Trutovik

Tinder fungus is a common name for a group of parasitic fungi that grow on the trunks of living and dead trees. In nature, they act as “orderlies” of the forest, decomposing organic compounds into mineral ones. Despite the fact that the fungus destroys the wood of plants, it has a powerful healing effect on the human body. In medical practice, medicinal types of tinder fungi are most often used: reishi, sulfur yellow, larch, birch. The composition of their fruiting bodies includes many useful substances, in particular polysaccharides, phytosterols, triterpenes, essential oils, resins, anthocyanins, vitamins, micro and macro elements.

Tinder activates natural antitumor immunity, reduces the risk of ischemia, increases cognitive functions of the brain, and normalizes blood rheological parameters. Preparations based on it are indicated for all types of cancer, hepatitis, tuberculosis, asthma, nervous exhaustion, liver disorders.

Botanical description

The tinder fungus consists of a fruiting body and mycelium, which are formed by thin colorless filaments (hyphae). At the same time, most of it (mycelium) is located in the body of the plant, and only the reproductive organs are “carried out” outside. It is interesting that the parasite hyphae penetrate the wood not by force, but by releasing enzymes that dissolve its cell membranes. As a result of these processes, cracks form in the “host” bark, where spores of the fungus easily penetrate. After the growth of the mycelium, the fruiting body “comes out” to the surface of the tree. Visually, it resembles an inverted saucer, which is half grown into the trunk. Moreover, the shape and structure of its pulp directly depends on the type of fungus.

The fruit bodies of tinder fungi can be fleshy, membranous, woody, leathery, corky, and fibrous. Their surface color varies from light white to dark brown. In shape, they are: prostrate, sessile (attached sideways), differentiated (on a hat and a leg). The diameter of rounded mushrooms is 5-30 cm, and the length of elongated fruiting bodies is 0,5-1,2 m.

Popular varieties

Currently, there are more than 1500 species of tinder fungi, most of which are classified as conditionally edible mushrooms.

The most popular varieties are:

1. Larch (real). These mushrooms are characterized by a prostrate fruiting body (20-30 cm long), painted in an off-white shade. In young plants, the flesh is soft and elastic, in mature plants it is hard and crumbling.

Larch tinder is not edible, but is used for medicinal purposes for the preparation of infusions, decoctions and powders aimed at removing toxins, carcinogens from the body, destroying the pathogenic flora of the liver, lungs, biliary tract, accelerating metabolism (for weight loss). Most often it grows on dead wood and fallen trees.

2. Flat (sulphur-yellow). A characteristic feature of the mushroom is a voluminous dark golden hat (20-30 cm in diameter), visually resembling polyurethane foam. On the surface of the fruiting body there are often uneven sagging, covered with a dense matte peel.

The sulfur-yellow tinder fungus is edible only at an early age, since the caps of overripe plants are excessively hard. In addition to the food industry, the mushroom is used in pharmacology for the production of drugs aimed at combating rheumatic tuberculosis, esophageal cancer, impotence, stomach ulcers, diabetes, and liver diseases.

3. Lacquered (reishi). A distinctive feature of the mushroom is a shiny believable hat planted on a lateral volumetric leg. At the same time, the color of its fruiting body can vary from bright orange to dark red.

The varnished tinder fungus is used exclusively for medical purposes, since the fungus is inedible. This is the strongest immunomodulator with pronounced antioxidant properties. It is believed that the mushroom is able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, useful for people suffering from arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, and respiratory diseases.

Reishi research on the possibility of its use for medicinal purposes is ongoing.

4. Umbrella. The rarest type of tinder fungus, listed in the Red Book. The fruit body of the mushroom consists of many small brown caps, bordered by multi-colored wavy stripes. The culture grows in places with high humidity, especially at the base of stumps and trunks of beech, maple, birch, hornbeam.

Umbrella tinder fungus is classified as an edible mushroom.

5. Birch. Mushroom with spherical fruiting bodies, light flesh and smooth gray-white skin. This parasite grows exclusively on tree trunks of birch. Based on it, medicines and biologically active complexes are created, aimed at restoring the work of the intestines (eliminating constipation), increasing the body’s immune response, and calming the nervous system. The mushroom reduces appetite, has strong diuretic properties, due to which it is used for weight loss.

At an early age, birch tinder fungus can be used as food.

In addition to medicinal and nutritional value, mushrooms are the most important component of the cycle of substances in nature. Tinder fungi, decomposing organic compounds to mineral ones, have a positive effect on the soil biocenosis.

Useful Properties

Even in ancient times, people discovered that the pulp of tinder fungus has antiseptic, hemostatic and antitumor effects. However, their pharmacological value was proved only in the middle of the XNUMXth century (during numerous laboratory studies). So, one of the achievements of modern medicine was the discovery of the polysaccharide lanophila contained in the fruiting bodies of tinder fungi. This substance has a powerful hepatoprotective effect on the body, as a result of which the secretion of bile increases and the structure of the liver tissue is restored. In view of this, the product is used in dietary schemes to stimulate weight loss, correct functional disorders and normalize metabolism.

