BIRCH WRINKLE (PIPTOPORUS BETULINUS)

Birch leek is a miracle of nature and the fruiting bodies of this mushroom have a characteristic appearance, so it is
impossible to replace them with other mushrooms on the same host (birch). They are 10 to 25 cm wide, initially
kidney-shaped, and later fan-shaped. They are most often irregularly flattened, with a curved and rounded edge.
The upper surface is smooth and dry, light brown in color, and the interior is white, has a "mushroom" smell and a
slightly bitter taste.
At the moment when the fertile bodies of birch are lost on the trunk, there is a great danger of breakage, and
such trees in urban areas are immediately removed. The fruiting bodies begin to appear from the top of the tree,
in late summer and autumn. They are annuals and gather until winter. The fungus will continue its life inside the
trunk for several years after the tree dies, so we can often find its fruiting bodies on fallen birches.
Birch leeks attract a large number of insects, which feed on them and breed on them, but other animals will often
reach for it in search of food. In the past, people also used it for food, especially young fruits that are softer and
tastier than the old ones. The use of this fungus in the past has been varied. It was used for sharpening razors, as a
firecracker, and cut into thin slices, it was used as a base in entomological collections.
In folk medicine, this mushroom has a really long history. Numerous ethnological records tell us about that, and
we find the oldest evidence of such use in a mummy over 5000 years old. The Ötzi ice man, as the mummy was
named, was found in Tyrol in 1991, and he had two pieces of birch leprosy, strung on a leather strap. The scientists
agreed that these were medicinal doses, because Ötzi was infected with the parasite Trichuris trichiura, which is
killed by polypyrene acid from birch leprosy. By dosed application of this fungus, it alleviates the ailments caused
by the parasite.
It is also known that throughout Europe, cooking its fruiting bodies, tea was made to strengthen immunity, with
strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been used as an antiparasitic and antimicrobial
property, and in wound treatment as a stopper for bleeding. Its steaming produced "charcoal" which was used as
a disinfectant and antiseptic, and it was also used in the treatment of digestive disorders, as well as tumor
diseases. The long tradition of using birch leprosy in folk medicine, has prompted scientists to investigate in more
detail its medicinal properties. Studies have confirmed that this birch leprosy has immunostimulatory, anti-
inflammatory, antitumor, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
The medicinal substances in birch leprosy are polysaccharides, among which are beta-glucans, powerful
modulators of the immune system, then triterpenes, antibiotics, vitamins and minerals, polypyrene and betulinic
acid and many others. Piptamine, an antibiotic isolated from this fungus, has shown antimicrobial activity against a
number of gram-positive bacteria and fungi, among which the most resistant are Staphylococcus aureus
(Staphylococcus aureus), Enterococus faecalis, Bacilus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Candida alb. Birch leprosy
nucleic acids, in turn, stimulate the production of interferon, which increases resistance to viral infection, and have
been shown to act against influenza viruses, yellow fever, HIV, tick-borne meningoencephalitis and other
dangerous viruses. Birch leprosy is one of the strongest allies in the fight against these diseases.
Birch leprosy is mostly used today in the treatment of respiratory diseases. From "common" colds, sore throats
and sinuses, to asthma and bronchitis, but also severe pneumonia and tumors. Numerous studies have revealed a
surprising inhibitory effect of this fungus on the proliferation of tumor cells and their viability, so it is increasingly
used in the treatment of lung cancer, but also its prevention. Namely, this fungus perfectly "cleans" the lungs
contaminated with tar and nicotine, so it is recommended for ex-smokers. Also, timely use of this fungus prevents
the occurrence of respiratory allergies, from which more and more people suffer.
Alcoholic macerates and aqueous extracts can be made from the fruiting bodies of birch leprosy, and the doses
are determined according to the condition of the organism, ie. severity of the disease. During the winter months,
it is wise to add pieces of fruit to the tea we drink every day. In this way we strengthen the body and help it fight
various infections to which we are exposed during the winter months. Also, it is desirable to add other medicinal
mushrooms to the birch leek, especially the turkey tail mushroom. Namely, numerous studies indicate a better
effect of medicinal mushrooms when more of them are combined with each other. Birch leprosy is here at the top.
As you could see from the above examples, birch leprosy is a fungus with a really high usability. From Paleolithic
Europeans until today, this mushroom is known, but also recognized for its medicinal properties, and is found in
more and more pantries. Although, due to the disturbing stability of the tree, we do not want to see it in our own
yard, it is a full-fledged resident of the forest. And because of its special, almost magical properties that you’ve
now discovered, I’m sure the birch leech will bring a smile to your face when you see it, walking through the
woods, on top of a birch.
Usage: Bring 2 dl of water to a boil and add 10 g of dried mushrooms when cooled, then leave to stand for 12
hours. Then cook covered for about 20 minutes, on a low heat, so that it does not boil (T to 90 degrees). It is
drunk chilled in 2 daily doses.
Drops: 2 x 15 drops with a little water, tea or lemon juice
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