Maitake (Grifola frondosa , Hen-of-the-Woods, Ram’s Head, Sheep’s Head)

This delicious gourmet mushroom is also an adaptogen with the ability to help balance body systems. In addition, its unique polysaccharides are under intense study for their immune boosting qualities. Maitake is regarded as having the greatest number of health supporting properties of any of the oriental healing mushrooms.

Maitake Effects:

  1. Reduces blood pressure
  2. Enhance the immune system
  3. Anti-tumor, antiviral effect
  4. Reduce cholesterol
  5. Improves insulin levels.

For over 3,000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has enjoyed and illustrious history. Today, TCM and Western Medicine function side-by-side in Japan, as can be witnessed by the frequent use of maitake mushrooms to deal with conditions which, in the U.S., are usually treated with drugs. In Japan, maitake mushrooms are highly prized both as food and medicine. People with serious degenerative illnesses travel long distances in search of the maitake mushroom. However, until recently, Western medicine has never viewed mushrooms as a treatment option for illness or disease. But the maitake mushroom has recently received increased clinical and research attention.

In the Orient, several types of mushrooms have been used for centuries to maintain health, preserve youth, preserve youth, and increase longevity. The healing aspects f mushrooms have been passed down through folklore and only recently (within the last 20 years) has the scientific study of mushrooms and their healing properties been initiated. The maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is native to northeast Japan and has been prized in Japanese herbology for hundreds of years to strengthen the body and improve overall health.

Recent research indicates that it is the most potent immuno-stimulant of all mushrooms. The compounds contained in maitake have the capacity to not only stimulate immune function, but also to inhibit tumor growth. These compounds include polysaccharides (such as beta glucan) and high-molecular weight sugar polymers. This delicious mushroom has only recently farm grown and is full of important vitamins and minerals. Maitake, also known as “Hen of the woods”, contains Vitamin C, D2, B2, potassium and magnesium.

Author: Life Enthusiast Staff