Bordered polypore (pine polypore) Fomitopsis pinicola (Sw.:Fr.) P. Karst

The bordered tinder fungus, or as it is also called pine tinder fungus, belongs to the tinder fungus family. Attachment to the substrate occurs not with the help of the stem (it is absent in the mushroom), but with the side part.

A distinctive feature of the mushroom is its color: the cap has a yellow-orange tint with white edges, the old parts are gray-brown. The pulp is dense, elastic, with a felt structure. The shade of the spores ranges from white to light cream, sometimes with yellowness.

The pine polypore lives for the most part in temperate forests in the Northern Hemisphere.

Photo of bordered tinder fungus

Polypore in medicine

The medicinal properties of the mushroom have been known to people for a very long time. Humanity never ceases to be amazed by the richness of nature and continues to use its gifts in many areas of life. If speak about folk medicine, then the properties of tinder fungus can effectively combat numerous diseases.

It is worth noting that, thanks to its unique medicinal properties, pine polypore can strengthen the immune system and improve brain function. It effectively fights viral and infectious diseases such as pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchitis, tuberculosis. Removes toxins, thereby increasing the body's defenses. This mushroom is used to treat stomach and intestinal diseases, also for dysentery, diarrhea, hepatitis, and fevers. People with diabetes can use mushroom tinctures (in water or alcohol) to lower blood sugar. The properties of tinder fungus and its effectiveness have been noted for diseases of the heart and blood vessels, liver diseases, inflammations of various natures, and diseases of the genitourinary system. In addition, medicines based on this fungus help stop the development of cancer.

Edged polypore (Fomitopsis pinicola) inedible mushroom. Saprophyte, causes brown rot. Used as a raw material for medicinal preparations in homeopathy and Chinese traditional medicine. Found in forests of the zone temperate climate Almost everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. It is one of the most common tinder fungi in Russian forests.

The fringed tinder fungus settles on dead wood. Grows on almost all types of deciduous and coniferous trees. It can also attack weakened living trees. Fruiting bodies on living trees usually grow at the bottom of the tree.

The fruiting body is perennial, sessile, attached sideways, hoof-shaped, cushion-shaped, varying in shape and size. The mushroom stem is missing. The surface of the caps is of various colors: from bright yellow and red-orange to brown and almost black closer to the base of the mushroom, often shiny from the presence of resinous substances.

The upper surface of the fruiting bodies is uneven, grooved-zonal. Specific feature bordered tinder fungus - growing fruiting bodies are covered with droplets of exudate. Mineral salts contained in the colorless liquid change the energy of surface tension, so large, heavy drops are held on the surface of the mushroom and do not fall.

The size of the fruiting bodies can reach 30 centimeters or more in diameter and up to 10 centimeters in height. Feature mushroom - white or cream, sometimes with a lemon-yellow tint, edges and hymenophores. Sometimes there is an orange border closer to the edge. Some caps of the fringed tinder fungus are very beautiful - carmine red. With age, the color fades to red-brown and almost black.

The pulp is dense, elastic, felt or cork-like, sometimes woody. On the fault it is flocculent. The flesh is usually light yellowish-beige or light brown, but older fruiting bodies may be chestnut-colored or even chocolate brown.

The hymenophore is tubular and located horizontally. The color is beige or cream, usually with a pinkish tint. When pressed, it darkens to a dark brown or gray-brown color.

The spore powder is light, creamy, whitish or yellowish. Sporulation is very abundant. In warm, dry weather, the spore powder can be clearly visible below the fruiting body. The spores are colorless, small, ovoid or ellipsoid in shape.

In forest ecosystems, the fungus performs the function of breaking down dead wood. Unlike the common polypore and a number of other polypores, which break down lignin in wood, leaving cellulose powder (white rot), the bordered polypore breaks down cellulose, leaving lignin (brown rot), so different types wood-decaying fungi work in cooperation.

The fringed polypore can cause economic damage by affecting harvested wood and wooden buildings left at cutting sites, especially non-residential ones: bridges, telegraph poles.

The fungus contains steroids and triterpene alcohols with antimicrobial activity, as well as triterpenoids and triterpene glycosides that inhibit the expression of cyclooxygenase - this enzyme indirectly participates in the chain of molecular events leading to the development of the inflammatory process. The mycelium of the fungus secretes beta-1,4-glycosidase, an enzyme that breaks down cellulose.

Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the tinder fungus normalize blood sugar levels. A pronounced antibacterial effect of individual compounds isolated from the fungus has also been shown. The anticancer activity of polysaccharide compounds in the mushroom has been noted.

In Chinese medicine, tinder fungus is included in mushroom preparations intended to maintain and improve overall health and improve mental performance.

The same mushroom is used as part of preparations for the treatment of nervous diseases, blood disorders, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, inflammatory diseases of various natures, dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the genitourinary system and gynecological diseases.

In Korea, extracts of the fruiting body and mycelium of the tinder fungus are patented as a means for treating diabetes. The tinder fungus is of particular interest as a source of the enzyme beta-1,4-glycosidase, which breaks down cellulose; this enzyme is in demand in biotechnology.

The pulp of the tinder fungus has a felt structure. Because of this, it is very durable and allows the mushroom to resist various types of damage. As for its color, it varies from yellow to dark brown.

Pest control

In order to protect valuable species To combat the negative impact of tinder fungus, logging enterprises chemically treat their surfaces. They also look for mature mushrooms and then destroy them. Fortunately, the pest slowly attacks the wood, and therefore timely human intervention allows the tree to be saved.

The role of tinder fungi in the ecosystem

In addition, after the decay of wood affected by the bordered tinder fungus, nutrients for the soil enter the soil. Thus, the mushroom directly affects the cycle of elements in nature. By killing the weak, he feeds the strong.

Application in medicine

The fringed tinder fungus is often used as a raw material for the manufacture of a number of medical products. For the most part, it is used in the treatment of diarrhea, polyuria, hepatitis and dysentery. For example, in ancient times our ancestors brewed a decoction of mushroom pulp to relieve inflammation of the stomach, and the Indians North America They applied pieces of tinder fungus to the wounds, as they clotted the blood and stopped the bleeding.

This is one of the most common tinder fungi in our forests. The fruiting body is perennial, sessile, hoof-shaped, cushion-shaped, varying in shape and size. The surface of the caps is of various colors: from bright yellow and red-orange to brown and almost black closer to the base of the mushroom, often shiny from the presence of resinous substances.

f.044 Fomitopsis pinicola 1, 2) young guttating polypores on dead wood; 3) overwintered fruiting bodies on dead wood in the spring; 4) an adult mushroom on a deciduous tree

The size of the fruiting bodies can reach 30 cm or more in diameter. A characteristic feature of the mushroom is its light (white or cream, sometimes with a lemon-yellow tint) edge and hymenophore. Sometimes there is an orange border closer to the edge. Some of the hats are very beautiful - carmine red. With age, the color fades to reddish-brown to almost black. A specific feature is that the growing fruiting bodies are covered with droplets of exudate and have a very unpleasant (“sour”) smell.

f.045 Fomitopsis pinicola- pine tinder fungus (bordered tinder fungus): 1) F. pinicola for dead wood deciduous tree in spring; 2, 3, 4) adult fruiting bodies on coniferous wood

This type is determined by a combination of the following characteristics:
1) non-cracking cuticle made of agglutinated hyphae, becoming shiny under the influence of alcohol;
2) pores 3-4 per 1 mm, not overgrown with mycelium.
When cut, the fabric is wood-colored, the tubes are slightly darker, vaguely layered. The fabric is ragged, less suitable for making tinder.

Growing F. pinicola as a saprotroph on dead wood, dead wood, and stumps. Very rare on living trees. This tinder fungus can grow not only on conifers, but also on hardwoods. On drying broad-leaved trees (for example, oak), it sometimes grows to enormous sizes, with thick layers of annual growth. The “border” in this case should be considered the entire light-colored surface of the fresh growth between the darker base and the white edge.

Below are photographs of a very interesting specimen. F. pinicola, which could not be identified for a long time.

f.046 Fomitopsis pinicola- pine tinder fungus (bordered tinder fungus): unusual specimen

The tinder fungus grew on a cut live willow near the water. He was embarrassed, first of all, by his strange, time-to-time changing color and, at first, by the presence of absolutely dry depressions on his powerful body. On the second attempt (the first tinder fungus was broken off, but a second tinder fungus soon grew in the same place of the same color), the tinder fungus managed to reach such an age that it became similar to its fellows. The next season saw a similar story.

