In-store pharmacy health clinics to expand presence, offering "drive-through" disease diagnosis, pharmaceutical sales

(NaturalNews) The number of walk-in health clinics inside retail stores such as CVS, Target, Walgreens and Wal-Mart is set to quadruple by the end of 2008, drawing controversy from physicians' groups. The retail clinics offer certain key advantages over visits to doctors' offices or emergency rooms, including lower and clearly posted prices, shorter wait times and longer hours than a normal doctor's office. However, most of them rely on family nurse practitioners and have no physician on site. In addition, the American Medical Association and other doctors' groups have accused the clinics of a conflict of interest, because they write prescriptions that can then be filled by the pharmacy in the hosting store.

Doctors have also warned that the relationship between physician and patient could be threatened as the retail clinics become more popular.

Big Pharma critic Mike Adams calls the practice, "Drive-By Medicine," and says that such clinics have a clear financial incentive to find something wrong with patients in order to sell them more drugs. "In-store clinics are customer recruitment stations, not health care centers. They exist solely for the purpose of boosting retail revenues by diagnosing more patients with yet more health conditions, then directing them to purchase high-profit prescription drugs all under the same roof," Adams said.

There are currently an estimated 500 walk-in health clinics in the United States. That number is expected to increase to 700 by the end of 2007 and 2,000 by the end of 2008. Approximately seven percent of U.S. residents have visited one of these clinics, according to retail clinics' group Convenient Care Association.

According to Dr. Rick Kellerman, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the clinics are indeed a problem, but they are only one symptom of an inherently flawed national health-care system. "The clinics are one response. They are not an answer," he said, encouraging doctors to reevaluate their own practices.

According to Wal-Mart spokesperson Deisha Galberth, approximately 50 percent of those visiting Wal-Mart clinics are uninsured. According to Sandy Ryan, chief nurse practitioner for Take Care Health clinics, 30 percent of Take Care Health's patients are uninsured and 30 percent have no primary care physician.

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, 20 percent of U.S. residents live in areas without good access to primary medical care. This shortage of doctors is expected to increase to 200,000 by 2020.

Unanswered Questions Remain Regarding BTC Pharmaceuticals

(NaturalNews) Dr. Sidney Wolfe, Director of Health Research at Public Citizen, recently called for more time, research and input regarding the FDA proposal to create a third class of drugs to be sold behind the counter (BTC) by pharmacists. Public Citizen is a national nonprofit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1971 to “represent consumer interests in Congress, the Executive Branch and in the courts”.

The website (www.worstpills.org) is a Public Citizen site devoted to providing unbiased, expert information on prescription drugs.

Dr. Wolfe says that questions remain about the safety, cost and need for a proposed third classification of drugs by the FDA and asks:

• Do pharmacists have the time and training to explain drug use and side effects to customers? If not, who will provide and pay for this training?

• Will pharmaceutical companies pressure the FDA to have some of their prescription drugs reclassified to BTC status to avoid regulation?

• Will lack of physician oversight in the prescribing process turn pharmacies into “drug vending machines” posing increased health risks to the public?

In a notice to its members, the American Pharmacists Association (APA) lists 25 questions that the organization would like input on regarding BTC availability of certain drugs prior to the FDA Public Comment on November 14, 2007. (A link to the full text is provided in the reference list below)

The role of the pharmacist is central to the BTC discussion. The APA list of questions is a thought provoking compilation of topics that need to be addressed if we are to thoroughly grasp the implications of such a ruling by the FDA.

For example, the APA asks “Would special training be needed for other pharmacy staff to aid in managing the work flow (storage, record keeping, distribution) and additional BTC responsibilities of the pharmacist(s) and the pharmacy? If so, what type of training or measures should be put in place? What impact would BTC availability of drugs have on the practice of medicine? ”

These are important questions that require well defined answers if we are to understand who will be accountable for safety issues related to BTC sales of certain drugs. The self prescribing customer may be the one ultimately accountable for requesting a BTC drug. What guidelines can the public look to when they are assessing a need for a drug and require a thorough understanding of both common and infrequent adverse side effects of potential BTC drugs like statins?

Anyone that saw the ABC News 20/20 Undercover Pharmacy investigation earlier this year will certainly want answers to all of the questions the APA poses. It is not unheard of that part time, untrained staff assists pharmacists; especially at busy pharmacy locations across the US.

Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand have already reclassified a number of drugs to BTC status. The APA notes that in these countries, “typically, the pharmacist is required to ensure the patient meets certain criteria prior to dispensing, to provide education on proper use, and to monitor”.

Educate, dispense and monitor. Is it realistic to think that these steps can be comprehensively carried out in already busy pharmacies across the US?

28 Senators vote to maintain Big Pharma monopoly over U.S. consumers; Republicans oppose free trade for medicine

On May 3rd, 2007, U.S. Senators voted on an amendment to the 2007 Prescription Drug User Fee bill that aims to reform the FDA and enhance drug safety. This amendment, known as the "Dorgan Amendment No. 990," threatened to break Big Pharma's monopoly over pharmaceutical sales and allow U.S. consumers, cities, states and businesses to purchase their pharmaceuticals from safety-certified pharmacies located in Canada, Japan, the U.K. and other nations.

Americans currently pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs. Canadians, Europeans, and even citizens of Mexico pay only about one-half to as little as one-tenth the price paid by Americans for the very same chemicals. Drug companies actually import many of the raw materials used in pharmaceuticals from other countries, meaning that some U.S. medicines are already sourced from countries like the U.K. and Germany.

Drug companies mark up their prescription drugs as much as 569,000% over the price of the raw materials. (A typical markup is more in the 30,000% - 50,000% range.) Retailing pharmaceuticals is hugely profitable. There is no business in the world with more profit built in to the retail price of the product. The purpose of restricting Americans from buying drugs from other countries is to enforce a medical monopoly in the United States, forcing consumers to purchase drugs at the highest prices in the world, further padding the profits of powerful and influential pharmaceutical corporations who exert strong influence over the Bush Administration and Republican lawmakers.

The FDA has, over the past several years, colluded with drug companies to maintain a monopoly market in the United States in order to protect those profits. It has taken actions such as raiding a bus load of senior citizens returning to the U.S. from Canada, searching the elderly for legal drugs. The FDA has gone to great lengths to pressure U.S. customs to seize pharmaceutical shipments being imported for sale to individual consumers in the United States, and it has even invoked the fantasy-based fear tactic of suggesting that terrorists might adulterate pharmaceuticals coming to the U.S. from Canada (and therefore we should all buy our drugs only from U.S. monopoly-controlled pharmacies because of "terrorists").

Dorgan amendment proposes free trade for medicine

The Dorgan amendment, entitled, "Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2007," proposes what is essentially a free trade policy on prescription medications. It would allow Americans to buy their drugs from certain certified organizations registered as valid importers or exporters. The bill states, "...a prescription drug is neither safe nor effective to an individual who cannot afford it," and goes on to describe rigorous safety requirements that would be required by the amendment, including safety inspections and registrations as well as funding efforts to locate and shut down fraudulent internet sales of counterfeit prescription drugs.

