To eat or not to eat: nutritional and medicinal properties of polypores

What it looks like and where it grows

Birch tinder fungus is a tree mushroom that does not have a stalk and consists exclusively of a large cap. In young specimens the fruiting body is ovoid, in adults it is flattened, up to 25 cm in diameter, hoof-shaped.

The birch tinder fungus is capable of developing at low negative temperatures down to -5 °C

The surface of the birch tinder fungus is white or creamy yellow in color and covered with a film. In adult mushrooms, the cap hardens and acquires a brown or brown tint. The lower surface of the tinder fungus is tubular in structure, white or yellowish in color. At the initial stages of development it remains quite soft, but over time it also becomes woody. Young specimens taste sour and emit a strong mushroom smell.

This variety of tinder fungus grows exclusively on birch trees, which explains the name. It is found throughout Russia, most often in Western Siberia. Usually settles on dead trunks and dead wood. Sometimes it lives on weakened and diseased trees, and is a parasite and additionally depresses them.

Attention! Birch polypore is not poisonous, but has a bitter taste. Only young fruiting bodies, in which the unpleasant tint is much less pronounced, can be eaten.

General characteristics of the tinder fungus

The tinder fungus is a mushroom that belongs to the group from the Basidiomycetes department. This group itself is non-systematic – i.e. it combines different species that are similar in their type of nutrition and lifestyle characteristics, but at the same time they are very different in appearance, structure and reproductive characteristics. The popular name is chaga mushroom. This is the name given to keratinized, hardened growth, often found on birches and other deciduous trees.

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The tinder fungus is a real record holder in the kingdom of Mushrooms. Some representatives grow up to 1.6 meters in diameter and weigh 5-6 kilograms.

The tinder fungus is a mushroom that belongs to the group from the Basidiomycetes department

Edible tinder or not?

This question can definitely be answered this way: there are edible types of mushrooms, and there are inedible ones, and the latter are the majority. At the same time, poisonous representatives cannot be distinguished among them - in fact, the pulp of the mushroom is safe for humans, but in many species it is quite tough and is much inferior in taste to other mushrooms.

Before you go into the forest, you should carefully study photographs of edible species that are quite tasty in different recipes (for more details, see the corresponding section):

1. The tinder fungus is sulfur-yellow.
2. Liverwort (common liverwort).
3. The tinder fungus is scaly (or variegated).
4. Umbrella tinder fungus.

NOTE

Since most tinder fungi are inedible or have peculiar taste qualities, you should not take those mushrooms that you are not sure about. And one more important rule - you should not take mushrooms near roads and enterprises: they accumulate heavy metals and other harmful substances.

The tinder fungus literally sucks water and nutrients from wood

What and how does the tinder fungus feed?

Polypores are a unique group of fungi. If most representatives of this kingdom feed only on dead plants, settling on the wood of rotten and fallen trees, then the tinder fungus is a parasitic fungus that lives on living, healthy trees.

Different types of these fungi settle on tree trunks and over several years penetrate inside with mycelial shoots. Thus, the tinder fungus literally sucks water and nutritional components from the wood - it feeds on substances that are synthesized in birch, aspen or other wood. As a result, it begins to die and after a few years rots.

Interestingly , this type of relationship does not end even after the death of the plant. When the tree has finally died, the tinder fungus continues to live in it, destroying the already dead remains. Spores develop under the fruiting body of the fungus, which are carried away by the wind and infect new trees - this is the life cycle of this parasitic organism.

Also

Polypore affects different types of trees

Description of the fruiting body of the tinder fungus

The fruiting bodies of different types of polypores differ greatly in color. Many of them have a characteristic feature - as they grow, they become rigid and turn into completely hardened formations, similar to hoof-shaped outgrowths. The tinder fungus affects different types of trees - birch, aspen, alder, poplar, and willow. However, it occurs much less frequently on coniferous plants - apparently, the resin of these trees inhibits the development of the mycelium.

The different types of tinder fungus are almost identical in shape - their cap looks like an inverted saucer stuck into the trunk. However, there may be other options - smooth fruiting bodies. There is a wide variety of colors - from gray and beige to brown, orange, brown and wine red. Polypores most often settle alone, but there are also species that grow in groups.

The different types of tinder fungus are almost identical in shape - their cap looks like an inverted saucer

Beneficial and medicinal properties of parasitic wood fungus

Currently, the chemical composition of the fungus has not been fully studied. However, it is reliably known that it contains quite a lot of substances beneficial to humans:

• polysaccharides that suppress the growth of cancer cells and strengthen the immune system;
• saponins and polyphenols necessary for normal metabolism;
• tannins;
• sexviterpenes.

