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Home >
Research Department
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Supplement Articles
> Shiitake
Mushroom |
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Supplement Articles |
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SHIITAKE MUSHROOM
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Fight
tumours, viruses and enhance
the immune system ... |
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SHIITAKE MUSHROOM |
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Shiitake Mushroom
has many medical
properties |
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Shiitake is a light,
amber-coloured
fungus that grows on
fallen hardwood
trees. They are
indigenous to
temperate Asia but
are cultivated in
North America for
medicinal purposes.
There has been a
vast amount of
research into
shiitake's medicinal
properties, which
has uncovered its
ability to fight
tumours and viruses
and enhance the
immune system. |
Studies focus on
LEM, a
polysaccharide-rich
extract from the
mushroom. Presently
natural health
practitioners
recommend shiitake
mushroom extracts as
adjunctive treatment
in cancer, chronic
viral infections and
AIDS.
Shiitake is
traditionally taken
daily for preventive
care in tea, soup,
or other dishes.
Commercial
preparations
(extracts in capsule
form) of shiitake
are available but
may be expensive.
They are the best
way of obtaining
large amounts of the
active ingredient,
LEM. Dried shiitake
mushrooms are
available in Asian
food stores, usually
at more affordable
prices. The shiitake
mushroom is
cultivated for
medicinal use. This
alleviates concerns
about ecological
harvesting and
extinction of the
shiitake.
Shiitake is
non-poisonous, but
researchers have
observed cases of
shiitake-induced
skin rashes, and
some people who work
indoors cultivating
shiitake experience
``mushroom worker's
lung'', an immune
reaction to shiitake
spores. Individuals
who are allergic to
fungus or other
mushrooms should use
shiitake with
caution. Extract of
whole shiitake
reported to hinder
blood clotting so
people who bleed
easily or who are
taking blood
thinners should
check with their
health-care provider
before using
shiitake.
Concentrated LEM has
shown no evidence of
acute toxicity,
though mild side
effects such as
diarrhea and skin
rashes have been
reported.
Individuals whose
condition is
dependent on immune
system depression
should not use
shiitake.
Individuals with
cancer, AIDS or
other serious health
concerns should
consult with their
health professional
before using
shiitake. |
Shiitake–
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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·
Whole
fungus. |
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APPLICATIONS |
·
Cancer,
AIDS, colds
and flus,
infections.
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OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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·
6 to 16 g of
dried
shiitake in
tea, soup,
or other
dishes.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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·
Vitamin C,
bioflavinoids,
echinacea. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
Do not use
shiitake if
you are
allergic to
fungus or
other
mushrooms.
·
Individuals
whose
condition is
dependent on
immune
system
depression
should not
use
shiitake.
·
Individuals
with cancer,
AIDS or
other
serious
health
concerns
should
consult with
their health
professional
before using
shiitake.
·
People who
bleed easily
or who are
taking blood
thinners
should not
use shiitake
without
medical
supervision.
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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