Tinder sponge: the natural booster for your immune system!

Veröffentlicht am: August 27, 2024
Dr. med. Wolfgang  Bachmann
Dr. med. Wolfgang Bachmann

General practitioner

You have probably heard of the positive effects of reishi or chaga mushrooms, which are very popular in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). But have you heard of the tinder fungus? Numerous health-promoting effects are attributed to this mushroom. This is why it is now also becoming increasingly popular in Western medicine.

TCM has been using mycotherapy, the use of medicinal mushrooms for therapeutic purposes, for quite some time. However, tinder fungus is not used as an edible mushroom, but rather as a medicinal mushroom to treat digestive problems, gastritis and parasites, as well as for external injuries by using it as a wound dressing.

 


 Finds confirm that Ötzi already carried the tinder fungus with him. Back then, it was not only used as a medicinal mushroom, but was also used to make fires.


 

Thanks to its health-promoting effect, you can supply your body with plenty of energy and activate your self-healing powers.

Whether as a tea, dried, as warm compresses or in capsule form - the method of intake is just as varied as the areas of application.

Contents

What is the tinder fungus?

The tinder fungus or Fomes fomentarius is a type of fungus that attacks weakened deciduous trees and produces fruiting bodies on the tree trunk. It is mainly found in the forests of the northern hemisphere.

 


 Tinder fungus is also known as hoof fungus. It owes this name to its shape, which often resembles a horse's hoof.


 

This type of fungus usually lives long after the tree has died and transforms from a parasite into a useful decomposer. As the tinder fungus can only develop on trees that are already diseased, it is actually a useful helper in the natural cycle. It lives for up to 35 years and can grow to between 5 and 30 centimetres in size.

The tinder fungus provides a large number of healing ingredients. In addition to the typical mushroom beta-glucans, which support our immune system, the tinder sponge provides many minerals and trace elements such as:

  • Vitamin D
  • Iron
  • Vitamin B2, B3 & B5
  • Copper
  • Potassium
  • Selenium

The diversity of Fomes fomentarius: areas of application and effects of tinder fungus

The tinder fungus has a wide range of applications in which it is used. The extract of the fruiting body is mainly used.

Uses in traditional medicine include:

  • Diuretic agent for drainage and detoxification
  • Laxatives to stimulate bowel movements
  • Calming the nerves
  • for the treatment of cancer cells
  • against infections
  • Joint inflammation such as arthritis
  • Hemostatic agent for the treatment of wounds
  • Gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea, constipation or intestinal worms
  • Acne, skin ulcers and scaly scalp
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Bladder infections

Tinder fungus effect

 


➤  Even the famous Greek physician Hippocrates of Kos knew about the healing powers of the mushroom and used it primarily as a hemostatic agent during operations.


 

Today, many scientific studies indicate that tinder fungus extracts can have a positive effect on the immune system. It has also been found that taking it as a dietary supplement can have effective effects on blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The mushroom has an antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. It can also be beneficial for the stomach and intestines, has an anti-cancer effect and neutralizes free radicals and heavy metals.

Tinder fungus and its antiviral effects

Antiviral effects have been observed in many studies. Thanks to the extracts and isolated compounds, food supplements with tinder sponge extract can regulate the immune system and release antioxidants. Tinder sponge thus serves as a booster for the immune system.

Tinder fungus and its anti-cancer effect

More and more scientists are looking into the medical benefits of certain types of mushrooms. It is assumed that the tinder fungus has an anti-cancer effect. The extract of the fungus is said to be able to curb the growth of cancer cells. A study carried out on mice was able to establish the anti-tumor effect. Several other studies are currently looking into the anti-tumor effect of tinder fungus, but further studies are still needed to investigate and confirm the mushroom's mode of action.

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Tinder sponge as a natural antidiabetic agent

The chemical substance fomentariol is known as a potential treatment for diabetes and can be developed from the tinder fungus. The mushroom is therefore increasingly being used as a supportive treatment for type 2 diabetes.

