Mushroom grandfather's beard medicinal properties. Lion's Mane: A nootropic mushroom for nerve growth. Tree Bearded Mushroom: Habitat

The bearded mushroom is able to surprise everyone who saw it for the first time. It's funny, but only a few will be able to recognize in him an inhabitant of the mushroom kingdom. The reason for this is his appearance. Looking at the bearded man at close range, you will rather decide that you have a fabulous animal in front of you than a motionless one. However, this is really a mushroom, however, with many oddities and surprises.

general information

Mushroom-bearded, or combed urchin is unique representative of the Hericia family, order Russula. Its main feature lies in unusual appearance, which is not typical for mushrooms of this order. It was she who served as the reason for such colorful folk names as "bearded mushroom", "lion's mane", "grandfather's beard", "noodle mushroom" and "Pom-Pom mushroom". Scientists call it the combed urchin, or Hericium erinaceus.

Spreading

This is a very rare mushroom - its numbers are rapidly falling every year. The reason for this is pollution environment, massive deforestation and unreasonable collection by the people. To date, combed urchin is on the verge of extinction, and therefore it is listed in the Red Book.

IN natural environment mushroom can be found on the territory North America, Russia and China. In particular, he prefers zones with moderate, warm climate. For example, if we talk about our Motherland, then the "lion's head" can be seen in the Primorsky Territory, the Amur Region, the Crimea, as well as in the deciduous forests of Khabarovsk.

Appearance

For those who want to understand what a bearded mushroom looks like, photo - the best option. After all, without it it is quite difficult to recreate a verbal image, even remotely resembling the amazing appearance of a mushroom. And yet, if you decide to do this, it is best to imagine a white hedgehog or a mountain of vermicelli attached to a tree trunk. Agree, the picture is rather unusual.

If we talk about size, then the crested hedgehog grows on average up to 20-25 cm in diameter. At the same time, its white processes - “needles” can reach 6-8 cm in length. Such a miracle weighs about 1-1.5 kg, which is very impressive. However, such standards apply only to wild-growing specimens - a bearded mushroom bred on a farm can have much big sizes and weight.

The body of the combed urchin is dense. Inside the pulp is colored white or cream, without any impurities. And only at the end of its life, when the fungus begins to dry out, it acquires yellow tones.

habitat

Today, it is possible to meet the combed urchin only in remote regions. It does not tolerate any air pollution, and therefore rarely grows in roadside areas. This means that everyone who wants to find him must get used to the idea that the hunt can drag on for several days. True, many are ready to make such a sacrifice, just to see live how the bearded mushroom grows. The photo of this handsome man is a truly glorious award, proving the perseverance and perseverance of any naturalist.

So, where to look for it? Best fit deciduous forests located away from the city and major highways. In this case, you should look for areas with high humidity, since the hedgehog does not tolerate drought well. For example, you can search the area around ponds, rivers, lakes, or swamps.

As for trees, in our region most often the bearded mushroom grows on oak, beech or birch, and he likes the latter the most. "Lion's head" is illegible in wood, and therefore can germinate both on a healthy trunk and on a rotten one. Most often, only one mushroom lives on a tree, but there are exceptions.

gourmet dish

Mushroom noodles are very popular in the culinary world. The reason for everything is its extraordinary shape and excellent taste. Some gourmets claim that the pulp of the mushroom tastes somewhat like shrimp. Agree, many will like such a delicacy, especially considering the fact that this is a dietary food.

It's no surprise that lion's mane is on the menu of many prestigious restaurants. At the same time, it is served both after heat treatment and raw. The only negative is the high price of such a dish. But for those who love new tastes and sensations, this is not such a huge barrier.

Healing properties

In China, healers have long used the bearded mushroom in their practices. The beneficial properties of this vegetable "hedgehog" are well known to them. In particular, it was they who told the world that the hedgehog is able to help a person with sclerosis. This knowledge also helped pharmacists produce the medicine needed to treat patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

In addition, the mushroom has an anti-inflammatory effect. In Russia, healers used it to treat stomach diseases and tumors. There is also evidence that bearded vulture mushroom extract is being used in research into finding a cure for cancer.

Built environment

As mentioned earlier, combed urchin is listed in the Red Book. This means that the extraction of this mushroom in natural conditions is strictly prohibited. Therefore, today special farms are being opened around the world, where the bearded vulture mushroom is grown under artificial conditions. This is a rather complicated process, but modern farmers have succeeded well in it - domestic mushrooms not only have the same properties as wild mushrooms, but also significantly exceed them in size.

Asian healers remain the only problem. According to their beliefs, only Forest mushrooms possess the magical energy Qi. Therefore, in these parts, even today, there is a relentless struggle for a natural treasure. Unfortunately, this can lead to the complete extinction of the species within their region.

Yamabushitake, also known as lion's mane mushroom, is a dietary mushroom that can be used as a dietary supplement. Appears to be a cognitive enhancer and immunomodulator (suggested to be able to stimulate or suppress inflammation, depending on various factors).

