Every day, mushrooms are widely talked about in the newspapers, magazines and television.  Commonly, we hear that mushrooms are good for you. There is countless number of over-the-counter products that broadcast their contents having mushrooms in them.  When we think of food often we can visualize mushrooms in salads, pasta dishes, casseroles and even on top of our pizza.  Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years.  They have a long history of medicinal effectiveness especially in the Asian countries. One of the first herbal medicines used in the Oriental world for thousands of years was mushrooms which were used to inhibit many conditions like tumors. Recently, mushrooms have become popular in the United States.  Mushrooms are full of protein, fiber, calcium, zinc, selenium and other minerals and vitamins B and C. The three most common species of mushrooms are Maitake, Shiitake and Reishi.  These three species have demonstrated enormous medicinal effects.  These three mushrooms have many overlapping properties in that they all boost immune function, enhance cardiovascular health and are effective in cancer.  They have also shown to kill viruses, bacteria and fungus, decrease allergies, decrease inflammation and support the body’s detoxification mechanisms.  Maitake mushroom is specifically recommended for the gastro-intestinal system. It is very effective in aiding the digestive system of the stomach and intestines.  The Maitake mushroom is well known for its cancer fighting properties.  This mushroom contains grifolan, a beta-glucan polysaccharide. Research has shown that grifolan has activated cells of the immune system.  Maitake mushrooms have been shown to help with the side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and hair.  Recent evidence also points to the Maitake mushroom as being effective in Type II diabetes in helping to control blood sugar levels.  Many doctors in Japan have used the Maitake mushroom to lower blood pressure and lower blood lipids in cardiovascular patients.  The Reishi mushroom promotes respiratory health.  This mushroom was well-regarded as the wellness tonic in ancient China. Recently the Reishi mushroom making the news reports is the Red Reishi. It has shown to have a positive effect on lowering bad cholesterol without the side effects of the cholesterol lowering drugs.  Shiitake mushrooms are specific for the treatment of nutritional deficiencies and liver ailments. They have natural antiviral and immunity-boosting properties.  Shiitake mushrooms are used nutritionally to fight viruses, lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure.  Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, an immunostimulant that has been used to treat cancer, AIDS, diabetes and chronic fatigue syndrome.  Mushrooms offer many benefits in maximizing immune health.  In certain diseases mushrooms may offer the first line of defense.  When taking mushrooms remember the following: 1. Take the supplements twice a day. 2. Take the supplements morning and evening and 3. Always take the mushrooms on an empty stomach.  Which is consider 30 minutes before meals and two hours after.  As with any supplement or medicinal plant always check with your doctor before taking.