Chaga – Mushroom of Immortality

  Who among you love mushrooms? I’ve grown up in a family of mushroom lovers, yet to this day I cannot stand the taste or smell of cooked mushrooms and have become what I call...’an expert mushroom picker outerer’ after carefully picking out the awful little things out of my meals! For me, it’s a little like Marmite, you either love it OR Hate it! However, despite my dislike of eating mushrooms I cannot deny that they have truly remarkable benefits upon health. Reishi, Maiitake, Cordyceps all varieties that research is highlighting as having a multitude of health benefits from increasing energy & endurance levels to immune support. But the one mushroom that is currently piquing my interest is Wild Chaga! Certainly not a mushroom that you’d come across on your weekly trip to the supermarket to throw into a risotto or find growing in a field, no, this amazing fungi, grows on trees! (primarily, the Birch tree)

Inonotus obliqus or as it’s commonly referred to Chaga, originally derived from the Russian word for mushroom, has been traditionally used in Siberia, Russia and Northern Europe since the 16^th century for its’ medicinal properties. It is a parasitic fungus that grows on ‘living’ hardwood trees particularly in cold climates and unlike the image of a mushroom we are used to, it appears as a large, cracked black/brown growth on the tree that is hard and dense. Large concentrations of melanin, the pigment responsible for our skin colour, can be found naturally within and this is what gives Chaga its dark colour. Wild Chaga survives by extracting an abundance of nutrients from the inner layer of the tree bark whilst at the same time giving the tree vital nutrients to support its’ health in return - a truly unique ‘symbiotic’ (mutually beneficial) relationship. However, this relationship only occurs with wild Chaga grown and harvested in its natural environment as opposed to cheaper, less nutrient dense Chaga commercially grown in vats.

During the past few decades the health benefits of Chaga have been actively studied with the aim of shedding some light on its biochemistry and reported human health benefits. Chaga has been noted to have activity in a wide range of health-related areas such as its free radical (molecules that damage our cells) scavenging potential, immune stimulating effects and anti mutagenic and anti cancer properties and is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the most medicinally valuable fungi. In China it is referred to as ‘The king of all plants’, the Siberians call it a ‘gift from God’ or the ‘mushroom of immortality’ whilst in Japan it is often referred to as the ‘diamond in the forest’. It certainly is one of the most praised superfoods and that can be attributed to its unique concentration of nutrients that include: flavanoids, phenols, antioxidants, various B complex vitamins, minerals including copper, manganese, iron, zinc, potassium and calcium, high levels of SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) a component that exhibits a very high antioxidant activity, Beta glucans, melanin, amino acids, dietary fibre, enzymes, sterols, vitamin D2 and K to name but a few.

So what health benefits does Chaga potentially offer?

·         Cellular Protection – research has shown Chaga to have very high concentrations of antioxidant compounds that help to protect our cells from damage and premature ageing. In fact it is one of the richest sources of antioxidants in the world, not only boasting the highest levels but also an exceptionally rare diversity of antioxidants. It has been reported that the Emperor of China once outlawed Chaga as he wanted exclusive use of the age defying tonic so that he could appear ‘eternally young’ whilst everyone around him grew old.

·         Anti inflammatory – it contains specific anti inflammatory compounds such as ergosterol that help to combat inflammation a process that is often present in chronic degenerative disease. So, with this in mind, Chaga may help reduce systemic inflammation and help in the prevention of a number of health problems, leading to a longer and healthier life.

·         Anti Hyperglycemic – a few studies have shown that polysaccharides in Chaga have the potential to reduce, glucose, triglycerides, fatty acids and cholesterol in blood.

·         Immune support – There is increasing research exploring the role of Chaga on immune function with evidence suggesting that it has a stimulating and balancing effect whilst increasing white blood cell population. This has been attributed to high levels of Beta Glucans (immune supporting polysaccharides) occurring naturally within Chaga. Making it a fabulous immune remedy to have at hand during the cold & flu season.

·         Anti bacterial , Anti Viral & Anti Fungal– Wild chaga has been reported to to enhance anti viral activity in the body with research demonstrating positive results in cases of the Herpes simplex virus and additional research showing that chaga polysaccharides work equally to broad spectrum anti viral drugs for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections with additional significant favourable outcomes for its anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti parasitic effects.

