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The birch tinder fungus belongs to the category of wood-destroying mushrooms without a leg. It is considered a parasite that grows on tree bark and old stumps. The tinder fungus is included in the category of inedible species. According to external characteristics, it bears little resemblance to mushrooms in the usual sense, which is why it is not widely distributed.
Description of birch tinder
In the people, the tinder fungus is also called birch sponge. The Latin name is Piptoporus betulinus. It belongs to the class Agaricomycetes and the Fomitopsis family. Most often, the fungus can be found on the trunks of dead birches. In those places where the tinder fungus settles, the wood becomes rotten and empty. The birch sponge is considered the most mysterious representative of the mushroom flora.
The leg of the tinder fungus is almost invisible or completely absent. Outwardly, a birch sponge is a shapeless cake attached to the trunk. It can merge with the bark, repeating its color and texture. In some cases, the body of the fungus is fleshy. Its weight ranges from 1 to 20 kg. The diameter can reach 2 m. The tinder fungus increases in size throughout life.
You can find out about its age by the number of annual rings.
Where and how to grow
On the ground, the birch sponge fungus is practically not found. In most cases, it parasitizes on the surface of the trunks. Mycelium penetrates deep into the tree. It is able to secrete enzymes that dissolve the shell of the bark. The principle of placing the fungus on the surface is different. Sessile fruiting bodies are attached to the bark on one side. They may have a small foot. Prostrate polypores are pressed as tightly as possible to the bark. They are missing a leg.
The birch sponge is found in mixed and spruce forests. They grow along roads, in clearings and clearings. On the territory of the Federation, mushrooms are found in Eastern Siberia and the Urals. The period of intensive growth begins in July and ends in October. The collection of tinder fungus is carried out in the fall. They are carefully cut with a knife only from dry trees. It is believed that the benefits of a birch sponge depend on the height of its location. The higher the mushroom grows, the better.
Is birch tinder fungus edible or not
The tinder fungus is considered an inedible mushroom. Despite this, it is used for medicinal purposes. There are no poisonous representatives of the birch sponge.
Twins and their differences
The double of the birch tinder fungus is the false tinder fungus, the photo of which is placed below. This is a member of the Hymenochetes family. It belongs to the category of inedible mushrooms. The fruiting body of the twin has blunt rounded edges, its average diameter is 2 cm. The height of the fungus reaches 12 cm. Its shape can be hoof-shaped or hemispherical. The surface of the false tinder fungus is a black bark. As it matures, cracks appear on it. The hymenophore has a tubular structure. In color, the spores match the surface of the fungus.
The color of the upper part of the false mushroom varies from dark gray to black.
What is dangerous birch sponge for wood
The tinder mushroom fungus has a destructive effect on trees. Its roots go deep into the trunk. There they provoke the decay of the plant. A red patch appears. Over time, the mycelium completely turns the tree into dust, so infection and pathogens get inside through the place of its attachment. Birch sponge populates exclusively diseased trees. Therefore, she is considered a kind of nurse of birch groves.
Measures to combat lamellar birch tinder
Ridding birches from tinder fungus is not easy enough. The fungus spreads with the help of spores, so it must be removed before they leave the fruiting bodies. It is advisable to cut the mushroom picks at the end of summer. If the parasite has settled on a branch, it will be removed along with it. In this case, there is a possibility that the spores did not have time to penetrate into the depth of the trunk. There are no chemical pest control products. It is possible to completely get rid of it, preventing spread to other trees, only by burning diseased plants.
Healing properties of birch tinder
The chemical composition of the birch sponge has not been fully studied. It contains many health benefits. Thanks to them, the mushroom can be used for medicinal purposes. It is especially popular among people suffering from chronic diseases of the digestive system. Useful properties of birch tinder are as follows:
- diuretic action;
- stabilization of metabolic processes;
- restoration of intestinal microflora;
- relief of pain syndrome;
- strengthening immunity;
- slowing down the growth of malignant cells;
- aid in weight loss;
- improving the functioning of the joints;
- acceleration of the process of tissue regeneration.
There is a high efficiency of the fruiting body in relation to diseases of the larynx and oral cavity. When transferring a cold, healing mushroom infusions help restore the voice and eliminate the inflammatory process. In oncological diseases, a birch sponge is used to slow down the growth of tumor formations. The transdermal method of using tinder fungus is practiced for frostbite and skin diseases. In this case, lotions and compresses are made based on mushroom infusion.
Collection and storage rules
Only young birch sponges are suitable for eating. They differ in denser pulp. When harvesting, damaged and wormy mushrooms should be avoided. The search is best done in the morning. Instances collected in hot weather quickly deteriorate, becoming covered with mucus and emitting an unpleasant odor. Pulling out the tinder fungi is strictly not recommended. It is necessary to carefully cut them with a knife.
