accountability. The client does their part by showing up and doing the needed lifestyle changes.

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Things To Look For When Choosing A Gym

For health-conscious individuals, a gym is the perfect place, which serves all their fitness requirements. The number of gyms has grown greatly over the last few years and the services available at these centres have also reached a whole new level. They are no longer visited by just body builders or professional sportsmen. People both young and old and across all segments of society frequent gyms to stay healthy and keep their bodies in perfect shape.

However, you must be careful of centres that have come up just to profit from the modern craze for fitness, as they can have a negative effect on the health of the members owing to their lack of correct equipment and facilities. Therefore, selection of the correct gym is possible only if a few significant aspects are kept in mind.

Your inspiration levels can be significantly impacted if the gym is located far off from your office or residence. Thus, close proximity of the gym is very important. The overall atmosphere in the gym, which includes the mindset of the staff, the design, air-conditioning etc, must also be factored in. Moreover, the place should be spacious and comfortable. Only gyms with standard equipment and modern facilities must be chosen. This is an important criterion, because faulty equipment will not only affect the results, but may even be risky for you.

A gym having additional services like sauna baths is always a better choice. Some gyms even have special day care centres that keep kids in good humour while their parents work out in the exercise area.

Gyms with personal training facilities must always be chosen above those that don’t have them. Personal care and attention is possible with personal training and inspiration levels are also improved through it. The personal trainers available should be dedicated, focused and approachable so that you are able to gain the maximum out of their knowledge.

Finally, the fees charged for the gym must be in accordance with your financial situation and the services and facilities offered. You may go for long term packages that would notably cut down your membership fee, but don’t fall into the trap of a lock-in period that you are not sure you will use the service for.

In summary, your gym should be such that frequenting it daily and exercising in it should be a nice and rejuvenating experience for you, and this must be the prime parameter for your selection of the gym.

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Boost Your Physique – Get A Personal Trainer

The current generation has become dangerously habituated to a sedentary and lethargic lifestyle. The rush and competitiveness of modern day living, coupled with the hazard of pollution, have led to falling health standards across the board.

On top of this, increasing competition in the corporate world demands that you stay healthy and fit at all times. As a result, fitness training has become an important requirement for people of all ages and across all segments.

However, fitness routines are highly specialized and starting one without an expert’s advice and supervision might be harmful. For this reason, it is always prudent to go for a personal trainer who has all the required qualifications and training in this field, and who can give the correct guidance.

Personal training can motivate and even force a person to scrupulously follow a fitness plan without any breaks. Very often a long day in the office drains you out to the extent that you don’t feel the inclination to go to the gym for exercise. In times like these, a personal trainer can be very helpful. Furthermore, he will have the needed talent to chalk out an appropriate health program for you as per your particular needs and fitness targets.

Personal trainers are taught to conduct tests and evaluate the exact requirements of every client. Hence they are of great help in fixing your fitness targets and keeping you informed about the thrust areas where you need to focus. No two bodies are exactly the same when it comes to health and fitness, and no one comprehends this better than a personal training instructor. An average person will not have this knowledge, and trying these things yourself can easily result in fatigue and even injuries. A phased improvement is necessary in any fitness programme, and personal training can help you define these phases.

If you are a busy individual, having a personal trainer can ensure that you don’t have to go to the gym on a regular basis. A personal trainer can even visit your place for training if you already have exercise equipment installed at your home.

A certified trainer having the correct attitude and ready to help you with focus, politeness and dedication can drastically change both your private and public life. One might even go so far as to say that the right personal trainer holds the key to healthy living in this modern age of tension and physical inactiveness.

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