Phytocort

Phytocort was designed to help in the treatment and management of asthma and other breathing disorders. It is one of the supplements which has helped my family dramatically reduce our use of prescription medications like albuterol and advair.

If you’d like to read more about how I accidentally stumbled upon Phytocort and it’s very positive effect on my family, please read my article entitled: ASHMI Clear Breathing with Chinese Herbs.

Each Phytocort capsule is made up of 1,600 mg of a proprietary blend of 4 herbs: lingzhi mushroom extract (also known as reishi mushroom extract), sophora root extract(also known as kushen), chinese licorice root extract (also known as gan cao) and noni fruit extract.

The manufacturer’s recommended dosage is three capsules >> three times daily to start, then two capsules >> twice daily for a maintenance dose OR as directed by your medical practitioner.

Phytocort is manufactured by a company by the name of Allergy Research Group and marketed under their “Nutricology” brand line. Needless to say, we recommend Phytocort highly and have purchased it from several online and “brick and mortar” stores. Our top two online recommendations are:

1. Phytocort on Herbspro.com
2. Phytocort on Amazon.com

My only experience with a local “brick and mortar” store which I purchased Phytocort from is called “The Vitamin Shoppe.”

Again, if you’d like to read more about Phytocort and it’s positive effect on my family’s breathing, as well as comments from a large and diverse group of people, please read my article entitled: ASHMI Clear Breathing with Chinese Herbs.

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

ASHMI is a three herb Chinese extract which has been effective in treating asthma symptoms

ASHMI is comprised of three Chinese herbal extracts: Lingzhi Mushroom (aka Reishi Mushroom), Kushen (aka Sophora Root), and Licorice Root (aka Gancao). ASHMI does not include Ma Huang, which is used globally as an asthma herbal remedy.

The original formulation of ASHMI was developed by Dr. Xiu-Min Li of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, in collaboration with Dr. Hugh Sampson, also from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, as a simplified version of a traditional Chinese herbal combination of 14 herbs known as MSSM-002. MSSM-002 was originally designed by Weifang Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.

My wife and I initially became interested in ASHMI after finding and reading a study published in theJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (vol. 116, issue 3). It chronicles the results of an experiment conducted by researchers from Weifang Asthma Hospital and Weifang School of Medicine in China, along with the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. The researchers reported that an oral combination of three Chinese herbs could be as effective as conventional asthma medicines — without the serious side effects!

The researchers were looking for an asthma treatment equally as effective as Corticosteroids, a common and conventional asthma treatment, minus the adverse side effects experienced by Corticosteroid users. Specifically, Corticosteroids have been shown to increase susceptibility to infection and slow growth rates in children.

91 patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma were admitted to the Weifang Asthma Hospital for a four week double-blind study. 45 of the asthma patients received 20mg of prednisone per day and placebo capsules resembling ASHMI. 46 of the asthma patients were given ASHMI along with placebo tablets resembling 20mg of prednisone.

ASHMI had a beneficial effect on both TH1 and TH2 cytokine levels and absolutely no adverse effects on adrenal function in the study participants

The results were remarkable. ASHMI had a beneficial effect on both TH1 and TH2 cytokine levels and absolutely no adverse effects on adrenal function in the study participants. Additionally, the ASHMI group experienced significantly less gastric discomfort and no weight gain.

The effect of prednisone on lung function was reported by the researchers to be “slightly, but significantly greater” than that of ASHMI. But, the prednisone group experienced both significant weight-gain and gastric discomfort.

The researchers were “pleased” with the trial results and concluded that their findings “…show that ASHMI is effective and well-tolerated in nonsteroid-dependent patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma.”

As a result of the study findings, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) announced the funding of three “Centers of Excellence” which will explore therapies used in traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal mixtures.

One of the selected centers will be called the “Center for Chinese Herbal Therapy” located at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY and led by Xiu-Min Li, M.D. The researchers are responsible for investigating ASHMI as a therapy for allergic asthma. Studies of ASHMI will look at mechanisms of action in an animal model, characterize the herbs’ active components and investigate the formula’s use in human asthma patients.

[UPDATE]:

As a result of my research and specifically because of the study I mentioned above, I decided to try and buy ASHMI. The problem was, I couldn’t find it anywhere and believe me, I looked everywhere I could think of, for about a year.

I got frustrated pretty early on in my quest, so I went to my neighborhood “Vitamin Shoppe” (brick n mortar store), bought Lingzhi Mushroom and Licorice Root supplements and made my own “homemade” ASHMI. (Unfortunately, I have yet to find sophora root in supplement form, although I did find that I could buy it in bulk).

