Tincture of fresh bearded mushroom. Hericium crested, or bearded mushroom: general information, habitat and importance for humans

Hericium comb has many names. In England it is better known as the lion's mane, in France - Pom-Pom blanc, in Japan - yamabushitake (yamabushitake), in China - houtougu. We have this mushroom with a grandfather's beard, mushroom noodles, a monkey's beard, a bearded tooth. In scientific journals, it is most often referred to as gericium comb.

You can meet the lion's mane in the wild on the territory of the Amur Region, the Khabarovsk and Primorsky Territories, the foothills of the Crimea and the Caucasus. It grows on fallen and diseased trunks of birch, beech, oak from the first decade of August to the last decade of September. As a rule, the fruiting body appears in places where the bark has left.

The fruiting body of one mushroom can reach 18-20 cm and weight 1.2-1.6 kg. The color ranges from light cream to light beige. The flesh is whitish in color, rather fleshy, yellowing when dry. Hanging thin needles form a geminophore. The taste is pleasant, reminiscent of shrimp meat.

Hericium Erinaceus is recognized as an edible mushroom with great medicinal potential. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. On its basis, medicines are made to help fight chronic gastritis, stomach cancer, and leukemia. The unique property of restoring nerve cells in the brain makes lion's mane successful for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Parkison's disease, dementia, and senile sclerosis. The constant use of yamabushitake cures (prevents) gastritis, including chronic.

Lion's mane is quite rare in nature. The cost of a wild mushroom ranges from 500 to 3000 euros, so in the wild, it is followed by a real, not quiet hunt (especially in the Primorsky Territory from the side of Chinese comrades). It is widely cultivated artificially in China and France, but the medicinal value and cost of artificially grown mushrooms is much lower than that of the "savages". Recently, Russia has also learned to grow mushroom noodles. Cultivation does not require any special difficulties, and mycelium can be easily purchased in numerous online stores.

Photos of combed hedgehog (lion's mane)

Hericium Erinaceus, Lion's Mane, Bearded Mushroom, Mushroom Noodles (Hericium erinaceus)

Mushroom Hericium erinaceus Bull. 1781 has many Russian synonym names: a bearded mushroom, a crested hedgehog, lion's mane, mushroom noodles, etc., and Latin: Clavaria erinaceus (Bull.) Paulet 1793 Dryodon erinaceus (Bull.) P. Karst. 1882 Hericium caput-medusae (Bull.) Pers. 1797 Hericium echinus (Scop.) Pers. 1797, etc. You can find the English name: lion "s mane mushroom; French - mushroom Pom-Pom (Pom-Pom blanc); Chinese name" houtougu "(Chinese 猴头菇 pinyin hóutóugū); Japanese -" yamabushitake "(yamabushitake , jap. 山 伏 茸 yamabushitake), etc.

Hericium Erinaceus looks like noodles or pompom, and at first glance does not cause any associations with a mushroom. However, this mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is edible and grows on both living and dead trees. When cooked, the color and texture of the black-eared hedgehog resembles seafood. However, it not only tastes good, but is also widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, as it has antioxidant properties and is able to lower blood sugar (glucose) levels.

The fruiting body of the Hernaceus comb has a rounded or irregular shape, meeting up to 20 cm in diameter and weighing up to 1.5 kilograms. The Hern's Man is usually colored from cream to light beige. The pulp is always whitish in color and rather fleshy. When dry, it changes its color to yellowish. The hymenophore is prickly, looks like thin needles hanging down, which makes the mushroom look like a hedgehog - hence the name "Herz's Man". The spore powder is always white.

The main habitats are the trunks of still living or dead deciduous trees, such as oak, beech, birch. Most often, the body of the fungus can be found in places where the bark is broken or broken off branches. The area of ​​distribution of the fungus hedgehog crested extends from the Crimean Mountains, eastward through the foothills of the Caucasus to the Khabarovsk and Primorsky Territories, the Amur Region and northern regions of China. This mushroom is also found in North America. Since this is a rather rare species, it is listed in the "Red Book" of many countries.

