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Birch polypore belongs to the category of wood-destroying mushrooms without a stem. It is considered a parasite that grows on tree bark and old stumps.The tinder fungus is included in the category of inedible species. In terms of external characteristics, it bears little resemblance to mushrooms in the usual sense, which is why it is not widely distributed.
Description of the birch tinder fungus
Popularly, tinder fungus is also called birch sponge. Latin name: Piptoporus betulinus. It belongs to the class Agaricomycetes and the family Fomitopsis. Most often, the fungus can be found on the trunks of dead birch trees. 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 tinder stalk is almost invisible or completely absent. Externally, the 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 mushroom is fleshy. Its weight ranges from 1 to 20 kg. The diameter can reach 2 m. The tinder fungus increases in size throughout life.
Its age can be determined by the number of annual rings
Where and how does it grow
The birch sponge mushroom is practically never found on earth. In most cases, it parasitizes on the surface of trunks. The mycelium penetrates deep into the tree. It is capable of secreting enzymes that dissolve the bark shell. The principle of placing a mushroom on a surface varies. Sessile fruiting bodies are attached to the bark on one side. They may have a small stem. The prostrate tinder fungi are pressed as tightly as possible to the bark. They are missing a leg.
Birch sponge is found in mixed and spruce forests. They grow along roads, in clearings and clearings. On the territory of the Russian Federation, mushrooms are found in Eastern Siberia and the Urals.The period of intensive growth begins in July and ends in October. Tinder fungi are collected 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 the 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.
Doubles and their differences
The counterpart of the birch polypore is the false polypore, the photo of which is posted below. This is a representative of the Hymenochetaceae family. It belongs to the category of inedible mushrooms. The fruiting body of the double has blunt rounded edges, its average diameter is 2 cm. The height of the mushroom reaches 12 cm. Its shape can be hoof-shaped or hemispherical. The surface of the false tinder fungus is black bark. As it gets older, cracks appear on it. The hymenophore has a tubular structure. The color of the spores matches the surface of the mushroom.
The color of the upper part of the false mushroom varies from dark gray to black
Why is birch sponge dangerous for wood?
The mycelium of the tinder fungus has a destructive effect on trees. Its roots go deep into the trunk. There they provoke rotting of the plant. A red coating appears. Over time, the mycelium completely turns the tree into dust, so infection and pathogens enter through the place of its attachment. Birch sponge inhabits exclusively diseased trees. Therefore, she is considered a kind of orderly for birch groves.
Measures to combat lamellar birch tinder fungus
Ridding birch trees of tinder fungus is quite difficult. The fungus spreads through spores, so it must be removed before they leave the fruiting bodies. It is advisable to cut off the mycelium 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 deep into the trunk. There are no chemicals to control the pest. You can completely get rid of it, preventing it from spreading to other trees, only by burning diseased plants.
Medicinal properties of birch polypore
The chemical composition of birch sponge has not been fully studied. It contains many healthy components. Thanks to them, the mushroom can be used for medicinal purposes. It is especially widespread among people suffering from chronic diseases of the digestive system. The beneficial properties of birch polypore are as follows:
- diuretic effect;
- stabilization of metabolic processes;
- restoration of intestinal microflora;
- pain relief;
- strengthening the immune system;
- slowing down the growth of malignant cells;
- assistance in weight loss;
- improvement of joint function;
- accelerating the process of tissue regeneration.
The fruiting body is highly effective against diseases of the larynx and oral cavity. When suffering from a cold, medicinal mushroom infusions help restore the voice and eliminate the inflammatory process. In case of cancer, birch sponge is used to slow down the growth of tumor formations. The transdermal method of using polypores 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 consumption. They are distinguished by denser pulp. When collecting, avoid damaged and wormy mushrooms. It is better to search in the morning. Specimens collected in hot weather quickly deteriorate, becoming covered in mucus and emitting an unpleasant odor. Pulling out 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 inspected for damage and cleared of forest debris. It is not advisable to wash mushrooms, as this will slow down the drying process. You can use several methods for drying:
- in an electric dryer;
- in limbo;
- in the oven or microwave;
- under the influence of sunlight.
Mushrooms must be cut into equal pieces. To hang dry, they are strung on a thread. To dry the product in the sun, you should spread it in one layer on newspaper or a small piece of natural fabric. In total, drying may take several days. In an electric dryer and oven, this process occurs many times faster.
Birch sponge has a slight bitter taste
Dried polypores should be stored in containers with a tightly closed lid. It is important to prevent moisture from getting on them. Excessively overdried specimens must be ground to a powdery state.
The use of birch polypore in folk medicine
Despite its controversial properties, birch polypore is extremely beneficial for the human body. There are many variations in the use of the mushroom. Most often it is taken in powder form. No less common are tinctures and decoctions based on the medicinal product. For each type of illness, there is a specific principle for using tinder fungus.
Tinctures
Components:
- 500 ml alcohol;
- 180 g 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.
Take 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 polypore 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 tbsp. water;
- 1 tbsp. 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.
Tinder infusion is considered a powerful antiseptic
Infusion for weight loss
Components:
- 500 g rose hips;
- 1 liter of water;
- 1.5 kg of crushed tinder fungus;
- 500 ml 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.
The infusion should be taken 150 ml per day half an hour before meals.
The total duration of taking the infusion for weight loss is 3-4 weeks.
Antitumor infusion
Ingredients:
- 1.5 tbsp. boiling water;
- 1 tbsp. 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 infusion is four hours.
- After infusion, the product is filtered.
The medicine should be taken 1 tbsp. l. no more than four times a day.
It is advisable to store the finished infusion in the refrigerator.
The benefits of birch tinder fungus for weight loss
The weight loss effect is achieved due to the content of components in mushrooms that stimulate metabolism in the body. The enzymes present in its composition ensure the removal of waste and toxins from the body. In addition, the product has the ability to significantly reduce appetite. When combined with proper nutrition, eating tinder helps break down fats and cleanse the blood of bad cholesterol. When losing weight, it can be used 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. Polypore powder is great for treating 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.
Restrictions and contraindications
The birch tinder fungus has not only beneficial properties, but also contraindications for use.If you do not take them into account, you may encounter adverse reactions. Restrictions include:
- recovery period after abdominal surgery;
- advanced colds;
- age under 12 years;
- period of childbearing and breastfeeding.
There are also restrictions on taking alcohol tincture. It is contraindicated for children, as well as people suffering from alcohol addiction.
Use of birch tinder fungus for other purposes
Despite the parasitic lifestyle and many contraindications, tinder fungus is in demand among supporters of alternative medicine. It helps strengthen the body, increasing its resistance to dangerous diseases. Birch sponge is often used for the following purposes:
- treatment of constipation;
- slowing the growth of malignant tumors;
- elimination of kidney and liver diseases;
- increasing immunity;
- prevention of diabetes.
Conclusion
Birch polypore is a multifunctional product that is used in alternative medicine. At the same time, he is entrusted with the function of cleaning the forest from diseased trees. When used correctly, tinder fungus can significantly strengthen the body, preventing the development of serious diseases.
