The Auricularia polytricha

Jew’s ear – stimulates circulation and prevents thromboses. The blood thinner among the medicinal mushrooms

This mushroom is also known as Jew’s ear. Chinese cuisine enthusiasts know it as a delicious edible mushroom. Auricularia is spread around the world. It grows wild on older dying trees, especially on birch, copper beech, elm, walnut and elder. It is either red, olive grey or reddish brown with a fruiting body shaped like a cup, ear or shell, reaching a size of three to ten centimetres.

Both in Asia and in Europe, the medicinal uses of this mushroom have been known for a long time. In Europe it was already used in the Middle Ages to treat diseases and complaints such as cardiac, stomach and tooth pain, haemorrhoids, eye infections, wound healing or weakened immunity.

Main areas of use in mycotherapy:

Today Auricularia is valued especially because it improves the flow properties of the blood. It is so to speak the natural blood thinner among the medicinal mushrooms. Traditionally, Auricularia is also used to treat blood secretion in urine, bleeding haemorrhoids and uterus bleeding. It achieves this through its adaptogenic effect.

It has been proven in studies that Auricularia can prevent the aggregation of thrombocytes, thereby reducing the risk of thromboses developing and stimulating blood circulation. This may prevent a heart attack or stroke. It also reduces cholesterol. These properties are significant especially in cases of existing arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure.

Auricularia contains adenosine, which is known to be vasodilating and to increase blood flow. Due to the dilation, cardiac pain can be eased and blood pressure naturally lowered. In practice, this gelatinous mushroom can also be used for the prevention of cerebral ischaemia.

In addition, Auricularia improves oxygen absorption in the cells. It can therefore protect the cranial nerves against damage caused by a lack of oxygen or blood. Owing to its properties of lowering cholesterol and improving blood flow, it counteracts vascular dementia. Dementia is often preceded by a cerebral stroke and Auricularia can lower the risk of this.

Auricularia is also helpful against peripheral artery occlusive disease (Claudicatio intermittens). During exertion, a lack of circulation leads to strong pain in the legs, especially when walking. In this case, Auricularia strengthens the vessels and stimulates blood circulation. Due to these effects, it is also used for long flights, varicose veins, a lack of movement and confinement to bed, migraine and tinnitus. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Auricularia moistens the mucosa and therefore has a soothing effect on mucosal inflammations. It is helpful against constipation caused by dryness, a dry cough, bladder infections as well as ears, nose and throat complaints. It is also effective against mucosal damage as a consequence of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Areas of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• influences the stomach, spleen, large intestine, lungs and liver
• relaxes, spreads and regulates Qi
• calms bleeding (especially for haemorrhoids and uterus bleeding), nourishes the blood
• laxative
• moisturises the lungs
• supports the stomach yin
• in case of yin weakness = dryness of the lungs, stomach and intestine
• dry cough, throat and mouth
• for pain in the lumbar region and the legs
• for excessive leukorrhoea
• for cramp, numbness and pain
• after accidents / injuries
• for vessel blockages B

Sources:

• Nianzhe Y., Mao X.: “Icons of Medicinal Fungi from China”; CRC Press; 1989
• Hobbs, C.: “Medicinal Mushrooms”; Botanica Press, 1995
• Prof. Dr. med. Ivo Bianchi: “Moderne Mykotherapie”; Hinckel Druck, 2008

Note: The described effects are based on taking medicinal mushroom powder made from the whole mushroom. Please consult your therapist before use.