Maitake Mushroom Profile

Also known as

Grifola frondosa, Hen of the Woods, Sheep's Head Mushroom,

Introduction

Maitake is a Japanese mushroom closely related to polyporus used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The word Maitake is literally translated from Japanese as "dancing mushroom," so named because in ancient times people who found Maitake could exchange it for its weight in silver, leading to their dancing in celebration. Maitake is recognized by its small, overlapping tongue- of fan-shaped caps, usually fused together at the base of a host tree stump or on tree roots.

Constituents

Complex immunostimulant polysaccharides, starch, protein, water.

Parts Used

The whole mushroom.

Typical Preparations

Added to cooking, teas, tinctures, powders, encapsulations.

Summary

Precautions

Studies have shown that Maitake can induce interferon production which may have an effect if you are on a strict interferon prescription. Please consult your practitioner if you are on a interferon prescription.