#razor strop fungus
Photo
I mentioned birch polypore, Fomitopsis betulinus, in a different post the other day, and I thought this species deserves a post of its own because it’s a very interesting species particularly from an ethnomycological perspective. I don’t see this species often, but I’ve noticed it more frequently in the last couple years. I think this is because birch trees locally have been very stressed and experiencing dieback lately on account of climate-change related heatwaves and subsequent bronze birch borer infestation. Birch polypore attacks weakened trees and kills them within a few years, meaning the trees in these photos are doomed.
It’s also a very pretty fungus, in my opinion, with a soft, suede-like upper with fawn dappling and a creamy spore surface. Someone other than me pulled these ones off a tree! I’m really not sure why, because this species doesn’t have any current ethnomycological uses, so maybe they were just curious and wanted to look at it.
This species was one of the fungi carried by “Ötzi the Iceman,” a Chalcolithic man murdered in the Ötztal Alps around 3230 BCE, whose body was found in 1991.
Ötzi carried a bit of birch polypore on a strap, and researchers think he likely used it to combat a whipworm infection from which he was suffering. Birch polypore used to be used as a dewormer; it is a laxative itself, but would often be combined with even stronger laxative materials. He also was carrying some Fomes fomentarius, tinder fungus, which was, as its common name suggests, usually used as tinder.
In more recent times, dried birch polypore was used to sharpen knives, giving it its other common name, razor strop fungus. Some folks still use it for this purpose today, and as tinder just like Fomes fomentarius, but right now that’s more of a novelty practice you’ll find in bushcrafting classes than anything else.
#Fomitopsis betulinus#Ötzi#Ötzi the Iceman#birch polypore#razor strop fungus#birch fungus#ethnomycology#mycology#long post#mushroom
84 notes
·
View notes
Text
Birch Polypore or Razor Strop #fungus
Piptoporus betulinus, once dried and used to sharpen razors and knives.
Picture taken March 15.
#nature #naturephotography #woods #mushroom #fungi #birchpolypore #razorstrop
View On WordPress
0 notes
Photo
#woods#nature#nature photography#latvia#polypore#fungus#mushroom#birch polypore#fomitopsis betulina#birch bracket#razor strop#bracket fungus#original photographers#photographers on tumblr#birch trees#perspective
193 notes
·
View notes
Photo
Fomitopsis betulina
This common bracket fungus, the birch polypore or razor strop, is widespread throughout the northern hemisphere and the main cause of brown rot on birch (Betula sp.) trees. It is well known due to its long history of traditional uses and pieces of it were found among the belongings of Ötzi the Iceman, a mummified man who lived over 5000 years ago and was found in the Alps between Italy and Austria in 1991. The birch polypore is edible when young, but it has mostly been used for its medicinal value, supported by modern pharmacological research which has highlighted a wealth of possible further uses. From wound dressing to brewing as tea, its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic properties made it a valuable species in the folk medical practices of Europe from antiquity up until modern times. Maybe less importantly, it has also been used to refine the sharp edge of razors, which gave it the common name ‘razor strop’.
Interesting further reading from the World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
#fomitopsis betulina#birch polypore#birch bracket#razor strop#fungi#mushrooms#mycology#plant pathogens#betula#medicinal fungi#foraging#woodland#plantblr#gardeners on tumblr#horticulture#folk medicine#scotland#botany
97 notes
·
View notes
Photo
Oxford, UK, April 2018
Birch polypore (Piptoporus betulinus)
These unassuming fungi are not much to look at, but have been put to myriad uses throughout history.
In prehistoric times, they would be used to carry an easily awoken fire from place to place - a small dried strip would be lit with a spark, and then reduced to a smoulder. They burn so slowly that these could then be carefully packed with bark and moss and carried to a new campsite, where they would be used to light a new fire.
It’s also thought that they’ve been used as medicine. Ötzi the ‘iceman’ mummy from 3300BC, found on the border of Austria and Italy in 1991, was discovered with strips of birch polypore on a thong around his neck. These fungi contain polyporenic acid, which is known to be effective in killing certain parasitic worms. The iceman had most likely been treating his whipworm, the eggs of which were preserved along with his body.
They are so tough that barbers used to sharpen their razors on a strip of their flesh, leading to them also becoming known as ‘razor strop fungus’.