If passed into the law, this amendment would save U.S. citizens, businesses, and government entities (local, state and federal) billions of dollars each year by allowing them to source medications in a price competitive environment. Many cities and states are right now facing the very real possibility of bankruptcy due to health care costs (providing benefits to current and former government employees). A large percentage of those costs are spent on monopoly-priced pharmaceuticals. This Dorgan amendment would set city and state governments free to finally engage in fundamental free market price comparisons and save substantial sums of money in sourcing the very same chemical medications for their employees and retirees.

Studies show reishi mushrooms benefit people stricken with a variety of ailments, from high blood pressure to AIDS

Hailed in ancient Eastern medicine as the "mushroom of immortality" and the "medicine of kings," you'd expect reishi to offer you some pretty astounding health benefits, right? Your assumptions are correct. This prized fungus may be able to boost your immune system, fight cancer, ward off heart disease, calm your nerves and relieve both allergies and inflammation.

"Reishi indeed sounds like a cure-all," writes Rebecca Wood in her book "New Whole Foods Encyclopedia." She goes on to explain reishi's wide range of uses: "An immunostimulant, it is helpful for people with AIDS, leaky-gut syndrome, Epstein-Barr, chronic bronchitis and other infectious diseases. It is used as an aid to sleep, as a diuretic, as a laxative and to lower cholesterol." It almost seems too good to be true.

How can one fungus help the human body in so many ways? Traditional Eastern medical science explains reishi's wide range of medicinal applications better, perhaps, than mainstream medicine ever could. According to Eastern thought, the body needs to defend itself against threats to its "equilibrium." These threats can be physical, such as viruses and bacteria that cause infection; emotional, such as stressors that cause anxiety; or energetic, in that they reduce alertness. Whatever the threat, reishi helps the body maintain its defense against these threats to its equilibrium, helping the body to maintain balance. In this sense, diseases like heart disease and cancer mean that the body is out of balance, which is why an equilibrium-enhancing remedy such as reishi can help so many diverse ailments.

Skeptics can doubt the previous explanation as Taoist "mumbo jumbo," but laboratory research proves many of reishi's medicinal applications. As Dr. Andrew Weil writes, reishi "has been the subject of a surprising amount of scientific research in Asia and the West." Research shows that the polysaccharide beta-1,3-D-glucan in reishi boosts the immune system by raising the amount of macrophages T-cells, which has major implications for people suffering from AIDS and other immune system disorders.

This immune-boosting action also works wonders in the prevention and treatment of cancer, as the T-cells are then able to fight cancer cells more effectively. However, reishi may help the body defeat cancer in not just one, but four ways. In addition to boosting the immune system, the glucan in reishi helps immune cells bind to tumor cells. Many experts believe that it also actually reduces the number of cancerous cells, making it easier for T-cells and macrophages to rid the body of them. Another substance in reishi, called canthaxanthin, slows down the growth of tumors, according to "Prescription for Dietary Wellness" author Phyllis A. Balch and other experts. As a result of these amazing anti-cancer abilities, laboratory research and traditional medicinal usage of reishi to fight cancer is so positive that the Japanese government officially recognizes it as a cancer treatment.

Besides cancer, reishi can help and treat another of America's top killers: cardiovascular disease. The protection reishi offers against heart disease and stroke is truly remarkable because it helps prevent so many different risk factors, due to its high content of heart-saving substances like sterols, ganoderic acids, coumarin, mannitol and polysaccharides. Experts believe that the ganoderic acids in particular lower triglyceride levels, remove excess cholesterol from the blood, lower blood pressure, reduce platelet stickiness and even help correct arrhythmia. In fact, for 54 people with hypertension unresponsive to medication, taking reishi extract three times a day for four weeks was enough to significantly lower blood pressure, according to a study reported by Burton Goldberg in "Heart Disease." Just imagine how the incidence of cardiovascular disease could be reduced if using reishi really caught on in the Western hemisphere.

While you protect your body against infectious disease, cancer and heart disease, your use of reishi can also help relieve your everyday discomforts. Do you have allergies? Japanese researchers discovered that the lanostan in reishi acts as a natural antihistamine. Do you suffer from muscle aches or arthritis? Dr. William B. Stavinhoa of the University of Texas Health Science Center found that reishi is as powerful as five milligrams of hydrocortisone, but with minimal side effects. What about anxiety or insomnia? According to "Mind Boosters" by Dr. Ray Sahelia, the reishi mushroom can calm the mind, as well as improve memory, concentration and focus. With all these benefits, reishi truly is the "medicine of kings."

Different types of reishi

Though there are six different types of reishi, all classified by color, herbalists generally call red reishi the most potent and medicinal variety, and thus it is the most commonly used form of reishi in North America, Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea. In the wild, the mushroom grows on deciduous trees in heavily forested areas of China and Japan, but it's now easily and widely cultivated commercially, so you don't have to venture into the forest to enjoy the benefits of what "Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook" author James Green calls a "remarkably beneficial fungus for the human body."

However, keep in mind that reishi isn't exactly the kind of mushroom you'll want to put in your next salad, either. Since it's more than 90 percent indigestible fiber, reishi has an extremely wood-like texture and to top it off, it's unpleasantly bitter. In spite of this bitter flavor, many reishi enthusiasts use ground reishi to make a life-enhancing tea or even use the mushrooms in soups. For the less daring, many health food stores offer reishi capsules, tablets and extracts, and Japanese research suggests taking vitamin C along with it may enhance reishi's medicinal effects.

So, how much reishi should you take? In the "Vitamin Bible for the Twenty-first Century," vitamin expert Earl Mindell advises an average dose of 100 milligrams of reishi extract daily to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation and ease joint pain. On the other hand, Dr. Linda B. White recommends up to three 1,000-milligram tablets up to three times per day in her book "The Herbal Drugstore." Because of this wide range of dosage suggestions and additional risks it might pose for pregnant or lactating women (even though reishi has no known toxicity) you should check with a physician, preferably a naturopath, before adding reishi to your regimen. Similarly, you should be aware that reishi does have some side effects, including abdominal upset, dizziness, nose bleeds and dry mouth and throat, according to "Natural Pharmacy" author Schuyler W. Lininger. In other words, it's up to you and your naturopath to decide which dose of reishi is right for you.

The experts speak on reishi:

Reishi's wide range of medicinal applications

Health Benefits: Reishi indeed sounds like a cure-all. An immunostimulant, it is helpful for people with AIDS, leaky gut syndrome, Epstein-Barr, chronic bronchitis, and other infectious viruses. It is used as an aid to sleep; as a diuretic; as a laxative; and to lower cholesterol. Reishi mushrooms are antioxidants and liver protectants..
New Whole Foods Encyclopedia by Rebecca Wood, page 288

One key function, identified long ago by Eastern medical science, is defense--that is, the body has the need and a

bility to defend itself against threats to its equilibrium, whether they be physical, emotional, or energetic. Having noted and studied the body's defensive capabilities, Chinese doctors then explored the natural world to find ways of maintaining and enhancing them, and they discovered a number of ways to do so, including the administration of herbal remedies. Among these remedies are ginseng, astragalus, and several mushrooms that grow on trees, such as Ganoderma lucidum (known to the Chinese as ling chih and the Japanese as reishi).
8 Weeks To Optimum Health By Andrew Weil MD, page 15

