Hericium

Latin: Hericium erinaceus

Czech: coral coral

Chinese: Hou Tou Gu 猴头菇

Japanese: Yamabushitake

Thevital mushroom Hericium was known mainly in the Orient and Japan. In China, it was called "monkey head". It was also used by the Indians of North America.

The fruiting bodies resemble lion's mane or sea coral. It is a saprophyte, i.e. it draws nutrients from the host without killing it. It produces fruiting bodies on the trunks of injured or dead trees. These are spherical in shape, 7 to 15 cm in diameter. It has soft spines (spines) which form a 'lion's mane' that can enlarge the fruiting body up to 40 cm. It grows in Asia, Europe and North America.

It is rare in the wild and protected in this country. It can be grown commercially for both medicinal and culinary purposes. The mushroom has a sweet, very mild taste.

Hericium entered natural history books in the 18th century thanks to J. B. F. Bullliard, while its current name is due to Ch. H. Persoon, who renamed it Hericium erinaceus in 1797.

Hericium has been the subject of many studies investigating the effect of Hericium (mainly its phytosterol component erinacin) on its ability to stimulate NGF (nerve growth factor) production. NGF is a protein that stimulates the growth and differentiation of nerve cells. It is essential for the regeneration of damaged neurons in brain tissue (e.g. in Alzheimer's disease). Low levels of NGF have an effect on the onset of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. According to recent research, it also improves survival in people after a heart attack. It reduces the risk of heart failure.

Characteristics according to traditional Chinese medicine

Nature: neutral

Taste: sweet, bland

Tropism: Spleen, Stomach, Heart (some sources also mention Liver and Kidney)

Main effects according to Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• Strengthens the Stomach and regulates its Qi
• Supplements the Spleen and aids digestion
• Calms the spirit of Shen and improves sleep
• Strengthens brain function and improves memory
• Acts on all organ systems

When do we use Enoki Vital Mushroom to maintain or improve health?

1) Regulating and strengthening digestion

• Harmonizes the Stomach - thereby improving digestion
• Used for: chronic gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, heartburn, reflux, stomach discomfort
• Hericium is not very strong in strengthening the Spleen, it acts more on the Stomach.

Remark:

The most common problem of the Stomach is a pathology called Heat in the Stomach. The cause is overeating, eating between meals, fatty, fried, spicy food and alcohol. Another possible cause is heat from the liver, arising from emotional stress!

2) Regeneration of mucous membranes

• Promotes regeneration and moistening of mucous membranes - especially in the digestive tract
• Healthy mucous membranes in the stomach and intestines improve digestion and Qi utilization from food.

3) Helicobacter pylori

• Suppresses the multiplication of Helicobacter pylori bacteria that cause heartburn and stomach discomfort
• Suitable for combination with Zuo Jin Wan blend and vital Chaga mushroom

4) Somatization of stresses manifested in the stomach area

• Hericium is suitable for higher stress loads.
• It isused for : pressure around the stomach or chest, butterflies in the stomach area, lump in the throat, feeling of inner turmoil, tension, distension, premenstrual syndrome, restlessness, irritability, irregular cycle
• Works for some depression and anxiety conditions too!
• Suitable combination - with Xiao Yao San or (Jia Wei) Xiao Yao San (mixtures for Liver Qi stagnation and weakened Spleen)

5) Neurological and psychological problems

• Hericium improves the functioning of the nervous system.
• Improves sleep - falling asleep, waking up at night, insomnia
• supports mental functions - memory, concentration
• used in: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy or neurasthenia
• most often combined with Reishi

6) Immunomodulatory and anticancer effects

• regulates overgrown microorganisms in the digestive tract - e.g. Helicobacter pylori, clostridia, golden staphylococcus, etc.
• used for: tumours of the upper and middle digestive tract and liver and cervix

Less common use of Hericium in clinical practice:

• regulation of cholesterol and blood fats
• diabetes - regulation of blood sugar levels
• hepatoprotective effects - protects and regenerates the liver
• thrombolytic (anti-clotting) effects
• helps protect articular cartilage
• suppresses multidrug-resistant golden staphylococcus aureus
• suppresses inflammation
• for exhaustion

What to remember:

Hericium strengthens the stomach and improves digestion and mental health. Strengthens brain function, calms and regenerates nerves.