Incredibly, the young specimens (as seen in the top photo) that emerge as small spherical swellings before flattening out and revealing a pore surface, are edible (though they become too tough to eat as they age, as well as frequently being infected with various worms and insects), although they are not particularly desirable.
A birch tree infected with birch polypore is a great find for someone living off the land, not only because of the usefulness of the fungi, but also of the tree itself - the thin, flexible, but tough bark has been used throughout history to weave everything from baskets to clothing.
#history#prehistoric#fungi#mycology#mushrooms#mushroom identifcation#birch polypore#piptoporus betulinus#edible fungi#fungi uses#medicinal fungi
43 notes
·
View notes
Photo
Piptoporus Betulinus more commonly known as razor strop fungus or birch bracket. One of my favourite fungi out there but not for its edibility. Although technically edible this guy is way too bitter to eat but can make an ok tea.
This fungus is super common and has so many amazing properties. It’s both Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. By cutting the underneath and peeling off the thin layer it can be used straight away as a plaster. It sticks to itself and can be instantly applied with no processing. This fungus is also great at retaining water so in a desperate situation it may be able to provide you with a decent drink. The razor strop fungus gets its name from having a tough, fleshy outer layer that can be used to hone blades down to a razor sharp edge.
Otzi the 5000 year old man frozen in ice was found with one of these on his person. I wonder what he used it for.
#gif#bushcraft#survival#outdoors#foraging#mushrooms#fungi#camping#hiking#nature#natural#knowledge#knife#mine#wildlife
8K notes
·
View notes
Photo
Probably Birch Polypore (Fomitopsis betulina - formerly Piptoporus betulinus) also known as razor strop fungus as the velvety cut surface of the fruit body was traditionally used as a strop for finishing the edges on razors (per Wikipedia). ______ #today #diary #calendar #nature #flora #birch #fungi #birchpolypore #fomitopsisbetulina #surrey #uk #panasonic #lumix #s1 https://www.instagram.com/p/CE10DkEHDr_/?igshid=1hebzd9tgs1p3
#today#diary#calendar#nature#flora#birch#fungi#birchpolypore#fomitopsisbetulina#surrey#uk#panasonic#lumix#s1
0 notes
Text
Birch Polypore: A Mushroom for Immunity, Gut Health & More
Source: Birch Polypore: A Mushroom for Immunity, Gut Health & More
by Dr. Edward Group
In 1991, scientists discovered a 5,300-year-old mummy named Ӧtzi the Iceman in the Italian Alps. Amazingly, some of Ӧtzi’s possessions were preserved along with him, including a leather pouch with supplies for his mountain journey. What was in the pouch? Tools, weapons, and pieces of a birch polypore mushroom.[1, 2]
Why has this mushroom withstood more than five millennia of use? Far from just a tasty ingredient in your favorite recipe, edible fungi like the birch polypore mushroom offer a wide variety of health benefits — from immune system-boosting to soothing the gut to providing a boost of energy. Let’s dig into some of the ways this fantastic fungus can improve your health and wellness.
What Is the Birch Polypore Mushroom?
Also known as birch bracket or razor strop, the birch polypore mushroom got its name because it grows from dead birch wood, but not on living trees.[3] Scientifically, it’s called Fomitopsis betulina (formerly Piptoporus betulinus). The mushroom’s tough and woody fruiting body — the cushiony-looking part of the mushroom that grows out of wood like a pancake — is usually tan or greyish-brown in color.[3]
As with other bracket fungi mushrooms, the birch polypore’s fruiting body is kidney-shaped like a shelf or bracket.[3] Its mycelium, the threadlike tubes that branch out on a fungus, are white and downy.[3] They’re called “polypore” mushrooms because they have many small pores on the white undersurface where the spores come from. After the mushroom releases its spores, the undersurface turns black and is no longer good to use or eat.
You can find these unique mushrooms in northern temperate forests throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.[3] Cultures around the world value them both as a source of nutrition and as an herbal remedy.[3] Some believe that tea made with the fruiting bodies can strengthen the weak and soothe the stressed.[4]
The birch polypore also contains essential fatty acids, including alpha-linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitooleic acid, as well as agaric acid that was traditionally used to stop harmful organisms.[5] Mushrooms, including this one, are some of the few plant-based natural sources of vitamin D.[5]
Modern science supports the traditional use of the birch polypore mushroom to promote wellness. Ӧtzi the Iceman (not to be confused with Wim Hof the Iceman) was onto something!
