Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis over twenty years ago, I was overwhelmed and scared by the prognosis.
Following my neurologist’s recommendations, I took a variety of drugs—some for the MS, others to counteract the side effects. But even with these interventions, my health continued on a downward spiral.
My life completely fell apart within two years. I was forced to quit the work I loved and found myself using a cane during the day and a wheelchair at night. Oftentimes I was bed-bound with severe fatigue. Memory and concentration were non-existent. At thirty years old, I was a shadow of my former self, no longer vibrant, healthy, or active. Then one morning I woke up and realized it was time to make a drastic change and take charge of my own health.
Twenty years later, I’m a new person. The MS is no longer progressing. My stamina, clarity, and vitality have returned. Now an herbalist and survival skills instructor, I also lived solo for 57 days straight in the wilderness, accepting the challenge as part of the History Channel’s TV series “Alone”.
To be honest, it’s not easy maintaining my health. But it is worth the time and effort to have my life back. My success in halting the progression of MS is built upon diet, herbal medicine (particularly medicinal mushrooms), and supplements. Positive lifestyle choices and exercise are crucial. Practices that foster mind-body connection, gratitude, and nature connection also play a major role in keeping me healthy and strong.
The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms for Multiple Sclerosis
Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail are three important medicinal mushroom tinctures that I take every morning. Evidence has shown that these mushrooms are exceptionally effective in regulating the immune response in those with autoimmune conditions like MS. Keep in mind medicinal mushrooms need to be in a double/dual-extracted form like the ones in my apothecary in order to access all the active compounds. Simply drinking medicinal mushroom tea will not give you the same benefit.
Reishi
(Ganoderma lucidum)
Known as the “mushroom of longevity”, Reishi tincture is a formidable adaptogen, which helps us to be more resilient to stress. It is also anti-inflammatory and has neuro-protective effects, both of which are important for autoimmune issues. Additionally, Reishi is antiviral, renews energy levels, combats oxidative stress, and improves a range of hormonal imbalances. Importantly, Reishi has an immunomodulatory effect that calms an overactive immune response or stimulates it when needed, which is vital for those with MS or other autoimmune disorders.
Safety: Reishi is a vasodilator. Do not use if you have a bleeding disorder or before a scheduled surgery.
Lion’s Mane
(Hericium erinaceus)
An excellent tonic for the nervous system and gut inflammation, Lion’s Mane Mushroom tincture is also neuro-protective and may remyelinate and regenerate nerves by promoting Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). These NGF proteins help to maintain the neurons responsible for attention, learning, and memory. Research has shown that Lion’s Mane improves cognitive function.
Turkey Tail
(Trametes versicolor)
Turkey Tail Mushroom tincture is well-known for its polysaccharides, which are part of standard care throughout much of Asia for the treatment and prevention of cancer. However, it’s also valuable for gut health as a prebiotic and also in helping with both Candida and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Turkey Tail Mushroom is an adaptogen with immune modulation properties as well. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness against a range of viruses, including colds and the flu, HPV, Herpes, HIV and more.
Wishing you the best on your healing journey.
Dr. Nicole
Roll Up Your Sleeves and Do it Yourself?
Are you interested in making your own herbal remedies at home and learning about the many plants, lichens, and mushrooms you can find out your own back door? If so please pick up a copy of my book: "The Lost Book Of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine" today!
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