The medicinal mushroom helps to lower high blood sugar levels. Studies have confirmed the positive effect of tinder fungus on blood sugar. As an alternative to chemical diabetes pills, tinder fungus is a natural and safe option with virtually no side effects.

Tinder sponge helps with type 2 diabetes:

  • the reduction of excessively high blood sugar levels
  • Inhibition of the absorption of sugar in the blood
  • the stimulation of insulin production

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Tinder sponge against menopausal symptoms

The classic symptoms of the menopause are hot flushes, sleep problems, tiredness, depression and headaches.

Many women want to treat the symptoms caused by the menopause in a natural way. Tinder sponge is suitable for therapy both as a temporary cure or even as a permanent solution.

Tinder sponge for hair and supple skin

The medicinal mushroom contains the pigment melanin. Melanin regenerates and protects the DNA in our body. You can therefore use the power of tinder fungus to treat flaky skin and straw-like hair from the inside.

Age spots, pigment spots and redness are also reduced with the help of tinder sponge. Melanin acts as a protective shield against UV rays from the sun.

In addition, acne, eczema and neurodermatitis can be treated with the help of tinder fungus to improve the appearance of the skin. This is why more and more cosmetics manufacturers are now using the mushroom extract in their products.

Tinder sponge for sleep disorders

Lack of sleep is often caused by a poor diet, unhealthy living conditions, toxins and, above all, stress. Those affected are often not even aware of the causes.
You can use food supplements containing tinder sponge extract as a natural sleep aid and take them every evening directly before going to bed. This relaxes you and helps you to slumber comfortably.

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How to strengthen your immune system with tinder sponge

The tinder sponge improves the functions of the immune system many times over and sustainably strengthens heart and kidney function. Researchers attribute the extraordinary healing effect of tinder sponge to its positive influence on the hormone balance and immune system. A stable immune system protects the body from illness. Tinder sponge contains polysaccharides, so-called polysaccharides, which stabilize the immune system and maintain the structure of the cells.

In women in particular, the vital substances in tinder fungus regulate the functions of the endocrine glands and help with menstrual cramps and bladder problems. The anti-inflammatory effect in particular strengthens the immune system. Around 90 % of the immune system is located in the intestine and so-called killer cells prefer to attack precisely here, i.e. the intestinal tissue. Regular consumption increases the body's resistance to bacteria, viruses and harmful yeasts. This makes tinder fungus a popular and versatile alternative to conventional medicines.

If taken normally, there are usually no side effects, but too high a dosage can cause discomfort.

 

 


Sources (in English):

Kalitukha, L., & Sari, M. (2019). Fascinating vital mushrooms. Tinder fungus (Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr.) as a dietary supplement. Int. J. Res. Stud. Sci. Eng. Tech, 6.

Peintner, U., Kuhnert-Finkernagel, R., Wille, V. et al. (2019). How to resolve cryptic species of polypores: an example in Fomes. IMA Fungus 10, 17. doi: 10.1186/s43008-019-0016-4

Elkhateeb, W., Elnahas, M. O., Paul, W., & Daba, T. G. M. (2020). Fomes fomentarius and polyporus squamosus models of marvel medicinal mushrooms. Biomed. Res. Rev, 3, 119. doi: 10.31021/brr.20203119

Zhang, Y., Xiao, Y., Wang, P., & Liu, Q. (2014). Compositions and anti-tumor activity of Pyropolyporus fomentarius petroleum ether fraction in vitro and in vivo. PloS one, 9(10), e109599. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109599

Karaman, M., Stahl, M., Vulić, J., Vesić, M., & Canadanović-Brunet, J. (2014). Wild-growing lignicolous mushroom species as sources of novel agents with antioxidative and antibacterial potentials. International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 65(3), 311–319. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2013.860584

Maljurić N., Golubović J., Ravnikar M., Žigon D, Štrukelj B., Otašević B. (2018). Isolation and Determination of Fomentariol: Novel Potential Antidiabetic Drug from Fungal Material. Journal of Analytical Methods in Chemistry, vol. 2018. doi: 10.1155/2018/2434691