Anyway, my family and I began to take our homemade ASHMI supplements (along with Olive leaf extract and wild oregano oil) and have never looked back. We have had some pretty remarkable results and are very happy and thankful for Dr. Li and her continued research!

[UPDATE]:

I finally found it!

Based on the original ASHMI study, the “Allergy Research Group,” which markets products under the name “Nutricology,” sell an asthma treatment supplement called phytocort. Phytocort’s a proprietary blend of the Chinese herbs lingzhi mushroom, sophora root, and licorice root, found in Dr. Xiu-Min Li’s original ASHMI formulation described above, plus a fourth herb commonly known as noni (Morinda citrifolia), which wasn’t part of the original formulation. (Note: I’m pretty sure noni was added as an attempt to get around any patent disputes)

My wife and I have replaced our original homemade ASHMI with phytocort supplements! (Better late than never, I guess!)

Where to buy ASHMI (phytocort):

• ASHMI (phytocort) on herbspro
• ASHMI (phytocort) on amazon
• ASHMI (phytocort) on drugstore.com
• ASHMI (phytocort) on ebay

[UPDATE 10/23/10]: Below is a recent email exchange between Heather (my wife) and one of our readers. I thought you might be interested in reading it:

Where to buy ASHMI (phytocort):

• ASHMI (phytocort) on herbspro
• ASHMI (phytocort) on amazon
• ASHMI (phytocort) on drugstore.com
• ASHMI (phytocort) on ebay

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

A Brightly Colored Lingzhi Mushroom growing in the wild

Lingzhi mushroom has successfully been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years and is known as the “Mushroom of Immortality.”

Lingzhi mushrooms are one of the oldest and most effective mushrooms used in traditional Chinese medicine.

They have been effectively used as anti-inflammatories, antivirals, anti-parasitics, anti-fungals, anti-diabetics and anti-hypotensives.They have also been shown to effectively lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

Lingzhi Mushrooms for Asthma

Numerous studies of Lingzhi mushrooms have established their effectiveness in the treatment of a wide range of diseases and symptoms. The reason I have written about them here (and take them myself), is because of their ability to strengthen the respiratory system and their healing effect on the lungs. It has been shown that Lingzhi mushrooms are particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma, cough and other respiratory complaints.

In an article entitled, “Medicinal Mushrooms”, published in the January/February 1997 Issue ofHerbs for Health, written by Christopher Hobbs, a population study conducted in the 1970s is offered as validation confirming this claim.

The article describes a population study conducted on more than 2000 Chinese with chronic bronchitis. They were instructed to consume Lingzhi mushroom syrup over a period of two weeks. Approximately 90% of this population reported significantly improved breathing as well as improved appetite.

Lingzhi mushrooms have also been successfully used in cardiovascular treatment, in bronchitis prevention, in the treatment of high blood pressure, hepatitis, HIV support, fatigue, allergies, chemotherapy support, altitude sickness, and high triglycerides. Due to the presence of triterpenes, lingzhi mushrooms are understood as an adaptogenic, anti-allergenic and anti-hypertensive.

Lingzhi mushrooms are soft, corky, and flat polypores. They have a kidney shaped, red varnished cap. Lingzhi mushrooms lack gills on their underside, and instead depending on their age, have white to dull brown fine pores, which they use to release their spores, the very reason their morphological classification is polypores.

Lingzhi mushrooms are classified into six categories, according toThe Chinese Herbal Materia Medica, depending on their respective shape and color. Each of the six categories is said to nourish a different part of the body:

1. White Lingzhi Mushroom – Lungs and skin
2. Black Lingzhi Mushroom – Kidneys and Brain
3. Green Lingzhi Mushroom – Liver
4. Purple Lingzhi Mushroom – Joints
5. Yellow Lingzhi Mushroom – Spleen.
6. Red Lingzhi Mushroom – Heart

Lingzhi mushrooms can be consumed in high doses with other medications due to their generally slight side effects. Lingzhi has been shown to enhance the immune system and lessen nervous tension, which may help normalize and balance the body.

Lingzhi mushroom formulations are easily prepared. Simmering thinly sliced or pulverized Lingzhi mushrooms in a pot of boiling water for two hours is the traditional method. The resulting liquid is normally bitter in taste, with the less active black Lingzhi mushroom tasting less bitter than the more active red Lingzhi mushroom. The liquid can also be used to make an extract in liquid, capsule, or powder form, and be added to a formula decoction.

Some studies have shown that long-term use of Lingzhi mushrooms (approximately 4 months) can result in very mild side effects. These have included stomach upset, nosebleed, and dryness of the nasal passages, mouth and throat. These side effects were completely avoided by discontinuing the use of Lingzhi mushrooms for approximately 1 month after taking them for four months, then taking them again for four months.