·         Adaptogenic - It has strong adaptogenic properties. The European Medicines Agency tried to define adaptogens as clearly as possible in a 2008 treatise, "Reflection Paper on the Adaptogenic Concept":Adaptogenic substances are stated to have the capacity to normalize body functions and strengthen systems compromised by stress.

How can Chaga be incorporated into our health & wellness 

regimes?

Traditionally in Eastern Europe and Asia where it originates, Chaga has been boiled and consumed as a tea, however with its growing popularity in the Western world Chaga can now be found as a tincture, in capsules or powder. In powder form it is ideal to add to smoothies or juices or taken as a warming, immune supporting hot drink tat makes an ideal coffee alternative. Perfect during the cold winter months. Top Tip - Always try to source the best Chaga, preferably Wild and 100% organic where possible to ensure you are obtaining a full spectrum of nutrients with no added synthetic binders, fillers or preservatives and that is also from a sustainable source.

For further information, please call Bare Health, Congleton your local, independent health store on 01260 408413. We are always happy to answer your queries.

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The content of this article is for information purposes only. Always seek the advice of your GP or healthcare specialist if taking prescribed medication or undergoing any form of treatment prior to embarking on any new health regime.

Useful References:

https://draxe.com/chaga-mushroom/

https://nootriment.com/chaga-mushroom/

http://wildchaga.com/?page_id=7

https://www.berevolk.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/chaga-immunomodulatory-activity-of-the-w-3fb4259.pdf

http://www.integrativehealthinstitute.ca/chaga-mushroom-magic

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273099088_Review_on_Chaga_Medicinal_Mushroom_Inonotus_obliquus_Higher_Basidiomycetes_Realm_of_Medicinal_Applications_and_Approaches_on_Estimating_its_Resource_Potential

http://www.medicinehunter.com/chaga-potent-immune-enhancing-fungus

http://chagamushroom.com/chaga_russian_secret_formula.htm

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Scientific_guideline/2009/09/WC500003646.pdf

Ease the sneeze this Winter!

It’s official! The clocks have turned back, the dark evenings arrived, those last few golden leaves are about to shed and the temperatures outside have taken a dip. I’ve already been reaching into the wardrobe for my cosy layers and woolly jumpers! It certainly feels like winter is creeping in. It’s also that time of year where those sniffles, coughs, colds and viruses are starting to rear their ugly heads. So, what steps will you be taking this winter to support your immune system?

For many, it will be a visit to the chemist for a ‘quick fix’ or some sort of medication to alleviate our symptoms in order to continue with our busy day to day lives. But often with a cold, flu or any other virus these medications will only have the ability to mask or treat symptoms but cannot eliminate the virus itself. It’s up to our immune system to do that. Viruses, which are small infectious agents that replicate inside the body, only cause illness in the first place when the immune system fails to do its job.

Our immune systems when in good working order are constantly working to keeping threats at bay. What many will not realise is that our bodies frequently host viruses that don’t result in illness – this is because a healthy immune system will neutralise viruses before they can replicate to the point of causing symptoms. So the most beneficial way of avoiding illness from viruses or any other infectious agent is to maintain a strong immune system.

There are many remedies found in nature that can be taken to bolster the immune system and of course a wholesome, healthy diet that is rich in fruit, vegetables & whole grains whilst adopting other healthy lifestyle strategies, for example getting adequate sleep, taking regular exercise, avoiding smoking and having a moderate alcohol intake will all help protect your body from environmental attack. Adding the following immune boosting foods to your next shopping list will be a great step in the right direction: garlic, kiwi fruit, blackcurrants, sprouts, oats, shiitake and reishi mushrooms, berries, broccoli, kale, and ginger to name but a few. Keeping adequately hydrated is also important, so always make sure that you maintain an adequate water intake.

But what if our immune system fails and we fall prey to a cold or even the flu? Well, at these times there is a natural remedy that has a high rate of efficacy in tackling common viruses. It’s the fruit of a tree that can be found growing in our hedgerows in abundance during the autumn months.  Black Elderberries – are the fruit of the Elder tree, of which worldwide, there are many species, but it is the ‘black elder’ or sambucus nigra, a small tree native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia that is commonly used in medicinal preparations. The Elder Tree has a rich and varied history of culinary, medicinal and folklore uses. For centuries it has been associated with warding off evil and protecting from witchcraft. Today though, it is commonly recognised for warding off the evil of colds and offering protection from the flu.