Not all of the active components in reishi have been isolated; like many other organic substances, the molecules in this plant are quite complex, though they are probably mostly polysaccharides and peptides. Dr. Terry Willard, a proponent of the medical uses of this mushroom, maintains that reishi also decreases free radicals by 50.4 percent through an as yet, unidentified antioxidant. ... Other researchers suspect that reishi may not have an antioxidant of its own but rather stimulates production of the body's own free radical scavenger, an enzyme called superoxide dismutase (SOD). According to the Bulletin of the Oriental Healing Arts Institute, reishi acts as an agent for promoting an increase in leukocytes, phagocytosis which in turn increase the number of disease-fighting T-cells in the bloodstream.
Attaining Medical Self Sufficiency An Informed Citizens Guide by Duncan Long, page 196

These powerful adaptogens -- Siberian ginseng, schisandra, ginseng, astragalus, and reishi--are among what Teeguarden calls the "superstars of Chinese tonic herbalism . . . incomparable, legendary herbal substances [that] have withstood the test of time." These five herbs also tend to be the ones with the most scientific backing for their strengthening and normalizing effects.
Off The Shelf Natural Health How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To Stay Well By Mark Mayell, page 291

Reishi and the immune system

Reishi is a purely medicinal mushroom, not a culinary one, both because it is hard and woody and because it tastes very bitter. But it is nontoxic and has been the subject of a surprising amount of scientific research, both in Asia and the West. Although most of the research has been in animals, the results are so promising that I think human studies will soon follow. Like maitake and other related mushroom species, reishi improves immune function and inhibits the growth of some malignant tumors. Additionally, it shows significant anti-inflammatory effect, reduces allergic responsiveness, and protects the liver.
8 Weeks To Optimum Health By Andrew Weil MD, page 140

Reishi is a supreme immune tonic. Because of its neutral energy, it is fine for anyone to take. It treats immune disorders including AIDS as it raises the T cell levels (an index of AIDS and immune disorders). It is also specific for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It inhibits bacteria and viruses, treats cancer and tumors and its adaptogenic quality protects the body against stress. It treats heart disease, reduces cholesterel and lowers high blood pressure.
The Herbs Of Life by Lesley Tierra, page 195

Maitake, shiitake, and reishi mushrooms possess beta-1,3-D-glucan, a type of polysaccharide that stimulates the immune cells. Their immune-boosting power makes them essential for fighting the flu.
Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James F Balch MD, page 469

In addition to being an effective energizer, reishi is an antioxidant that protects the body from the harmful effects of radiation and free radicals. It contains polysaccharides and other compounds that may combat bacteria and viruses and boost the immune system
Off The Shelf Natural Health How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To Stay Well By Mark Mayell, page 56

Reishi Mushrooms Known as kisshotake or the "lucky fungus," in Japan, reishi mushrooms were originally used in China in both cooking and traditional healing. However, for several thousand years the Japanese have used these delicately flavored mushrooms in their cuisine. reishi mushrooms, which are quite pricey, are available in Asian markets and gourmet shops. However, they may be worth their weight in gold. Recent studies show that reishi may stimulate the immune system, which increases the body's ability to ward off disease. In addition, reishi mushrooms contain compounds that are natural antihistamines and have strong anti-allergic activity. Other studies show that reishi can lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of dangerous blood clots that can lead to a heart attack or stroke..
Earl Mindells Soy Miracle Earl Mindel RPH PHD, page 107

reishi is a supreme immune tonic. Because of its neutral energy, it is fine for anyone to take. It treats immune disorders including AIDS as it raises the T cell levels (an index of AIDS and immune disorders). It is also specific for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It inhibits bacteria and viruses, treats cancer and tumors and its adaptogenic quality protects the body against stress. It treats heart disease, reduces cholesterel and lowers high blood pressure.
The Herbs Of Life by Lesley Tierra, page 195

Herbal Medicine: There are numerous herbs useful in the care of infections. Some are directly antibacterial or antiviral while others are immune potentiators. Some herbs do both. Examples include goldenseal, licorice, astragalus, garlic, Panax ginseng, reishi and shiitake mushrooms, slippery elm, and echinacea.
Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 1112

The third is reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), currently available in US health food stores. It is said to have been used as a "fountain of youth" elixir for centuries. A novel protein with immunomodulating activity in vivo has been isolated from the mycelial extract of reishi.
Cancer Therapy by Ralph W Moss PhD, page 248

reishi tones the immune system, supports nerve function, scavenges free radicals, protects the liver, and quells inflammation and allergies. According to Hobbs (1996), "reishi has the unique ability among medicinal mushrooms to calm and support nerve function." In his practice, he recommends reishi to people with chronic stress, anxiety, or insomnia.
Disease Prevention And Treatment by Life Extension Foundation, page 116

Reishi, shiitake, and maitake mushroom extracts or powders are all proven antivirals and are used as immunostimulants around the world for everything from colds to cancer.
Herbal Defense by Ralph T Golan ND, page 180

Immunity (increases) astragalus, codonopsis, cinnamon, ginger, ginseng, bayberry, schisandra reishi echinacea and American ginseng.
The Herbs Of Life by Lesley Tierra, page 231

The most common herbs used in fu-zheng are blood-vitalizing herbs, including astragalus, milletia, reishi, panax ginseng, schizandra, jujube, ligus-ticum, hoelen, salvia, ho shou wu, cordyceps, atractylodis, and codonopsis. Studies continue to demonstrate that these herbs have a dramatic impact on the enhancement of an immune system weakened by chemo and radiation therapies. They not only protect the immune and endocrine systems but also inhibit such diseases as influenza, upper respiratory infections, fungal infections, and chemically induced hepatitis. These diseases can cause serious complications for the person with cancer, requiring an interruption in treatment and a course of antibiotics that can lead to diarrhea and other debilitating problems.
Herbal Medicine Healing Cancer by Donald R Yance Jr, page 85

If yeast or other vaginal infections keep coming back, your best bet is to see a natural health practitioner who'll recommend an herbal tonic program that you'll use for a series of months. It will likely include herbs such as astragalus, reishi, shiitake, nettles, or burdock -- botanicals that gently and gradually rebuild the immune system and the many organs it involves. Such a program will likely include some diet changes as well, such as cutting down on caffeine and sugar.
The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B White MD, page 535

The once extremely rare and precious reishi mushroom is now cultivated and widely available. It is a very potent immune system and longevity tonic. Traditionally used to "nourish the heart and pacify the spirit," it has also been found to have numerous other health benefits.
The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook by Alan Keith Tillotson, page 190

Use one of the immune-boosting tonics, like maitake, reishi, or astragalus. In cities, people live in close proximity and come into contact with each other more frequently than in rural areas. Germs spread easily in dense populations, so give your immune system some help.
8 Weeks To Optimum Health By Andrew Weil MD, page 229

HERBS: Herbal medicine is best administered under the guidance of a professional trained in their use. The following herbs can be used safely as a self-care protocol, however. Dr. Bock recommends astragalus, ginseng, and maitake and reishi mushrooms for general immune support.
Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 1043

Mushrooms, particularly Eastern varieties, revitalize the body. Various cultures consider them to contain the secrets of staying young. Reishi and shiitake mushrooms build resistance to stress by strengthening the immune system. They also provide key B vitamins to the liver and stimulate the adrenals with their high concentration of pantothenic acid. The common American button mushroom contains methionine, an amino acid high in sulphur. When combined with tofu, the result is a more complete protein.
Food Swings by Barnet Meltzer MD, page 258

