Cellulite is that lumpy fat bulges that you can’t seem to lose, no matter how much you exercise or diet. Cellulite is an incredibly common condition. If you have cellulite, you’re in good company. – as many as 95% of women have cellulite.

Well it is proved in stats that as many as 90 out of 100 middle aged people have cellulite. It is more common in aging women, although in some cases, girls as early as fourteen start to develop cellulite.

There are three layers of fats under the skin. The top layer is called the subcutaneous layer, and it is where cellulite occurs. The bottom two fat layers are “reserve” areas, where excess calories are stored as fat cells. Cellulite does not occur in these layers. In obese people, however, these two bottom layers push out the top cellulite layer, making it more noticeable.

In the subcutaneous layer, directly under the skin, there is a mesh-like or net-like fibrous connective tissue called septae. This septae forms a network of compartments, in which fat cells are located. This fibrous tissue’s functions are to keep the fat cells tightly packed, provide structural support for the skin, and to insulate the body.

In cellulite, the subcutaneous fat cells are pushed upwards, and the septae are pushed downwards. As a result, the fat cells are squeezed into small bulges that translate into the lumps and “orange peel” look of the skin. Because of aging, a woman’s skin begins to become thinner, and her septae become more fibrous.

Because of aging, a woman’s skin begins to become thinner, and her septae become more fibrous. This results in the worsening of cellulite’s appearance. As mentioned above, in obese people, the trapped subcutaneous fat is pushed outwards by the underlying layers of fat, thus also worsening the cellulite condition.

The fibrous structure of the skin layers in males helps them to restrict cellulite. This is the reason that even obese men often do not have cellulite. Another reason is the presence of higher amount of collagen in men. Furthermore, women also have a higher percentage of body fat, especially in the “problem” areas of thighs and hips.

With a unique flavor alternately described as lobster or shrimp, the gourmet mushroom Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) with its out-of-this-world showy display of cascading ‘teeth’ also possesses singular medicinal properties – stimulating myelin and nerve regeneration [150, 151] – which upon further study may prove beneficial in a whole series of neurological conditions. Paul Stamets suggests the possible usefulness of Hericium erinaceus extract in conditions such as Alzheimer’s, muscular dystrophy, M.S. and dementia. [134]

Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) is known to grow in Europe, North America, Japan and China. It can be found on many broad leaf trees, from oaks, maples and sycamores to beeches and walnuts.

“Erinacines” is the name of the medicinal compounds from Hericium erinaceus that are being researched for their neurological health benefits. They are small enough to pass through the blood brain barrier, which or course is a requirement in order to effect any healing on the myelin sheaths or neurons. [152, 153, 154]

Two Japanese patents exist relating to Hericium erinaceus extracts; one from the 1990′s for an extraction process of these compounds yielding an extract known as “Nerve Growth Stimulant Factor.” [150, 151] A more recent one from 2004 is for a water extract of Hericium erinaceus, also used for its nerve regenerating properties. [155]

In addition to its effect on nerve regeneration, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also prescribes Hericium erinaceus extract for stomach and digestive conditions, as well as cancers of the digestive tract and related organs.

Modern studies have affirmed the validity of this traditional application of Hericium erinaceus extract. One paper published in 1985 reported positive findings in the treatment of atrophic gastritis. Another from 1995 concluded that Hericium erinaceus had an ameliorating effect on hepatoma with an increased life expectancy for treated patients. [156]

In conclusion, additional medical research studies on Hericium erinaceus extract that are worth mentioning have shown it to have some therapeutic effect in the following areas: Immune stimulating [157]; antimicrobial against Aspergillus and Candida [158]; anti-tumoral [159]; inflammation [134]; stomach cancer. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.

Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.