Shiitake Mushroom, (Lentinus edodes).

An excellent medicinal mushroom. Helps fight cancer due to strengthening of the immune system. Helps fight many other conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stomach disorders, anemia, vitamin deficiency, and viruses. Shiitake is an adaptogen and immunostimulant. It is high in B vitamins, protein, enzymes, and essential amino acids.

Other possible indications for use of shiitake include: AIDS, gallstones, ulcers, diabetes, common cold, allergies, insomnia, and neuromuscular disorders.

Oriental folklore recommends its use for tumors, flu, high blood pressure, obesity, sexual dysfunction, and aging.

Ingredients

Shiitake Mushroom, Distilled Water, Apple Cider Vinegar.

Instructions

Use 6-12 drops in juice, water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.

References and Research Info

"Shii" comes from the Shii Tree, Quercus cuspidata, which is an oak of central/southern Japan where the shiitake grows. "Take" means mushroom in Japanese. Shiitake is a mainstay in the Japanese diet–very high in nutrition. It contains 18 amino acids ( 7-8 of which are essential) and over 30 enzymes. Eritadenine is a unique amino acid believed to lower cholesterol. Shiitake is high in B vitamins, especially B1, B2 and niacin; and in its sun-dried form, it provides vitamin D (found in very few foods). Oriental herbalists have used wild shiitake medicinally for many years.

The past two decades have provided well documented clinical studies showing that shiitake helps to decrease cholesterol; 3 ounces of shiitake per day can decrease cholesterol by as much as 12% per week. Shiitake is an enhancer of the immune system, and it may stimulate production of interferon. According to Kisaka Mori, Ph.D., shiitake is high in enzymes and vitamins not usually found in plant foods. In studies, extract form has helped to prevent transplanted tumors from taking hold.

Herbal Descriptions by Truman Berst, Master Herbalist.
The Little Herb Encyclopedia by Jack Ritchason.