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Birch tinder fungus belongs to the category of wood-destroying mushrooms without a stem. It is considered a parasite that grows on the bark of trees and old stumps. Tinder fungus belongs to the category of inedible species. In terms of external characteristics, it does not much resemble mushrooms in the usual sense, which is why it is not widely distributed.
Description of birch tinder fungus
Tinder fungus is also popularly called a birch sponge. The Latin name is Piptoporus betulinus. It belongs to the class of Agaricomycetes and the Fomitopsis family. Most often, the mushroom can be found on the trunks of dead birches. In those places where tinder fungus settle, the wood becomes rotten and empty. The birch sponge is considered the most mysterious representative of the mushroom flora.
The tinder fungus leg is almost invisible or completely absent. Externally, 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 polypore grows in size throughout its life.
You can find out about his age by the number of annual rings.
Where and how it grows
On the ground, the birch sponge mushroom is practically not found. In most cases, it parasitizes on the surface of the trunks. The mycelium penetrates deep into the tree. It is able to secrete enzymes that dissolve the bark membrane. The principle of placing the mushroom on the surface is different. Sedentary fruiting bodies are attached to the bark on one side. They may have a small stem. The outstretched tinder fungi are pressed against the bark as tightly as possible. They have no leg.
The 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 intense growth begins in July and ends in October. Collecting 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 the birch tinder fungus edible or not
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 tinder fungus is the false tinder fungus, the photo of which is posted below. This is a representative of the Gimenochetov family. It belongs to the category of inedible mushrooms. The fruit 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 they grow older, cracks appear on it. The hymenophore has a tubular structure. In color, the spores match the surface of the fungus.
The color of the top of the false mushroom ranges from dark gray to black
Why is a birch sponge dangerous for wood
The tinder fungus has a destructive effect on trees. Its roots go deep into the trunk. There they provoke plant decay. A red bloom appears. Over time, the mycelium completely turns the tree into dust, so infection and pathogens enter through the place of its attachment. The birch sponge inhabits exclusively diseased trees. Therefore, she is considered a kind of orderly for birch groves.
Control measures for lamellar birch tinder fungus
Getting rid of birch trees from tinder fungus is not easy. The fungus spreads with the help of spores, therefore, it must be removed before they leave the fruit bodies. It is advisable to cut the mushrooms 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 agents. It is possible to completely get rid of it, preventing its spread to other trees, only by burning diseased plants.
The healing properties of birch tinder fungus
The chemical composition of the birch sponge is not fully understood. 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. Useful properties of birch tinder fungus are as follows:
- diuretic action;
- stabilization of metabolic processes;
- restoration of intestinal microflora;
- relief of pain syndrome;
- strengthening the immune system;
- slowing down the growth of malignant cells;
- aid in weight loss;
- improving the work 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 suffering a cold, medicinal mushroom infusions help restore the voice and eliminate the inflammatory process. In cancer cases, a birch sponge is used to slow down the growth of tumor formations. The transdermal method of using tinder fungi 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 have a denser pulp. Damaged and wormy mushrooms should be avoided when harvesting. Search is best done in the morning. Instances harvested in hot weather quickly deteriorate, becoming covered in mucus and emitting an unpleasant odor. Pulling out tinder fungus is strongly discouraged. It is necessary to carefully cut them off with a knife.
By drying, the beneficial properties of mushrooms can be preserved for a long time. Before this, tinder fungus 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. There are several ways to dry:
- in an electric dryer;
- in limbo;
- in the oven or microwave;
- under the influence of sunlight.
The mushrooms must be cut into equal pieces. For hanging drying, they are strung on a string.To dry the product in the sun, lay it out in a single layer on newspaper or a small piece of natural fabric. In total, drying can take several days. In an electric dryer and oven, this process occurs many times faster.
Birch sponge has a slight bitterness in taste
Store dried polypores in containers with a tightly closed lid. It is important to keep them dry. Overdried specimens must be ground to a powdery state.
The use of birch tinder fungus in folk medicine
Despite its ambiguous properties, birch tinder fungus is extremely useful for the human body. There are many variations in the use of the mushroom. Most often it is taken in powder form. Tinctures and decoctions based on a medicinal product are no less common. For each type of ailment, there is a certain principle of using the tinder fungus.
Tinctures
Components:
- 500 ml of alcohol;
- 180 g of mushroom powder.
Cooking process:
- The powder is poured into a dark glass bottle.
- It is poured with alcohol, after which the lid is tightly corked.
- The drink is infused for three days.
- The medicinal product is filtered before use.
Reception is carried out in 1 tsp. an hour before going to bed. The duration of treatment is three weeks.
Excessive intake of alcoholic tincture can provoke toxic poisoning
Infusions
In alternative medicine, the use of birch tinder fungus 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.
Infusion of tinder fungus is considered the most powerful antiseptic
Slimming infusion
Components:
- 500 g rose hips;
- 1 liter of water;
- 1.5 kg of crushed tinder fungus;
- 500 ml of milk;
- 100 mg of 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 in 150 ml per day half an hour before meals.
The total duration of taking the infusion for weight loss is 3-4 weeks
Antineoplastic 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 removed to the side. The duration of the infusion is four hours.
- After infusion, the product is filtered.
The medicine should be taken in 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 effect of weight loss is achieved due to the content in the mushrooms of components that stimulate the metabolism in the body. The enzymes present in its composition ensure the elimination of toxins and toxins from the body. In addition, the product has the ability to significantly reduce appetite. When combined with proper nutrition, eating tinder fungus helps to 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 treasure of useful elements. It is used not only orally, but also applied to skin lesions. Tinder fungus powder is excellent for wounds and abrasions. Before applying it, the problem area is treated with hydrogen peroxide. Then a small amount of powder is poured in and a bandage is applied.
Limitations 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. Limitations include:
- recovery period after abdominal surgery;
- neglected colds;
- age under 12;
- period of childbearing and breastfeeding.
There are also restrictions on the use of alcohol tincture. It is contraindicated for children, as well as for people suffering from alcohol dependence.
The use of birch tinder fungus 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 the growth of malignant tumors;
- elimination of kidney and liver diseases;
- increased immunity;
- prevention of diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion
Birch polypore is a multifunctional product that is used in alternative medicine. At the same time, he 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.