Due to this, it is used as a treatment for:

• diabetes mellitus;
• cirrhosis and fatty liver hepatosis;
• constipation and dysbacteriosis;
• acne, rashes and boils;
• destruction of certain parasites (giardia);
• wounds and ulcers.

Some traditional medicine recipes are discussed in the corresponding section.

By killing old trees, tinder fungi make room in the forest for new ones.

Why is tinder fungus dangerous for trees?

For trees, tinder fungus is harmful because it literally sucks water and organic matter from the wood. The process takes many years, so the effect is not immediately noticeable. As a result, the plant dries out and becomes fragile, as a result of which, after a small hurricane, it breaks and falls to the ground along with the tinder fungus, which continues to feed on it.

However, even such seemingly harmful activities bring benefits. By killing old trees, tinder fungi make room in the forest for new ones, and thus, in a sense, they can be considered the orderlies of the forest. The mushroom is also useful for its chemical composition - many of its species are used in folk medicine to treat various diseases (for more details, see the corresponding section).

How to cook tinder (video)

Harm of tinder fungus to the human body

Polypores do not pose a particular threat to human health, but inedible species can be very difficult to digest and cause bloating, a feeling of heaviness, and even vomiting. Poisoning can only be caused by those fruiting bodies that grow near roads and industrial production.

However, it is not recommended to use mushrooms as food for people who suffer from chronic diseases of the stomach and intestines, or for pregnant and lactating women. You should also not collect old representatives of edible species - they greatly lose their taste and become too tough over time, which is why most mushroom pickers dislike them.

Chemical composition

Photos and medicinal properties of birch polypore are of interest due to its chemical composition. The fruiting bodies contain:

• ascorbic acid;
• ergosterol peroxide;
• antioxidants;
• fatty acid;
• lycopene and beta-carotene;
• oleic and linoleic acids;
• betulin and lupeol;
• fomeficinic acid;
• pectins;
• chitin.

When used carefully according to recipes, birch polypore can improve your well-being. It is used for acute diseases and severe chronic illnesses.

Medicinal properties of birch polypore

Traditional medicine has been using the mushroom for decades. In small dosages, birch tinder fungus brings benefits to the body, namely:

• helps with chronic constipation due to its laxative effect;
• cleanses the body of toxins and improves liver function;
• strengthens the immune system and prevents colds;
• relieves pain and inflammation in joint ailments;
• accelerates skin healing and disinfects tissue from cuts, wounds and ulcers;
• improves mood and has a tonic effect;
• serves as a prevention of cancer and stimulates the body to resist malignant tumors;
• has a mild analgesic effect;
• soothes irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines;
• improves the functioning of the kidneys and reproductive system.

Birch tinder fungus reduces appetite. This makes it useful for dieting and promotes weight loss.

Birch polypore has a diuretic effect and eliminates swelling

Methods of preparation and use

Traditional medicine uses the pulp of the birch polypore to prepare several medicines. They can be used externally and internally.

Tincture of birch polypore

An alcoholic tincture of tree mushroom is beneficial for nervous disorders and sleep disorders. It is made according to this recipe:

• dry tinder fungus is ground to a powder in an amount of 200 g;
• pour 500 ml of high-quality vodka into the raw material;
• seal the vessel and put it in a dark place for three days;
• strain the medicine from the sediment.

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Take the finished tincture one small spoon an hour before going to bed. The course of treatment must be continued for three weeks.

Birch polypore tincture is suitable for rubbing joints for arthritis and rheumatism

Infusion

For cardiovascular ailments and intestinal diseases, you can take a water infusion of tree mushroom. The recipe for preparing the product looks like this:

• dry mushroom is crushed in the amount of two small spoons;
• pour the resulting powder into 200 ml of hot clean water;
• closed, leave to infuse for two days;
• After time, filter the product and pour it into a new container.

You need to take the infusion 15 ml three times a day on an empty stomach.

It is not recommended to brew birch polypore in boiling water, as this destroys the beneficial substances in the composition.

Powder

One of the recipes for using birch tinder fungus recommends using dry fruiting body powder. Medicinal raw materials disinfect damage and promote rapid skin restoration. Wounds and ulcers are washed with peroxide or alcohol, and then sprinkled with mushroom powder and a sterile bandage is applied on top.