Helpful information

Other names

Hericium erinaceus, lion's mane, monkey's head, houtougu (rare), comb gooseberry, pom pom mushroom, hedgehog mushroom, grandfather's beard. Notes

Variety

Bioactive mushrooms

Nootropics

Immune system boosters

Mushroom Lion's mane: instruction

To date, only one trial has been conducted with oral administration of 1000mg of yamabushitake (96% pure extract) three times a day. Although it is not known how optimal this dosage is, it appears to be effective.

Origin and composition

Origin

Yamabushitake is a mushroom that grows on old or dead deciduous trees and is consumed in Japan and China without any harmful effects on the body. Some common names are monkey's head, lion's mane and grandfather's beard, sometimes called houtougu, as well as a sports drink containing Hericium erinaceus (11th Asian Sports Festival in China, 1990).

Compound

Yamabushitake mushroom (Hericium erinaceu) contains:

As well as the polysaccharide component (Hericium erinaceus) - polysaccharides called HEF-P and belonging to the beta-glucan family, can be broken down into 4 polysaccharides. The percentage in fruiting bodies is approximately 20%, 18.59% ethanol extract and the general structure of these polysaccharides includes xylose (7.8%), ribose (2.7%), glucose (68.4%), arabinose ( 11.3%), galactose (2.5%) and mannose (5.2%). Like most medicinal mushrooms, yamabushitake appears to contain bioactive polysaccharides (carbohydrates) along with ethanol-soluble molecules. The total phenolic content of yamabushitake is 10.20+/- 2.25mg gallic acid equivalents per gram (about 1%) with hot water extract, which appears to be five times higher than when cooked in an oven, using methanol or in lyophilized fruiting bodies. This phenolic moiety of 10.20+/- 2.25mg gallic acid equivalents per gram is significantly less than quercetin (194.24+/-7.58) and overall, in laboratory studies, the anti-inflammatory effect of yamabushitake was lower than in quercetin, more than 5 times. The polysaccharides themselves are active in vitro, and taking 300 mg/kg of polysaccharides per day for 15 days may help reduce inflammation caused by ischemia or reperfusion. The phenolic anti-inflammatory potential of yamabushitake is significantly lower than that of quercetin and gallic acid, but the polysaccharide component appears to be bioactive.

neurology. Interactions

neurogenesis

It was found that yamabushitake is able to increase NGF mRNA expression in isolated astrocytes 5-fold when administered at 100-150 μg/ml of an alcoholic extract (depending on concentration), but this effect was not achieved in the case of an aqueous concentration. Testing of C-E chericinones at 10-100mcg/mL showed no efficacy, and inhibition of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase signaling blocks the action of yamabushitake (without the involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, PKA, protein kinase C, and methyl ethyl ketone). After 7 days, during which the experimental mice were given a diet with 5% content of yamabushitake, an increase in nerve growth factor mRNA in the hippocampus (but not in the cerebral cortex) was noted by about 1.3 times, compared with the initial value. An alcoholic extract of yamabushitake increased the levels of nerve growth factors mRNA, which was confirmed by oral administration to mice. An increase in the release of nerve growth factors from acrocytes was noted with the use of 150 µg / ml of an alcoholic extract (and not 50-100 µg / ml), since isolated erinacins (A-C) are known to stimulate the release of nerve growth factors at a concentration of 1 mm, and efficiency at compared with the concentration of adrenaline several times higher. It was noted that the release of nerve growth factors from acrocytes was increased with the use of the alcohol extract of yamabushitake. When viewed directly from neurons, yamabushitake promotes their prolongation and myelin formation.

Glutaminergic neurotransmission

Neuroprotection

An analogue of hericenone called 3-hydroxyhericenone has been implicated in preventing neuronal death caused by endoplasmic reticular pressure. A similar mechanism of action can be traced with various components of yamabushitake. In laboratory conditions, this fact improves the myelination (production of the myelin sheath) of neurons, which can lead to a decrease in nerve growth factors.

cognitive activity

Yamabushitake appears to be able to protect rats from cognitive decline induced by beta-amyloid pigmentation when fed the same 5% yamabushitake diet as previously described. The results of one human study at a dosage of 3g of 98% yamabushitake powder (in capsule form) showed significant improvements in the mental activity scale in individuals suffering from cognitive decline. Taking the supplement increased mental performance, and progress was made as the intake was extended. However, after 4 weeks, the level of cognitive abilities came down to normal, which, nevertheless, was better than the initial state. Symptoms such as fatigue and depression were also reduced when people ate biscuits containing 2g of yamabushitake for the same 4 weeks. There was a significant difference in irritability and concentration between the two different groups with clear improvements in the yamabushitake group.

Nerve damage

According to the results of one study in mice, an aqueous extract of yamabushitake promoted the regeneration of nerve cells after their damage. Rats with damaged gluteal nerves during the operation after the introduction of water with fruit extract, began to walk better. Dosages of 10 or 20 ml per kg of body daily were administered during the study, but the exact dosage was not deduced, however, no difference was noted between the two different injections. This study was conducted to complete laboratory testing to prove that yamabushitake promotes nerve cell growth. There were no symptoms of toxic exposure.