Several species of mushroom -- including shiitake (Lentinus edodes), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), and maitake (Grifola frondosa) -- are considered immune system stimulants. They contain compounds called polysac-charides that are similar to those found in other immune-boosting plants, such as astragalus and echinacea. These compounds increase the ability of white blood cells to devour germs.
Anti-Aging Prescriptions by James Duke PhD, page 163

This is the type of herbal tea I drink most frequently. After all, on a day-to-day basis, we mostly need to keep our good health intact. If I feel "immune challenged" or I want to start my day with an immune boost, I'll drink a cup of a blend that contains any of the following tonic herbs, known as adaptogens (herbs that strengthen or enhance the immune system, nervous system, and/or glandular system while they help the body cope with stress): Siberian ginseng, Panax ginseng, astragalus, shizandra, echinacea, ashwagandha, reishi mushrooms, licorice.
Caffeine Blues By Stephen Cherniske MS, page 324

Therapeutic and Healing Powers: reishi and shiitake mushrooms boost the immune system by producing interferon-like effects that fight viral infection. Mushrooms are also being studied for their anti-cancerous capabilities.
Food Swings by Barnet Meltzer MD, page 216

Mushrooms from Japan -- specifically, shiitake as a food, and reishi and maitake (which are currently available in the United States only as extracts) -- offer a host of immune-system benefits.
Herbal Defense by Ralph T Golan ND, page 152

All edible mushrooms contain both medicinal and nutritional qualities. Scientific research indicates that the major actions of medicinal mushrooms are stimulating the immune system and protecting against cardiovascular disease, free radicals, mutagens, and toxins. Most medicinal mushrooms contain polysaccharides (complex sugar molecules) called beta-glucans that increase RNA and DNA in the bone marrow where immune cells, like lymphocytes, are made. The combination of compounds in mushrooms is believed to target the immune system and aid in neuron transmission, metabolism, and the transport of nutrients and oxygen. Three mushroom varieties -- reishi, shiitake, and maitake -- have been studied intensively and have proven to possess strong medicinal properties. All mushrooms must be cooked to get the nutritional value. The cell walls cannot be digested unless they are tenderized by heat.
Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 167

If you have a family history of cancer, have been a smoker, have worked in a hazardous occupation, or know that you have had toxic exposures, take one or more of the tonics that are cancer-protective and immune-enhancing. My first choices would be maitake and reishi mushrooms.
8 Weeks To Optimum Health By Andrew Weil MD, page 251

Ganoderma: Ganoderma lucidum, the Chinese "mushroom of immortality" called ling zhi (in Japan, reishi) has been extensively studied in the laboratory for antiviral activity and is well known for its immune-modulating activity. My teacher of Chinese medicine, the late Dr. York Why Loo, kept a specimen of dried wild Chinese ling zhi in a jar for use in his old age. So revered by Chinese doctors is ling zhi that it is frequently pictured on their business cards or displayed in their shop windows as a sign of respect for its importance.
Viral Immunity by J.E, page 292

In China, many pharmacological, chemical, and biochemical studies have been conducted with this remarkable mushroom. Results show that reishi meets all qualifications of being an ad-aptogen and tonic. Its use bolsters the immune system, stimulates health, and improves or prevents allergic conditions and a variety of degenerative and other disease conditions.
Miracle Medicine Herbs by Richard M Lucas, page 9

Try shiitake or reishi mushrooms with your veggies -- the Chinese use them to bolster the immune system.
Prescription Alternatives by Earl Mindell RPh PhD and Virginia Hopkins MA, page 283

Preliminary human research demonstrates some efficacy for the mushroom reishi in treating chronic hepatitis B, although this use still needs to be confirmed.
The Natural Pharmacy by Schuyler W Lininger, page 80

Many researchers are now recommending a combination of mushrooms to maximize effects on the immune system. "A complex blend of medicinal fungi can offer a powerful therapeutic punch," says internationally renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, known by some as "Mr. Medicinal Mushroom."1 Two other mushrooms that hold great therapeutic promise are reishi, or Ling zhi (Ganoderma lucidum), and maitake (Gri-Jola frondosa).
The Encyclopedia Of Popular Herbs by Robert S McCaleb, page 335

Improves conditions of viral hepatitis (70% of all cases with this condition showed marked improvement after taking reishi).
Miracle Medicine Herbs by Richard M Lucas, page 9

Chinese herbalists have long considered mushrooms to be the most beneficial of all medicinal foods; however, the ordinary culinary mushrooms found at the supermarket are not as advantageous to the immune system as the more exotic reishi, maitake, or shiitake mushrooms. Modern research has determined that these mushrooms can support immune function. Extracts of these mushrooms can be purchased in capsule form.
Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 10

Immune tonics: reishi, astragalus, schisandra liver tonics: dandelion, fennel nerve tonics: scullcap, valerian nutritive tonics: comfrey, marshmallow.
The Herbs Of Life by Lesley Tierra, page 139

Immune-modulating plants often used by doctors of herbal medicine include Asian ginseng, eleuthero (Siberian ginseng, ashwagandha, and the medicinal mushrooms shiitake and reishi.
The Natural Pharmacy by Schuyler W Lininger, page 89

The reishi mushroom is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for asthenia-type syndromes, characterized by a deficiency of vital energy and functions of the lower body. reishi is the perfect remedy for the typical American suffering from constant stress. This type of individual has depressed vital force and is likely to be both deficient and toxic. When a person in such a state develops cancer and is then faced with the toxicities of chemotherapy, the situation calls for reishi. reishi's overall effects could be described as regulatory and beneficial to the restoration of homeostasis. Its effect on the immune system is total enhancement of immune function: increase of white blood-cell count, platelets, hemoglobin, and various tumor-fighting cells. reishi also improves both energy and sleep.
Herbal Medicine Healing Cancer by Donald R Yance Jr, page 156

Master the language of mushrooms. Forget those bland, almost tasteless specimens that you find in the typical mushroom omelet. Your immune system craves exotic mushrooms, notably shiitake, maitake, and reishi. "Shiitake and maitake mushrooms strengthen the immune system," notes Santa Cruz, California, herbalist Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac., the author of several authoritative herb guides. "reishi mushrooms build up bone marrow, where white blood cells are made."
Blended Medicine by Michael Castleman, page 10

Reishi is one of the most versatile medicinal mushrooms. It has long been used in Asia as an energy tonic to promote longevity and overall health. Studies indicate that reishi is an antioxidant and contains polysaccharides and other compounds that may boost the immune system. reishi is taken to counter bacteria and viruses and has shown promise as an agent to help prevent or treat cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other conditions. Russian researchers at the Cancer Research Center in Moscow have had positive results using reishi extracts to boost the immunity of cancer patients.
Off The Shelf Natural Health How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To Stay Well By Mark Mayell, page 88

The fruiting body of reishi mushroom is sweet in taste and neutral to slightly warming in action. It calms the spirit; strengthens immunity; slows aging; strengthens the heart, lungs, and liver; and relaxes spasms.
The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook by Alan Keith Tillotson, page 190

