Shiitake Herbal Remedies
Shiitake is a delicious medicinal mushroom which has thousands of years of medicinal and folk use as a strengthening and restoring food. It is indicated in diseases of suppressed immune function such as environmental allergies, candidiasis, AIDS, and cancer and has been reported to have antiviral and anticarcinogenic properties. Shiitake is also said to lower cholesterol, when used consistently for a period of time--not a difficult task. A special extract of the mycelium (the actual vegetative body of the fungus) called Lentinus Edodes Mycelium (LEM) is a concentrated way of using shiitake for highest therapeutic activity. It is recommend for hepatitis, chronic fatigue, AIDS, and cancer, as a dietary supplement to a complete healing program. It is costly to purchase bottles of the extract in capsules in the health food store, but it can be purchased in bulk powder form through a mushroom products supplier. Shiitake has a taste of SWEET and a temperature of NEUTRAL.
Shiitake Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Shiitake Extract | take as directed on label |
| Shiitake Tincture | 1-2 droppersful 2-3 x daily |
Shiitake Reference Information
| Latin Name | Lentinula edodes |
| Other Names | Lentinus edodes |
| Part Used | Fruiting Body |
| Herb Forms | Extract in capsules, powder in capsules, tablets, tincture, bulk. |
| Affects | Cardiovascular system, Immune system, Liver |
| Cautions | None noted. |
| Botanical Info | A gilled mushroom with a tan to cinnamon-colored cap and solid stalk. |
Supporting Research
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Hobbs, C. 1996. Medicinal Mushrooms. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press.