Maitake
Also called: Medicinal mushroom, hen of the woods, Grifola frondosa
A frilly, edible mushroom rich in beta-glucans that stimulate the immune system. Early studies also look at blood sugar.
Medical Disclaimer
Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.
Studied for
- Immune support
- Blood sugar (early studies)
- Support alongside cancer care, with your oncologist's approval
Found naturally in
- Maitake mushrooms, sold fresh or dried, good sautéed or in soup
Label red flags
- No beta-glucan percentage listed
- 'Myceliated grain' or 'mycelium biomass' as the main ingredient
Check with a provider
- Autoimmune conditions. Because it stimulates the immune system, ask your provider first.
- Taking immune-suppressing medicines
- Taking diabetes medicine (risk of low blood sugar)
- Taking warfarin or another blood thinner. Ask your provider first.
- Having chemotherapy or other cancer treatment. Check with your oncologist first.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: not well studied
Usually found in mushroom blends, immune formulas, blood sugar support formulas. Browse the Lesher Wellness store
Parts of the body it affects
Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.
Blood & immune system
Blood carries oxygen and nutrients, and white blood cells defend you from infection. In autoimmune disease, that defense system targets your own tissues.
Pancreas
Your pancreas makes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon, which keep blood sugar steady.
Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.