Reishi and cancer

For the past decade, reishi has also been used as a cancer treatment in Japan, with some success. reishi appears to inhibit cancer via its beneficial effect on the immune system. Compounds in reishi can boost immune function by activating macrophages and T-cells, the disease-fighting cells that help rid the body of all foreign invaders, including viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells.
Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible by Earl Mindell RPh PhD, page 167

One of the reishi polysaccharides, called glucan, shows anti-tumor potential according to some researchers. Researchers speculate that glucan reduces the number of cancerous cells making it possible for the body's immune system to handle them more effectively.
Attaining Medical Self Sufficiency An Informed Citizens Guide by Duncan Long, page 196

Carbohydrate-proteins, called mucopolysaccharides, which are found in many herbs, such as echinacea and reishi mushrooms, not only activate macrophages but actually help them to bind to the antigen or tumor cell.
Herbal Medicine Healing Cancer by Donald R Yance Jr., page 93

Canthaxanthin acts as an antioxidant, boosts immunity, slows the growth of cancer cells, and may help to prevent skin and breast cancers. Food sources include mushrooms, particularly reishi, maitake, and shiitake.
Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 50

Studies done at the Cancer Research Center in Moscow have found reishi to act as a host defense protector. It helps the body to fight cancer and slow down tumor growth.
Treating Cancer With Herbs by Michael Tierra ND, page 166

Ancient Chinese herbalists considered the reishi mushroom the most beneficial of all medicines and the emperors of Japan believed the reishi granted them immortality. Today, the Japanese government officially recognizes the reishi mushroom as a substance for treating cancer.
Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 167

Because it is called ling zhi in Chinese, the scientists called this protein ling zhi-8. And Prof. H. Maruyama called the antitumor activity of a water extract of reishi as well as two other mushrooms "remarkably effective for inhibition of tumor growth."
Cancer Therapy by Ralph W Moss PhD, page 248

Scientific studies report this food's effectiveness in controlling cancers of the breast, lung, and prostate, and in minimizing the side effects of chemotherapy. Shiitake and reishi mushrooms, also called ganoderma mushrooms, exhibit anticancer properties as well, and are used by Orientals to enhance longevity. Animal research done in Japan showed a highly significant rate of tumor elimination in animals fed extracts of maitake, shiitake, and reishi mushrooms.
Complete Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing by Gary Null PhD, page 82

Besides its anti-tumor and immuno-modulatory properties, reishi also helps counteract stress. The crude extract of reishi has been found to be more effective in fighting free radical damage than isolated, synthetic compounds. reishi also contains bitter triterpenes. These strengthen the circulatory and immune systems, tone the liver and protect the body from physical stress. Triterpenes work as adaptogenics, antihypertensives and to control allergic reactions.
Treating Cancer With Herbs by Michael Tierra ND, page 166

Shiitake and reishi mushrooms will be magic because they help prevent cancer.
Asian Health Secrets by Letha Hadady DAc, page 477

The reishi and maitake mushrooms are two other fungi for which researchers are cheering in their fight against cancer and viruses.
The Complete Book Of Alternative Nutrition by Selene Y Craig, page 225

Other Herbs -- Other herbal medicines have been identified as potentially useful adjuncts to cancer treatment, including: pearl barley (Hordeum vulgare); reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum); shiitake mushroom (Lentin-ula edodes); cauliflower (Brassica oleracea); wax gourd (Benincasa hispida); calendula (Calendula qfficinalis); chaparral (Larrea divaricata and Larrea tridentata); white mulberry (Moms alba); Japanese pepper (Piperfutokadsura); thyme (Thymus serpyllum); Chinese cucumber (Tri-chosanthes kirilowii); and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica).
Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 612

The reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has a sweet and warm energy, is both sedative and tonic, is a supreme deep immune system tonic, and nourishes the spirit, essence, and vital energy. It has strong anticarcinogenic properties and is rich in a number of complex phyto-chemicals, including ergosterol, fumaric acid, aminoglucose, and man-nitol; coumarins; alkaloids; lactone; and various enzymes.

FDA Goes After Natural HRT Alternatives Following Petition From Drug Giant

(NaturalNews) The FDA has issued a warning letter to seven pharmacies, instructing them to stop claiming that "bio-identical hormone replacement therapy" (BHRT) is different or safer than conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and to stop selling prescriptions for an unapproved hormone.

The warning came in response to a petition from pharmaceutical giant Wyeth, in addition to concerns expressed by health-care companies and consumer groups.

"Many pharmacy compounders use the term bio-identical to imply that their drugs are natural," said Deborah M. Autor, director of the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research's Office of Compliance. "There is no creditable scientific support for this claim."

The agency warned that the pharmacies, mostly online retailers, might face drug seizures or other sanctions if they do not correct their practices. The agency noted that with the exception of compound drugs containing estriol, which is not approved for U.S. use, the sale of BHRT drugs is not illegal.

A landmark 2002 study called the Women's Health Initiative found that HRT places post-menopausal women at increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer. The FDA recommends that HRT be avoided as a treatment for menopausal symptoms. If it must be used, the lowest possible dose should be used for the shortest possible time.

Phil Pylant, owner of Village Compounding Pharmacy, which received one of the warning letters, expressed confusion as to why his pharmacy was singled out.

"I am one of 5,000 to 8,000 compounding pharmacies in the country that's doing the exact same thing - including CVS and Walgreens - and they all use the same drugs we use," Pylant said.

Pylant noted that he only fills prescriptions written by doctors, and that his pharmacy makes no health claims about HRT or BHRT.

"The claims are being made by other people," he said. "There are books being written by physicians and people who use this stuff, and they make claims. If I'm claiming anything, it's because I'm a messenger. Why kill the messenger?"


Walgreens Mistakenly Replaced Prenatal Vitamins with Chemotherapy Drugs, Lawsuit Alleges

(NaturalNews) A couple from St. Louis has filed a wrongful death and medical malpractice lawsuit against Walgreen Co. after Chanda Givens had her prescription for prenatal vitamins filled instead with a chemotherapy drug that caused her to miscarry.

Givens became pregnant in February and was given a prescription for prenatal vitamins under the brand name Materna in early March. According to the lawsuit, her prescription was instead filled with Matulane, a chemotherapy drug used to treat Hodgkin's disease. The drug functions by interfering with DNA development, cell growth and cell reproduction.

Soon after beginning the drug regimen, Givens began feeling nauseous and vomiting, but she assumed that she was just suffering from morning sickness. She miscarried in April. Because she hoped to become pregnant again, Givens continued taking the drug and phoned in for a refill when she ran out. At this point, the pharmacy discovered and informed her of the error.

The Givens' lawsuit accuses Walgreens of failing to properly supervise pharmacy staff, failing to check the prescription with Givens' doctor and failure to follow proper protocol.

Walgreens has, to date, refused to admit even that the prescription error occurred.

"We're just very sorry this miscarriage occurred," company spokesperson Carol Hively said.

"I think it has really taken an emotional toll on Chanda especially," said Dawn Mefford, the Givens' attorney. "She describes it as a nightmare."

Mefford also expressed concern over the Matulane's long-term effects on not only Givens' ability to have another child in the future, but also on her own health. An oncologist warned Givens that having taken the chemotherapy drug inappropriately may increase her risk of developing solid tumors, such as lung cancer, in the future.