Traditionally, almost every part of the tree is used to prepare medicines, tonics and drinks, including the flowers, berries, bark and leaves. The berries are a rich source of vitamin C, anthocyanins and flavonoids which are all powerful antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. Studies have linked anthocyanins to increased immune coordination and shown to boost the production of immune cytokines – key messengers in the immune system that help regulate the immune response. This allows the body to defend us against disease.  A study published in 2004 demonstrated Elderberry’s ability to improve flu like symptoms. The study examined 60 people with the flu. The group that received the elderberry extract for five days had their symptoms subside four days earlier than the placebo group. Elderberries also have a strong affinity for the respiratory system and encourage expectoration thus reducing acute and chronic mucus congestion. They are also very soothing, they will coat the membranes alleviating sore throats and irritating coughs.

How does elderberry extract prevent viruses from replicating? Viruses are coated with hemagglutinin spikes that allow them to penetrate the cell membrane, enter and take control of the cell. Elderberries contain ‘antivirin’ - a compound which helps to neutralise the activity of the spikes. When deactivated the viruses are no longer able to enter our cells and replicate.

So next time you find yourself starting with the ‘odd sniffle’ that develops into a cold or even the dreaded flu, it might just be worth popping into your local health store for some soothing ‘black elderberry elixir’ or make yourself a warming brew with ‘black elderberry and echinacea teabags’. You’ll be back on your feet again in no time!

 Bare Health Recommends:

The information contained within this article is intended for information purposes only and should not replace the advice of your GP or Healthcare professional. Always seek advice if taking prescribed medication or undergoing any course of treatment.

For more information, call into Bare Health, Congleton. Your local, independent health store.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11399518

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25327310

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22972323

http://science.naturalnews.com/2000/6974773_Incorporation_of_the_elderberry_anthocyanins_by_endothelial_cells_increases_protection.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15080016

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/elderberry

Top Tips for a healthy Christmas!

A healthy Christmas survival guide!

So Christmas is just around the corner! Are you full of festive cheer? Have you finished your Christmas shopping? Wrapped your gifts and placed them underneath the Christmas tree and now eagerly awaiting the holiday to arrive along with precious time to spend with family and friends? Maybe you haven’t even started yet and it’s all going to be a little last minute with you burning the candle at both ends and then when Christmas Eve finally arrives – you collapse in a heap, start to relax into the festivities and wham (and I don’t George Michael singing last Christmas!) you’re suddenly hit with the sniffles that develop into a cold or even worse, the dreaded flu and Christmas is spent feeling under the weather, or, you miss out completely and spend it in bed!

Do you think about keeping healthy over Christmas and take steps to keep yourself fighting fit? Or is it a time where you throw caution to the wind, party hard, eat whatever you want and yep you guessed it drink whatever you want and then worry about the consequences in the new year?

Well here’s a few tips that may just keep you in the festive spirit and carry you through to the new year without a cough, sniffle or a sneeze in sight! Or a huge hangover and a belly as big as Santa Claus himself!

 Support your immunity

 A weakened immune system is susceptible to not only colds, flu & infections but also to more serious health conditions. Strengthening your immune system through good nutrition and supplementation are ways in which you can support your overall health. Research has highlighted the central role vitamin D3 plays in immune health. The anti microbial proteins that fight viruses and bacteria are dependent on adequate levels of vitamin D whilst the minerals selenium, copper & zinc and vitaminc also contribute to the normal function of the immune system. 

Olive leaf has been traditionally used for centuries in many cultures for medicinal purposes and is constantly recommended to boost the immune system, particularly for those who suffer from recurrent infections. Common conditions where olive leaf has been effective in boosting the immune system include colds & flu, ear infections, warts, cold sores, urinary tract infections, yeast issues and many more.It is thought to work by supporting your body’s innate immunity through interaction with white blood cells known as macrophages.By improving the function of macrophages, our first line of defence is increased and our ability to repel harmful microorganisms enhanced. 

AllicinMax, a stabilised, patented Allicin extract from garlic has many anti fungal and anti viral applications. It is particularly beneficial during the winter months as a preventative – research confirming a 60% reduction in the likelihood of developing a cold and should you be unlucky and fall prey to colds & flu, then it has also been shown to reduce symptom duration and reduce the chances of re-infection.

Should you succumb to a nasty cough then a traditional cough remedy containing black elderberry, manuka honey and thyme may provide significant relief helping to coat and soothe irritated and inflamed respiratory membranes whilst working as an expectorant helping to expel mucus from the lungs.

