Shiitake Mushroom Powder – Organic

Native to China, Shiitake mushrooms (non-GMO) have been eaten for nearly 6000 years. The mushrooms gained prominence during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) when they were considered the “elixir of life” and reserved to be enjoyed only by the emperor and his family.

Aside from being a natural source of protein, shiitake mushrooms supply niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, and potassium iron and are a natural source of vitamins A, B, and C.

When used in their sun-dried form, they provide a valuable dose of Vitamin D, which is found in very few foods. They contain more than 50 different enzymes, including pepsin which supports healthy digestion, and asparaginase, which is a substance that may support a healthy immune response.

Recent studies have traced shiitakes’ legendary benefits to an active compound in these mushrooms called Lentinan. Lentinan’s supportive benefits are its ability to support a healthy immune system response to strengthen the body’s ability to fight infection and disease.

A large number of animal studies over the last ten years have shown that another active component in shiitake mushrooms may support healthy lipid levels. Even when lab animals are given dietary protein rich in methionine (an amino acid researchers have found an increase in cholesterol formation), it still lowers plasma cholesterol levels dose-dependently. In other words, the more, the better the support for healthy lipid levels is.

L-ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant, has been discovered in mushrooms thanks to a new analytical method capable of identifying this antioxidant in plant material. In research presented at the 2005 American Chemical Society meeting in Washington, D.C., an American research team revealed that mushrooms contain higher concentrations of L-ergothioneine than either of the two dietary sources previously believed to contain the most: chicken liver and wheat germ.

Thrombosis, the formation of a blood clot that inhibits blood flow, has been shown to be significantly reduced by individuals consuming shiitake mushroom oil. The Department of Agricultural and Biological Chemistry at Nihon University in Japan has demonstrated that the levels found in shiitake mushrooms may possibly inhibit platelet aggregation.

Some possible traditional uses of Raw Organic Shiitake Mushroom Powder may include:

• Containing more than 50 different enzymes
• May reduce cellular mutation by way of a branched beta-glucan called Lentinan
• Containing which supports healthy cholesterol levels
• Supports a healthy immune system response
• Good natural source of vitamin D
• Powerful antioxidant properties
• May support the body’s ability to reduce blood clots

Constituents of Maitake include

• Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium
• Vitamins: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B-6, Folate, Vitamin D, D2, D3
• Amino Acids: Tryptophan, Threonine, Isoleucine, Leucine Lysine, Methionine, Cystine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Valine, Arginine, Histidine, Alanine, Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Proline, Serine
• Polysaccharides: Lentinan

Suggested Use: Add one tablespoon to dishes, sauces, smoothies or infuse in a tea.

Other Preparations:

Decoction: Use the ratio of 1 tablespoon of herb for every 10 ounces of water. Put it all in a pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower to a simmer for 20-30 minutes covered. Turn the heat off and allow the mixture to sit for another 10 minutes. Strain and serve (This method is specific for barks and roots)

Tincture: This method can take 15 to 30 days. You will need three items (a mason jar with a cover, the herb/herbs of your choice, and liquid for extracting). The extracting liquid can be alcohol, alcohol/ water combo, vinegar, or vegetable glycerin. Take the product and fill the jar ¾ full, add the liquid of your choice, and close the jar. Then shake the jar, so everything is well mixed. Give the jar a good 5-minute shake several times a day. After 15 to 30 days, strain and bottle in glass tincture jars.

Mixing Suggestions: To increase flavor and nutritional profile, combined with our maitake mushroom powder.

Botanical Name: Lentinus edodes, Lentinula edodes.

Other Names: Forest Mushroom, Chinese Mushroom, Black Mushroom, Lentinula, Pasania fungus, Hua Gu, Japanese mushroom, Black Forest mushroom, golden oak mushroom, and oakwood mushroom.

Parts Used: Whole Shiitake Mushroom.

Ingredients: Organic Shiitake Mushroom.

Origin: Grown and dried in China and packaged with care in Florida, USA.
Certifications: Certified USDA Organic.