Fruiting bodies of the fungus hedgehog comb can be found in nature from early August to October. In a number of countries, it is grown artificially using sawdust or straw substrates. This is due to the fact that it is used both in the food industry, as it tastes like shrimp meat, and in medicine, as an immunity stimulant. In folk medicine, it is widely used to treat chronic and atrophic gastritis, cancer of the esophagus, stomach, leukemia, and in oriental medicine it is used as an immunostimulant, stimulator of growth and regeneration of nerve cell processes, and an antiseptic. The active ingredients of this mushroom: cyatane derivatives, erinacins, hericenones, beta-D-glucans, ergosterol - provitamin D.

Hericium Erinaceus has been used in East Asia for food and herbal medicine since ancient times. It has been reported to promote nerve growth through the secretion of nerve growth factor, which is involved in the maintenance and organization of cholinergic neurons in the central nervous system. Special laboratory studies of this fungus have shown that Hericium Erinaceus is able to prevent impairments of spatial short-term memory and visual recognition due to the presence of amyloid β (25-35) peptides. This finding indicates that this mushroom may be helpful in preventing cognitive dysfunction.

Various researchers have argued that Hericium Erinaceus may be one of the most effective foods for protection against a range of diseases. The health benefits of using it are to improve memory, improve mood, eliminate anxiety and depression. It also stimulates our natural production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), strengthens the immune system, and stimulates the digestive system. Hericium Erinaceus is involved in protecting the body from cancer, regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Scientists have long studied the unique neuroprotective and regenerative properties of this fungus, which are extremely beneficial for patients with Alzheimer's disease as well as those looking to protect themselves from neurodegenerative diseases. Hericium Erinaceus has the rare ability to increase our natural production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which help stimulate nerve regeneration; slow the onset and promote the reversal of Alzheimer's and neurological diseases. Hericium Erinaceus is able to naturally cross the blood-brain barrier, which can aid in brain development and for the maintenance and survival of critical sensory neurons.

What is Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)? Nerve growth factor is a protein found throughout the body that is required for the normal growth, repair, and regeneration of specific nerve cells (neurons). Nerve Growth Factor helps to stimulate the health and normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. It was in the Hericium Erinaceus mushroom that it was found to help stimulate our own natural production of nerve growth factors, whereby our neurons could actually grow.

Hericium Erinaceus is often prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Qi (Energy) Tonic to treat digestive disorders, ulcers, gastrointestinal ailments, and to stimulate a healthy metabolism. Hericium Erinaceus is extremely safe. But the most important ability of this fungus is the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases; including dementia, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. It has been found that substances from this fungus have a positive effect on memory, learning ability, reduce free radical damage and reverse beta production of amyloid. They are also an excellent antioxidant, stimulating the body's own production of antioxidants to prevent free radical damage to healthy cells caused by various strains and deformations. Hericium Erinaceus can protect us from memory loss and also help boost our mood. It can help calm the nervous system, thereby improving focus, concentration, and memory. In Chinese medicine, the mushroom is used to treat various forms of cancer, especially those that affect the digestive system. Hericium can treat cancer because of its ability to stimulate the immune system's natural ability to kill cancer killer cells.

A bearded mushroom is able to surprise everyone who sees it for the first time. It's funny, but only a few will be able to recognize him as an inhabitant of the mushroom kingdom. The reason for this is its appearance. Looking at the bearded man at close range, you would rather decide that in front of you is a fabulous animal than a motionless one.However, this is really a mushroom, however, with many oddities and surprises.

general information

The bearded mushroom, or the crested hedgehog, is a unique representative of the Herician family, of the order Russula. Its main feature is its unusual appearance, which is not typical for mushrooms of this order. It was she who served as the reason for such colorful common names as "bearded mushroom", "lion's mane", "grandfather's beard", "mushroom noodles" and "mushroom Pom-Pom". Scientists call it the crested hedgehog, or Hericium erinaceus.

