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If you are in lately have been fascinated by the world of nootropics, then you've probably noticed that a certain member of the fungal kingdom has become more common. This mighty mushroom is quite impressive and quite "magical" one might say, but it's probably not what you'd normally think of mushrooms as.

We are, of course, talking about Lion's Mane. This brain-enhancing mushroom clearly has some significant nootropic effects, and we know all the details about why it should be a staple in any nootropic stack, especially since it's so different from the standard choline/L-tyrosine type compounds that are commonly used. start taking nootropic supplements.

Lion's Mane – amazing mushroom, which has some unique nootropic properties, including increasing nerve growth factor.

What is Lion's Mane?

Scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, Lion's mane– it may not be the most pleasant-looking, but edible mushroom, widely used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for centuries due to its healing properties. You may have encountered it before under one of its other names, such as:

• Bear's Head

• Hedgehog Mushroom
• Hou-tou (Chinese) / Houtou

• Monkey's mushroom
• Old Man's Beard

• Yamabushitake (Japanese) / Yamabushitake

What does Lion's Mane do?

Lion's mane mushroom naturally rich in several vitamins and minerals, and also contains some completely unique substances, including compounds such as erinacins, erinacin lactones, glycoproteins, hericerins and polysaccharides (beta-glucans). These bioactive compounds are believed to be the substances responsible for many of Lion's Mane's beneficial effects. The long list of benefits (which we'll explore in more detail below) includes:

• Anti-aging
• Antibacterial effect
• Antitumor effect
• Fighting fatigue
• Antioxidant effect
• Improvement of cognitive functions
• Neuroprotective effect
• Hepatoprotective effect
• Glucose-lowering effect
• Reduced anxiety
• Reducing inflammation
• Protection against stomach ulcers
• Immune System Support

Effect on nerve growth factor

While Lion's Mane has a long list of varied effects, it has recently gained significant popularity as a nootropic when it was found to affect nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein vital to the function and survival of nerve cells. Lion's Mane has been shown to increase the amount of nerve growth factor in the brain and improve cognitive performance by increasing neuronal growth, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall brain health.

Suffice to say, Lion's Mane is an incredibly intriguing and unique nootropic that can be a valuable addition to any supplement regimen to improve brain function. Now let's take a little deeper look at the many benefits this mushroom has.

Benefits of Lion's Mane

• Brain function

The main reason for our discussion is the nootropic effect of Lion's Mane, so no the best way Start describing its benefits with how it improves brain function. Clinical studies have shown that this mushroom specifically increases cognitive abilities, improving memorization and memory recall.

A clinical study was conducted in Japan in 50-80 year olds with mild cognitive decline who took Lion's Mane extract (3g per day) for 16 weeks. Study participants taking the extract experienced an increase in cognitive function without any side effects.

Additionally, studies in mice have shown that Lion's Mane improves both memory and cognitive function in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, but these results still need to be replicated in humans.

Lion's mane can stimulate the growth of brain cells.

• Nerve regeneration

Lion's Mane is one of the most powerful natural brain boosters due to its ability to enhance the production of nerve growth factor (NGF). In fact, one Japanese study found that Lion's Mane is the only type of mushroom that improves the synthesis of nerve growth factor. The researchers determined that those present in this medicinal mushroom Hericenones and erinacins can induce NGF production in nerve cells.

As we briefly mentioned above, NGF is a protein in the brain (neuropeptide) that supports neurons - the cells responsible for the processes that occur in your brain and the transmission of information. So, whether you're studying for an important exam, writing a long article about nootropics (like this one), or just trying to concentrate better at work, Lion's Mane can help you.

Additional animal studies have shown that Lion's Mane has the ability to repair nerves and enhance nerve growth in the brain and throughout the body.

• Neuroprotective effect

Acetylcholine is a vital neurotransmitter that supports communication between nerve cells. Unfortunately, as we age, levels of the “learning neurotransmitter” decline, leading to decreased cognitive function and the progression of cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Lion's Mane has been shown to have potent neuroprotective effects. Studies conducted on rats with Alzheimer's disease have shown that Lion's Mane increases levels of acetylcholine and choline acetyltransferase (the enzyme that synthesizes acetylcholine) in the blood and hypothalamus.