Tinder properties:

1. Binds heavy metal ions, removes carcinogens and radionuclides from the body.
2. Expands the coronary arteries, reduces the risk of cardiac ischemia, has a cardiotonic effect on the myocardium.
3. It enhances cerebral circulation, improves memory, prevents the occurrence of tissue hypoxia.
4. Disinfects the organs of the genitourinary system, inhibits the growth of pathogenic flora.
5. Improves fat metabolism, prevents the sticking of “bad” cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels.
6. It activates the natural anti-cancer immunity, enhances the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections.
7. Promotes gentle bowel movements.
8. Stimulates the synthesis of immunoglobulins, reduces the intensity of allergy manifestations.
9. Improves the functional state of the pancreas, stabilizes blood sugar levels.
10. Stimulates the production of endorphins, improves mood, increases the resistance of the nervous system to psycho-emotional stress.

However, only an environmentally friendly mushroom, in which there are no pesticides and radionuclides, can benefit. In view of this, one should be selective in the choice of purchased products. Indicators of low-quality raw materials are low cost and lack of a quality certificate.

Indications for the use of tinder fungus (as prescribed by a doctor):

• pathologies of the cardiovascular system (arterial hypertension, ischemia, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, obliterating endarteritis, stroke, heart failure, heart attack);
• diseases of the respiratory organs (bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheitis, pleurisy);
• malignant and benign neoplasms (cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, polyps, pituitary adenoma, cysts, mastopathy);
• autoimmune dysfunctions (allergic reactions, neurodermatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, hay fever, thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, bronchial asthma);
• dermatological diseases (atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis);
• liver pathology (viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatosis, dystrophy);
• nervous disorders (neurasthenia, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, epilepsy).
• pathologies of the digestive tract (dysbacteriosis, gastritis, ulcers, constipation);
• alcoholism.

Despite a wide range of pharmacological effects, tinder fungus should not be used for hemorrhagic diathesis, hemophilia, uterine bleeding, anemia, pregnancy, lactation, low blood clotting, and childhood (up to 7 years).

Remember, the abuse of mushrooms threatens with vomiting, nausea, dizziness, toxic poisoning, and an allergic rash. In order to avoid a negative reaction of the body, fruiting bodies and preparations based on them are used only as directed by a doctor in a strictly prescribed amount.

reishi mushroom against cancer

Reishi (lacquered tinder) is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms on the planet, used in medical practice for more than 4 millennia (especially in the East). In ancient times, the culture was available only to members of the imperial family, since the cost of a gram of fruiting bodies was equal to 1 gram of gold.

Interestingly, in terms of immunomodulatory properties, reishi mushroom surpasses even Siberian ginseng.

In 1980, a group of scientists from Japan’s Shizuoka University and the National Cancer Center isolated a powerful antitumor element, beta-glucan, from tinder fungus. Its main pharmacological effect is to stimulate specific cellular immunity and increase the body’s defenses. When a substance is introduced into the blood, the polysaccharide binds to the surface of the cells responsible for anti-cancer protection. As a result, natural killers, macrophages and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are activated.

It is interesting that in the body of a healthy person there is a continuous destruction of atypical structures. At the same time, macrophages quickly recognize and eliminate the changed cells. Along with this, T-lymphocytes come close to malignant elements, throwing polymer proteins (perforins, granzymes) onto its surface. This substance is embedded in the membrane of a cancer cell, making a “perforin hole”, as a result of which it dies. If the first protection factors did not work, natural killers enter the fray. However, with constant stress, consumption of junk food, excessive physical exertion, a decrease in their functional activity is observed. In view of this, the risk of tumor processes increases by 3 times. In addition, in cancer patients, the cells are in a depressed state and are often represented by young, immature forms (not capable of active action).

Antitumor effects of beta-glucans concentrated in the bodies of polypores:

1. Activate macrophages, which leads to an increase in their absorption capacity.
2. They accelerate the maturation of lymphocytes, as a result of which many mature, combat-ready killer cells are formed.
3. They enhance the cytolytic activity of protective proteins (perforins and granzymes).
4. Increase the life cycle of natural killers, macrophages and T-lymphocytes.
5. Stimulate the synthesis of Tumor Necrosis Factor (interleukins and TNF-alpha).

In addition to glucans, reishi fruit bodies contain substances that block the development of the circulatory system of cancer (sodium pyroglutamate and ergosterol). As you know, a neoplasm releases a substance (vascular growth factor) into the blood, under the influence of which the body starts the “building” of new capillaries for the tumor (to receive nutrients). When consuming reishi mushroom, there is a sharp inhibition of the synthesis of vascular growth factor, as a result of which the neoplasm and its metastases gradually “dry out”.