Spreading

This is a very rare mushroom - its number is rapidly falling every year. The reason for this is environmental pollution, large-scale deforestation and unreasonable collection by people. Today, the crested hedgehog is on the verge of extinction, and therefore it is listed in the Red Book.

In its natural environment, the mushroom can be found in North America, Russia and China. In particular, he prefers areas with a temperate, warm climate. For example, if we talk about our Motherland, the "lion's head" can be seen in the Primorsky Territory, the Amur Region, the Crimea, as well as in the deciduous forests of Khabarovsk.

Appearance

For those who want to understand what a bearded mushroom looks like, a photo is the best option. Indeed, without it, it is quite difficult to recreate a verbal image, even remotely resembling the amazing appearance of a mushroom. And yet, if you do decide to do this, it is best to imagine a white hedgehog or a mountain of vermicelli attached to the trunk of a tree. Agree, a rather unusual picture turns out.

If we talk about size, the crested hedgehog grows on average up to 20-25 cm in diameter. Moreover, its white processes - "needles" can reach 6-8 cm in length. Such a miracle weighs about 1-1.5 kg, which is very impressive. However, such standards apply only to wild-growing specimens - a bearded mushroom bred on a farm can be much larger in size and weight.

The body of the crested hedgehog is dense. Inside, the pulp is colored white or creamy, without any impurities. And only at the end of its life, when the mushroom begins to dry out, it acquires yellow tones.

habitat

Today, you can meet the crested hedgehog only in remote regions. It does not tolerate any air pollution, and therefore rarely grows in roadside areas. This means that everyone who wants to find him must get used to the idea that the hunt can drag on for several days. True, many are ready to make such a sacrifice, just to see live how the bearded mushroom grows. The photo of this handsome man is truly a glorious award, proving the perseverance and perseverance of any naturalist.

So where do you find it? Deciduous forests located away from the city and major highways are best suited. In this case, you should look for areas with high humidity, since the hedgehog does not tolerate drought well. For example, you can search the area around ponds, rivers, lakes, or swamps.

As for trees, in our region most often the bearded mushroom grows on oak, beech or birch, and he likes the latter most of all. "Lion's head" is illegible in wood, and therefore can grow both on a healthy trunk and on a rotten one. Most often, only one mushroom lives on a tree, but there are exceptions.

Gourmet dish

Mushroom noodles are very popular in the culinary world. The reason for this is its extraordinary shape and excellent taste. Some gourmets claim that the mushroom pulp tastes somewhat like shrimp. Agree, such a delicacy will be to the liking of many, especially considering the fact that it is a diet food.

Not surprisingly, the crested hedgehog is on the menus of many prestigious restaurants. At the same time, it is served both after heat treatment and in raw form. The only drawback is the high price of such a dish. But for those who love new tastes and sensations, this is not such a huge obstacle.

Healing properties

In China, healers have long been using the bearded mushroom in their practices. The beneficial properties of this vegetable "hedgehog" are well known to them. In particular, it was they who told the world that the black man's man is able to help a person with multiple sclerosis. This knowledge also helped pharmacists to manufacture the medicine needed to treat patients with Alzheimer's disease.

In addition, the mushroom has anti-inflammatory effects. In Russia, healers used it to treat stomach diseases and tumors. There is also evidence that bearded mushroom extract is used in research looking for a cure for cancer.

Artificial environment

As mentioned earlier, the crested hedgehog is listed in the Red Book. This means that the extraction of this mushroom in natural conditions is strictly prohibited. Therefore, today special farms are opening all over the world on which the bearded mushroom is grown under artificial conditions. This is a rather complicated process, but modern farmers have done well in it - domestic mushrooms not only have the same properties as wild ones, but also significantly exceed them in size.

Asian healers remain the only problem. According to their beliefs, only forest mushrooms have the magical energy of Chi. That is why in these parts, even today, there is a relentless struggle for a natural treasure. Unfortunately, this can lead to the complete extinction of the species within their region.

