Hawkeye Veterinary Services (2025)

17/11/2024

Maitake ~ Grifola frondosa ~ Huishu Hua ~ Hen of the Woods

Maitake means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese or “hen of the woods” in the West.

It is commonly found growing in the eastern USA, Europe and Asia. Rarely, it is reported in the Pacific Northwest.

The name probably comes from the fact that this mushroom grows in overlapping groups that resemble butterflies in a wild dance.

Japan grows these mushrooms commercially, since wild-crafted mushrooms are now endangered, if not extinct, in many areas.

Maitake has been researched thoroughly in Japan. Grifola frondosa contains a large amount of β-glucan and it has anti-cancerous and strong antioxidant effects.

It is considered to be an excellent medicinal mushroom in terms of enhancing immunity. It is thought that the increased expression of various cytokines could be also useful in the control of immunity through its anticancer and antitumor effects (Seo et al, 2019).

The β-glucan extracted from the fruiting body of the mushroom activates cellular immunity and expresses anti-tumor effects (Inoue, Kodama & Nanba, 2002).

Recently (2013), a new protein (GFP) from Maitake fruiting bodies revealed a critical role in modulating the immune response and its immune-enhancing effects against tumors (Tsao et al., 2013).

A metaanalysis revealed the GFP not only has significant effects in inhibiting tumor growth but also demonstrated “immune-potentiating effects (Zhao et al., 2021).

Courtesy of Dr. Ihor Basko
Photo Deborah Shores, DVM, CVA, CVCH

28/08/2024

Medicinal mushrooms may be growing in your own yard!

These beautiful Ganoderma were found on a dead oak tree on my property. I enjoy watching them grow and mature each year.

Reishi or Lingzhi is the Japanese or Chinese name for Ganoderma lucidum.

In nature Ganoderma is found on living and dead wood of deciduous trees in subtropical and temperate climate zones in �Asia, Europe, North and South America (Siwulski, 2015).

Resihi is traditionally known as a ‘longevitypromoting-tonic’ (Chang & Buswell, 1999). In China, it is known as a ‘herb with spiritual potency’ used to replenish the Qi, relax the mind, relax and ease cough and asthma.

It is a traditional herb for �shortness of breath, palpitation, dizziness, and insomnia (Wachtel-Galor et al, 2011).
Reishi is traditionally used after boiling and drying (Cho et al, 2012).
�Around 400 bioactive compounds have been reported from different parts (fruiting body, mycelia, and spores) of Reishi. Reishi contains polysaccharides (α/β-D-glucans), alkaloids, triterpenoids (ganoderic acids, ganoderenic acids, ganoderol, ganoderiol, lucidenic acids), sterols/ergosterol, proteins (LZ-8, LZ-9), nucleosides (adenosine, inosine, uridine), and nucleotides (guanine, adenine)�(Ahmad et al, 2021).

Various forms of Reishi (extracts, fractions and subfractions, isolated compounds, spore powders, oils, silver nanoparticles, etc.) have been extensively investigated for their multiple pharmacological activities, both clinically and pre-clinically.

In human medicine, Reishi is used traditionally for promoting health and longevity and for �its pain relieving and relaxing properties. Contemporary uses include as an adjunctive cancer treatment and to alleviate side effects of chemotherapy, chronic hepatitis, nephritis, �hypertension, bronchitis, neurodegenerative diseases, HIV, myopathies and physical frailty�(Cor et al, 2018).

Veterinary indications
• Adjunctive cancer care - protective on radiation and chemotherapy (Chen, Abulizi & Li, 2019)�• Adjunctive renal care - PCKD, CRF (Geng et al, 2020), ACE inhibition (Mohamad Ansor, �Abdullah & Aminudin, 2013)�• Adjunctive diabetes and liver support (Qiu, Zhong & Yang, 2019)�• Adjunctive neurological support (Cui & Zhang, 2019)�• Adjunctive cardiovascular support (Meng & Yang, 2019)�• Adjunctive dermatological support - burns, wounds, carcinomas, atopy (Yin, Yang & Ren, �2019)�• Allergies including dust mite (Liu et al, 2003); allergies to pet dander (Lewis, 2005), allergic �rhinitis�• Asthma�• Mast cell tumours - antihistaminic�• Nutritional - rat's diet supplemented with Reishi (1–5 g/100g body weight) improved �serum mineral content and bone indices, with greater improvement the higher the �Reishi concentration in the diet (Elhassaneen, Ragab & Salman, 2016).

Monograph courtesy of College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies and Dr. Barbara Fougere

🌟 Caution must be taken when foraging wild mushrooms, expert identification and processing is essential for safety 🌟

17/12/2023

As the winter solstice approaches (21th December) marking the shortest day and the longest night of the year, we invite you to reflect on the profound teachings of the second chapter of the Suwen. This ancient text offers timeless guidance on harmonizing with the season's energy for optimal health and well-being. ❄️📚

Winter: A Time of Accumulation and Storage

According to the Suwen, winter is not merely a cold season; it's a period of deep potential and introspection. It’s when ice cracks the earth, and yang energy quietly accumulates at the core. 🌬️❄️

Living in Harmony with the Season

- Rest and Reflection: Embrace the longer nights by going to bed early and rising after the sun has warmed the skies. Let your spirit dwell inward, safeguarding your valuable energy. 🌙🛌

- Preserving Yang Energy: Avoid excessive exposure to cold and resist the urge to sweat unnecessarily. Think of your yang energy as a precious resource to be conserved and nurtured. ☃️🔥

- Mindful Meditation: Keep your thoughts free from the anxieties of achievements or losses. Let this time be one of mental and emotional gathering. 🧘‍♂️💭

The Consequences of Ignoring Nature’s Rhythm

Ignoring these seasonal cues can lead to a disturbance in kidney energy, essential for rebirth and renewal in spring. Neglecting winter’s wisdom might result in the Wei Syndromes - conditions of weakness and energy misalignment. 🌀🍃

Embracing the Rebirth

As we approach the celebrations of Christmas and Nativity, symbolic of rebirth, let’s prepare ourselves to emerge in spring with strength and vitality. This winter, let’s honor our ancient roots and feed life the way it was meant to be - in a gentle, nurturing embrace of nature’s rhythm. 🌱🌷

Let the winter solstice be a reminder of the delicate balance between rest and activity, conservation and expenditure, and the beautiful cycle of nature.

- Dolores Navarro
Belgian Veterinary Acupuncture Society

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