Mushroom

Latin: Pleurotus ostreatus

Czech: Oyster mushroom

Chinese: Ping Gu 平菇

Japanese: Hiratake

Thevital mushroom Oyster mushroom is known as a food but also as a medicine. The use of the mushroom is mentioned in China's largest herbarium Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. It has been cultivated artificially since 199 AD. It is also mentioned in a poem from the Sung Dynasty (960-1279). Here it is called the 'mushroom of flower heaven'.

It grows in temperate climates on dead and living trees or stumps or branches, which it damages with white rot. The fruits grow in clusters and appear from autumn to spring. It resembles an oyster in shape and colour. The hat is oblong in shape and about 5 to 35 centimetres in diameter. It is flat at first and gradually curves. It is a favourite in the kitchen and, thanks to commercial cultivation, is available all year round.

It was not introduced into the natural history system in Europe until 1775, thanks to the Danish naturalist Joseph Freifer von Jacquin. He named the fungus Agaricus ostreatus. It was renamed to its present name in 1871 by the German mycologist Paul Kummer.

Characteristics according to traditional Chinese medicine

Nature: slightly warm

Taste: sweet

Tropism: Liver, Spleen, Stomach

Main effects according to Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• Supplements Spleen Qi
• removes moisture
• Strengthens blood vessels
• eliminates wind chill
• Strengthens bowel movement
• expels parasites

When do we use the vital mushroom Mushroom to maintain or improve health?

1) It replenishes the spleen and removes moisture

• Supplements Spleen Qi - meaning it improves digestion (conversion of food to Qi and blood)
• Drains moisture - when the Spleen is weakened, it creates pathological moisture, causing digestive disorders
• used for: lack of appetite, nausea, bloating, feelings of heaviness, loose stools or constipation

2) Metabolic problems

• Harmonizes cholesterol - lowers LDL and raises HDL cholesterol
• regulates blood sugar levels - thereby reducing glycaemia in diabetes

3) Anemia

• Fungus has a tropism for the liver and spleen, the organs responsible for blood production.
• It is used for: dull and pale skin, hair fall, brittle nails, weak menstruation, prolonged menstrual cycle, insomnia, psychological imbalances, etc.

Remark:

In TCM, anemia can be translated as "emptiness of blood". It most commonly affects the Liver, Spleen and Heart. Fungus, by its tropism and warm nature, promotes blood formation.

4) Immunity support

• Strengthens the Spleen - one of the pillars of immunity
• Increases the number and activity of NK cells - thereby promoting the removal of damaged cells and increasing resistance to infection and in the fight against cancer cells
• regulates the immune response - can stimulate or dampen immunity as needed
• has antibiotic effects - contains the triterpene Pleurotin
• The fungus is excellent for recurrent infections of the respiratory tract!

Notes:

The mushroom partially eliminates wind chill, but is rather suitable for rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatism. Coriolus and the Gui Zhi Tang mixture are suitable for wind chill.

5) Anti-tumour effects

• Contains pleuran , a specific beta-glucan with significant anti-cancer effects

6) Skin problems

• The fungus regulates the immune response
• used for: dermatoses - allergies, rashes, eczema
• other uses - haemorrhoids, varicose veins

7) Arthrosis

• Eliminates wind chill and promotes blood production
• used for: muscle and tendon stiffness, cramps, tingling, arthritic pain anywhere on the body
• combine with any of the herbal mixtures
• The use is unsystematic, it has been observed from practice!

8) Varicose veins

• Hawthorn strengthens the Spleen, which keeps the blood in the blood vessels.

Remark:

The Spleen is responsible for keeping the blood in the blood vessels. This is done through tiny muscles along the blood vessels. The Spleen controls the muscles and when its Qi is strong, blood flows in the blood vessels and does not spill out.

9) It expels parasites

• It helps to destroy and expel parasites.

10) Anti-inflammatory effects

• It is used more for chronic recurrent inflammation.

11) Promotes wound healing

• Strengthens the Spleen, which is responsible for the production of Qi and blood. This improves regeneration and healing.

12) Support for vaccinations

• Can be used in place of Coriol. It is given 14 days before and 30 days after vaccination.

13) Antioxidant

• Hawthorn is a powerful antioxidant!

14) Constipation

• Hawthorn promotes peristalsis of the intestines - thus improving the passage of stool
• It is mainly used cooked mushroom for its high fibre content.

Less common use of Hawthorn in clinical practice:

• Antifungal action
• antiviral action: herpes and influenza viruses, HIV
• anti-infective effects: inhibits the growth of many types of bacteria: Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae,
• muscle and tendon stiffness, lumbago, musculoskeletal pain
• regeneration of internal organs
• congestion - chronic
• reduces blood clotting
• cardiovascular problems, atherosclerosis
• haemorrhoids - strengthens blood vessel walls
• hepatoprotective effects - protects and regenerates the liver
• detoxification (accumulates heavy metals)
• promotion of hair growth
• protection against atherosclerosis
• anti-aging effect, antiaging effect
• protection of mucous membranes and organs
• protection of the nervous system

What to remember:

Hawthorn strengthens Qi, blood and blood vessels, relaxes tendons and promotes healing. It is excellent for chronic illnesses from cold and damp.