Leukemia is a type of cancer that targets your bone marrow and blood. Approximately 43,050 people in the United States were expected to develop this condition in 2010, according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Maitake mushrooms may be helpful in treating your leukemia, although you should always clear the use of natural healing remedies with your primary care provider first.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a serious and life-threatening condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21,928 people in the United States died from leukemia in 2007. Some of the most frequently experienced signs and symptoms of leukemia are prolonged weakness and fatigue, fever or chills, bone pain, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, unexpected weight loss, frequent or recurring infections and easy bruising. Exposure to radiation, certain industrial chemicals and cigarette smoke may increase your risk for developing leukemia.
Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms are large mushrooms indigenous to the mountains of northeastern Japan as well as Europe and America. Maitake known for its flavor and its medicinal properties. Maitake mushrooms, also known as the dancing mushroom, contain several plant chemicals, including polysaccharides, lipids, phospholipids and ergosterol. Maitake mushrooms can be consumed in numerous ways, including as a food, tea, capsule or tablet. Capsules or tablets usually contain the entire fruiting body of the mushroom.
Maitake Actions and Uses
Maitake mushroom extracts have long been used for various health purposes, including immune system support. According to a 2003 study by Noriko Kodama and colleagues published in the "Journal of Medicinal Food," maitake D-Fraction -- an extract from maitake mushrooms -- may slow cancer progression by enhancing the action of your body's natural killer, or NK, cells. Further clinical research trials may be required to determine the true effectiveness of maitake extracts in treating leukemia and other types of cancer.
Disclaimer
Leukemia should always be treated by qualified health care professionals, such as cancer specialists. Leukemia is usually treated with conventional allopathic therapies -- chemotherapy, radiation therapy, drugs -- but natural treatment measures may help support your leukemia treatments. Before using maitake mushrooms to help treat your leukemia, meet with your primary care provider to review procedures, risks and the efficacy of alternative therapies. Your doctor may suggest other herbal remedies that are more appropriate for you or your condition.