Cardiovascular health

Blood pressure

Hericenon B has an antiplatelet effect by slowing collagen signaling pathways through alpha2/beta1 to release arachidonic acid (one of two receptors that promotes blood clots through collagen. ); the mechanism of action is promising, but in rabbits it has shown specific effects at 30uM (which is proportional to 5uM aspirin) and full effect at 10 µm. Interestingly, hercenones C-E had no effect on collagen-induced platelet aggregation, and although hericenon B was active on other types of aggregation (epinephrine and U46619, but not adenosine triphosphate or thrombin), it was less effective. Hericenon B well suppresses collagen-induced platelet aggregation, along with other types of hericenon, it does not have the desired effect on other types of aggregation. Yamabushitake is an ACE inhibitor (hot water fruit body extract) with an IC value of 580+/-23µm/mL, which is significantly less than the much more highly active lacquer fungus (50µm/mL). When drawn with hot water, the mushrooms are much more potent ACE inhibitors than the alcohol and methanol extracts, and the mushroom's bioactive ACE-blocking peptides include D-mannose (IC50 3mg/mL) and L-pipecolic acid (IC50 23.7mg/mL). ml). Since these molecules themselves are weaker than yamabushitake, it is now believed that bioactive peptides are fundamental to the ACE inhibitory potential, since they were previously found in mushrooms (Val-Ile-Glu-Lys-Tyr-Pro and Gly-Glu-Pro ). Yamabushitake has ACE inhibitor properties, although the biological significance of this is still unknown. The fundamental molecule this moment not identified, possibly a bioactive peptide.

Lipids and cholesterol

Both the alcohol extract and the extract using hot water yamabushitake extract were included in a 2% high fat diet (mice) (1.896-3.16g/kg with hot water yamabushitake extract and 3.36g/kg with alcoholic extract). solution) and in both cases led to a decrease in triglycerides (8% with an extract of yamabushitake hot water and 27.1% alcohol solution) with no noticeable effect on HDL-C and total cholesterol levels. Similar lipid-lowering effects were also observed in the liver tissue test (29.8% with hot water yamabushitake extract and 38.8% with alcoholic solution extract) and were thought to result from the alcoholic extract being able to act as a PPARα agonist with an EC50 score of 40µm/ml; there was a decrease in PPARα, but not its expression. Yamabushitake is able to act as a PPARα agonist and reduce triglycerides without any noticeable effect on cholesterol. Although both the hot water extract of yamabushitake and the sprite extract are inactive against cholesterol and HDL-C, the extract obtained from yamabushitake mycelium (alcohol extract after lyophilization) is able to reduce LDL by 45.5% and increase HDL-C by 31.1 % at oral intake of 200 mg/kg, and a dose of 50 mg/kg was also active. Although the fruit body of the fungus (productive part) did not have a significant effect on the metabolism of lipoprotein and cholesterol, the mycelium is able to reduce cholesterol levels.

Fat mass and obesity

Mechanisms of influence

Feeding mice food additives based on hot water yamabushitake extract and alcohol extract (1.896-3.16g/kg with hot water yamobushitake extract and 2.016-3.36g/kg alcohol extract) led to an increase in the expression of some genes responsible for fat metabolism, such as Acad1, Srebf1 , and Slc27a1, which was thought to be the result of PPARα activation. Yamabushitake appears to be a PPARα agonist, which can be attributed to the fat-burning properties of the mushroom.

Impact

Feeding mice supplements based on hot water yamabushitake extract and alcohol extract (1.896-3.16g/kg with hot water yamabushitake extract and 2.016-3.36g/kg ethanol extract) suppressed fat production, while the diet of mice was fairly saturated with fat. , by 30% (hot water extract of yamabushitake) and by 42.4% (alcohol extract), which is associated with a decrease in the amount of fat in the liver and mesenteric adipose tissue. Administration of mycelin extract to rats at a dosage of 50-200mg/kg for 4 weeks had no significant effect on weight.

Inflammation and Immunology

Mechanisms of influence

Yamabushitake suppresses LPS-induced macrophage activation, which is associated with less c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation and less NF-kB nuclear translocation. The polysaccharide known as HEF-AP Fr II (beta-glucan), in contrast, stimulates macrophage activity under the influence of the release of TNF-α and IL-β at a concentration of 1mg/ml. This may be due to increased level macrophages and T cells for the period of incubation of the fungus. The diversity of yamabushitake components allows different effects on the immune system - polysaccharides have immunostimulating properties, while other molecules (mostly chloroform extract) can suppress macrophage activation.

Impact

In superficial wounds in rats, under the influence of an aqueous extract of yamabushitake, a decrease in the accumulation of immune cells was observed relative to the control group of rats. In wounds, suppression of chemotaxis can be observed.

Effect on cancer cell metabolism

Colon

In vitro, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of yamabushitake showed antimetastatic results in CT-26 colon cancer cells at a dosage of 500µm/ml, which was associated with phosphorylation of externally regulated kinase and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase, resulting in the formation lesser matrix metalloproteinase and lamellipodia. Both the aqueous and alcoholic extracts are able to suppress colon cancer cell metastasis by 66-69% with injections of the fruiting body extract at a dosage of 10mg/kg.