"If true, this demonstrates part of what's wrong with our pharmaceutical-based medical system today," said consumer health advocate Mike Adams, founder of the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center (www.ConsumerWellness.org). "The very fact that toxic poisons like chemotherapy drugs are even considered medicine is nothing short of


Walk-in health clinics at pharmacy retailers operate with conflict of interest, charges AMA

(NaturalNews) The American Medical Association (AMA) has passed a resolution asking federal and state agencies to investigate whether walk-in health clinics at retail stores are operating with a conflict of interest that may put patients at risk.

Retail, or store-based, clinics are walk-in offices inside large retail outlets, including pharmacies, supermarkets and mega-stores such as Wal-Mart. Customers can see a nurse practitioner or physician assistant without an appointment, and pay a relatively low price for basic medical procedures such as injections. A full physician must supervise the clinic, but is not required to be on site.

But the medical professionals at these clinics are also authorized to write prescriptions, which is where the alleged conflict of interest comes into play. Because the clinics are not totally independent of the pharmacies that house them, the AMA detects a conflict-of-interest in the writing of prescriptions.

The AMA says that it first became concerned about comments by retail stores that having walk-in clinics boosts sales, helping to "drive additional store traffic."

"There are clear incentives for retailers to participate in the implementation and operation of store-based health clinics," said Peter Carmel, a member of the AMA board. "The nation's physicians want the AMA to ensure [that] these incentives do not compromise the basic obligation of store-based health clinics to provide patients with quality care."

The association has also expressed concern that the clinics disrupt the relationship between physician and patient, and complicate decisions about who is responsible for the patient's welfare.

The AMA also passed a resolution demanding that insurance companies apply the same rules to doctors and walk-in clinics; currently, insurers allow retail clinics to waive patients' co-payments but prohibit physicians from doing so. This creates a financial incentive for patients to visit clinics over doctors. But some newspaper editorials have accused the AMA of targeting the retail clinics less from concern for patients and more from fear of lost profits.

There were more than 200 store-based clinics in the United States in 2006, and the number is expected to reach 1,000

Integrative Medicine and the Future of Pharmacy

(NaturalNews) The current model of pharmacy practice, and of Western medicine as a whole, is based upon managing symptoms. In some cases, this may be necessary, at least for a limited amount of time. The problem is that care for the patient often stops with a prescription being handed over. A competent pharmacist will provide medication counseling with the goal of ensuring optimal drug therapy. Ultimately, however, the underlying cause of the symptoms is not being addressed. At this point, dispensing drugs to patients without providing further wellness education only compounds the problem. It is like giving them a crutch to rely on; patients receive false reassurance that their problem is "taken care of." And considering that most people only think about their health status when something is obviously wrong, a great opportunity for intervention and assistance with therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) is missed. Thus, the patient is left with degrading health, a lack of awareness, and masked symptoms. Furthermore, drugs may produce side effects, many times resulting in additional prescriptions. Under such conditions, it isn't hard to see how a downward spiral in the patient's health might be established.

Where are we now?

Just take a quick glance at our current healthcare system. Spending is on the rise, while the country's health deteriorates. Obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer are epidemic. The scope of allopathic medicine is too narrow to reverse this trend on its own. It certainly has its place in the healthcare arena, most notably for acute care, as in cases of trauma. And an incredible amount of information has been discovered under its umbrella. Still, what good is the most thorough understanding of biochemistry, pharmacology, or surgical technique if millions continue to suffer from debilitating chronic disease?

You see, the strength of the allopathic model can also be its weakness, depending upon the situation to which it is applied. When used to temporarily stabilize the body, system by system, there is no better approach. It fails miserably, however, for keeping individuals disease-free over the long run. The innate healing ability of the body is too complex, and the factors that contribute to chronic disease too numerous to lend themselves to a quick fix solution.

Likewise, judging the effectiveness of natural medicine, using allopathic standards, fails to acknowledge its aggregate and superior healing ability. It's like comparing apples with oranges. These two medical philosophies are founded on distinct principles and treatment practices.

Without a more integrative model, health care will continue down a doomed path. We cannot keep doing the same thing and expect different results.

Where should we go from here?

Thoreau is known to have said that "there are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one striking at the root." Look around, and you can see those devoted to working on the root causes of chronic disease, focusing on prevention and overall wellness. Naturopathic physicians, nutritionists, educators, herbalists, and even some medical doctors and pharmacists, to name a few, represent this group of healers who hint at the possible paradigm shift in medicine.

Pharmacists, in particular, hold an excellent position for implementing positive changes. They are the first point of access to health care for the majority of Americans, owing to the accessibility and convenience of pharmacies.

The profession of pharmacy is already following a trend away from the dispensing role toward one of patient-centered care. This is partly because most aspects of dispensing can now be accomplished by automated equipment or technicians. Why would a company want to dish out high salaries for a job that can be done by a robot, especially when robots don't make mistakes?

Compensation no longer depends entirely upon filling as many prescriptions as possible. It also comes from functioning as a consultant, as an information expert, and as an educator. So, why not take one more step forward and continue this trend? Pharmacy services could promote wellness and optimal outcomes, not just optimal medication usage. Pharmacists have an opportunity to push the envelope, serving as genuine patient advocates, while securing their future as indispensable healthcare providers.

Integrative pharmacies offer a glimpse of hope for the future of health care. These are centers of wellness, rather than centers of disease. Here, conventional and complementary medicine go hand in hand. Typical employees include naturopaths, nutritionists, nurses, massage therapists and aestheticians, as well as pharmacists. Education is highly emphasized, with classroom lectures and workshops being a normal part of services. Many topics are covered including smoking cessation, weight reduction, yoga instruction, and management of various disease states. Nutritional supplements and herbal products are as commonplace as prescription drugs.

Impressive business models for such an operation already exist. For example, Elephant is a pharmacy that originated in Berkeley, California and continues to grow in the San Francisco area. Pharmaca is another integrative pharmacy that has locations throughout the Western United States.

Is the Pharmacy Near You Selling Counterfeit Drugs?

(NaturalNews) The FDA has just issued a press release warning consumers who had prescriptions filled at two different "The Medicine Shoppe" pharmacies located in Baltimore (8035A Liberty Road and 5900 Reisterstown Road) that they could've received either counterfeit or expired drugs. Since some of the drugs in question are used to treat very serious conditions, the FDA is extremely concerned. There is currently no evidence that there are any problems with prescriptions filled at any other "The Medicine Shoppe" pharmacy locations.

Are any of These in Your Medicine Chest?

The following medications, if obtained from either of the above pharmacies, should be discarded:

* Lisinopril (20 milligrams)

* Guaifenesin/Dextromethorphan (600 mg and 1000 mg)

* Gabapentin (100 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg)

* Metoprolol (50 mg)

* Nifedipine (30 mg)

* Diclofenac Sodium (30 mg)

* Glucophage (500 mg Extended Release)

* Glucovance (125 mg and 500 mg)

* Glipizide/Metformin (2.50 mg/250 mg)

* Furosemide (20 mg)

* Tamoxifen Citrate (10 mg)

* Metformin HCl ER (500 mg)

* Calcitrol (0.25 micrograms)

Contact the FDA for Disposal Instructions

Anyone who is in possession of any of these drugs is requested to call the FDA at 800-521-5783 for further information on how to dispose of the drugs. These consumers should also contact their physicians to see what to do about replacement medications.