Polypore is widely used for the preparation of medicines and in culinary recipes. But not all varieties are edible; some are poisonous.

The following types of treatment are used:

• true, known as birch;
• varnished;
• larch, known as deciduous.

Medicines from these types have many useful properties, therefore, the edible plant is also commonly used for culinary purposes.

Why is the tinder fungus dangerous - contraindications

The use of useful drugs based on tinder fungus can provoke an allergic reaction in the form of skin rashes. Therefore, people prone to allergic reactions should be careful in consumption and application.

Improper preparation or treatment in adults can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Also contraindicated is the period of bearing a child and breastfeeding. Treating children with tinder fungus is strictly prohibited.

Beneficial properties will not bring the desired result for gallstones. Due to the fact that larch polypore has a laxative effect, medicinal infusions are not recommended for use for diarrhea.

Treatment with tinder fungus must be under the strict supervision of the attending physician.

Contraindications for use:

• pregnancy and lactation
• urolithiasis disease.

Use of tinder fungus

The most useful and known species tinder fungus is larch. It is actively used by nutritionists to treat patients with obesity caused by metabolic disorders.

Recipe: dissolve 1 tsp. tinder fungus powder in 100 ml of water. Drink once, on an empty stomach, for 7 days.

• The powder has a good hemostatic effect. Pour a small amount of powder onto the wound and bandage it. The procedure for changing the bandage is carried out twice a day until complete healing.

Another variety of polypore is birch, which, according to the description, has the same beneficial properties as larch. It grows mainly on birch trees, which is why it differs from other known species.

Decoction recipe for malignant tumors:

Ingredients:

• chaga powder 1 tbsp;
• boiling water 400 ml.

Preparation:

1. Pour the powder with water and boil for 20 minutes.
2. Strain.
3. Take 1 tablespoon of the decoction, 3 times a day.

The lacquered mushroom has no toxic substances. Products based on it are considered useful and are used to rejuvenate the entire body.

Its application in cosmetology:

• Cleanses the liver, which promotes cleansing skin from rashes.

Recipe: 2 tsp Infuse chagi in a glass of water for two days. Strain. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

• Improves the condition of the nail plate. Young soft fruits are filled with water for 5 hours. Then the water is drained. The plant is crushed and 500 ml of vodka is poured. The tincture must be placed in a dry and cool place for 14 days. When ready, grind in a blender to a homogeneous consistency and store in the refrigerator. Apply at night, rubbing into the nail plates.

• Makes the skin elastic, restores its elasticity and silkiness. Heals inflammation on the skin, slows down its aging.

For To prepare the medicinal cream you will need: 1 tsp aloe juice, lacquered mushroom extract 1 tsp, olive oil ½ tsp, licorice extract ½ tsp, 12 drops of vitamin E. Mix everything and apply to the skin. After 15 minutes, you can rinse with warm water.

Tinder fungus medicinal properties

Birch polypore, known as true birch polypore, has many beneficial properties that are used in folk medicine to support the immune system, restore the gastrointestinal tract, for insomnia, stress, and much more.

Description of the recipe for insomnia:

Ingredients:

• dry birch tinder fungus 200 g;
• vodka 500 ml.

Preparation:

1. Grind the plant into powder.
2. Pour vodka.
3. Leave for 72 hours.
4. Drink 1 tsp. 1 hour before bedtime.

Nature has awarded the varnished growth with no less useful properties. Its regular use as an additive to tea slows down aging, improves memory, hearing and concentration.

To do this, add ½ tsp to the tea. dry powder of this plant and brew in the usual way.

How to use tinder fungus for weight loss - recipes

Ingredients:

• chaga powder 2.5 g;
• water 100 ml.

Preparation:

1. The powder must be dissolved in warm water.
2. Drink twice a day: in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening 30 minutes before meals.

The result from the use of edible components can be enjoyed within 14 days.

Recipe for weight loss from varnished polypore:

Ingredients:

• chopped varnished mushroom 1 tsp;
• boiling water 100 ml.

Preparation:

1. Mix the ingredients and drink in one sip.
2. Mix the ingredients immediately before eating.
3. Take 3 times a day.

Obesity should be treated in this way for 2 months.

The use of tinder fungus for tumors and ulcers

The medicinal properties of birch chaga are widely used in folk medicine in the treatment of stomach ulcers and tumors of various etiologies. A mushroom growing on birch helps heal cracks and wounds, both internal and external.