Gericium (hericium), blackberry comb, mushroom noodles (mushroom noodles)

Gericius or e chewing gum (hedgehog) comb belongs to the rare edible mushrooms from the hericia family. Latin name Hericius erinaceus.

The world distribution area is quite widespread: Europe, North America, China, Japan and Russia. Rare enough everywhere. In Russia, it is found from Crimea to southern Primorye. In the Primorsky Territory and the Jewish Autonomous Region, it is listed in the Red Book. In China, it is successfully cultivated on special plantations.

The first mention of this unusual mushroom dates back to the third century BC. in the Canon of the Chinese healer Wu Xing. Russian witch doctors have also long known this mushroom well and used it in their medicines. However, it was described only in the 18th century, during Menshikov's expedition to Primorye, where it is described as "... a plant that looks like a beard."

The unusual shape of the mushroom has led to the assignment of a large number of alternative names: bearded tooth, hog's head, old man's beard, grandfather's beard, white hedgehog, bear's head, lion's mane(English), monkey head(Chinese), pom-pom(French), mushroom jellyfish(Japanese). Among mushroom pickers of the Far East, the mushroom is better known under the name "mushroom noodles" or "mushroom noodles".

Mushroom noodles - a good edible mushroom, which, moreover, has a rather unusual taste. Some gourmets believe that the taste of the mushroom resembles a cross between chicken and the meat of sea crustaceans - shrimp, lobster, crab. More than 30 aromatic substances have been identified in the fruit bodies of Gericium combustifolia, which is significantly more than in the legendary shiitake. This circumstance, in combination with the high nutritional properties of the mushroom, has determined the great value and popularity of Gericium in gourmet restaurants.

Medicinal properties of blackberry comb

In addition to its high culinary qualities, blackberry comb also has unique medicinal properties. This unusual mushroom is especially popular in oriental medicine, where it has long been used as an antiseptic and immunostimulating agent in the treatment of gastritis, stomach ulcers, and lung diseases, as well as as a stimulant of the digestive system. In addition, the ability of geritium to inhibit biological aging processes and related disorders of the nervous system is well known. In the traditional medicine of China, the extract of the fruit body of gericium comb is successfully used for the treatment of leukemia and cancer of the esophagus.

The mushroom has not yet been studied well enough by modern science. However, studies carried out (mainly in Japan and China) confirm the high medicinal value of blackberry. Back in the 60s, Japanese scientists discovered that fungal poliosis has strong antitumor properties. Later, numerous studies of the medicinal properties of gericium were carried out in China. As a result, it was found that polyosis, extracted from the culture fluid of the fungus, effectively increases the activity of anticancer cells - macrophages and prevents a decrease in the number of leukocytes. Moreover, these properties are most effectively manifested in the treatment of leukemia and esophageal cancer. It was also found that the combined use of Gericium with similar preparations from other mushrooms significantly increases the antitumor effect. The antitumor properties of blackberry comb were also confirmed by Russian and Korean researchers.

As a result of these studies, the following active substances were found in the fruiting bodies of Gericium cephalica: ergosterol, beta-glucans, cyatane derivatives, erinacins and hericenones. Five (!) Polysaccharides, phenols and fatty acids were isolated from substances with antitumor activity. The significant antibacterial, antifungal and immunostimulating activity of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the fungus was confirmed. In addition, the ability of Gericium to lower blood sugar levels was found.

Research in neuralgia has revealed another interesting feature of gericium. More recently, in Japan, a substance was isolated from a mushroom called a nerve growth factor, or nerve growth factor (NGF), which is a special type of protein that promotes the regeneration of neurons in the brain. Dr. Takashi Mitsuno believes that the extract of this unique mushroom can be effective in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease - the most common form of senile dementia associated with degenerative processes in the nerve cells of the brain responsible for cognitive information. To date, there are no effective means of combating this ailment; methods of prevention are not known to modern medicine. Existing medications (amiridine, tacrine, cerebrolysin and their analogues) can only slightly inhibit the development of the disease, but none of them contribute to the recovery process.