In mouse studies, Lion's Mane was noted to prevent the loss of spatial short-term memory as well as visual recognition memory. Other studies have shown that it reduces the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which is important because beta-amyloid plays a role in brain degradation in people with Alzheimer's disease and is also neurotoxic. The pinnacle of Lion's Mane's neuroprotective effects is that it also exhibits some anti-dementia properties.

• Anxiety and depression

Lion's mane not only improves attention and memory, but also helps cope with anxiety and depression. A 4-week study in women (aged 41±5.6 years) suffering from menopausal symptoms ( insufficient concentration attention, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, irritability, etc.) showed that taking Lion's Mane alleviates the symptoms of menopause and improves sleep quality.

Uniquely, the women ate cookies that contained 0.5 grams of Lion's Mane powder four times a day, for a total of 2 grams of Lion's Mane fruiting body powder.

You may not know it, but inflammation plays a key role in depression. Substances present in lion's mane (such as amycenone) have been shown to reduce inflammation and have antidepressant effects.

• Fighting fatigue

Believe it or not, Lion's Mane can be a valuable performance enhancing substance when physical activity. This multifunctional mushroom is known to increase forced swim test time, glycogen content and antioxidant enzyme activity in mice/rats. Additionally, it reduces three key markers of fatigue: lactic acid, malondialdehyde and blood urea. As far as we know, Lion's Mane also increases the flight ability of flies. Thanks to this research, Lion's Mane was included in the first cordyceps-based performance enhancing ingredient, PeakO2.

The effect of Hericium erinaceus on the duration of an emergency swim. Values ​​are presented as mean ± SD. *P<0,05, по сравнению с группой C. С – контроль; LHT – группа, принимающая низкие дозы; MHT – группа, принимающая средние дозы; ННТ, HHT – группа, принимающая высокие дозы.

Effect of Hericium erinaceus on the content of lactic acid in the blood and urea in the serum. Values ​​are expressed as mean ± SD. *P<0,05, по сравнению с группой C. С – контроль; LHT – группа, принимающая низкие дозы; MHT – группа, принимающая средние дозы; ННТ, HHT – группа, принимающая высокие дозы.

It's no secret that adequate sleep is essential for recovery, cognitive function, and overall health. Sleep is the time when your body recovers the most and is essential for everyone, even babies and seniors, regardless of what 20-year-olds think. And guess what? Lion's mane improves sleep too!

Lion's mane may improve the quality of your sleep by improving your circadian rhythm. A study in mice found evidence that this mushroom reduces activity at the end of REM sleep and improves the sleep-wake cycle. Based on this, researchers have suggested that Lion's Mane may be beneficial for disorders associated with circadian rhythm disturbances, such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or sleep phase disorder.

• Blood sugar

In addition to improving cognitive function, Lion's Mane also shows promise as a diabetes management supplement. A study in mice found that it could reduce blood glucose in normal and diabetic mice by almost 50%. Moreover, it has been shown to increase glucose tolerance and insulin release, leading to improved blood glucose control.

To top it all off, the mighty mushroom may also be useful in treating diabetic neuralgia, as research has shown that Lion's Mane raises the pain threshold.

• Anti-aging

Lipofuscin is a metabolic waste product of the aging process in humans and animals. It constantly accumulates during cell aging, which contributes to cellular exhaustion. Lion's mane has been described to reduce lipofuscin levels in mice.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a powerful antioxidant that fights reactive oxygen species (ROS). The problem is that SOD activity decreases with age, reducing antioxidant capacity and accelerating aging. Polysaccharides contained in Lion's Mane have been shown to increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the brain and liver. Some studies have also shown that Lion's Mane has anti-aging properties in human cell cultures.

• Cardiovascular Health

Lion's Mane has been shown to reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol in rats on a high-fat diet, while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Other studies have shown that this mushroom prevents weight gain and reduces body fat and triglyceride levels. Researchers believe that the reduction in cholesterol levels may be due to a decrease in fat absorption and an increase in the rate of cholesterol breakdown.