In case of tumors, chaga stops the growth of metastases, it anesthetizes, and removes toxic toxins from the body.

Description of preparation of birch chaga tincture:

Ingredients:

• birch mushroom.

Preparation:

1. Rinse the chaga under running water. Place in container.
2. Pour boiled, cooled water.
3. Leave for 5 hours.
4. Remove the plant and pass through a meat grinder.
5. Heat the water that remains after soaking to 50 °C.
6. Pour chaga with this water.
7. Leave for another 48 hours.
8. Drain the water and squeeze out the cake.
9. Dilute it with boiled water to obtain the original volume.

To treat a tumor, you need to drink 3 glasses a day. To treat an ulcer, the dose should be divided into 6 times, drinking 50 ml of birch mushroom tincture. The course of treatment is 14 days.

Medicinal properties of polypore fungus for wound healing

Such names of polypores as birch, varnished and larch have equally beneficial properties for wound healing. If certain areas of the skin are often subject to various types of damage, you should definitely stock up on medicinal tinder fungus powder.

To treat wounds, it can be used on its own, pouring a small amount onto the painful area, or added to a cream.

Description of the treatment of psoriasis with lacquered medicinal mushroom:

Lacquered mushroom is a useful traditional medicine that is used to treat problems with the epidermis, even psoriasis. The plant helps even children get rid of the disease.

To prepare you will need 100 g of varnished mushroom powder, which needs to be poured with 500 ml of boiling water. Leave in a thermos for 6 hours and strain. Use the medicine as a compress on the affected areas. Do the procedure twice a day.

Recipes for tinder fungus tinctures

For the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the following is used in folk medicine: recipe based on birch mushroom.

Ingredients:

• crushed birch chaga 2 tsp;
• warm water 200 ml.

Preparation:

1. Pour water over a mushroom growing on a birch tree.
2. Leave for 48 hours.
3. Strain.
4. Drink 1 tablespoon three times a day, 30 minutes before eating.

How to use tinder fungus for constipation

For constipation, you can make medicinal racks from birch or larch fungus, known as deciduous tinder fungus. It is better to use a crushed and dry plant.

A properly prepared product does not have toxic substances and will only benefit dysbacteriosis and solve the problem with bowel movements.

Description of the larch mushroom tincture recipe:

Ingredients:

• larch mushroom 1 tbsp;
• boiling water 350 ml.

Preparation:

1. Pour boiling water over the dry plant.
2. Put on fire. The infusion should boil.
3. After 20 minutes, remove from the burner.
4. Leave to infuse for 4 hours.
5. Filtering.
6. Use medicine 3-4 times a day, 2 tbsp.

Collection and preparation

To maximize the preservation of all the beneficial properties of birch mushroom, you need to be aware of the rules for its collection and preparation. In folk medicine there are some recommendations in this matter:

• Fruiting bodies should be collected in early spring or late autumn. It is during this period that all the beneficial medical properties are at their peak.

• You can find birch mushroom mainly on birch trees. In some cases, specimens are found on apple or oak trees.

• Chaga quickly hardens, so harvesting should be done on the day of cutting.
• You need to cut off the growth at the base.

• The top layer of the plant must be cleaned.

• The plant needs to be crushed and then dried. If you carry out the procedure in a dryer, then at a temperature no higher than 50 degrees.

• Only young specimens with white caps are considered edible.

• Store the workpiece in a glass container.

How to collect tinder fungus

It is better to collect tinder fungus on a young birch tree. The closer it is to the ground, the less useful qualities it contains. It should be located closer to the center of the trunk and have a fleshy texture.

The May harvest is the period when it medicinal properties can bring positive results. In order to cut a birch mushroom, it usually grows to quite an impressive size; you need to pry it with a knife from below and separate it from the tree trunk.

False and birch tinder fungus - differences

The young fruiting bodies of the real birch mushroom are not poisonous and even edible. The mushroom, which most often grows on birch trees, has a myriad of beneficial and medicinal properties.

Consider their differences:

1. The surface of the useful birch mushroom is rough and uneven.
2. The false one has a spherical shape. Its top is dark gray with a burgundy border. The surface is velvety. It's poisonous.
3. Most often, the false species is found on dry or dead trees.
4. Birch is located mainly on birch trees.