Report Adverse Events

Consumers and doctors should report any adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program at 800-FDA-1088. Adverse events may also be reported by mail to MedWatch, HF-2, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Md 20852-9787. There is also a convenient place to report adverse events online: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.

Could This be Just the Tip of the Iceberg?

Obviously, while the FDA is currently issuing warnings concerning just two particular pharmacies, these kinds of problems are often like cockroaches. There usually are more hiding in the walls for every one in plain sight. Stories like this are a painful reminder that it often isn't any safer to use prescription medicines obtained from a pharmacy than drugs bought on the street.

Taking medicine should not be like playing a game of Russian roulette. Unfortunately, incidents like this only serve to clarify the fact that people who are medication-free don't have to spend sleepless nights worrying about whether or not their prescription medications are expired or counterfeit. Better still, they don't have to worry about whether or not counterfeit drugs will kill them.

Vitamin D Halts Growth of Breast Cancer Tumors

(NaturalNews) For the past 18 months, I've been working on building a new research library consisting of over 1200 books on natural health topics. Through some rather advanced technologies that took me far longer to build than I originally anticipated, I'm now able to locate and collect, within minutes, paragraphs on any combination of topics from among these 1200 books.

For example, today I wanted to research "Vitamin D" and "Breast Cancer." This produced a collection of well over 650 quotations on the subject from the various sources in my private library. A small sampling of those results are shown below.

The information you'll find in here is fascinating! You'll learn that vitamin D cream can be rubbed directly on tumors to make them vanish. You'll also learn how resveratrol can be used to amplify the results of vitamin D. There are also explanations on how vitamin D can be used to greatly reduce breast cancer cases in America, Canada, the UK and elsewhere.

I'll be using this tool in a big way here on NaturalNews from now on, bringing you research on herbs, nutrients, natural cures and many other topics. Each article here saves you the equivalent of hundreds of hours of time you might normally have to spend searching through books to find answers on the health topics that concern you.

To protect the authors and publishers of these books, we do several things: 1) All books are fully referenced and cited with the author's name. 2) Each book links to an Amazon.com link where readers can buy the book (so this citation of the book actually helps increase sales of the book, which benefits the author and publisher). 3) We LIMIT the quotes from any one book so that the amount of information cited from each book falls under Fair Use provisions. 4) We provide a second book analysis page that shows the keyword concepts used throughout the book, along with another link for purchasing the book.

In this way, we help NaturalNews readers get a hint of all the great information in these books while protecting the


The Powerful Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Preventing Diseases of Inflammation: The Experts Speak

(NaturalNews) What do the top authors, doctors and health experts have to say about the realtionship between omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation? I asked my Private Research Library that question recently and was overwhelmed with the remarkable wisdom it revealed.

Below, I share the top quotes from noted authors about omega-3 fatty acids and their relationship to inflammation (and the diseases of inflammation). It's an astonishing tour through the highlights of how omega-3s affect the body's response to inflammation, and you'll learn important information about the role of inflammation in diseases like Alzheimer's, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, eczema, asthma and many others. You'll also see why inflammation can easily aggravate autoimmune disorders like Lupus and type-1 diabetes, and you'll find out which low-cost trace mineral boosts the assimilation of omega-3 fatty acids.

With all the interest in marine omega-3s today, you'll find this article fascinating. Keep in mind that most of the text here was written before green-lipped mussels or krill oil became known as available sources of omega-3 fatty acids, so most authors quoted below recommend cold water fish. Fish are a great source of omega-3s, but the mercury content they may contain makes them potentially more dangerous to your health than the benefits their omega-3 oils provide. So check your sources carefully and only buy from trusted companies that can demonstrate low mercury levels through laboratory analysis.

Feel free to post this research on your own site under these two conditions: 1) Credit the original authors and book titles, as shown here, and 2) Give NaturalNews.com credit for doing this research by linking to this page. Sadly, a lot of people are ripping off NaturalNews research compilations (and other articles) and calling this work their own. As a result, the contents of this page are being monitored by CopyScape.com and users who pirate this content without giving proper credit will have their ISPs hit with de-hosting legal filings citing the relevant copyright infringement. I spent well over $100,000 and countless hours to build a private library that would allow me to efficiently conduct this kind of research. Please respect those efforts by honoring both the original authors and my own efforts in compiling this research and bringing it to you free of charge. I don't mind if you use this, but please have the common decency to cite the sources. I am the original compiler of this research, and NaturalNews is the original publisher of it.

Each quote shown below is followed by the book title and author(s). A second link allows you to purchase the book on Amazon.com (which helps promote the original author and publisher). NaturalNews earns a small commission on those book sales as an Amazon.com affiliate.

Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation: What the experts say

The ability of omega-3 fatty acids to significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death -- by 45 percent -- was demonstrated in the GISSI Prevention study, in which more than eleven thousand patients participated. A recent review of the use of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of hypertension found that omega-3s protect against stroke and reaffirmed that the cardioprotective benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are related to their ability to improve blood pressure, vascular function, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and cardiac function.

Blueberries Lower High Cholesterol and Boost Cardiovascular Health

(NaturalNews) How good are blueberries at lowering high cholesterol and protecting cardiovascular health? This article compiles a collection of quotes and statements about blueberries from doctors, authors and health experts.

Learn about anthocyanosides and the natural medicine found in blueberries and other types of berries. You'll learn how these berries not only protect your cardiovascular health, but they also boost brain health and protect your entire nervous system.

Berries are truly medicine from Mother Nature, and they support human health in so many ways that if berries were drugs, they would be called "miracle drugs."

The best way to get berries, of course, is to eat them fresh (like I do in Ecuador). But if you can't get them fresh, here are two sources I recommend (I have no financial relationship with any of these companies):

www.FruitFast.com - they make outstanding concentrated liquids and food bars with cherry, blueberry, pomegranate and other superfruits. This is my favorite source for fruit concentrates. Read my review here: http://www.naturalnews.com/023645.html

www.MorFoods.com - They make the ever-popular "Bear Fruit Bars" which are concentrated organic fruit bars (way better than Larabar, which sold out to the big food companies). Read my review here: http://www.naturalnews.com/Review_4...

If you're looking for fruit concentrates in capsules, check them out at Vitacost: http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-Tart-Ch...

Here's the collection of quotes from other sources:

Authors' Quotes on Blueberries and Cholesterol

Below, you'll find selected quotes from noted authors on the subject of Blueberries and Cholesterol. Feel free to quote these in your own work provided you give proper credit to both the original author quoted here and this NaturalNews page.

Recently, doctors in Paris and Budapest isolated chemicals in blueberries called anthrocyanosides. In tests on rabbits, they found that these chemicals were effective in reducing the damage caused to brain blood vessels from a high-cholesterol diet. The anthrocyanosides helped block cholesterol from penetrating into the brain blood vessels. And since proper blood flow to the brain is essential for mental energy and health, it looks like blueberries may very well help improve brain function.
- Natural Health Secrets From Around the World by Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D. and Jean Barilla, M.S.
The Powerful Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Preventing Diseases of Inflammation: The Experts Speak

(NaturalNews) What do the top authors, doctors and health experts have to say about the realtionship between omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation? I asked my Private Research Library that question recently and was overwhelmed with the remarkable wisdom it revealed.

