Mushrooms have been used medicinally for centuries in China and Japan. Contemporary research has confirmed the antiviral, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties of shiitake, maitake, reishi, and coriolus versicolor mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes, also known as Black Forest mushrooms) are the third most commonly cultivated mushrooms in the world. They stimulate the immune system, are said to be a natural source of interferon (a protein that appears to induce immune response against cancer and viral diseases), decrease fat and cholesterol in the blood, aid in lowering blood pressure, and help discharge excess residue of accumulated animal protein. In addition, shiitake contain all eight essential amino acids in better proportions than soy beans, meat, milk, or eggs, are a good source of protein, and contain a blend of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes including vitamins A, B, B12, C, D, Niacin, amylase (aids digestion), and cellulose (dissolves fiber). In dried form, they have the highest vitamin D levels of any plant food.

 To help you enjoy and benefit from the healing properties of mushrooms, we’re sharing one of our favorite recipes.

Scar tissue can cause many problems, including limited range of motion, pain, and restriction of the circulation of vital fluids and energy in the body.   Our bodies tend to form scar tissue in response to misuse, overuse, surgery and trauma.  From a physiological standpoint, scar tissue is a natural reaction of the body to damage to tissues.   It is the fibrous connective tissue which forms a scar; it can be found on any tissue on the body, including skin and internal organs, where an injury, cut, surgery or disease has taken place and the body has repaired itself.   Scar tissue is composed of the same protein (collagen) as the tissue that it replaces.  However, instead of the random basket weave formation of collagen fibers found in normal tissue, the collagen cross-links and forms a pronounced alignment in a single direction. [1] This leads to tougher tissue that lacks the typical properties such as UV absorption, circulation, and flexibility that are found in normal connective tissue.  Internal scarring often has the additional problem of adhesions, or “glued” fibers from different levels of cells.  For example, connective tissue between organs and muscles can be adhered by the scar, further compromising organ function.