Diet – you are what you eat! 

Christmas seems to be the season where we take leave of our senses a little, the supermarket shelves are crammed with seasonal delights and then there’s the Christmas TV adverts, one after another ,enticing us in with an array of treats, puddings, fantastic deals on alcohol and chocolates galore! The choice is astounding and we give ourselves free reign to eat, drink and be merry until we’re ready to burst. Everyone deserves a treat every now and again and I’m no party pooper. However, there are lots of ways to make sure you are getting the balance right at Christmas, and by introducing healthier alternatives into the mix you might just save yourself from the discomfort of over indulging: bloating, indigestion, wind, nausea, headaches and the dreaded hangover! 

At Christmas there’s a fantastic array of fruit & vegetables on offer. Try and cut down on your portion sizes of meat and roast potatoes and go for extra vegetables, especially greens such as broccoli & kale which are packed with essential nutrients and love them or hate them, Brussel sprouts are packed with Vitamin C!

Love your roasties? Well, as an alternative to potatoes try a healthier option of sweet potatoes, roast beetroot, celeriac and parsnip. Seasonal fruits such as cranberries, satsumas, dates and figs are also in abundance at this time of year and are full of vitamins, minerals and fibre. 

Buy organic where possible, eat smaller amounts of food, but more often to keep your blood sugars stable and to keep those hunger pangs at bay! Cut back on the salt too or use Pink Himalayan salt a much healthier alternative. You can find this at your local health store.

Have a selection of nuts at hand – although higher in calories they are packed full of nutrients. Brazils, walnuts and almonds are ideal and contain the minerals selenium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc & potassium. A handful a day is ideal, but make sure they are unsalted.

KEEP HYDRATED! It’s party time – cheers! Certainly enjoy yourselves, but make sure you get to drink plenty of water during the day and in between those glasses of wine, beer or whatever your favourite tipple might be. Start your day with a pint of warm water with a slice of lemon – and always have a pint of water before you go to bed. Alcohol will dehydrate you so by ensuring you stay hydrated you will hopefully keep the hangovers at bay!

Seasonal over indulgence

Ok, so what if you do get a bout of indigestion, wind and bloating or find you succumb to a hangover? Well, there are a few natural remedies that would make great store cupboard essentials for over the Christmas period. Extracts of bitter herbs such as centaurium and yarrow are traditionally recommended for those suffering from acid reflux, acid indigestion and heartburn whilst herbs such as dandelion and artichoke are traditionally used for supporting the liver. If you get general indigestion rather than reflux, feel full and uncomfortable in your abdomen after eating and find rich fatty foods are productive of slight nausea then liver supportive herbs could be helpful. Milk thistle is the herb most commonly associated with the liver due to its ability to protect the liver from alcohol and medications which might do it harm. However, always remember, if you are already taking prescribed medication or have a medical condition always seek the advice of your GP prior to taking these remedies. A course of friendly bacteria in supplement form may also ease symptoms of bloating whilst offering immune system protection. Taking digestive enzymes with meals will help to break down your food so that it can be easily digested and better absorbed by the body. And one very important tip for helping digestion – always chew your food thoroughly!

Get some exercise! 

Why not enjoy a walk with family or friends after your Christmas meal? Exercise has significant benefits, not only will it take you away from all the food and drink, it means you are less likely to help yourself to seconds or over indulgence on your return. It will also support your digestion and metabolism and help to lower your blood sugar levels.

And finally....... try and minimise your stress levels!

Relax and engage in activities over the Christmas period that make you happy. Laugh lots! Laughter is the best medicine! Get plenty of rest and good quality sleep and don’t forget to breathe when it all gets too much. Find a little bit of peace & tranquility among the pre Christmas chaos. Treat yourself to a massage, light some candles, add a few drops of lavender oil to a warm bath and simply let your cares melt away.

Have a great Christmas everyone!

Competition time: 

to win our A.Vogel cold & flu survival kit (see below) simply answer the following question and email your answers to mel@barehealth.co.uk 
by 31/01/2015

Which herb is most commonly associated with the liver due to its ability to protect the liver from alcohol and medications which might do it harm?

The information in this article is intended for information purposes only. Always remember to seek the advice of your GP or healthcare professional if taking prescribed medication or undergoing treatment for any medical condition.

For more information please call into Bare Health, Congleton’s award winning, independent health store.