Tinder fungus: how to cook, recipes, preparation for the winter, shelf life

Polypore is a fungus that can be seen growing on old trees or stumps. At first glance, it is difficult to believe that it can be eaten.

However, despite its unsightly appearance, this species is used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Preparing the tinder fungus is very simple - there are many recipes for tea, salads and first courses.

But first you need to decide which varieties can be eaten.

Which tinder fungi can be eaten

There are many varieties of tinder fungi. They are divided into inedible, conditionally edible, medicinal and edible.

The following varieties can be used for preparation:

1. Sulfur yellow. It belongs to the category of conditionally edible, since only young specimens that do not have dark spots can be eaten.
2. Scaly. Used in medicine, dried, pickled and added to sauces and soups. This species grows primarily on elms.
3. Liverwort. It grows on oak trees, young mushrooms are pickled or pickled.
4. Umbrella. Resembling large bouquets, this variety of mushrooms is popular in China as a main dish.
5. Winter. Grows on the trunks of alder, birch or willow. The pulp is suitable for consumption.
6. Sheep. The only variety that is similar in appearance to a “normal” mushroom. Used as a basis for water and alcohol infusions. It can also be dried, pickled or salted.

Scaly tinder fungus can be dried, pickled and added to sauces and first courses

Important! Before going into the forest, you need to carefully study photographs of tinder fungi so as not to confuse an edible species with a poisonous one.

Edible varieties can be eaten in different forms. For example, make the following dishes from tinder:

1. Dry, salt or pickle the tinder fungus.
2. Prepare the tincture.
3. Make a salad.
4. Make soup.
5. Make tea from tinder fungus.
6. Boil a side dish or fry a second dish.

Advice! You should not eat mushrooms growing in the city or along roads, as they contain a lot of toxins.

Before you start cooking the tinder fungus, it needs initial heat treatment for 40-45 minutes. After this, you can begin the cooking process:

1. Cooking. The most important manipulation before further actions. Boil the mushrooms in lightly salted water for about an hour, after which the liquid is drained.
2. Frying. Boiled tinder fungi are fried in sunflower oil for 10 minutes. If necessary, add sauce or spices, and it all simmers under the lid for another 10-15 minutes.

These are the main preparation steps - the remaining steps will depend on the chosen recipe.

Recipes for preparing tinder mushrooms

To consume freshly picked mushrooms, you can use basic cooking recipes. You can prepare first and second courses from them. However, it is worth remembering that when cooking a mushroom, a not very pleasant smell may be released.

Cutlets made from tinder fungus

This option will require the following ingredients:

• fresh mushrooms – 1.5 kg;
• three cloves of garlic;
• white bread – 200 g;
• salt, spices - to taste;
• one chicken egg;
• flour – 200 g.

You can add cheese or meat to the minced meat, and use breading instead of flour

The cooking process looks like this:

1. The mushrooms are cleaned and soaked in warm water for 3 hours.
2. The product must be cooked for 20 minutes, then drain the boiling water, rinse with cold water and allow to cool.
3. The mushrooms are minced in a meat grinder in several passes. For the remaining ingredients, once is enough.
4. Add salt, pepper, egg to the resulting minced meat and mix.
5. Form cutlets, roll in flour and fry over low heat until cooked.

Tinder fungus with sour cream

The dish can be served with boiled potatoes or buckwheat.

For preparation you will need:

• fresh mushrooms – 300 g;
• onion – 1 pc.;
• vegetable oil – 90 g;
• sour cream 30% – 150 g;
• a bunch of dill;
• salt, pepper - to taste.

When all the ingredients are prepared, you can start cooking:

1. Clean the mushrooms, place them in boiling water and cook for 5 minutes.
2. The onion is cut into strips and fried in vegetable oil.
3. Finely chop the mushrooms, add to the pan and fry for 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper if necessary.
4. Sour cream is added to the mixture, the products are mixed and simmered for 10 minutes.
5. Sprinkle everything on top with dill and cook for another 5 minutes.

The finished dish is recommended to be served hot.

Collection and preparation of mushrooms:

Mushroom pate

For this simple recipe you will need a few ingredients:

• fresh mushrooms – 1 kg;
• onion – 600 g;
• sunflower oil – 200 g;
• salt and pepper - to taste.