External influences

Leather

Safety and toxicity

Toxicological studies in rats have shown that a dosage of 5g/kg body weight is safe when using munophil, which is a combination of yamabushitake and panax ginseng. A case is known when a 63-year-old man suffering from acute respiratory failure had an increased level of lymphocytes in the lungs, which was a reaction to taking yamabushitake for 4 months at a standard pharmacy dosage. Was it probably a reaction to yamabushitake. unknown.

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List of used literature:

Tanaka A, Matsuda H. Expression of nerve growth factor in itchy skins of atopic NC/NgaTnd mice. J Vet Med Sci. (2005)

Mori K, et al. Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. Biol Pharm Bull. (2008)

Wong KH, et al. Neuroregenerative potential of lion's mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (higher Basidiomycetes), in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury (review). Int J Med Mushrooms. (2012)

Ueda K, et al. An endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-suppressive compound and its analogues from the mushroom Hericium erinaceum. Bioorg Med Chem. (2008)

Li JL, et al. A comparative study on sterols of ethanol extract and water extract from Hericium erinaceus. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. (2001)

Lee JS, et al. Study of macrophage activation and structural characteristics of eliminated polysaccharides from the fruiting body of Hericium erinaceus. J Microbiol Biotechnol. (2009)

Han ZH, Ye JM, Wang GF. Evaluation of in vivo antioxidant activity of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides. Int J Biol Macromol. (2013)

Effects of cultivation techniques and processing on antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Hericium erinaceus (Bull .: Fr .) Pers . Extracts

Abdullah N, et al. Evaluation of Selected Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms for Antioxidant and ACE Inhibitory Activities. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. (2012)

Neurotropic and Trophic Action of Lion's Mane Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extracts on Nerve Cells in Vitro

Hericium erinaceus, Lion's mane, Bearded mushroom, Mushroom noodles (Hericium erinaceus)

Mushroom Hericium erinaceus Bull. 1781 has many Russian names-synonyms: bearded mushroom, blackberry comb, lion's mane, mushroom noodles, etc., and Latin: Clavaria erinaceus (Bull.) Paulet 1793 Dryodon erinaceus (Bull.) P. Karst. 1882 Hericium caputmedusae (Bull.) Pers. 1797 Hericium echinus (Scop.) Pers. 1797 and others. Can be found English title: lion "s mane mushroom; French - Pom-Pom mushroom (Pom-Pom blanc); Chinese name "houtougu" (Chinese 猴头菇 pinyin hóutóugū); Japanese - "yamabushitake" (yamabushitake, Japanese 山伏茸 yamabusitake) and others

Hericium erinaceus looks like noodles or pom-poms, and at first glance does not cause any associations with a mushroom. However, this mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is edible and grows on both living and dead trees. When cooked, the color and texture of Lion's Mane resembles seafood. At the same time, it not only tastes good, but is also widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, as it has antioxidant properties and can reduce blood sugar (glucose) levels.

The fruit body of the blackberry comb has a rounded or irregular shape, occurring up to 20 cm in diameter and weighing up to 1.5 k. The blackberry is usually colored from cream to light beige. The flesh is always whitish in color and quite fleshy. When dried, it changes its color to yellowish. The hymenophore is prickly, has the appearance of thin needles hanging down, which makes the mushroom look like a hedgehog - hence the name "Hedgehog". Spore powder is always white.

The main habitats are the trunks of still living or fallen deciduous trees, such as oak, beech, birch. Most often, the body of the fungus can be found in places where the bark or broken branches are broken. The range of distribution of the fungus, the comb-headed blackberry, extends from the Crimean Mountains, eastward through the foothills of the Caucasus to the Khabarovsk and Primorsky Territories, the Amur Region and northern regions of China. This fungus is also found in North America. Since it's pretty rare view, then it is listed in the Red Book of many countries.

The fruiting bodies of the fungus blackberry comb can be found in nature from early August to October. In a number of countries, it is grown artificially, for this, sawdust or straw substrates are used. This is due to the fact that it is used in Food Industry, since according to palatability resembles shrimp meat, and in medicine, as an immune stimulant. In folk medicine, it is widely used to treat chronic and atrophic gastritis, cancer of the esophagus, stomach, leukemia, and in oriental medicine it is used as an immunostimulant, stimulator of growth and regeneration of nerve cell processes, and an antiseptic. The active ingredients of this mushroom are: cyatane derivatives, erinacins, hericenones, beta-D-glucans, ergosterol - provitamin D.

Hericium erinaceus was used in East Asia as nutrition and for herbal medicine since ancient times. It has been reported to promote nerve growth through the secretion of nerve growth factor, which is involved in the maintenance and organization of cholinergic neurons in the central nervous system. Special laboratory studies of this fungus have shown that Hericium erinaceus is able to prevent disorders of spatial short-term memory and visual recognition, due to the presence of amyloid β (25-35) peptides. This finding indicates that this mushroom may be useful in the prevention of cognitive dysfunction.

