Maitake Mushroom

Grifola frondosa

Also known as:

• Sheep's Head Mushroom

• Hen of the Woods

• Supplemental forms of the Maitake mushroom are referred to as Maitake D-fraction.

The Maitake mushroom is most recognizable because of its unique construction of tiny, fan-like, overlapping caps that can usually be found fused together on a tree's roots or on a tree's stump.

The entire Maitake mushroom is commonly used in natural cures and home remedies. It can be boiled to make tea or can be cooked and eaten. It can also be purchased in capsule, tincture or powdered form.

Rich in iron, selenium and vitamin C, the Maitake mushroom is widely celebrated for its effective support of the circulatory system, as well as the body's immune system. It has has many different uses in folk medicine, including:

• Enhancing the body's natural immune system

• Stopping the growth of certain cancers (especially breast cancer)

• Treating tumors

• Treating diabetes

• Managing AIDS

• Treating obesity

• Protecting the liver

• Fighting hepatitis B

• Lowering blood pressure

• Lowering bad cholesterol

• Helping the colon absorb important micronutrients (especially zinc and copper)

• Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Evidence suggests that Maitake mushrooms may disrupt interferon medications.

Also, Maitake and other home cures should never be used to treat a serious illness without the participation of a qualified health practitioner who is familiar with natural cures and home remedies. Those who are currently under a doctor's care for the treatment of cancer or any other serious illness, should continue with that care and discuss their interest in natural cures accordingly. Doing so reduces the risk of any possible complications due to drug interactions with herbal remedies and works to assure that patients get the best care possible at all times.

For centuries, those with a preference for natural cures and home remedies have used edible mushrooms, including the Maitake, to support natural healing and overall good health. Still, in all of this time, the powerful healing properties of mushrooms has been met with skepticism by some mainstream health practitioners. Recent research performed in Japan, however, has added credibility to the claims that the Maitake and other mushrooms really do have supportive health benefits.