The pate is ideal for making breakfast sandwiches

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Mushrooms are washed, chopped, peeled and boiled in boiling water for 40 minutes.
2. The broth is drained, and the tinder fungus is left to cool.
3. Finely chop the onion and mix it with mushrooms, salt and pepper.
4. The resulting mass is fried in a large amount of sunflower oil until cooked (about 15 minutes).
5. Then cover the pan with a lid and simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. The cooled mixture is mixed until smooth using a blender.

How to prepare tinder fungi for the winter

To prepare dishes from tinder fungus in winter, you need to preserve it in advance. To do this, place hot pickled mushrooms in jars and add 70% vinegar (1 tablespoon per liter). After this, the product is hermetically sealed with a metal lid.

Advice! If possible, pickled tinder fungi can be frozen in small containers.

You can also pickle mushrooms. To do this, they are first boiled and placed in a jar, alternating layers with bay leaves, garlic and pepper. The filled jars are tightly closed and stored in a dark place.

Drying tinder fungi is very easy. They are cut into small pieces, strung on a strong thread so that they do not touch each other, and hung to dry in the open air.

Terms and conditions of storage of tinder fungi

Polypores are ideal for all methods of harvesting for the winter, since, under the right storage conditions in the refrigerator, they do not lose their beneficial properties for several years.

To prevent dried products from spoiling, they must be kept in a room with low humidity and the absence of insects. If all conditions are met, the blanks can be stored for a very long time.

Conclusion

Despite its low popularity and lack of awareness, preparing the tinder fungus is not at all difficult. You can make almost any dish from it: cook the first one, fry the second one, add it to the filling of pies.

Some hobbyists even brew tinder fungus. It has many healing and beneficial properties, the main thing is not to make a mistake in choosing an edible type and not to forget that it needs primary processing.

And you can delight your guests or household members with the finished delicacy.

Source: https://fermilon.ru/sad-i-ogorod/griby/kak-gotovit-trutovik-chay-marinovanie-luchshie-blyuda.html

The use of birch polypore in folk medicine

Home recipes recommend using birch polypore for a wide range of diseases. Organic acids and tannins in the mushroom are beneficial for external injuries, ailments of the respiratory and digestive systems, and even for oncology.

For bronchitis

A water infusion of tree fungus is a good remedy for bronchitis and cold coughs. It is prepared according to this recipe:

• grind raw materials in a volume of 100 g;
• pour 2 liters of hot liquid;
• simmer in a water bath for half an hour;
• remove from the stove and leave under the lid and towel for another four hours.

The strained infusion is taken in a large spoon up to four times a day on an empty stomach. The product helps fight bacterial processes in the respiratory organs, eliminates cough and sore throat.

For wounds and cuts

You can disinfect skin lesions and ulcers with an alcohol tincture of dry tinder fungus. It is prepared as follows:

• fruiting bodies are crushed into powder in a volume of 10 g;
• pour into a glass vessel and pour in 150 ml of vodka;
• When closed, put away in a cool, dark place for two weeks.

After time, the tincture is filtered. The prepared product is used to wipe wounds and open ulcers to prevent the development of bacterial processes and speed up healing.

For constipation

Birch polypore stimulates peristalsis and improves chronic constipation. Traditional medicine offers the following remedy:

• dry raw materials are crushed in a volume of 1.5 large spoons;
• pour the powder into 500 ml of hot water;
• Boil over low heat for half an hour;
• Closed and under towels, leave for another four hours.

The strained product is taken four times a day, 15 ml.

For constipation, it is recommended to use tinder for 2-3 days, this is enough to normalize intestinal function.

For oncology

The analgesic properties of birch polypore are used in the treatment of cancer in severe forms of the disease. The decoction recipe looks like this:

• wood fungus is ground into powder;
• pour 400 ml of hot water into 15 g of dry raw materials;
• simmer over low heat for 20 minutes;
• filter through cheesecloth.

You need to take a large spoonful of the decoction three times a day to relieve pain.

Attention! Birch polypore cannot serve as an independent medicine for cancer. It is used only with the approval of a doctor and in combination with medications.

To cleanse the liver

Birch polypore effectively removes toxins and waste from the body. The following infusion has a beneficial effect on the liver:

• the mushroom is crushed in the amount of two small spoons;
• pour the raw material with a glass of warm water and leave it covered for two days;
• After the expiration date, strain.

The drug is taken on an empty stomach three times a day, a single dosage is 15 ml. You can use tinder fungus after poisoning and for preventive purposes for liver health.

