- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Forests of East and South-East Asia; now grown on wood worldwide. Lentinula edodes
Asia · Mushroom · № 145
Lentinula edodes
Mushroom · Asia
Shiitake
Lentinula edodes
An edible mushroom. Lentinan from shiitake is researched and used in oncology in Japan; there is little evidence for ordinary shiitake as an 'immune booster'.
Safety notes
Eating it raw or undercooked can cause a whiplash-like rash (shiitake dermatitis). Growers may develop allergy to the spores.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Fresh or dried in soups and dishes; always cook well. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Shiitake has been grown on oak logs in China and Japan for centuries; the name comes from the shii tree. Ody discusses it among the medicinal mushrooms of East Asia.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Immune tonic, strongly antiviral, antitumour, lowers cholesterol, liver tonic; for colds, flu, viral infections, candida, sluggish liver; supportive during chemotherapy.
Preparation and amount
About 90 g fresh or 15 g dried in tea or soup (can upset the stomach); concentrated extracts in capsules or tablets.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Adaptogen, tonic, stimulating; general remedy (colds, flu, fatigue), lowers cholesterol, strengthens the immune system and may inhibit tumour growth.
Preparation and amount
Decoction: 1 tsp powder per cup, 5 min covered, 1–3 cups a day; tincture 1 dropperful 1–3 times a day.
Chinese food therapy
Attributed effects
In Chinese cooking a standard flavouring in soups, rice and steamed egg (dried, soaked and without the stem). According to Jackson shiitake supports the immune system.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionTincturePowder and kitchen