Lingzhi mushrooms are available for sale all over the world. Both polysaccharides, and triterpenoids are available as a hot water extract and an alcohol extract. Lingzhi mushroom extracts may also be called reishi, reishi mushroom, ganoderma, ling zhi, and ling-zhi.

Where to buy Lingzhi Mushroom extract:

• Lingzhi Mushroom on Herbspro.com
• Lingzhi Mushroom on Amazon.com
• Lingzhi Mushroom on Drugstore.com
• Lingzhi Mushroom on Ebay.com

[UPDATE]: I’ve written an article about an herbal asthma treatment called “ASHMI Clear Breathing With Chinese Herbs” which describes how Dr. Xiu-Min Li of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York combines Lingzhi Mushroom with three other herbs to produce a natural and effective asthma treatment. It’s a good read. Because of the tremendous response on the ASHMI article, I have written a second article titled “Phytocort” which focuses specifically on the asthma supplement.

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

Mullein Has Been Used in the Treatment of Asthma for Centuries

Mullein was introduced to the North American continent by English colonists. It was quickly adopted by Native American tribes for treating coughs, bronchitis and asthma. In addition to treating asthma, coughs and bronchitis with Mullein, the English Eclectics prescribed it for treating tonsillitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and urinary tract infections.

Contemporary herbalists recommend Mullein internally for treating coughs, colds, sore throat and a myriad of other respiratory complaints.

Mullein grows everywhere and is particularly hard to miss. It is a weed with a rod like stem, velvety leaves, and striking yellow flowers. Before the discovery and use of cotton, Mullein leaves and stems were used by the ancients as candle wicks — hence the adoption of the name ‘Candlewick Plant.’

Mullein’s proponents consider it a powerful bronchial congestion remedy and, at least for some asthma sufferers, has producedimmediate and pronounced beneficial effects. Mullen Oil, taken in teas and fruit juices, has been effective in immediately relieving asthma attacks in some asthma sufferers. Unfortunately, it has also resulted in absolutely no benefit or relief for other asthma sufferers.

Scientists have been unable to isolate why Mullein Oil is so selectively effective for treating asthma in some people, while having absolutely no effect with others.

If you’re an asthma sufferer that hasn’t tried Mullein, you may want to. If you’re a part of the selective group that benefits from its properties, you can enjoy immediate relief from asthma attacks by drinking your favorite tea or fruit juice mixed with Mullein Oil.

Mullein is available for sale all over the world. It is available as an oil, dried leaves (for making Mullein tea), and as a tincture. Mullein is also known as: Candlewick Plant, Torches, Velvet Dock, Flannel Plant, Feltwort, Aaron’s Rod, Shepherd’s Staff, Lungwort.

Where to buy Mullein:

• Mullein on Herbspro.com
• Mullein on Amazon.com
• Mullein on Drugstore.com
• Mullein on Ebay.com

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

Shuang Huang Lian is a Powerful Combination of Over 29 Beneficial Herbs

It includes shuang hua (Lonicera japonica flower bud), lian qiao (Forsythia suspensa fruit), and huang qin (Scutellaria baicalensis).

Chinese doctors, medical practitioners and researchers tested shuang huang lian on infants hospitalized and suffering with acute bronchitis. The results included a rapid reduction of the acute bronchitis symptoms and a much shorter duration of the illness (Complementary Medicine for the Physician, June 1999). The results were astounding.

Shuang huang lian is not classified as an antibiotic and since the results of the study mentioned in the article, there has been a great deal of scientific interest and research delving into how and why it is such a quick and reliable reliever of acute bronchial suffering in infants.

Where to buy Shuang Huang Lian:

• Shuang Huang Lian on Herbspro.com
• Shuang Huang Lian on Amazon.com
• Shuang Huang Lian on Ebay.com

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

Grape Seeds are a Main Source of OPC Antioxidants

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC’s) are considered Super Antioxidants because they are unique phytochemicals known as flavonoids that have powerful antioxidant capabilities. OPC is highly water soluble so your body is able to absorb it quickly.

Clinical trials were performed to compare the effectiveness of OPC Antioxidants versus vitamin C and vitamin E with astonishing results. OPC Antioxidants may be as much as 50 times more potent than vitamin E and 20 times more potent than vitamin C in terms of bioavailable antioxidants. In fact, OPC Antioxidants work with the antioxidant glutathione to restore and recycle oxidized vitamin C which actually increases vitamin C’s effectiveness.