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For rheumatism

Birch polypore tincture has a good effect on joint diseases. It is prepared like this:

• 5 g of dried mushroom is ground into powder;
• pour 150 ml of good vodka into the raw material;
• in a closed container, put it in a dark place for two weeks.

The strained product is used for rubbing joints and for compresses.

Advice! Tinder fungus tincture can be taken orally to strengthen the immune system. In a volume of 5 ml, the product is diluted in a spoon of honey and consumed three times a day on an empty stomach for 21 days.

For nail fungus

Polypore helps cope with fungal diseases and strengthens the nail plates. For medicinal purposes the following remedy is prepared:

• the pulp of the young mushroom is poured with water for five hours until softened;
• after time, cut the tinder fungus into small pieces;
• pour 30 g of raw material with 500 ml of vodka or diluted alcohol;
• keep the product in a dark place for two weeks.

Over time, pieces of tinder fungus are removed from the tincture and brought to a homogeneous mass using a blender. The resulting product is rubbed into the nail plates every night.

How to easily cook Chicken Mushroom

Chicken mushroom recipes
Before use, the fruiting bodies should be cleaned of dirt and damaged fragments, it is advisable to soak it in water for several hours and pre-boil for 40 minutes.

You can prepare a wide variety of dishes from the sulfur-yellow tinder fungus; it is used in salads and casseroles. In vegetarian cuisine, it is one of the successful meat substitutes.

Chicken mushroom: contraindications

In a culinary sense, Chicken Mushroom is contraindicated for pregnant women and small children. They are also not advised to overeat - in too large quantities, it can still cause intoxication.

In case you want to use Witches Sulfur for medicinal purposes, it is always better to consult your doctor beforehand.

If you want to stockpile tinder for the future, you can easily pickle it.

Marinated Chicken Mushroom

Required:

• Water – 300 ml.
• Polypore - 2 kg.
• Nine percent vinegar – 90 ml.
• Salt - 2 tbsp. spoons.
• Granulated sugar - 2 tbsp. spoons.
• Bay leaf and black peppercorns.

Cooking:

• Cleaned tinder fungi are boiled for 40 minutes. over low heat.
• Prepare the marinade in a separate pan - mix vinegar with salt and sugar and bring to a boil.
• Boiled mushrooms are placed in a jar as tightly as possible and poured with chilled marinade. Add bay leaf and pepper.

The sealed jars must stand upside down for some time.

Recipes for several dishes from Chicken Mushroom

Chicken mushroom recipes

Fried Polypore

Fried Polypore

Before frying, the fruiting bodies must be soaked in water for at least 3 hours, and the water must be changed every hour.

Cooking:

• 400 gr. soaked tinder fungi are boiled over medium heat for an hour.
• Place the boiled mushrooms in a colander to remove any remaining liquid.
• Dried mushrooms are cut into cubes and fried over medium heat in sunflower oil.

Chicken soup with tinder fungus and dumplings

Chicken soup with tinder fungus and dumplings
You will need:

• Mushrooms – 300 gr.
• Chicken broth – 1l.
• Chicken egg – 1 pc.
• Flour - half a tablespoon.

Cooking:

• The tinder fungi are cut into large pieces and boiled in salted water for half an hour.
• Boiled fruit bodies are passed through a meat grinder.
• The minced mushroom is placed in chicken broth and boiled until it boils.
• Simple dumplings are made from flour and dough.
• After the broth boils, add onions and dumplings fried in a frying pan.
• When the dumplings float to the top, the soup is ready. It should be kept for 5-10 minutes under a closed lid, and you can serve it on the table, garnished with greens.

Chicken Mushroom Pate

Chicken Mushroom Pate
You will need:

• Polypore - 2 kg.
• Onions – 1 kg.
• Butter – 250 gr.

Cooking:

• The tinder fungus, washed and cut into small pieces, is boiled over medium heat for 40 minutes.
• Finely chopped onion is fried in a frying pan.
• Fruit bodies and onions are ground in a blender until smooth.
• Mix this mass with butter, add spices to taste.

It is better to serve along with greens. If desired, the pate can be stored for future use by placing it in sterilized jars.

Chicken Mushroom in sour cream

Chicken Mushroom in sour cream
You will need:

• Tinder fungus – 600 gr.
• Onions – 2 pcs.
• Garlic – 4 medium sized cloves.
• Sour cream – 3 tablespoons.

