Maitake Mushroom

Common Name

Standardized: maitake
Other: dancing mushroom, hen-of-the-woods

Botanical Name

Grifola frondosa (Dicks.: Fr.) S.F. Gray
Plant Family: Polyporaceae

Synonyms

Polyporus frondosus

Overview

Also known as

Grifola frondosa, Hen of the Woods, Sheep's Head Mushroom,
Plant Family: Polyporaceae

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.

Precautions

Specific: No known precautions.
General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.