Various researchers claim that Hericium erinaceus may be one of the most effective foods to protect against a range of diseases. The health benefits of using it are to improve memory, improve mood, eliminate anxiety and depression. It also stimulates our natural production of nerve growth factor (NGF), strengthens the immune system, stimulates digestive system. Hericium erinaceus is involved in protecting the body from cancer, regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Scientists have long studied the unique neuroprotective and regenerative properties of this mushroom, which are extremely beneficial for Alzheimer's patients, as well as those who want to protect themselves from neurodegenerative diseases. Hericium erinaceus has the rare ability to increase our natural production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which help stimulate nerve regeneration; slow the onset and promote reversal of Alzheimer's and neurological diseases. Hericium erinaceus is able to naturally cross the blood-brain barrier, which may aid in brain development and for the maintenance and survival of critical sensory neurons.

What is nerve growth factor (NGF)? Nerve growth factor is a protein found throughout the body that is essential for the normal growth, repair and regeneration of specific nerve cells (neurons). Nerve Growth Factor helps promote the health and normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. It was in the mushroom Hericium erinaceus that it was found to help stimulate our own natural production of nerve growth factor, whereby our neurons could actually grow.

Hericium erinaceus is often prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine as a Qi (energy) tonic to treat digestive disorders, ulcers, gastrointestinal ailments and promote a healthy metabolism. Hericium erinaceus is extremely safe. But the most important ability of this fungus is the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases; including dementias, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. The substances of this mushroom have been found to have a positive effect on memory, learning abilities, reduce free radical damage and reverse beta amyloid production. They are also an excellent antioxidant, stimulating the body's own production of antioxidants to prevent free radical damage to healthy cells caused by various stresses and strains. Hericium erinaceus can protect us from memory loss and also help boost our mood. It can help calm nervous system thus improving attention, concentration and memory. IN Chinese medicine mushroom is used to treat various forms cancers, especially those that affect the digestive system. Hedgehog may treat cancer due to its ability to stimulate the immune system's natural ability to destroy cancer killer cells.

Hericium family - Hericiaceae

Blackberry comb mushroom (aka blackberry) also has names: comb hericium, mushroom noodles, grandfather's beard, lion's mane, bearded mushroom, monkey head.

A rather rare inhabitant of the forests of the Amur Region, Khabarovsk and Primorsky Territories, northern China, the foothills of the Caucasus and Crimea. An endangered species listed in the Red Books of the listed places and subjects, except for the Khabarovsk Territory. A saprotrophic fungus growing on the trunks of living and fallen oaks, birches, and beeches. Food delicacy, vaguely reminiscent of the unique taste of shrimp, crabs and lobsters, rightly called forest seafood. Included in the menu of the richest restaurants in Asia and Europe.

Vegetable "hedgehog" is widely known for its healing characteristics. Actively stimulates the strengthening of the immune system, the growth and regeneration of the processes of nerve cells, has an anti-inflammatory effect and antiseptic properties, has a beneficial effect in the treatment of chronic and atrophic gastritis, cancer of the esophagus and stomach. In addition to everything, blackberry comb mushroom can come to the rescue of people suffering from leukemia, sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease. According to Chinese doctors, this unique representative of the mushroom kingdom, grown in the forest, has the magical energy of Qi, personifying the breath and harmony of nature itself, the source of the living power of everything that exists on earth.

The extraordinary value of mushroom noodles, as well as a widespread ban (exception - Khabarovsk region) for harvesting have led to the emergence of many farms around the world for its cultivation in artificial conditions.

photo showcase

Freshly picked blackberry comb mushroom

Dried blackberry comb mushroom

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the topic: "where the bearded man grows", including the latest trends.

Bearded Gerard(lat. Andropogon gerardii) - a species of flowering plants of the genus Bearded ( Andropogon) of the Cereals family ( Poaceae).

Botanical description

A perennial herb that is tolerant of a wide range of soils and moisture. Depending on the soil and humidity, it can reach a height of 1-3 m. With age, the stem acquires a blue-purple color. The roots lie deep, in addition, the plants form strong, wiry rhizomes, so they form a powerful turf.

Flowering in summer, seeds are formed in autumn. Seeds are equipped with tufted protrusions.

Distribution and habitat

It grows in most of the Great Plains and in the prairies of the center of North America.

Ecology

Being tall plant, the bearded man Gerard can shade his neighbors. Gradually, the size of the plant increases, and only excessive grazing of the pasture or, on the contrary, the lack of eating grass, limits its growth, allowing neighboring plants to recover.

The bearded man Gerard cannot stand the shade and often grows on conflagrations.

Economic importance and application

Agriculture

Gerard's bearded man, which has many varieties, is a good feed for horses and cows, it can also be used to make hay. The plant is very rich in proteins. While the species is not recognized as the highest quality forage grass found in the US, it is considered a useful and ecologically important grass by cow farmers and conservationists.

landscape application

Bearded Vulture Gerard is grown by specialized plant nurseries. It is often grown in nature gardens and artificial grassland projects.

biofuel

Due to its large biomass, Gerard's bearded man has been recognized as a potential feedstock for ethanol production.

Symbolism

Gerard bearded vulture is a grass of the states of Illinois and Missouri, in addition, it is the official grass of the prairies of Manitoba.

