Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) is a prized edible mushroom native to East Asia, particularly Japan, China, and Korea.
It has been cultivated for over a thousand years for both its culinary and medicinal properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, shiitake is known for its ability to boost qi, support immune function, and improve overall health.
The mushroom contains bioactive compounds such as lentinan and eritadenine, which have immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering effects.
Shiitake mushrooms gained worldwide popularity in the 20th century and are now widely used in both cooking and herbal medicine to enhance health and well-being.