Below, I share the top quotes from noted authors about omega-3 fatty acids and their relationship to inflammation (and the diseases of inflammation). It's an astonishing tour through the highlights of how omega-3s affect the body's response to inflammation, and you'll learn important information about the role of inflammation in diseases like Alzheimer's, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, eczema, asthma and many others. You'll also see why inflammation can easily aggravate autoimmune disorders like Lupus and type-1 diabetes, and you'll find out which low-cost trace mineral boosts the assimilation of omega-3 fatty acids.

With all the interest in marine omega-3s today, you'll find this article fascinating. Keep in mind that most of the text here was written before green-lipped mussels or krill oil became known as available sources of omega-3 fatty acids, so most authors quoted below recommend cold water fish. Fish are a great source of omega-3s, but the mercury content they may contain makes them potentially more dangerous to your health than the benefits their omega-3 oils provide. So check your sources carefully and only buy from trusted companies that can demonstrate low mercury levels through laboratory analysis.

Feel free to post this research on your own site under these two conditions: 1) Credit the original authors and book titles, as shown here, and 2) Give NaturalNews.com credit for doing this research by linking to this page. Sadly, a lot of people are ripping off NaturalNews research compilations (and other articles) and calling this work their own. As a result, the contents of this page are being monitored by CopyScape.com and users who pirate this content without giving proper credit will have their ISPs hit with de-hosting legal filings citing the relevant copyright infringement. I spent well over $100,000 and countless hours to build a private library that would allow me to efficiently conduct this kind of research. Please respect those efforts by honoring both the original authors and my own efforts in compiling this research and bringing it to you free of charge. I don't mind if you use this, but please have the common decency to cite the sources. I am the original compiler of this research, and NaturalNews is the original publisher of it.

Each quote shown below is followed by the book title and author(s). A second link allows you to purchase the book on Amazon.com (which helps promote the original author and publisher). NaturalNews earns a small commission on those book sales as an Amazon.com affiliate.

Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation: What the experts say

The ability of omega-3 fatty acids to significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death -- by 45 percent -- was demonstrated in the GISSI Prevention study, in which more than eleven thousand patients participated. A recent review of the use of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of hypertension found that omega-3s protect against stroke and reaffirmed that the cardioprotective benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are related to their ability to improve blood pressure, vascular function, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and cardiac function.

Feature articles on pharmacy:

Miracle Cure for Gout and Arthritis Pain? Six Cherries a Day

(NaturalNews) I bet the big drug companies wish they had invented cherries -- they've proven to be the most powerful medicine in the world for eliminating gout and reducing the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Cherries are such powerful medicine for gout and arthritis, in fact, the FDA went out of its way to try to muzzle cherry growers, preventing them from linking to scientific studies on cherries as a way to censor the information you're about to read here.

If the public finds out the truth about cherries, after all, they won't need arthritis drugs anymore (and Big Pharma will lose billions in profits). As you'll see in the collection of quotes about cherries, gout and arthritis (below), cherries are extremely safe, effective and fast-acting for eliminating swelling and pain. Eating just a few cherries a day keeps uric acid levels in check, preventing any recurrence of gout.

What's a good source for cherries? In addition to buying local organic cherries at natural grocers near you, you can also get cherry concentrates and cherry extracts from a variety of companies. As it turns out, even cooked cherry juice does the trick just as well as raw cherries!

My top recommended sources for cherry products include Brownwood Acres / www.FruitFast.com (which offers an amazing array of fruit concentrate bars and capsules) and www.Vitacost.com (which offers various cherry extract products). See search results here: http://www.vitacost.com/productResu...

No, I don't have any financial ties with these companies. I just recommend their products. The FruitFast company, in fact, offers fruit softgel capsules, bars, liquids, concentrates and premium dried fruit, too, so you can always have cherries with you (even when traveling!). They've even introduced CherryFlex for dogs! http://www.brownwoodacres.com/pet_p...

The Bear Fruit Bar (www.MorFoods.com) is also a great source of not only cherry concentrates, but other potent fruits as well.

If you suffer from gout or arthritis, you owe it to yourself to try the therapeutic use of cherries.

The FDA, of course, says cherries aren't medicine. The FDA is lying to you! (And they know it.) Cherries ARE medicine, and it's medicine that's safer, more effective and far more affordable than Big Pharma's toxic patented chemicals. Cherries are medicine that grows on trees.

The entire pharmaceutical cartel hopes you never find out the truth about cherries. They're depending on your ignorance to keep their profits flowing. Don't let 'em sucker you into taking expensive, dangerous medications when cherries might be all you really need! Try cherries (or cherry concentrate products) first, for at least 30 days. And when your pain vanishes, you can send a thank-you email to Mother Nature for providing this natural medicine to the world.

Read the quotes below to learn astonishing facts about cherries and gout...

Resveratrol is "Nature's Medicine" for Cancer, Heart Disease and Much More

(NaturalNews) Just how good is resveratrol at preventing cancer and heart disease? It's so good that drug companies are trying to mimic its molecules in order to claim they're "creating" a new drug to prevent heart disease.

But this is Mother Nature's miracle drug -- only it's not a drug. It's a molecule synthesized by plants for protecting themselves! And it turns out the same molecule can protect you from cancer, heart disease and a whole lot more.

I wanted you to read about the amazing benefits of resveratrol, so I put together this collection of quotes from top authors in the field. Read it to learn the truth about resveratrol that the drug companies and the FDA hope you never find out...

Authors' Quotes on Resveratrol

(Feel free to quote these in your own work provided you give proper credit to both the original author quoted here and this NaturalNews page.)

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phytoalexin produced by some higher plants in response to injury or fungal infection. Phytoalexinsare chemical substances produced by plants as a defense against infection by pathogenic microorganisms, such as fungi. Alexin is from Greek, meaning to ward off or to protect. Resveratrol may also have alexin-like activity for humans.
- PDR for Nutritional Supplements by Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
- Available on Amazon.com

Found in many plants as a phytoalexin, resveratrol is abundant in the skins of red grapes (Vitis vinifera). It has been suggested that resveratrol underlies the phenomenon known as the "French paradox." Wine is the most notable dietary source of this compound; a fluid ounce of red wine contains an average of 160 pg of resveratrol.
- Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine by David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
- Available on Amazon.com

Grape juice contains resveratrol, as does cranberry juice, but at levels that are ten times less than those in red. Resveratrol content in different food and beverages: (uG 100 G), OyG/125 ML)Grapes 1,500, Red wine 625, Peanuts 150, White wine 38, Peanut butter 50, Grape juice 65, Blueberries 3, Cranberry juice 65, Raisins 0.01; resveratrol concentration in red wine varies greatly from one grape variety to another and from one region to another, with values ranging from 1 to 13 mg/l.
- Foods that Fight Cancer by Richard Beliveau, Ph.D. and Denis Gingras, Ph.D.
- Available on Amazon.com

When incubated with hepatoma cells, resveratrol induced Phase II detoxifying enzymes that detoxified and inhibited the proliferation of these cells. Resveratrol also inhibited the development of preneoplastic lesions when mice were exposed to tumor initiators and promoters. Grape skins, leaves, juice and red wine are all good sources of resveratrol.