Maitake mushrooms have proven themselves as one of the most valuable medicinal mushrooms for medical research in recent times, boasting beta-glucans and polysaccharides that help strengthen immune systems and support health in general.

Natural compounds found in this fruit help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation, providing relief to women suffering from PCOS by stimulating ovulation and improving fertility.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is your body’s natural response to harmful stimuli, but too much inflammation can have devastating effects. Medicinal mushrooms have long been recognized for their natural ability to reduce inflammation; specifically containing an anti-inflammatory ingredient known as adenosine which blocks immune cell activation during an inflammatory response – hence why maitake mushroom tea may help lower risk for autoimmune diseases and chronic pain conditions.

Medicinal mushrooms are packed with beta-glucans, complex polysaccharides that have immuno-modulating properties. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms in particular boast high concentrations of D-fraction beta glucan, an essential cancer fighting component and one of the strongest immune boosters available today.

Studies have demonstrated that maitake mushrooms may help increase natural killer cells in the body, which are crucial in killing cancer cells and other pathogens. Maitake is also known to provide vital vitamin D – essential to overall wellness; those lacking adequate amounts are at an increased risk for high blood pressure and heart disease; mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake, and portabella typically produce the highest amounts when exposed to UV light or sunlight.

Mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine and modern research is uncovering their immense potential as natural medicines. With benefits including improving immunity, reducing cholesterol levels and inhibiting tumor formation, mushrooms make an excellent natural way of improving one’s health and wellbeing.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms are an exquisite gourmet specialty hailing from Northeastern Asia but also common across China and North America. Prized gourmet mushrooms recognized for both culinary and medicinal applications are considered one of the top herbal remedies used in China – said to revitalize natural body processes while strengthening liver, lowering cholesterol levels, managing blood sugar and supporting cardiovascular wellbeing.

Strengthens the Immune System

Maitake mushrooms, commonly referred to as hen-of-the-woods due to their resemblance of ruffled chicken feathers on a nest, are revered medicinal foods because of their immune-strengthening abilities and powerful medicinal qualities. Packed full of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals as well as anti-inflammatory, blood pressure lowering, heart health benefits as well as digestive tract benefits, Maitake mushroom supplements can be taken in powder, tincture or capsule form while mushroom tea offers another simple yet delicious way of getting more natural healing properties into daily diets.

Maitake mushroom extracts have demonstrated antibacterial, antiviral and anti-tumor activities in laboratory tests. Studies also demonstrate how maitake can stimulate immune activity by increasing activity among white blood cells and “natural killer” cells; its D-fraction may be responsible for this immunostimulant activity. Researchers from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York discovered that adding maitake to chemotherapy treatments significantly increased success rates as well as survival times of their patients.

Researchers have also shown that maitake and interleukin-2 (IL-2) can enhance immune cells’ abilities to attack tumors by strengthening immunity cells’ interactions with one another and helping coordinate immune system cells activities. Further research demonstrates that shiitake, bunatake, and enokitake mushrooms all show promise at protecting mice exposed to carcinogens from developing cancerous tumors.

Maitake has not only proven beneficial in fighting cancer but has also shown promise against high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. One animal study demonstrated this when maitake extract reduced age-related high blood pressure in rats while increasing insulin sensitivity and improving their overall quality of life.

But before including mushrooms in your diet, it is wise to consult your physician, especially if you suffer from an autoimmune disease or are on medications such as immunosuppressants commonly prescribed to transplant recipients and people with autoimmune conditions. Maitake’s immune-enhancing properties could interact with certain medications prescribed for transplant patients or for treating autoimmune conditions; for this reason it should not be consumed while pregnant or breastfeeding and it’s advised against before having surgery due to potential blood-thinning properties of mushroom extracts.

Lowers Cholesterol

Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) have long been prized as a superfood due to their nourishing properties that support natural processes in the body and low calories, low sodium intake and cholesterol-free status. Popular in traditional Asian herbalism for supporting immune health and natural processes in general.

Test-tube experiments conducted using maitake extracts have demonstrated antibacterial, antiviral and anti-tumor activity. Researchers believe it may also enhance immune system cells such as white blood cells and natural killer (NK) cells – both crucial components of an effective immune response against cancerous cells. Maitake’s immune boosting properties may be tied to its unique protein-bound beta-1,3/1,6 glucan known as D-fraction that activates immune cells without overactivating them – providing a healthier balanced immune response system.

Studies have also demonstrated the benefits of maitake extract in helping prevent heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol and improving arterial function, and by decreasing high blood pressure by improving insulin sensitivity, an issue often experienced by those living with Type 2 diabetes.

A four-week test on mice demonstrated that freeze-dried maitake extract could significantly lower cholesterol levels, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, this extract managed to keep them within their limits without impacting HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Maitake has also been put through trials to evaluate its potential against other health issues, such as shrinking tumors and decreasing bladder cancer recurrence rates. Researchers believe its D-fraction can inhibit cancer cell growth while encouraging apoptosis (cell death).

Researchers have recently made an exciting discovery: maitake mushrooms may also help treat herpes simplex virus type 1! This discovery indicates maitake’s capacity to naturally suppress viral herpes infections and serve as an effective complementary therapy to other medications.

Maitake is widely revered for its immunoenhancing benefits and for supporting the spleen by stimulating its function and encouraging the flow of qi, or vital energy, throughout our bodies to keep us feeling healthy and energetic. Furthermore, Traditional Chinese Medicine utilizes maitake to strengthen blood – an essential factor when trying to get pregnant.

Helps Induce Ovulation

Maitake (Grifola frondosa), commonly referred to as the “hen of the woods” due to its resemblance of fluffed tail feathers of nesting hens, is a polypore mushroom found near oak trees that grows in clusters at their bases, becoming one of the most beloved culinary mushrooms in Japan. Chinese and Japanese medicine consider maitake an effective anticancer medication as it contains amino acids, vitamins B & C, zinc potassium copper fiber plus beta glucans which stimulate macrophage and natural killer cell activity respectively.

Recent research conducted by researchers revealed that an extract from maitake mushrooms decreased insulin resistance and improved body balance among women living with PCOS, potentially helping with fertility issues related to their condition. These findings indicate an alternative treatment option than Clomiphene citrate may exist for some looking for natural ways to increase fertility.

Maitake’s richly nourishing qualities combined with the energy-enhancing effects of cordyceps mushrooms (Cordyceps sinensis) make it an excellent option for creating tea blends to increase fertility. Studies indicate that cordyceps increases ATP production in rodents, thus increasing energy levels and improving exercise performance*

Studies demonstrate the positive benefits of Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) on cellular health and hormone balance, making them an excellent herbal partner in supporting healthy ovarian function. Reishi is likely an adaptogenic herb which helps the body cope with stress by strengthening immunity while simultaneously aiding with healthy ovarian function**