猴头菇在中国既是食用珍品，又是重要的药用菌。猴头菇是中国八大“山珍”之一，自古就有“山珍猴头，海味燕窝”之说，与熊掌、海参和鲨鱼翅并列为四大名菜，肉嫩味香，鲜美可口，营养丰富，色、香、味上乘。另外，猴头菇也是中国传统的贵重中药材，具有滋补健身、助消化、利五脏的功能。现代研究表明，其含有多肽、多糖、脂肪和蛋白质等活性成分，对消化道肿瘤、胃溃疡和十二指肠溃疡、胃炎、腹胀等有一定疗效。
Hericium erinaceus is not only an edible treasure in China, but also an important medicinal fungus. Hericium erinaceus is one of the eight “mountain treasures” in China. Since ancient times, it has been said that “mountain treasures, dried seafood bird's nests” have been said to be the four famous dishes alongside bear paws, sea cucumbers and shark fins. The meat is tender and fragrant, delicious. Rich in nutrition, good color, fragrance and taste. In addition, Hericium erinaceus is also a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal material, which has the functions of nourishing fitness, helping digestion, and benefiting the five internal organs. Modern studies have shown that it contains active ingredients such as polypeptides, polysaccharides, fats and proteins, and has certain effects on gastrointestinal tumors, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, gastritis, abdominal distension, etc.