Benefits of the Birch Polypore
The birch polypore mushroom contains bioactive substances that can provide benefits throughout the body. Here are some of those benefits.
Boosts the Immune System
If you’re looking to add immune-boosting nutrition to your wellness plan, mushrooms like the birch polypore are a great place to start. Like many other mushrooms, the birch polypore has a long history of use for enhancing immunity.[6]
Birch polypore mushroom extract can cause a strong increase in the release of interferon-gamma (IFNγ), a cytokine that helps your immune system respond to invaders.[6] Birch polypore also protects monocytes, white blood cells made in the bone marrow.[6]
Birch polypore extract appears to boost the secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8), a substance that promotes immune cell growth. The bottom line is that the birch polypore can support a healthy immune system.
Soothes the Gut
A healthy digestive system is key to overall wellness, so it’s important to provide yours with nutritional support. People have long used the birch polypore mushroom as an herbal remedy for gastrointestinal concerns. It promotes regular bowel movements and can even ease stomach discomfort.[5]
Mushrooms, in general, help keep your gastrointestinal system balanced. They can act as prebiotics, providing beneficial bacteria in your gut with fuel and food. Having enough of the right kinds of good bacteria prevents other microbes like Candida albicans yeast and harmful bacteria from going overboard. This maintains gut balance and protects against illness.[7]
Deters Harmful Organisms
Not only does birch polypore promote the health of your microbiome, but it actually can deter the harmful organisms in the gut — and elsewhere in the body. Birch polypore and other basidiomycetes mushrooms may be able to slow or stop the growth of many harmful organisms in lab conditions, with more research needed on how it works in the body.[3]
What gives the birch polypore mushroom the ability to deter harmful organisms? This mushroom is so rich in bioactive substances that it’s hard to pinpoint which one is behind this particular health-boosting power, but experts believe it could be its triterpenoids.[3]
Prevents Overactive Cell Proliferation
When harmful cells begin to grow in the body, they can be hard to stop. Studies suggest that the birch polypore mushroom contains substances that may help to prevent the proliferation of these harmful cells, namely its triterpenes.[5]
Extracts made from birch polypore mushroom can stop the proliferation of harmful or irregular cells. This can keep them from multiplying and spreading.[5] These extracts appear to counteract harmful cells affecting the skin, colon, and prostate.[5]
Reduces Redness & Swelling
Birch polypore mushrooms promote a normal response to inflammation in the body. While temporary redness and swelling are a normal part of the body’s immune response, the long-term effects of inflammation can lead to health issues. Anti-inflammatory substances can help when redness and swelling are chronic.
The birch polypore mushroom may inhibit enzymes that contribute to systemic redness and swelling.[3] Compounds called phenolic acids in the fruiting bodies and mycelium of birch polypore mushrooms may also reduce redness and swelling, thanks to their antioxidant properties.[5] Antioxidants prevent oxidative damage, which contributes to redness and swelling throughout the body — not to mention aging and disease.
Ways to Use the Birch Polypore Mushroom
There are several ways to reap the nutritional and wellness-boosting benefits of the birch polypore mushroom. Here are some of them.
Fresh Mushrooms
While you can harvest fresh mushrooms from the wild, we recommend you should never attempt this unless you’re accompanied by an expert mushroom hunter and taxonomist who can identify them for you. Many edible mushrooms bear a strong resemblance to other, poisonous varieties, and harvesting the wrong one could be deadly.
Dried Mushrooms, Powder, & Capsules
Dried birch polypore mushrooms are another option for use. The dried mushrooms can also be made into a powder that can be dissolved in liquid or put into empty vegetarian capsules. Make sure to buy organic supplements from reputable companies who take care with their supply chain and production process.
Mushroom Tea
You can make birch polypore immuno-enhancing tea by steeping fresh or dried mushrooms in hot water. You may also dissolve mushroom powder in water to make tea.
Herbal Extracts
In the tradition of infusions, herbal extracts made with birch polypore provide healing benefits in a concentrated form. You can find extracts or infusions of birch polypore alone or an extract with other ingredients.
