Tinder Bracket Mushroom - Fomes excavatus
Fomes fomentarius has been re-classified as Fomes excavatus. It is now a separate species from the one that grows in Europe and Asia. It is commonly called tinder bracket because it can be dried and used for tinder. I harvest it from birch and beech trees in the Adirondack Mountains, where it is plentiful.
It has antiviral, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties and can be helpful in regulating blood pressure and sugar levels.1 It is strongly antioxidant. 2 It can help fight cancer by inducing apoptosis, which is pre-programmed cell death. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used for the treatment of oral ulcer, gastroenteric disorder, inflammations and various cancers. The secondary metabolites found in tinder conk are polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides, esters, lactones, betulin, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, organic acids, benzofurans, and coumarins.
It is also being studied by architects because its unique structure could lead to new high-performance ultra lightweight materials. Since the fungus assembles these structures itself scientists are studying whether self-assembling materials could be developed. 3
A number of interesting research papers can be found by searching with Google Scholar.
Suggested Tincture Dosing is 20-30 drops 1 to 4 times daily. Start slow as allergies and intolerances are always possible.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness.