Today’s Solutions: December 05, 2025

Shiitake mushrooms have been used in eastern medicine for more than 6,000 years. Traditional uses range from curing repertory disease to improving blood circulation, increasing energy and upping your qi, what is referred to in traditional Chinese culture as ‘life energy’. While the historic uses of this versatile fungus are extensive, modern applications cannot be ignored and will have you enjoying this centuries old medicinal magician. Growing your own mushrooms at home is simple and easily organic.

Anti–cancer

Preliminary lab studies show that shiitake mushroom can inhibit tumor growth. Shiitake mushrooms are used in alternative Japanese healing remedies for their immune boosting capabilities.

Source for iron

Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent source of non–animal iron. Iron’s main function is to transport oxygen from our lungs to our muscles and organs.

Improves skin

Shiitake mushroom extract contains kojic acid. Kojic acid can be used to help lighten skin, and also reduce the appearance of age spots and scars. Kojic acid also has antibacterial properties.

Prevents blood clots

Thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in your vessels, which can inhibit blood flow and cause serious health problems. Shiitake mushrooms help prevent thrombosis.

Improves cardiovascular health

Shitake mushrooms stop excess immune cell binding from occurring in your blood vessels, which will reduce the chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

Europe’s low-carbon future: Denmark’s North Sea oil field is now a carb...

Once a symbol of fossil fuel extraction, the remote Nini oil field in the North Sea is preparing for a new role: storing millions ...

Read More

Grace Richardson makes history as first openly gay Miss England: ‘I’ve achiev...

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When Grace Richardson took the stage at the Miss England final in Wolverhampton, she wasn’t just chasing a ...

Read More

World’s first hydrogen-powered cargo vessel to set sail in Paris this year

In a world's first, a commercial hydrogen-powered cargo vessel will make its maiden voyage later this year. Developed by French shipowner Compagnie Fluvial Transport ...

Read More

A guide to self-kindness: transforming negative self-talk into positive affir...

As we go through the motions of daily life, it's tempting to listen to our inner critic's constant commentary. Negative self-talk, or the constant ...

Read More