• Anti-inflammatory effect

We've already mentioned that Lion's Mane can increase SOD activity, but that's not all of its antioxidant properties. Research has shown that this mushroom can reduce excess ROS, inflammatory factors (such as NF-kB), prostaglandins, and nitric oxide. It also improves symptoms associated with intestinal inflammation, intestinal bleeding, and inflammatory cytokines. And to top it all off, Lion's Mane also prevents fat tissue inflammation associated with obesity.

Other benefits

Since the focus of this article is on the nootropic effects of Lion's Mane, we will simply list the other benefits associated with consuming the mushroom and will not go into detail about them:

• Improves immune system function
• Causes the death of cancer cells
• Has an antibacterial effect
• Reduces HIV activity
• Increases circulation (by reducing blood clotting)
• Protects the intestines and liver
• Increases collagen content
• Improves bone density

Dosage

The dosage of Lion's Mane really depends on the quality (strength) of the extract. Ideally, you should choose one that contains at least 20% beta-glucans. A good starting dose of Lion's Mane extract, containing 20-30% beta-glucans, is 500-1000 mg.

However, if you are using a weaker extract, then you will need to take several grams to get enough of the active substance we described above. Two studies were conducted in humans who took Lion's Mane at a dose of 1000 mg (96% pure) three times daily, for a total of 3 g of extract. And in another study, a total of 2 g per day was used to treat anxiety and depression, divided into 4 doses of 0.5 g in the form of a “cookie”.

Side effects

Lion's mane is generally considered safe and does not cause any side effects due to its use. Non-serious literature has noted that some people experience mild itching, which is believed to be caused by increased synthesis of nerve growth factor.

Extensively tested on mice, Lion's Mane does not show any signs of toxicity, even at doses up to 5 g/kg.

Combination

Lion's Mane is best for long-term use, but if you want any of the immediate/acute effects from the super mushroom, then consider taking it with a racetam (like our favorite phenylpiracetam) as well as a high-quality choline supplement such as alpha-glycerophosphocholine or CDP-choline to prevent the occurrence of choline depletion-induced headaches.

For long-term health and cognitive benefits, take Lion's Mane along with uridine (from CDP-choline) and fish oil, which support cell membranes, and acetyl-L-carnitine, which reduces apoptosis (death) of brain cells. You can also supplement with zinc if your diet is low because zinc is involved in regulating synaptic function.

Conclusion

Lion's Mane is an exceptionally powerful mushroom that has a number of nootropic and general health benefits. Simply put, this magic mushroom deserves much more attention and should be included in any nootropic stack.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the topic: “where the bearded man grows,” including the latest trends.

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

Botanical description

A perennial herbaceous plant tolerant of a wide range of soils and humidity. 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, sinewy rhizomes, so they form a powerful turf.

Flowering in summer, seeds produced in autumn. The seeds are equipped with tuft-like projections.

Distribution and habitat

It grows throughout most of the Great Plains and central prairies of North America.

Ecology

Being a tall plant, Gerard's bearded vulture can shade its neighbors. Gradually, the size of the plant increases, and only excessive grazing of pasture or, conversely, lack of eating grass limits its growth, giving neighboring plants the opportunity to recover.

Gerard's bearded man cannot tolerate shade and often grows in fires.

Economic importance and application

Agriculture

Gerard's bearded grass, which comes in many varieties, is a good feed for horses and cows and can also be used for hay. The plant is very rich in proteins. While the species is not recognized as the highest quality forage grass found in the United States, it is considered a useful and environmentally important grass by cow farmers and environmentalists.

Landscape application

Gerard's bearded vulture is raised by specialized plant nurseries. It is often grown in natural gardens and artificial grassland projects.

Biofuel

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

Symbolism

Gerard's bearded grass is the state grass of Illinois and Missouri and is also the official prairie grass 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 barbata is the most common. Lichen usnea is the strongest natural medicine. Thallus usnea - 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, and the forest-tundra zone. Recipes for treating usnea have been passed down from generation to generation and have survived to this day.