OPC Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances that are found throughout nature and are present in a variety of food and botanical sources. The two main sources of commercial OPC Antioxidants are grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) made from wine grapes and pine bark extract, known as Pycnogenol, made from from the French maritime Pine Tree.

Pycnogenol was the first source of OPC Antioxidants discovered and the process used to extract it was originally patented in the 1950′s. Pycnogenol is not a generic name for OPC Antioxidant, it is simply a trademarked name for pine bark extract.

Benefits of OPC Antioxidants

Because of the unique properties of OPC Antioxidants, including their ability to cross your blood-brain barrier and their high water solubility, OPC Antioxidants have been shown to produce some remarkable benefits when taken regularly. Here are just a few examples:

• OPC Antioxidants can help protect your brain and spinal nerves against free radical damage.
• OPC Antioxidants can help protect your liver from damage caused by toxic doses of acetaminophen.
• OPC Antioxidants can help to strengthen and repair connective tissue, including that of the cardiovascular system.
• OPC Antioxidants can help support your own natural immune system.
• OPC Antioxidants have proven effective in slowing certain characteristics of the aging process.
• OPC Antioxidants help to moderate your body’s allergic and inflammatory responses by reducing histamine production.

Currently, there are numerous studies in various stages of completion, testing the effectiveness of OPC Antioxidants in the treatment of some devastating diseases and ailments including: Asthma, Fybromyalgia, AIDS, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, and Macular Degeneration.

OPC Antioxidants have proven to be very effective and beneficial antioxidant that could be the anchor of your supplementation program.

Where to buy OPC Antioxidants:

• OPC Antioxidant on Herbspro.com
• OPC Antioxidant on Amazon.com
• OPC Antioxidant on Drugstore.com
• OPC Antioxidant on VitaminWorld.com
• OPC Antioxidant on Ebay.com

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

Peak Flow Meters Used to Help Manage Asthma Symptoms

You can compare your “personal best” against your peak flow at any other time to get an objective idea of how well you’re breathing.

Unfortunately, the result of a peak flow measurement is very dependent on your efforts, so try to use the same effort every time.

A single peak flow measurement, without knowing what your “personal best” is, is not very useful.

Try to use peak flow values together with your other symptoms to evaluate the severity of your attack.

• Peak flow meters measure how well you can get air out of your lungs.
• Peak flow meters monitor how effectively your long term controller asthma medications and your quick relief asthma medications are working.
• Peak flow at any given time helps you identify your asthma triggers.
• Peak flow helps you decide when to seek emergency treatment.
• A drop in your peak flow can be an early and effective warning sign of an asthma attack.
• Peak flow readings can help you measure how well you’re responding to your asthma treatments.

Peak Flow Zones

Your “personal best” peak flow measurement can be used to determine your asthma action or treatment zones.

• Green: 80-100% of your “personal best” peak flow. Just keep doing what you’re doing.
• Yellow: 50-80% of your “personal best” peak flow. Caution – be careful. Use your quick relief medication as needed to try improve your peak flow or relieve whatever symptoms you might be experiencing. Remember – keep monitoring your peak flow after your treatments.
• Red: Less than 50% of your “personal best” peak flow. Danger – Asthma Attack Action Plan time. Use your quick relief asthma medication and seek immediate medical attention.

Peak flow meters are one of your best weapons in your fight to control your asthma, so use yours often!

Where to buy Peak Flow Meters:

• Peak Flow Meters on Amazon.com
• Peak Flow Meters on Herbspro.com
• Peak Flow Meters on Ebay.com

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

Licorice Root is a Remarkable Healing Herb

Licorice root has been shown to effectively soothe swollen airways, acting as an effective anti-inflammatory. It has also been found to effectively inhibit histamine release, inhibit coughing and has highly effective expectorant effects.

Licorice root eases congestion and coughing, helping to loosen and thin mucus and airways. It aids in the relaxation of bronchial spasms and soothes soreness and tightness in the throat.

In addition to its use as an asthma treatment, Licorice root has a well documented history of aiding in the treatment of colds and flu, depression, emphysema, gingivitis, HIV support, viral infections, fungal infections, ulcers, psoriasis, tuberculosis and arthritis.

Licorice root has also proven to be an effective anti-allergenic useful for the treatment of bronchial asthma, hayfever, conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis. Licorice Root also has an aspirin like effect, which helps in the treatment of fevers and pain relief from headaches.

Traditional methods of taking Licorice Root include drinking it as a tea, chewing on the root (not recommended) and in capsule form.

Mild side effects have been documented in the prolonged use of Licorice root, including water retention, increased blood pressure, and mild adrenal stimulation. Prolonged use should definitely be avoided if you suffer from high blood pressure. Be sure to discuss treatment options with your care providers.