By drying, the beneficial properties of mushrooms can be preserved for a long time. Before this, the tinder fungi should be carefully examined for damage and cleaned of forest debris. It is undesirable to wash the mushrooms, as this will slow down the drying process. For drying, you can use several methods:
- in an electric dryer;
- in limbo;
- in the oven or microwave;
- under the influence of sunlight.
Mushrooms must be cut into equal pieces. For drying in a suspended state, they are strung on a thread. To dry the product in the sun, lay it out in a single layer on a newspaper or a small piece of natural fabric. In total, it can take several days to dry. In an electric dryer and oven, this process occurs many times faster.
Birch sponge has a slight bitter taste
Store dried tinder fungus in containers with tightly closed lids. It is important to prevent moisture from getting on them. Excessively overdried specimens must be ground to a powdery state.
The use of birch tinder in folk medicine
Despite the controversial properties, birch tinder is extremely useful for the human body. There are many uses for the mushroom. Most often it is taken in powder form. No less common are tinctures and decoctions based on a healing product. For each type of ailment, a certain principle of using a tinder fungus is provided.
Tinctures
Components:
- 500 ml of alcohol;
- 180 g of mushroom powder.
Cooking process:
- The powder is poured into a dark glass bottle.
- It is filled with alcohol, after which the lid is tightly sealed.
- The drink is infused for three days.
- Before use, the medicinal product is filtered.
Reception is carried out by 1 tsp. an hour before going to bed. The duration of treatment is three weeks.
Excessive intake of alcohol tincture can provoke toxic poisoning
Infusions
In alternative medicine, the use of birch tinder in the form of infusions is widespread. Recipes involve the use of additional components. The finished drink is often used to strengthen the immune system.
Classic recipe
Components:
- 2 Art. water;
- 1 st. l. dry crushed tinder fungus.
Recipe:
- Mushroom powder is poured with water and put on fire.
- The medicinal drink is boiled for 30 minutes.
- After removing from the heat, the infusion is cooled and filtered.
Infusion of tinder fungus is considered the most powerful antiseptic.
Infusion for weight loss
Components:
- 500 g rose hips;
- 1 L of water;
- 1,5 kg of crushed tinder fungus;
- 500 ml of milk;
- 100 mg black tea.
Cooking process:
- All components are mixed in a separate container and poured with boiling water. It is advisable to cover the container with a lid.
- After four hours, the resulting composition is poured into a thermos and diluted with milk.
Take the infusion should be 150 ml per day half an hour before meals.
The total duration of taking infusion for weight loss is 3-4 weeks.
Antitumor infusion
Ingredients:
- 1,5 tbsp. boiling water;
- 1 st. l. crushed tinder fungus.
Cooking process:
- Mushroom raw materials are poured with water and put on fire. You need to boil it for 20 minutes.
- The resulting drink is poured into a dark glass bottle and put aside. The duration of the infusion is four hours.
- After infusion, the product is filtered.
Take the medicine should be 1 tbsp. l. no more than four times a day.
Ready infusion should preferably be stored in the refrigerator.
The benefits of birch tinder for weight loss
The effect of weight loss is achieved due to the content in mushrooms of components that stimulate the metabolism in the body. The enzymes present in its composition ensure the removal of toxins from the body. In addition, the product has the ability to significantly reduce appetite. When combined with proper nutrition, the use of tinder helps to break down fats and cleanse the blood of bad cholesterol. When losing weight, you can use it in any form, but most often decoctions and tinctures are prepared on its basis.
Powder
Birch sponge powder is a real storehouse of useful elements. It is used not only orally, but also applied to skin lesions. Tinder powder is excellent for wounds and abrasions. Before applying it, the problem area is treated with hydrogen peroxide. Then pour a small amount of powder and apply a bandage.
Limitations and contraindications
Mushroom birch tinder fungus has not only useful properties, but also contraindications for use. If they are not taken into account, you may encounter adverse reactions. Restrictions include:
- recovery period after abdominal operations;
- advanced colds;
- age is less than 12 years;
- the period of bearing a child and breastfeeding.
There are also restrictions on the intake of alcohol tincture. It is contraindicated in children, as well as people suffering from alcohol addiction.
The use of birch tinder for other purposes
Despite the parasitic lifestyle and many contraindications, the tinder fungus is in demand among supporters of alternative medicine. It helps to strengthen the body, increasing its resistance to dangerous diseases. Birch sponge is often used for the following purposes:
- constipation treatment;
- slowing down the growth of malignant tumors;
- elimination of diseases of the kidneys and liver;
- increased immunity;
- prevention of diabetes.
Conclusion
Birch tinder is a multifunctional product that is used in alternative medicine. At the same time, it is entrusted with the function of clearing the forest from diseased trees. When used correctly, tinder fungus can significantly strengthen the body, preventing the development of serious diseases.