Usnea description

This is a pale green thallus about 40cm long. In appearance they resemble a beard, hence the name Usneya beardeda. Ash green, thin and rounded branches hang from trunks and trees.

There is often an opinion that when a plant falls asleep, it harms the trees and takes away their beneficial substances, but this is not so. Yes, of course, a place convenient for their life is trees or bushes, but they only serve as a support, a place where they can attach themselves. Lichen extracts nutrients from precipitation and air.

On top of the thallus branches grow formations intended for reproduction. Breaking away from the thallus in 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 Usnea protruding is a bush with branches sticking out in different directions, but the Usnea protruding has practically no branches, its branches just hang from the trees.

Where does usnea grow?

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

It grows on deciduous trees, fir, birch, cedar, gradually acquiring the properties of a particular plant. But most often he prefers spruce.

Collection of usnea

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

Usnea barbata lichen beneficial properties

Usnea has many beneficial properties. For greater effect when treating unground lichen threads, it is advisable to eat them; this will help restore health faster. Infusions begin to be taken gradually with small doses. To begin with, adults only need three spoons five times a day.

• it cleanses and activates intestinal functions
• actively used for cancer diseases - about three glasses of infusion with clean water and the mandatory use of lichen threads;
• sleep helps - lung diseases, skin problems;
• gastrointestinal diseases - ground usnea powder with cranberry fruit powder;
• colds, pneumonia - ground lichen with raspberry and blueberry powder (can be given to children);
• Altaians, Buryats, Nanais drink brewed lichen as a drink that regulates the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and increases appetite;
• cleanses the intestines well;
• when taking the infusion of usnea internally, chronic constipation goes away;
• gynecological diseases - infusion of usnea and Rhodiola rosea for lotions, douching
• improves vision;
• hot infusion perfectly helps relieve redness of the eyes, reduce lacrimation, burning sensation
• activates the body's immune system;
• used for sleep - cervical erosion, 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 Usnea beardeda - an inhibitory, depressant agent on the processes of neoplasms in the lungs;
• effective for treating lung cancer;
• diseases of the kidneys, urinary system - mild, long-lasting disinfecting effect
• stomatitis, caries;
• usnic acid usnei - kills the bacillus that causes tuberculosis and staphylococci;
• treats non-healing wounds, trophic ulcers;
• To improve immunity, add a pinch of usnea to regular tea:
• an excellent remedy for dysbacteriosis, stops fermentation and rotting in the intestines;
• contains a lot of mucus, therefore it is indispensable in the treatment of ulcers, ulcerative colitis, dysentery;
• sleep for the skin - treats defects of the face and body, a good remedy for women of all ages;
• It is useful for men to use after shaving.

Treatment for sleepiness

Any water infusion should be stored tightly closed for no more than a day; the container should not allow air to pass through, otherwise the healing properties of usnea will be lost.

Infusion with 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. Infuse for a day and use it as a medicinal, antibacterial, restorative agent - sore throat, rhinitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, dental diseases, oncology. The remaining threads are eaten and the remainder is used for cosmetic masks.

Infusion of usnea powder: a tablespoon of powder, 0.5 liters of boiled water, infuse for a day. Medicine for oncology, gastrointestinal diseases, antibacterial agent. The thread-like mass is eaten.

Usnea tincture: 20g of finely chopped raw material, leave half a liter of high-quality vodka for two weeks. Take a tablespoon three times before meals. Drink for a month with a break of two weeks.

Eye diseases: use a fresh infusion of boiled water. Steam it before going to bed, warm it up a little in the morning, and rinse your eyes with the heated solution. Use it until it runs out. Much depends on the disease; sometimes it is enough to simply put strands of lichen between layers of gauze to make a compress.

Baths for dermatitis: a fist-sized bunch of usnea, brewed with warm water in a three-liter jar. They insist for two days. Strain, pour into a bath at a temperature of 32 degrees. Take 25 minutes. They don’t dry off, don’t rinse with a shower, just get a little wet with a towel. Total 10 baths.