Cooking:

• Cut the onion into half rings and the garlic into slices.
• Fry them together in a frying pan in sunflower oil until golden brown.
• Cut the pre-boiled mushrooms into strips, add to the frying pan and fry over medium heat for 5 minutes.
• Add sour cream, salt to taste and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.

Before serving, sprinkle with dill and stir.

Use for weight loss

Wood polypore speeds up metabolic processes and helps you lose excess weight faster. On a diet, it is useful to use the following remedy:

• birch mushroom is crushed in the amount of 5 g;
• pour pieces or fine powder into 100 ml of hot water at about 80 °C;
• keep covered for a quarter of an hour and filter.

The product is taken completely chilled three times a day directly with meals. The course must be continued for two months.

The use of birch polypore on a diet should be combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Use in everyday life

The tinder fungus from birch is useful not only for its medicinal qualities. Fruiting bodies are also used for other purposes. Namely:

• to create highly flammable tinder, the pulp is first boiled together with ash, and then thoroughly dried;
• for plastering walls - if you grind the porous white bottom surface well, you can get a mixture with good antifungal and adhesive properties;
• for sharpening blades - dried tinder helps restore the sharpness of scissors and knives;
• for polishing metal - you can use a mushroom instead of fine sandpaper;
• to repel insects - if you cut dry tinder into slices and set it on fire, the smell will repel mosquitoes.

In the old days, tree fungus was used in the production of ink. The dried pulp was also used as a base for attaching collection insects.

Important! Birch tinder fungus is practically not used in cooking. Young spring mushrooms are suitable for eating, but their taste is weak.

The secret of cooking

The tinder fungus is edible when young: it is used in salads, as well as fried, pickled and salted.

Recipes for preparing sulfur-yellow tinder fungi are possible only if the mushrooms are picked young. The tinder fungus is boiled in boiling water for at least 40 minutes or stewed in a frying pan. If you pick it at a young age, you can feel the real smell of the mushroom; in its raw form it has a sour taste. After frying, marinating or salting, it is used in salads and minced meat is prepared. In some European countries, the mushroom is considered a delicacy; it tastes like chicken and is indispensable in vegetarian cuisine: there it is used instead of chicken fillet.

According to the results of the study, people who consume tinder fungus may experience mild poisoning: nausea, dizziness, and swollen lips. An allergic reaction was observed in children in the form of ataxia (impaired coordination), visual hallucinations. Poisonous particles of the fungus can have a negative effect if they are collected from coniferous trees or if an old mushroom is picked when it is already beginning to rot. To avoid unpleasant conditions in the body, you should not collect mushrooms in coniferous forests and pick those species that have acquired a dark tint and an unpleasant odor that is not at all similar to a mushroom one.

The picked tinder fungus can be kept frozen for some time, after which you can prepare the delicacy.

Contraindications and possible harm

The beneficial properties and contraindications of the birch tinder fungus depend on the characteristics of the body. It is not recommended to use products based on the product:

• for individual allergies;
• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• for severe kidney and liver diseases;
• during exacerbation of pancreatitis and gastric ulcers;
• in children up to 12 years of age.

When using fruiting bodies for medicinal purposes, safe dosages must be observed. If the recommended volumes are exceeded, side effects may develop - nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and skin rashes.

Collection rules, medicinal properties, contraindications

Experts recommend collecting tinder fungi in the spring, as at this time they accumulate useful substances. It is not recommended to collect old mushrooms because they may contain harmful substances accumulated from the environment.

The mushroom must be cut from the tree as high as possible. It is not recommended to cut from dry trees or stumps. Separate with a sharp knife or ax. Experienced mushroom pickers recommend going out for picking on the waning moon according to the lunar calendar.

The birch tree has the greatest number of beneficial properties, which is why it is used for medicinal purposes. However, there are also contraindications for the use of such drugs.

Medicines are prepared exclusively from powder. Preparations from polypores are used to treat intoxications, which is associated with a high content of agaric acid. Also, beneficial substances contribute to the production of liver enzymes that break down amino acids. Tinctures are also used for more serious diseases, such as tuberculosis or oncology.

In cases of treatment, the drugs are taken for several months, with treatment courses repeated 2-3 times a year. It is not recommended to undergo treatment with drugs based on polypores for pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 5-6 years of age, as well as for any allergic diseases.

To prepare medicines, chaga is collected throughout the year, but only from living and healthy trees. Tinctures are prepared from the collected tinder fungi. To prepare them, use vodka, boiling water or just warm water. Such tinctures are stored in cold places, and preparations are prepared only from powders.