Summarizing the above and taking into account the experience of using the fungus in folk medicine of the East, the indications for the use of Gericium can be reduced to the following list:

1. Leukemia and oncological diseases of the stomach, esophagus, pancreas, liver. It is effective both as part of complex therapy and separately, when other methods are not acceptable. Increases the effectiveness of chemical and radiation therapy from 2 to 7 times, reduces side effects;

2. Benign neoplasms - polyps, cysts, adenomas, etc .;

3. Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, neuroses, insomnia, depressive conditions;

4. Gastritis, stomach ulcer;

5. Strengthening immunity and maintaining homeostasis;

6. Gynecological diseases;

7. Slowing down the processes of aging and cell degeneration.

Dry mushroom powder is usually used as an active ingredient for making extracts at home.

Hericium tincture

To prepare a tincture of Gericium comb for 0.5 liters of vodka or 40% alcohol, take 35 g of dried mushroom powder. Insist for two weeks in a cool dark place.

Take half an hour before meals: for tumor diseases, 1 tablespoon 3 times a day, for other diseases - a teaspoon 2-3 times a day.

You can also prepare an infusion from a dry mushroom. For this, 2-3 g of chopped dry mushroom is poured into 0.5 liters. warm boiled water and insist 6-8 hours in a warm place. Drink without straining (together with the mushroom) for 30 minutes. 1/3 cup before meals.

Ongoing research has shown that consumption of the Lion's Mane mushroom promotes brain function. The use of this fungus in neurological disorders such as dementia and Parkinson's disease is currently being studied.

An unusual edible mushroom traditionally used in the East. When boiled, it resembles shrimp meat. Contains substances that activate the synthesis of a protein involved in the growth of nerve cells, is used in medicine to treat Alzheimer's disease and senile sclerosis. Chinese healers use it to treat chronic gastritis and stomach ulcers. Regular consumption of lion's mane improves the state of the nervous system, stimulates the immune system. The fruit body is up to 20 cm in size and weighing up to 1.5 kg, round or irregular in shape, from cream to light beige. The pulp is whitish, fleshy. It turns yellow when dry. The hymenophore is spiny, looks like thin needles hanging down, which makes the mushroom look like a hedgehog.

Breeding tips: Grown both outdoors and indoors at temperatures from 10 to 27 ° C. A favorable time for planting mushrooms on a wood base in natural conditions is from April to October, indoors - throughout the year. As a wood base, a fresh (no more than one month after felling), moist (humidity at least 50-60%) log of hard deciduous trees without signs of rot, with bark and without branches, 10-20 cm in diameter, 100 cm long is used. dry wood is soaked in water for 2-3 days, excess water is allowed to drain. The impregnated wood is placed in a warm, ventilated room for several days.

Growing and care:
1. In the prepared log, holes are drilled with a diameter of 0.8 cm and a length of 4 cm in a checkerboard pattern at a distance of about 10-15 cm from each other.
2. Insert the mushroom sticks into the holes until they stop (the operation is performed with sterile gloves or with hands disinfected with alcohol).
3. Place the log on the ground in a warm, shaded area and leave it to grow with mycelium. During this time, it is necessary to keep the log moist (water it 2-3 times a week for 10-15 minutes).
4. After the mushroom rudiments appear, the log is placed in cold water for 12-24 hours. Then they are installed vertically or obliquely in a bright room, in a greenhouse or outdoors.
5. In winter, sprinkle the log with mycelium with leaves or transfer it to the basement.

Fruiting: 6-9 months after the start of sowing the logs with mycelium. After collecting the mushrooms, the mycelium needs rest; for this, the log is watered less often for 2 weeks.

Productivity: High. The curl depends on the size of the mushrooms being harvested, but it is better to cut off small fruiting bodies, because they are better stored.

Ingredients: Mycelium of mushrooms "Lion's Mane" on wood sticks.

Store an unopened bag in a cool dry place, possibly in a refrigerator at a positive temperature.