Anti-aging lotion: brew a small amount in a glass of hot water. They insist for 3 days. Wet your face and rub in lightly. Do not delete, the result will appear in a few hours.

Strengthening hair: a fist-sized bun, a three-liter jar of warm water. They insist for two days. Dilute up to 10 liters. Rinse hair and rub into scalp.

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

Endometriosis, cervical erosion, bladder infection: 2 tsp. finely chop the lichen, add 200 ml of boiling water, then strain. Douche twice a day.

Antimicrobial agent: a teaspoon of raw material, 250 ml of boiling water. Leave for at least an hour. Drink a third of a glass after meals an hour later.

Colds, bronchitis, pneumonia: medicinal sleep - one fifth, 200 ml of boiled milk. Wrap well and leave for 20 minutes. Drink the entire composition at once, always hot.

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

The bearded mushroom is capable of surprising everyone who sees it for the first time. It's funny, but only a few will be able to recognize him as an inhabitant of the mushroom kingdom. The reason for this is his appearance. Looking at a bearded man point-blank, you are more likely to decide that this is a fairy-tale animal in front of you, rather than a motionless growth on a tree. However, it really is a mushroom, albeit with many oddities and surprises.

General information

The bearded mushroom, or combed hedgehog, is a unique representative of the Hericia family, order Russulaceae. Its main feature is its unusual appearance, which is atypical for mushrooms of this order. It was this that was the reason for such colorful common names as “bearded mushroom”, “lion’s mane”, “grandfather’s beard”, “noodle mushroom” and “Pom-Pom mushroom”. Scientists call it the combed hedgehog, or Hericium erinaceus.

Spreading

This is a very rare mushroom - its numbers are rapidly falling every year. This is due to environmental pollution, large-scale deforestation and unwise collection by people. Today, the combed hedgehog is on the verge of extinction, and therefore it is listed in the Red Book.

In its natural environment, the mushroom can be found in North America, Russia and China. In particular, it prefers zones 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, Amur Region, Crimea, as well as in the deciduous forests of Khabarovsk.

Appearance

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

If we talk about size, the combed hedgehog grows on average to 20-25 cm in diameter. Moreover, its white “needles” processes can reach 6-8 cm in length. This miracle weighs about 1-1.5 kg, which is quite impressive. However, such standards apply only to wild specimens - a farmed bearded mushroom can be much larger in size and weight.

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

Tree bearded mushroom: habitat

Today you can meet the combed hedgehog only in remote regions. It does not tolerate any air pollution well, and therefore grows quite rarely in roadside areas. This means that everyone who wants to find him must get used to the idea that the hunt may drag on for several days. True, many are ready to make such a sacrifice just to see how the bearded mushroom grows. A photo of this handsome man is truly a glorious reward, proving the tenacity 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, since the hedgehog does not tolerate drought well. For example, you can search areas around ponds, rivers, lakes or swamps.

As for trees, in our region the bearded mushroom most often grows on oak, beech or birch, and it likes the latter the most. “Lion's head” is indiscriminate 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 this is its unusual shape and excellent taste. Some gourmets claim that the flesh of the mushroom tastes somewhat like shrimp. Agree, many will like this delicacy, especially considering the fact that this is a dietary food.

It is not surprising that combed hedgehog is on the menu of many prestigious restaurants. At the same time, it is served both after heat treatment and raw. The only downside is the high price of such a dish. But for those who love new tastes and sensations, this is not such a huge obstacle.

Healing properties

In China, healers have long used 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 can 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 mushroom extract is used in research to find a cure for cancer.

Built environment

As mentioned earlier, the combed hedgehog is listed in the Red Book. This means that harvesting this mushroom in natural conditions is strictly prohibited. Therefore, today special farms are opening all over the world where the bearded mushroom is grown under artificial conditions. This is a rather complex process, but modern farmers have succeeded well in it - domestic mushrooms not only have the same properties as wild ones, but are also significantly larger in size.

