Can I take Maitake and Shiitake together?

For most healthy people eating these mushrooms in normal food amounts, there is no cause for concern. However, if you are taking concentrated supplements, you should be cautious.

Why this happens

Both maitake and shiitake mushrooms have 'antiplatelet' properties. This means they make the tiny cells in your blood (platelets) less 'sticky', which makes it harder for your blood to form clots. When used together, this effect can be stronger.

Stop taking these supplements at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

If you are already taking blood-thinning medications (such as warfarin or aspirin), speak to your doctor before combining these supplements.

How to know if you're having a drug interaction

You may be experiencing an interaction between maitake and shiitake mushrooms if:

• You took large amounts of both together (especially as supplements).

• You feel sick (nausea), have diarrhoea, or an upset stomach.

• You feel dizzy or weak, especially if you have diabetes (they can lower blood sugar).

• You notice easy bruising or bleeding (they may affect blood clotting).

• You develop rash, itching, or breathing problems (possible allergy).

What you should do

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should:

• Stop taking the mushrooms or supplements.

• Avoid taking both together unless a healthcare professional advises it.

• Get urgent help for breathing problems, severe allergic reaction, or heavy bleeding.

• Speak to a GP or pharmacist if symptoms are mild but don’t go away.

• Monitor blood sugar if you have diabetes.

Important precautions

Bleeding disorders or surgery

These supplements may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. You must stop taking these at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery. Use with caution if you are taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin or aspirin.

Diabetes

These supplements can lower blood sugar levels. If you are taking insulin or other diabetes medications, monitor your blood sugar closely as your dose may need adjustment to prevent hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar).

Auto-immune conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)

These supplements can increase immune system activity, which may worsen the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Avoid use if you have these conditions.

Low blood pressure (Hypotension)

These supplements may lower blood pressure. If you already have low blood pressure or take medication to control high blood pressure, they could cause your blood pressure to drop too low.

Shiitake dermatitis

Eating raw or undercooked shiitake mushrooms can cause a severe, itchy skin rash known as 'flagellate dermatitis' which looks like whip marks on the skin. Ensure mushrooms are thoroughly cooked to avoid this reaction.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol when taking medicinal mushrooms. Both alcohol and certain compounds in these mushrooms are processed by the liver; combining them may increase the strain on your liver or alter how the supplements are metabolised.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together.

Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.