Shitake mushrooms are part of the medicinal mushroom revival, but what’s unique – is you’ll actually find already hiding in plain sight in many grocery stores. These savory fungi not only tantalize our taste buds but also work wonders for our health. You’ll love learning the medicinal benefits of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes)
- Strengthening Immunity Like a Champ
Let’s kick things off with a round of applause for shiitake mushrooms’ incredible immune-boosting abilities. These little guys are packed with beta-glucans that help make your immune system stronger by acting as a deep immune tonic – ie restoring the overall function of your immune system. Shiitakes are an immunomodulating, not immune stimulant herb which means they bring your immune system into balance, but aren’t useful to ramp up your immune system when an acute illness strikes (this is a really critical distinction to understand with herbs that are ‘good for the immune system’ and I’ve got a whole article about it – read it here)
- Keeping Hearts Happy and Healthy
Shiitake mushrooms aren’t just good for the immune system, they’re also champions of heart health! With their fiber-rich goodness and special substances like eritadenine, shiitakes can help lower cholesterol levels and keep our blood pressure in check.
- Soothing Inflammation
Like most herbs, shiitake mushrooms are experts at calming inflammation. Thanks to their abundance of antioxidants, these mighty mushrooms help our bodies combat oxidative stress and inflammation, leaving us feeling rejuvenated, and ready to tackle whatever life throws our way.
- Stand up to cancer:
Some of the medicinal benefits of shiitake mushroom revolve around their use in cancer treatment. Some parts in shiitakes, like lentinan, might help stop cancer tumours from growing. They’ve been used in adjunct cancer therapy in countries like China and Japan since the 1980s!
- Digest well
Shiitakes are a great support for digestive weakness that can show up as poor appetite or bloating. I’d say this they’re more indicated for this when there’s signs of longer-term digestive weakness. Short-term, acute digestive issues are easily remedies with warming carminative herbs, or bitters before meals.
Learn to use shiitake mushrooms in your home
It honestly amazes me that this humble mushroom can do so much and this is why shiitake is one of six all-star immune system herbs in our DIY Immunity Remedy Kits (click here)
With the Kit, you’ll learn to make:
🍄shiitake honey pearls,
🍄shiitake immunity broth and
🍄Asian Greens with shiitake (dinner and medicine in one – win!)
Along with shiitake mushrooms, 3 shiitake-packed recipes, you get 13 other recipes and 5 others herbs with all the bits and bobs you need to just get started. It’s easy peasy and super practical – you’ll never want to learn herbal medicine any other way!
🌿Check out the DIY Immunity Kit – it’s your ticket to feeling awesome all winter long! 🚀
Building Immunity Course
If you really want to learn the medicinal benefits of shiitake mushrooms, you’ll love our Building Immunity course. This 4 week online course dives deep into understanding how to build immunity in daily life, use herbs to support immunity and breaking it down into actionable steps so you feel confident which remedy to reach for when. Learn more about the Building Immunity Course (click here)
So, in conclusion, shiitake mushrooms aren’t just a delicious addition to our meals – they’re also nature’s secret weapon for promoting health and wellness from the inside out. Whether you’re sautéing them up for a savory stir-fry or simmering them into a soul-soothing soup, be sure to give these marvelous mushrooms the spotlight they deserve.