Synonymy

• Andropogon furcatus Muhl. ex Willd.
• Andropogon furcatus var. villosa Loew
• Andropogon hallii var. grandiflorus Scribn.
• Andropogon hondurensis (R.W.Pohl) Wipff
• Andropogon provincialis Lam., nom. illeg.
• Andropogon provincialis var. tennesseensis Scribn.
• Andropogon tennesseensis (Scribn.) Scribn.
• Leptopogon furcatus (Muhl. ex Willd.) Roberty
• Sorghum provinciale Kuntze, nom. illeg.

Notes

Links

• http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ANGE

Usnea bearded is most common. Sleeping lichen is the strongest natural medicine. Thallus usnei - used for rejuvenation, elimination of gerontological spots. Strengthens hair well.

The medicinal properties of usnea are no less popular. It has always been a medicine for Siberians, residents of the Far East, the forest-tundra zone. Recipes for the treatment of usnea have been passed down from generation to generation and have come down to our days.

Sleeping Description

This is a pale green thallus about 40 cm long. In appearance, they are similar to a beard, hence the name usnea bearded. Ash green, thin and rounded branches hang from trunks, trees.

It is often believed that sleeping a plant harms trees and robs them of useful substances, but this is not so. Yes, of course, a place convenient for their life is trees or shrubs, but they serve only as a support, a place where they can attach themselves. Lichen extracts nutrients from precipitation, air.

On top of the branches of the thallus, formations intended for reproduction grow. Breaking away from the thallus, under suitable conditions, they grow back and form a new lichen.

The lichen grows very slowly, the approximate growth per year is about 5mm.

Different types of usnea look different. For example, the sleeping tree sticking out is a bush with twigs sticking out in different directions, while the longest sleeping tree practically does not branch, its branches hang down from the trees.

Where sleepy grows

Lichen is most commonly found in northern, temperate and mountainous areas. The longest lichen, usnea, can grow in places with high air purity, usually at a height of more than one and a half meters.

Grows - deciduous trees, firs, birches, cedars, gradually acquiring the properties of a particular plant. But most often prefers spruce.

collection of usnea

Harvested at any time, taking into account, as already mentioned above, the slow growth of usnea, leave a little for further restoration of the bush. The lichen thallus is sorted out, the garbage is separated, dried especially carefully so that all lichens absorb air well, which means they quickly rot and mold. Ready-made raw materials are stored tightly closed in a dry room.

Sleeping bearded lichen useful properties

Usnea has many useful properties. For a greater effect in the treatment of unground lichen threads, it is advisable to eat this will help restore health faster. Infusions begin to be taken gradually with small doses. To begin with, adults need three spoons five times a day.

• it cleanses, activates the functions of the intestines
• actively used for cancer - about three glasses of infusion in clean water and the obligatory use of lichen threads;
• sleeping helps - lung diseases, skin problems;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - ground powder of usnea with cranberry fruit powder;
• colds, pneumonia - ground lichen with powdered raspberries, blueberries (can be given to children);
• Altaians, Buryats, Nanais drink brewed lichen as a drink that regulates the digestive tract, increases appetite;
• cleans the intestines well;
• when taking the infusion, orally, chronic constipation occurs;
• gynecological diseases - infusion of usnea and rhodiola rosea for lotions, douching
• improves eyesight;
• hot infusion perfectly helps to relieve redness of the eyes, reduce tearing, burning
• activates the body's immune system;
• used for sleep - erosion of the cervix, vaginitis, colpitis;
• gel, lotions, usnea powder - boils, burns, wounds;
• treats cancer, vitilingo;
• bronchitis with severe cough, bronchial asthma, whooping cough, chronic catarrh;
• decoctions, infusions of bearded usna - an inhibitory, depressant agent for the processes of neoplasms in the lungs;
• effective for the treatment of lung cancer;
• diseases of the kidneys, urinary system - mild, long-lasting disinfecting effect
• stomatitis, caries;
• usnic acid usnei - kills the bacillus that causes the disease tuberculosis, staphylococci;
• treats non-healing wounds, trophic ulcers;
• to improve immunity, add a pinch of usnea to regular tea:
• an excellent remedy for dysbacteriosis, stop fermentation, decay in the intestines;
• contains a lot of mucus, so it is indispensable in the treatment of ulcers, ulcerative colitis, dysentery;
• sleeping for the skin - treats defects of the face, body, a good remedy for women of all ages;
• It is useful for men to apply after shaving.

Usnea treatment

Store any water infusion for no more than a day tightly closed, the container should not let air through otherwise healing properties usnei will be lost.

Infusion on hot water: one clean strand the size of three fingers, a glass of hot water. Chop with scissors. The course is a month, a break of two weeks. Insist day is used as a medicinal, antibacterial, restorative agent - tonsillitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, dental diseases, oncology. The remaining threads are eaten, the rest is used for cosmetic masks.

Usnei powder infusion: a tablespoon of powder, 0.5 l of boiled water, insist for a day. A drug for oncology, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, an antibacterial agent. The filamentous mass is eaten.

Usnei tincture: 20 g of finely chopped raw materials, half a liter of high-quality vodka is left for two weeks. Use a tablespoon three times before meals. They drink a month with a break for two weeks.

Eye diseases: apply fresh infusion on boiled water. Steamed before going to bed, warm a little in the morning, wash the eyes with a heated agent. Use until finished. Much depends on the disease, sometimes it is enough just to put strands of lichen between layers of gauze to make a compress.