Reishi on guard of the cardiovascular system

The cardiological effects of tinder fungus are associated with the presence of organic germanium in its composition. This element improves blood circulation in the body, as a result of which the risk of tissue hypoxia is halved. Scientists believe that when it enters the bloodstream, germanium behaves like hemoglobin.

Reishi Mushroom Benefits for the Cardiovascular System:

1. It helps to reduce the adhesion of platelets in the blood, reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
2. Expands the coronary arteries, supports the myocardium during oxygen starvation.
3. It has a moderate cardiotonic effect, reduces the negative effects of prolonged heart failure.
4. Reduces the heart rate and the load on the myocardium, increases the elasticity of the valves.

Along with this, germanium, which is part of the tinder fungus, has antifungal, immunomodulatory, antitumor, antiviral and radioprotective effects on the body.

To enhance the pharmacological effect, preparations based on a parasitic fungus are taken together with organic vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid).

Recipes of traditional medicine

To create healing potions, the following medicinal types of tinder fungi are used: real, varnished, birch, larch. These mushrooms are used as an adjuvant for the prevention and treatment of functional disorders.

Express blood cleanser

Grind the dried fruiting bodies of the fungus into powder. Reception schedule: 1-2 days – 5 g of raw materials every 2,5 hours with 100 ml of pure water (10 minutes before the meal). From the 3rd day, they switch to a three-time regimen of powder consumption (observing the indicated dosage). The course of treatment is 1-2 months. The tool is effective for poisoning, allergies, infectious pathologies and liver diseases.

Composition for stimulating weight loss and sputum discharge

Pour 15 g of crushed tinder fungus with 200 ml of hot water. Set the container with the mixture in a water bath for 30 minutes. After that, insist the composition in a warm place for at least 4 hours. The finished product is taken four times a day 15 minutes before meals. In addition to stimulating weight loss, the drug is used to improve sputum discharge in case of pneumonia, bronchitis, pleurisy, and tuberculosis.

External means for healing skin lesions

Pour 30 g of mushroom powder into 150 ml of vodka. Leave the mixture in a dark place for 14 days. Strain the finished product through gauze, and then use it to irrigate damaged skin (ulcers, cuts, scratches). In case of suppuration of the dermis, before using the infusion, the wound should be washed with a solution of furacilin (1: 5000) or hydrogen peroxide (3%).

cure for hepatitis

Soak the dried tinder fungus in cold water (3-4 hours), and then pass through a meat grinder. After that, the crushed raw materials (200 g) are combined with warm boiled liquid (1 l). Infuse the medicinal mixture for at least 2 days in a dark place. Then strain the solution through a sieve and mix with the water in which the mushroom was soaked. The composition is taken 150 ml three times a day (before meals).

Multifunctional mushroom tincture. Combine 50 g of chopped tinder fungus and 500 ml of natural wine (preferably Cahors). Leave the sealed container with raw materials for 14 days in a cool place. Infusion to consume three times a day for 5-15 ml. The course of admission is 3-4 months.

The oil composition helps to get rid of allergic rhinitis, increased blood viscosity, excitability of the heart muscle. Along with this, the agent is used to suppress the tumor process (in the early stages).

Oil composition for atherosclerosis, hypertension, mental disorders

To create an infusion, you will need: 23 g of dried chopped mushrooms and 250 ml of natural olive fat. After mixing, the solution is kept in a dark place for 14-21 days. The oil composition is used twice a day for 5-15 ml (depending on the severity of the disease). The course of treatment is 3-4 months.

Antitumor tincture

Mix 45 g of mushroom powder and 500 ml of vodka. Leave the solution in a dark place for 15 days. Do not strain. To suppress the tumor process, the composition is taken twice a day, 10 ml each (preferably half an hour before meals).

Remember, tinder-based drugs cannot be combined with painkillers, anticoagulants, antihypertensive drugs, aspirin, antibiotics, amphetamines, drugs that lower blood sugar. In addition, mushroom intake should be stopped at least 2 weeks before surgery, including tooth extraction procedures.

Conclusion

The tinder fungus is a parasitic fungus that infects living trees, fallen trees, dead wood and old stumps. At the same time, it rapidly grows in the body of the plant, forming a round or prostrate fruit on its surface. The tinder parasite has a destructive effect on trees, but it is extremely useful for the human body. Its fruiting bodies contain polysaccharides, phytosterols, peptides, organic acids, phytoncides, aromatic resins, triterpenes, essential oils, vitamins, micro and macro elements. Due to the rich ingredient composition, the mushroom is used in medicine as an antitumor, hemostatic, antiseptic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and antihypoxic agent. In addition, drugs based on it double the effectiveness of radio and chemotherapy.

To get the maximum benefit, you must use a mushroom grown in environmentally friendly conditions. In order to avoid buying low-quality raw materials, it is necessary to check the quality certificate and the expiration date of the goods.

Remember, most tinder fungi are conditionally edible, and some are even poisonous. Therefore, in order not to cause intoxication of the body, it is advisable to introduce them into the diet only after prior consultation with the attending physician.