Points to Remember
Selenium
Ӧtzi the Iceman knew what he was doing when he packed his pouch with birch polypore mushroom pieces. This fantastic fungus grows on birch trees and has been used for thousands of years to support wellness.
The birch polypore mushroom may boost the immune system and soothe gastrointestinal issues. It can also deter harmful organisms and prevent damaging cells from proliferating. And birch polypore mushrooms might be able to reduce redness and swelling throughout the body, thus promoting a normal response to inflammation.
You can use the birch polypore mushroom in several different ways. It can be harvested from the wild (under expert guidance), enjoyed dried and powdered, or brewed into a tea or as an herbal extract.
Do you have a favorite way to use mushrooms like the birch polypore? We’d love to hear about it in the comments.
References (7)
Wierer U, et al. The Iceman’s lithic toolkit: Raw material, technology, typology and use. PLoS One. 2018;13(6):e0198292.
Stamets P, Zwickey H. Medicinal mushrooms: Ancient remedies meet modern science. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(1):46-47.
Pleszczyńska M, et al. Fomitopsis betulina (formerly Piptoporus betulinus): the Iceman’s polypore fungus with modern biotechnological potential. World J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2017;33(5):83.
Pleszczyńska M, et al. Cultivation and utility of Piptoporus betulinus fruiting bodies as a source of anticancer agents. World J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2016;32(9):151.
Sułkowska-Ziaja K, et al. Chemical composition and biological activity of extracts from fruiting bodies and mycelial cultures of Fomitopsis betulina. Mol Biol Rep. 2018;45(6):2535-2544.
Grunewald F, et al. Effects of birch polypore mushroom, Piptoporus betulinus (agaricomycetes), the “Iceman’s fungus”, on human immune cells. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2018;20(12):1135-1147.
Jayachandran M, et al. A critical review on health promoting benefits of edible mushrooms through gut microbiota. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(9):1934.
Related Posts
Top Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency and Best Natural Remedies
Fish Oil Supplements: Are the Fish Oil Benefits True?
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Benefits, Foods, & Supplements
5 Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil
from WordPress https://ift.tt/2XOn9uu
via IFTTT
0 notes
Text
They Say
There’s no taking back
a baptism, they will hold
it against me right through
to interment, will pray and cite
scripture, excise the bit
from a picture book I’d prefer,
I’d gnash my teeth, draft a bracket
tree of poets notated in polypore,
plot out the reaching of fungus up
an acre of standing logs,
the razor-strop popping up
like Ockham thumbing through
the optimal breadcrumbs, traced back
to a hold-up wold with nothing
utilitarian to grow, cultivar of starkness
dark and outlineless, just a curve
of rejected light reeling and accounting
for what might be, specific patterns of words
I never wanted to hear keep repeating over
a corpse, engraver receptive to comissions
over the wishes of the dead.
- B B Pine
11 notes
·
View notes
Text
Fungi Foray - on Wadsley Common, Sat 19 October
Nearly 40 Fungi Foragers (including 3 children and one dog) met in Rural Lane Car Park to be led over the common by Alan Smith looking to see what could be found. The 2 older children, Professor Evelyn and Professor Alice were excellent fungi finders. It has been a good year for fungi, and the day itself was dry with some sun later.
Here are the fungi that were seen
Butter Cap
Bonnet (several different species)
Earthball
Common Yellow Russula (a Brittlegill)
Birch Polypore (Razorstrop)
Porcelain fungus
Slime mould (didn't determine the species)
Witches Butter
Hairy Curtain Crust
Brain fungus (didn't determine the species)
Turkeytail
Clouded funnel
Bleeding Oak Crust
Puffball
Smoky Bracket
Jelly Ear
Elder Whitewash
Bracken Map
Amethyst Deceiver
DeceiverBrown
Rollrim
John Robinson introduces Alan Smith. If you want to hear John’s joke you will have to join us next year.
Curtain Crust
Black Witches Butter
Earthball
Earthball or puffball
Porcelain (can be eaten but needs the slime washed off first - a first sighting for Alan)
Razor strop on dead birch tree
Razor Strop
The fungi foragers
0 notes
Photo
Nature's Healer – Matt Moss
Birch polypore Piptoporus Betulinus is an endophytic and parasitic fungus that is highly regarded for its antibiotic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Commonly referred to as ‘razor strop’ fungi due to its ability to hone the edge of a knife. Birch polypore is also an incredible natural alternative for use as an anti-bacterial band aid. This can be achieved by taking a sliver off with a knife and placing it over the wound.