Baths for dermatitis: a bunch is as small as a fist, brewed with warm water in a three-liter jar. They insist for two days. Filter, pour into a bath at a temperature of 32 degrees. Take 25 minutes. Do not wipe, do not rinse with a shower, just get a little wet with a towel. There are 10 baths in total.

Rejuvenating lotion: a small amount is brewed with a glass of hot water. Insist 3 days. Moisten the face, rub lightly. Do not remove, the result will appear in a few hours.

Strengthening hair: a bunch the size of a fist, a three-liter jar of warm water. They insist for two days. Diluted up to 10 liters. Rinse hair, rub into scalp.

Boils, burns, wounds, fungus: 3 tsp. raw materials, 200 ml of boiling water. Filter after two hours. The moistened cloth is placed on the problem area with boils, polyethylene is on top, the bandage is fixed. Change after three hours.

Endometriosis, cervical erosion, infection Bladder: 2 tsp finely cut the lichen, add 200 ml of boiling water, then strain. They douche twice a day.

Antimicrobial agent: a teaspoon of raw materials, 250 ml of boiling water. Insist for at least an hour. Drink a third of a glass after eating an hour later.

Colds, bronchitis, pneumonia: drug use - one fifth, 200 ml of boiled milk. Wrap well, leave for 20 minutes. Drink the entire composition at a time, always hot.

Contraindications: Lichen can sometimes irritate the stomach. If heartburn occurs, drink jelly or water with soda. Do not use pregnant women, breastfeeding women

The bearded mushroom is able to surprise everyone who saw it for the first time. It's funny, but only a few will be able to recognize in him an inhabitant of the mushroom kingdom. The reason for this is his appearance. Looking at the bearded man at close range, you will rather decide that you have a fabulous animal in front of you than a motionless growth on a tree. However, this is really a mushroom, however, with many oddities and surprises.

general information

The bearded mushroom, or combed hedgehog, is a unique representative of the Hericium family, the Russula order. Its main feature lies in its unusual appearance, which is not typical for mushrooms of this order. It was she who served as the reason for such colorful common folk names as “bearded mushroom”, “lion's mane”, “grandfather's beard”, “noodle mushroom” and “Pom-Pom mushroom”. Scientists call it the combed urchin, or Hericium erinaceus.

Spreading

This is a very rare mushroom - its number is rapidly falling every year. The reason for this is environmental pollution, large-scale deforestation and unreasonable collection by people. To date, combed urchin is on the verge of extinction, and therefore it is listed in the Red Book.

In its natural environment, the fungus can be found in North America, Russia and China. In particular, he prefers areas with a temperate, warm climate. For example, if we talk about our Motherland, then the "lion's head" can be seen in the Primorsky Territory, the Amur Region, the Crimea, as well as in the deciduous forests of Khabarovsk.

Appearance

For those who want to understand what a bearded mushroom looks like, a photo is the best option. After all, without it it is quite difficult to recreate a verbal image, even remotely resembling the amazing appearance of a mushroom. And yet, if you decide to do this, it is best to imagine a white hedgehog or a mountain of vermicelli attached to a tree trunk. Agree, the picture is rather unusual.

If we talk about size, then the crested hedgehog grows on average up to 20-25 cm in diameter. At the same time, its white processes - “needles” can reach 6-8 cm in length. Such a miracle weighs about 1-1.5 kg, which is very impressive. However, such standards apply only to wild-growing specimens - a bearded mushroom bred on a farm can be much larger and heavier.

The body of the combed urchin is dense. Inside the pulp is colored white or cream, without any impurities. And only at the end of its life, when the fungus begins to dry out, it acquires yellow tones.

Tree Bearded Mushroom: Habitat

Today, it is possible to meet the combed urchin only in remote regions. It does not tolerate any air pollution, and therefore rarely grows in roadside areas. This means that everyone who wants to find him must get used to the idea that the hunt can drag on for several days. True, many are ready to make such a sacrifice, just to see live how the bearded mushroom grows. The photo of this handsome man is a truly glorious award, proving the perseverance and perseverance of any naturalist.

So, where to look for it? Deciduous forests located away from the city and major highways are best suited. In this case, you should look for areas with high humidity, as the hedgehog does not tolerate drought. For example, you can search the area around ponds, rivers, lakes, or swamps.

As for trees, in our region most often the bearded mushroom grows on oak, beech or birch, and he likes the latter the most. "Lion's head" is illegible in wood, and therefore can germinate both on a healthy trunk and on a rotten one. Most often, only one mushroom lives on a tree, but there are exceptions.

gourmet dish

Mushroom noodles are very popular in the culinary world. The reason for everything is its extraordinary shape and excellent taste. Some gourmets claim that the pulp of the mushroom tastes somewhat like shrimp. Agree, many will like such a delicacy, especially considering the fact that this is a dietary food.

It's no surprise that lion's mane is on the menu of many prestigious restaurants. At the same time, it is served both after heat treatment and raw. The only negative is the high price of such a dish. But for those who love new tastes and sensations, this is not such a huge barrier.

