Herbal Information for Shiitake Mushrooms in Powder Form

Common Names: Shiitake Mushrooms

Botanical Name: Lentinus edodes

Pin Yin Name: Xiang Gu

Other Names: Shiitake fungus, Forest Mushroom, Pasania fungus

Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this mushroom.

Package Size: One Pound (1lb)

Form: Powder

Dosage: Follow doctor's instructions on how to use this herb.

Origin: China

Brand: Starwest Botanicals

Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

California Prop 65 

Additional Information About Shiitake Mushrooms

• Supports Immune System
• Benefits Heart Health
• Establishes Normal Blood Sugar when used with diet and exercise
• Helps to Maintain Normal Body Weight when used with diet and exercise
• Contains Antimicrobial Properties

More About About Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are among the most studied and have proven health benefits. Shiitake mushrooms are the second most cultivated mushroom in the world, only after Agaricus, the Paris mushroom. They are priced on the high side, but are not as expensive as Chanterelles or Morels, and have the distinct advantage of a long shelf life because they are most commonly sold dried, there being a very large demand for the dry form.  Shiitake mushrooms are also heavily cultivated in southeast Asia and the Americas. Many of the southern states have large shiitake farms which ship mushrooms all over the United States.

Shiitake is a polysaccharide rich mushroom. 

Shiitake mushrooms are usually grown logs 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6 inches) in diameter and up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) long, but short thick logs (50 cm or 20 inches long) can also be used. Approximately 50 plugs are suitable for four or five logs. Shiitake mushrooms are touted for both their delicious taste and health benefits. These mushrooms can be dried or pickled.  Shiitake mushrooms are high in protein, fiber, carbs, vitamins and minerals. In general most edible mushroom varieties are well know for their health benefits, but shiitake seems to be one of the most beneficial. Shiitake Mushrooms are characterized by their tan-to-brown, umbrella-shaped, medium-sized caps. The edges of their caps roll inward.

Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:

• How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
• How to make a citrus facial splash
• Cayenne pepper: Caterpillar and aphid spray ( Natural insect repellent )
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About Starwest Botanicals Quality Control

Starwest Botanicals validated quality assurance testing includes: 
• Organoleptic testing to ensure proper appearance, color, aroma and flavor. 
• Microscopic and Macroscopic inspection for foreign matter.
• HPTLC for identification, to verify purity and authenticity. 
• ICP-MS heavy metal analysis.
• Microbiology testing for pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella.
• Chemical analyses for moisture content, volatile oil, ash and acid insoluble ash.

Audits all suppliers yearly to assure they meet our GMP requirements

Laboratory Analysis

Samples are retained from all shipments are thoroughly tested and compared to our extensive reference library of dried herbs and botanicals to verify authenticity. All lot samples are kept for five years and can be traced for verification.

Starwest Botanicals utilizes not only their in-house laboratory, but also independent labs and consultants to guarantee their analyses are complete. Testing includes organoleptic analysis for aroma, color, flavor and texture. Physical testing involves moisture, volatile oil content, heavy metals, microbiology, thin layer chromatography, and other tests specific to each herb.