Licorice root is available for sale in all parts of the world as an extract, pill and capsule, both in formulations containing a combination of multiple herbs and by itself.

Also known as: Chinese Licorice, Gan Cao, Gan-Cao, Kan-ts’ao, Kuo-lao, Licorice, Licorice Root, Ling-t’ung, Liquorice, Mei-ts’ao, Mi-kan, Mi-ts’ao, Sweet Licorice, Sweet Wood, Yasti Madhu

Where to buy Licorice Root:

• Licorice Root on Herbspro.com
• Licorice Root on Amazon.com
• Licorice Root on Drugstore.com.com
• Licorice Root on Ebay.com

[UPDATE]: I’ve written an article about an herbal asthma treatment called “ASHMI Clear Breathing With Chinese Herbs” which describes how Dr. Xiu-Min Li of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York combines Licorice Root (aka Gancao) with three other herbs to produce a natural and effective asthma treatment. It’s a good read. Take a look.

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

Kushen (Sophora Root) is used to treat asthma in Chinese medicine.

Kushen has been used successfully as an herbal medicine to treat a wide variety of conditions for thousands of years.

My interest in Kushen (Sophora Root) was piqued because of two compounds found in Kushen: Matrine and Oxymatrine.

Kushen has been shown to be of significant benefit in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, eczema, fever, insomnia, cardiac arrhythmia, cancer, dysentery, inflammation, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, vaginitis, psoriasis, and conjunctivitis.

The alkaloids Matrine and Oxymatrine, as found in Kushen, inhibit histamine release, inhibit the urge to cough (antitussive), and demonstrate expectorant effects.

One study in particular shows a great deal of promise in the use of Kushen in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory disorders. 517 cases of asthmatic bronchitis were treated with Kushen, resulting in an 86.5% effectiveness rate and a 38.8% marked effectiveness rate.

Kushen can be (and usually is) consumed in extract form with other medications. Due to its generally slight side effects, and low toxicity, it is considered to be a safe and effective medication in traditional Chinese Medicine. The side effects of Kushen are evident only at extremely high dosage levels, which include dizziness, gastric upset and evidence of immunosuppression.

Kushen is found in the desert area of northern part of China, especially in Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia. It is mainly found in the desert area of Ningxia.

Kushen is readily available all over the world. It is often used in formulations containing a combination of multiple herbs, but can also be found as a full spectrum extract.

Also known as: Ku Shen, Ku-Shen, Sophora, Sophora Root

Where to buy Sophora Root (Kushen) in bulk (I haven’t been able to find it in supplement form):

• Kushen (Sophora Root) on Kalyx.com

[UPDATE]: I’ve written an article about an herbal asthma treatment called “ASHMI Clear Breathing With Chinese Herbs” which describes how Dr. Xiu-Min Li of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York combines Sophora Root (aka kushen) with three other herbs to produce a natural and effective asthma treatment. It’s a good read. Take a look.

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

Compound Herbal Elixir 2 oz. by the Eclectic Institute

I first heard about this herbal compound from an article I read entitled “Notes on the Herbal Treatment of Asthma.” I was researching white pine bark for an update to my “OPC Antioxidant” article and came across it by accident.

Compound Herbal Elixir, in particular, intrigued me because of it’s unique mix of ingredients, especially the Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), white pine bark (Pinus strobus) and the wild cherry bark (Prunus spp.).

Here is the full list of ingredients found in Eclectic Institute Compound Herbal Elixir:

• Dried Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Dried organically grown Elecampane root (Inula helenium)
• Fresh organically grown Red Clover blossoms (Trifolium pratense)
• Dried wildcrafted Wild Cherry bark (Prunus spp.)
• Dried organically grown Horehound flower & leaf (Marrubium vulgare)
• Fresh organically grown Gumweed flower & leaf (Grindelia robusta)
• Dried wildcrafted Lobelia leaf & seed (Lobelia inflata)
• Dried Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
• Fresh Freeze-Dried Lomatium root (Lomatium dissectum)
• Dried wildcrafted White Pine bark (Pinus strobus)
• Fresh wildcrafted Poplar bud (Populus spp.)
• Bitter orange essential oil
• A base of kosher vegetable glycerin & water
• Organic Grape Alcohol Content of 15%

According to the “Eclectic Institute,” the ingredients found in their “Compound Herbal Elixir” were carefully chosen for their ability to work together simultaneously in treating your asthma symptoms, purifying your bloodstream and stimulating your immune system.

Where to buy Eclectic Institute Compound Herbal Elixir:

• Compound Herbal Elixir on Herbspro.com

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com