Healing properties

In China, healers have long used the bearded mushroom in their practices. The beneficial properties of this vegetable "hedgehog" are well known to them. In particular, it was they who told the world that the hedgehog is able to help a person with sclerosis. This knowledge also helped pharmacists produce the medicine needed to treat patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

In addition, the mushroom has an anti-inflammatory effect. In Russia, healers used it to treat stomach diseases and tumors. There is also evidence that bearded vulture mushroom extract is being used in research into finding a cure for cancer.

Built environment

As mentioned earlier, combed urchin is listed in the Red Book. This means that the extraction of this mushroom in natural conditions is strictly prohibited. Therefore, today special farms are being opened around the world, where the bearded vulture mushroom is grown under artificial conditions. This is a rather complicated process, but modern farmers have succeeded in it well - domestic mushrooms not only have the same properties as wild mushrooms, but also significantly exceed them in size.

Asian healers remain the only problem. According to their beliefs, only forest mushrooms have magical Qi energy. Therefore, in these parts, even today, there is a relentless struggle for a natural treasure. Unfortunately, this can lead to the complete extinction of the species within their region.

Usnea bearded is a lichen of the Parmeliaceae family. And due to the fact that this lichen has a filamentous-bushy structure, it is popularly called the bearded lichen and the goblin's beard.

The Latin name for the lichen is Usnea barbata.

In general, there are about 300 types of sleepy, they have healing properties, and bearded sleepy allows you to get rid of many ailments.

External characteristics usnei bearded.

The thallus of this lichen consists of a large number thin branches. The color of the thallus is yellow-green. Its length can reach up to 2 meters. In the central part of the thallus, an axial dense cylinder is distinguished, which is formed from woven hyphae.

Places of growth of usnea bearded.

These lichens grow exclusively in ecologically clean areas, so they should be found in places far from factories or highways. When collecting usnea bearded, a small part of the thallus should be left intact so that the lichen is able to recover.

Useful properties of usnea bearded.

The bearded bear contains a lot of useful substances:

• Usnic acid;
• Barbate acid;
• dark acid;
• Salicylic acid;
• Vitamin C;
• Isolichen;

Due to the presence of fiber, proteins and acids, this lichen is an adaptogen. Usnea bearded helps to increase the overall resistance of the body. Ascorbic acid, which is part of usnea, stimulates the immune system and strengthens blood vessels. Iodine is very important for the body, but often the body lacks this trace element, and bearded sleep helps to avoid iodine deficiency.

The greatest benefit of this lichen is due to the presence of usnic acid in the composition. This substance is a natural antibiotic that destroys gram-positive bacteria. And salicylic acid has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Another important substance of the bearded cat is isolichenin, it has antitumor activity.

What diseases does the bearded bear help to get rid of?

This lichen is effective in combating the following diseases:

• SARS;
• Bronchitis;
• Whooping cough;
• Osteomyelitis;
• Pulmonary tuberculosis;
• Hypothyroidism;
• angina;
• Cervical erosion;
• Gastritis;
• Purulent wounds;
• Burns.

From the thallus Usnea beardeda, preparations are made for external use or tinctures for ingestion. Here are some recipes:

• To prepare a remedy for bronchitis, colds and pneumonia, half a glass of dry usnea is poured with 250 milliliters of boiling milk, the mixture is infused for 20 minutes and drunk. This infusion should be used daily until the condition improves.
• For the treatment of various infectious diseases prepare the following infusion: 1 teaspoon of dry lichen is poured with one glass of boiling water and infused for 1 hour. This infusion is consumed 1/3 cup 3 times a day after meals.
• For peptic ulcers, gastritis, dysbacteriosis and colitis, an alcohol tincture of the bearded man is recommended. It is prepared as follows: 20 grams of crushed lichen is poured with 500 milliliters of vodka. The tincture is kept in a dark place for 14 days, while the contents are periodically shaken. Then the tincture is filtered and taken before meals, 1 tablespoon three times a day.
• Tea with the addition of bearded usnea also has useful properties. Such tea is prepared simply - a pinch of crushed lichen is added to the tea leaves. You should drink one cup of this tea daily, this will help stimulate the immune system and prevent the risk of contracting SARS.
• With erosion of the cervix and endometriosis, douching is performed with an infusion of bearded us. To prepare it, pour 2 teaspoons of dry lichen with 250 milliliters of boiling water and leave for about 3 hours. Douching is performed with a warm, filtered infusion in the morning and evening.

Lotions and compresses based on this lichen help to cope with a variety of skin lesions. To do this, pour 3 teaspoons of crushed lichen into a glass of water and leave for a couple of hours. Then the infusion is filtered, gauze is moistened in it and applied to the affected area. The compress is covered with plastic wrap. It should be changed every 3 hours.

Contraindications for the use of Usnea bearded.

Usnea bearded is natural safe medicine. But at first it should be used with caution, as there is a risk of individual intolerance.

Also, this lichen should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, since usnic acid, which has antimicrobial properties, can have a negative effect on the child.

In addition, bearded people should not be used by people with hypersensitivity to iodine, as it is rich in this trace element.

It is necessary to observe the dosage and duration of the course of treatment with the bearded man. It is important to know that all infusions and decoctions can only be an adjuvant, they should be used in combination with medicines.