The only problem remains the Asian healers. According to their beliefs, only forest mushrooms have magical Qi energy. That is why in these parts, even today, there is a tireless struggle for natural treasures. Unfortunately, this could lead to the complete extinction of the species within their region.

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

The Latin name of the lichen is Usnea barbata.

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

External characteristics of Usnea bearda.

The thallus of this lichen consists of a large number of 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 intertwined hyphae.

Places of growth of bearded moss.

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

Useful properties of Usnea barbata.

Bearded moss contains a lot of useful substances:

• Usnic acid;
• Barbatic acid;
• Dark oleic acid;
• Salicylic acid;
• Vitamin C;
• Isolikhen;

Due to the presence of fiber, proteins and acids, this lichen is an adaptogen. Usnea barbata helps 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 does not have enough of this trace element, and bearded grass helps to avoid iodine deficiency.

The greatest benefit of this lichen is due to the presence of usnic acid in its 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 in Usnea barbata is isolichenin, which has antitumor activity.

What diseases does sleeping bearded hair help get rid of?

This lichen is effective in combating the following diseases:

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

Products for external use or tinctures for oral administration are made from the thallus of Usnea bearbacea. Here are some recipes:

• To prepare a remedy for bronchitis, colds and pneumonia, pour half a glass of dry usnea with 250 milliliters of boiling milk, leave the mixture for 20 minutes and drink. This infusion should be used daily until the condition improves.
• To treat various infectious diseases, prepare the following infusion: 1 teaspoon of dry lichen is poured with one glass of boiling water and left for 1 hour. This infusion is consumed 1/3 glass 3 times a day after meals.
• For peptic ulcers, gastritis, dysbacteriosis and colitis, an alcohol tincture of Usnea barbata is recommended. It is prepared like this: 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 shaken periodically. Then strain the tincture and take 1 tablespoon three times a day before meals.
• Tea with the addition of usnea barbata also has beneficial properties. This tea is prepared simply - add a pinch of crushed lichen to the brew. You should drink one cup of this tea daily, this will help stimulate the immune system and prevent the risk of contracting ARVI.
• For cervical erosion and endometriosis, douching is performed with an infusion of Usnea barbata. 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 warm, strained infusion in the morning and evening.

Lotions and compresses based on this lichen help 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 strain the infusion, moisten gauze in it and apply it to the sore area. The compress is covered with plastic wrap. It should be changed every 3 hours.

Contraindications for the use of Usnea barbata.

Usnea barbata is a 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 breastfeeding, since usnic acid, which has antimicrobial properties, can have a negative effect on the child.

In addition, people with hypersensitivity to iodine should not use Usna beardedum, as it is rich in this microelement.

It is necessary to observe the dosage and duration of the course of treatment for Usneya bearda. It is important to know that all infusions and decoctions can only be an auxiliary remedy; they should be used in combination with medications.

An easy to grow at home and relatively inexpensive medicinal product, lion's mane is a beautiful mushroom with cascading shoots instead of hymenial plates that can slow the progression of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Research also shows that this mushroom is useful in treating menopause-related symptomatic depression and anxiety.

The secret to the success of lion's mane is associated with its high content of erinacins. These compounds increase the production of nerve growth factor, a protein that stimulates neuronal regeneration. In addition, this mushroom also protects against brain cell death, which is an important factor in the case of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Another protective property of this mushroom is related to its ability to inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.

“The reduction in beta amyloid plaques in the brains of mice fed this mushroom compared to mice that were not fed mushrooms was significant,” notes Pavel Stamets in his work “Lion’s Mane: A Mushroom That Improves Memory and Mood.” – As many researchers believe, the formation of amyloid plaques is the primary morphological biomarker associated with Alzheimer's disease. Plaques, by binding to beta-amyloid peptide, lead to inflammation of brain tissue, interfere with the normal transmission of impulses between neurons, and lead to neural degeneration.