#lgal#lightgreyartlab#lightgreyartgallery#minneapolis#minnesota#nature#fungi#foliage#explore#camp#adventure#knife
8 notes
·
View notes
Photo
#mushroom#fungus#mushroom photography#polypore#mycology#fungi#mushrooms#birch polypore#birch bracket#razor strop#fomitopsis betulina#nature#nature photography#original photography#original photographers
35 notes
·
View notes
Text
Edge Up Clippers Of 2019
Cleaning the ears of puppies is an essential component of dog grooming due to the simple fact they get a great deal of infections. If after cleaning out his ears, your dog proceeds to exhibit this behaviour, you want to consult with your veterinarian because he may have other medical concern or an ear infection. Dogs with droopy ears are vulnerable to various types of ear problems and illnesses brought on by ear mites ears, and fungus. Wash them well and then you need to check your dog's ears every week. Some of the parts of the human body that have to be cleaned and groomed include skin and ears and it's a must to clip the claws for cats and dogs. Every 3 weeks, you need to clip nails after. Although you won't ever hurt with their nails but are quite capable of scratching on you. Read more please visit:https://hairmagc.com Another important part of dog grooming is clipping claws as their nails can grow big and this is mostly done for puppies.
Once wet, section the hair into 3 or 4 sections leaving about an inch straight across in the bottle part of the throat (Nape) place. You may progress that far quicker when it comes to cutting on any kind or kind of hairloss. This style may minimize the width of the face. The design of BGRV & the BGRC are distinguishable since they are both very similar in colour and style. Shop equipment has not changed the comfortable seat clippers, trimmers, leather strop and the barber's razor are stock-in-trade and are as a part of the atmosphere. But the salon chair, salon equipment and salon provides were created primarily for women, and guys never felt at home. A broad range is covered by professional barber supplies now, to hair care and decorative products from scissors, trimmers and clippers. Using our buyer's guide to educate you on a few of benefits and the qualities of hair clippers together with our hair clippers testimonials, you'll be able to discover the pair which matches your requirements. Top of the line clippers demand a degree of ability to function as they are meant to be used with professional barbers.
Nova Professional Electric Hair Trimmer & Clipper Set Reviews
Cricket features Centrix Shears, that are explained as precision instruments intended for performance and versatility. More control is provided by operation with electricity and precision cuts can be made by the clippers in places that are difficult to reach. HC6550 Vacuum hair clipper is fitted using the normal precision floor Titanium-Coated Blades of Remington. First wet the hair. I suggest shampooing and conditioning your hair , Wet hair is more easy to control and manage if it's conditioned and clean. Hair clippers are easy for anyone to work with, even those without any styling training, and they are able to save you a fortune in haircuts that are expensive. And those are our recommendations for the wireless hair clippers. Wahl is among the brands within the hair clipper business, and also the Wahl Professional Essentials Combo 8329 is a wonderful option. There's no need to buy a whole lot of further tools, which makes these clippers' cheap cost a much greater deal.
Personally, I value a silent and smooth operation and Andis offers the better product in this aspect. A number of them are such as being quiet or low-vibrating fancier, however the fundamental clipper is a terrific product for anyone thinking about a clipper for a Goldendoodle. This gadget is a lightweight and quiet option because of vibration technologies. Barber seats are once again filling up searching for that camaraderie that is man and needing to use barber supplies and hair care products which are made especially with men in mind. The business introduced a Trim N Vac clipper version that was bigger in 2001 whilst also employing a vacuum to wash shavings off, designed with mustache and beard needs in mind. In 2009, the company introduced the world's first lithium ion (the very technologically advanced rechargeable battery available) grooming apparel. A fantastic battery shouldn't take too long to be completely charged. It can sometimes be costly, Should you choose your pet into a dog grooming service centre.
https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/hs92/851090/
0 notes
Last Seen Blogs
bilexualclarke
Bilexualclarke
yanderepuppi
Sem título
the-slaylus-parable
Slaylus
memoirs-of-a-petty-bitch
Cicely Aurelia
sushibath0
The Journey of Mahler 833