FYI - a web conference from Sloan Kettering on Complementary Therapies & Cancer

John23 said:

Alice -

By now, you must know just how much I advocate TCM, and
many "alternatives", so please don't misunderstand my point?

TheCoriolus versicolor mushroom (all it's alternative names
are listed above) contains -both- PSP and PSK, and -both-
help the immune system fight cancer.

The biggest problem with "alternatives" and the alternative
science industry, is that it's become a money pit, just as
western medicine has (as our "Buckwirth" kindly takes time
to point out).

In TCM, the mushroom is decocted (cooked in water) to
release the substances, and the liquid is ingested, with the
patient getting the entire mix of psp, psk, etc. Extra herbs
and substances are added to the decoction to direct the
solution to specific organs.

As with many of the herbs used, they are best used in the
form they have been used, for thousands of years. Many of
the herbs and herbal compounds must be used with other
herbs to get the effect required. Boiling and drinking the total
solution of many herbs will result with what is expected from
years of trial and error. Separating the components of an
herb's basic structure, may not result with anything of value.

The first two herbs on my list at the "blog" must be used together
in the amounts specified. If only one or the other is used, then
one should not expect to see any favorable results. Merck is
presently studying one of those two herbs for it's value against
cancer. Do not expect to read that anything of value had been
found! Perhaps they simply desire to spend millions to denounce
an inexpensive alternative to their products? The herb will not
do much alone......

Please don't misunderstand what I'm trying to say?

The Coriolus Versicolor mushroom species has great merit
for building the immune system, as well as fighting cancer cells
(as does many other mushroom species). But companies charging
exorbitant amounts for "special products" when you can buy
the exact same thing for pennies on their ten-spots, is something
I have great distaste for.

If spending the cash isn't a problem, and what you are buying
is giving you more hope than doing otherwise, continue!

But for others (me included) that look at their bank accounts
with the understanding that Medicare and other insurance will
pay for the exorbitant amounts that western medicine facilities
charge, but for anything else.... it will cost dearly "out-of-pocket",
the chance to survive can be offset by the costs of doing other
than "mainstream".

What I would like to clarify for those that wish to try the "alternative"
methods, is that the same "products" derived from herbs can be
bought for $6, rather than $60. There is no substantial difference,
with exception for the hyperbole of the industry's ads.

It's very difficult to promote an inexpensive, yet worthwhile
foreign modality, when the industry is promoting themselves.

Please continue to do what works for you! My words are not
meant to take that away, only to help and encourage others
not to lose hope for any alternative.

Relative links:
Chinese Herb Dictionary

Mushroom Studies

Be well!

John