Maitake mushroom - Latin Name: (Grifola frondosa)

Herbal Anecdote: Indigenous to the north-eastern part of Japan, this mushroom has a rippling form with no caps and grows in clusters at the foot of Japanese oak trees, looking like dancing butterflies to the Japanese. "Maitake" literally means "dancing mushroom". Others attribute the name to the joy, leading to dance, experienced by the people who found the mushroom, due to its delicious taste and health benefits. The botanical name "Grifola frondosa" refers to a mythical beast which is half-lion and half-eagle.

Traditional Uses: HIV, AIDS, hepatitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, allergies, hypertension, high cholesterol, chemotherapy support.