The Healing Power of Shiitake

By Tom Monte

Shiitake mushrooms are among the most medicinal plants on the planet, from whatever perspective you look at them. The more Western scientists examine shiitake, the more they are impressed with their powerful healing properties; in the Orient, this delicious food has been revered for more than 2,000 years.

Here's why -- from an East West perspective.

From the West

Studies at the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the Japanese National Cancer Institute have established the shiitake mushroom cancer fighter, an immune booster, and a powerful cholesterol-lowering herb.

The pioneer of shiitake research was Kisaku Mori, Ph.D., who founded the Institute of Mushromom Reseahc in Tokoy. Mori documented the healing effects of shiitake mushrooms and tried to isolate the most active compounds within the mushroom.

One of those compounds, called eritadenine, has been shown by both American and Japanese researchers to dramatically lower blood cholesterol. Studies have shown that three ounces (or 5 or 6 mushrooms) a day can lower blood cholesterol by 12 percent in one week. Other research has suggested that the cholesterol lowering effect of shiitake extract -- the concentrated form of the mushroom -- may be as much as 25 percent when used over a couple of weeks.

Certain polysacharides, or long chains of sugars, found in shiitake have been shown to boost immune response. Macrophage and phagocyte cells, as well as numerous other immune cells and chemicals to respond more vigorously to a virus, cancer cells, and bacteria after shiitake have been eaten.

In a study published by the U.S medical journal, Cancer Research (1970), scientists reported that six of ten laboratory animals with cancer experienced remission after eating shiitake extract for short periods of time. When the quantities of extract were increased, all ten animals went into remission. Similar findings have been reported by other researchers.

Shiitake has been found to inhibit the attempts of viruses to replicate. Scientists at Japan's Yamaguchi University School of Medicine have found that shiitake extract protected cells against the destruction normally caused by HIV infection. The scientists went on to recommend that shiitake be used in conjunction with other HIV and AIDS treatments.

A substances isolated in shiitake called cortinelin has been found to be an effective broad spectrum antibiotic, while the sulfides in shiitake can kill ringwork, fungus, and other skin diseases.

From the East

Oriental healers have been studying the effects of shiitake mushrooms for more than 2,000 years. In Chinese medicine, shiitake is said to strengthen the stomach, spleen, and pancreas, the organs known collectively as the Earth Element.

Shiitake is recommended as a regular vegetable to strengthen and tonify the spleen. Also, a tea can be made by boiling two or three mushrooms for 10 to 20 minutes; it is used to treat stomach problems, especially vomiting and indigestion brought on by overeating or indiscriminate eating. Regular consumption of shiitake -- as part of a vegetable medley or in, say, noodles in broth or barley stew -- will improve the health of the spleen function as well as the overall vitality of the large intestines.

In Chinese medicine, the spleen is regarded as among the most important of the body's organs (which contrasts sharply with the West, where it is frequently removed for any number reasons, including cancer). The spleen supplies Qi, or life force, to the large intestine and lungs. Many people who suffer from constipation and indigestion are seen, from the Chinese perspective, as having weak spleens. This is especially true of people who have eaten lots of refined sugar -- which injures the spleen -- and now suffer from chronic digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation. The problem seems to be the large intestine, but in fact it is the spleen that no longer can support the large intestine function.

All foods that cause highly acidic reactions in the body, such as sugar, tomatoes, spices, and sweet wines can -- if consumed regularly -- injure the spleen. Shiitake, on the other hand, supports and strengthens spleen function, and is therefore good for strengthening digestion. By strengthen spleen and pancreas, shiitake also balances blood sugar levels and helps the body establish enduring and lasting energy.

Like Western researchers, the Oriental healers maintain that shiitake protects blood vessels from atherosclersosis, or the formation of cholesterol plaque that block arteries. In addition to supplying Qi, the spleen plays a vital role in maintaining one's the center of gravity -- meaning one's physical, emotional, and spiritual sense of balance. People who are easily thrown off balance emotionally, cannot talk in front of groups, or have trouble asserting their ideas are said to have weak spleens. Shiitake and whole grains both support the recovery of one's center.

All food must be eaten in balance, meaning that shiitake should not be overeaten. Oriental healers see shiitake as having an expansive effect on the body. While a balanced intake of shiitake -- between two and six per week -- has a mild stimulating and strengthening effect, too many shiitake will cause the spleen to become overly expanded and weak. Eaten in moderation, shiitake is a delicious gift, a blessing for body, mind, and spirit.

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