Maitake Essence

Mushrooms are powerful and unique sources of health-giving chemicals, and Maitake is no exception. Maitake is also known as chicken of the woods, and is loved as a delicious wild food-medicine.

Maitake was worth its weight in silver in Japan, until cultivation techniques were developed which made it less rare. Its more common availability, though, does not diminish its worth as a tonic and healing herb, used to boost the immune system and prevent and treat cancer. Specific studies which have shown promise used Maitake extracts against breast and colorectal cancer, and Kaposi's sarcoma, a skin disease associated with HIV/AIDS. It has also been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and to protect the liver. (see also Reishi, Shiitake, Cordyceps, and Six Mushroom Formula)