Human studies also seem promising. The results of a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research show a positive association between eating blackberry and improving cognitive impairment. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 30 subjects aged 50 to 80 years with mild cognitive impairment were given 250 mg (96 percent lion's mane powder) or placebo, three times daily. At the end of the 16-week study, the researchers found that the mushroom was "effective in improving mild cognitive impairment."

In addition, this mushroom helps relieve problems associated with menopause such as depression, irritability, anxiety and insomnia. Researchers from Kyoto's Bunkyo University observed 30 menopausal women who were given either blackberry or a placebo for four weeks. The group that consumed reported a significant reduction in menopausal symptoms.

An Easy Way to Include Lion's Mane in Your Daily Diet

If you want to try your hand at growing lion's mane at home, you can start with homemade containers. On the other hand, this mushroom is increasingly found in gourmet food stores or can be taken as a supplement. At nearly 20 percent protein—and tasting like lobster or shrimp—lion's mane is an excellent vegetarian seafood alternative.

Hericium (hericium), blackberry comb, mushroom noodles (mushroom noodles)

Hericium or e zhevik (hedgehog) comb belongs to rare edible mushrooms from the hericium family. Latin name Hericius erinaceus.

The global distribution area is quite wide: Europe, North America, China, Japan and Russia. Quite rare everywhere. In Russia it is found from Crimea to southern Primorye. In the Primorsky Territory and the Jewish Autonomous Region it is listed in the Red Book. In China, it is successfully cultivated on special plantations.

The first mention of this unusual mushroom dates back to the third century BC. in the Canons of the Chinese healer Wu Xing. Russian healers also knew this mushroom well for a long time and used it in their potions. However, it was described only in the 18th century, during Menshikov’s expedition to Primorye, where it is described as “... a plant similar to a beard.”

The unusual shape of the mushroom has given it a large number of alternative names: bearded tooth, hog's head, old man's beard, grandfather's beard, white hedgehog, bear's head, lion's mane(English) monkey head(Chinese) pom-pom(French) jellyfish mushroom(Japanese). Among mushroom pickers of the Far East, the mushroom is better known as "mushroom noodles" or "mushroom noodles".

Mushroom noodles - a good edible mushroom, which also has a rather unusual taste. Some gourmets believe that the taste of the mushroom resembles something between chicken and the meat of sea crustaceans - shrimp, lobster, crab. More than 30 aromatic substances have been identified in the fruiting bodies of Hericium comb, which is significantly more than in the legendary shiitake. This circumstance, in combination with the high nutritional properties of the mushroom, has led to the great value and popularity of hericium in gourmet restaurants.

Medicinal properties of blackberry comb

In addition to high culinary qualities, comb blackberry also has unique medicinal properties. This unusual mushroom is especially popular in Eastern medicine, where it has long been used as an antiseptic and immunostimulating agent in the treatment of gastritis, stomach ulcers, and lung diseases, and also as a stimulant of the digestive system. In addition, the ability of hericium to inhibit the biological processes of aging and related disorders of the nervous system is well known. In Chinese folk medicine, the extract of the fruiting body of Hericium crestum is successfully used to treat leukemia and esophageal cancer.

Modern science has not yet studied the mushroom well enough. However, studies (mainly in Japan and China) confirm the high medicinal value of comb blackberry. Back in the 60s, Japanese scientists discovered that the fungus poliosis has strong antitumor properties. Later, numerous studies on the medicinal properties of hericium were conducted in China. As a result, it was found that poliose extracted from the culture liquid of the fungus effectively increases the activity of anti-cancer cells - macrophages and prevents a decrease in the number of leukocytes. Moreover, these properties are most effective in the treatment of leukemia and esophageal cancer. It was also found that the combined use of hericium with similar preparations from other fungi significantly increases the antitumor effect. The antitumor properties of blackberry have also been confirmed by Russian and Korean researchers.

As a result of these studies, the following active substances were found in the fruiting bodies of Hericium crested: ergosterol, beta-glucans, cyatane derivatives, erinacins and hericenones. Five (!) polysaccharides, phenols and fatty acids were isolated from substances with antitumor activity. The significant antibacterial, antifungal and immunostimulating activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the fungus was confirmed. In addition, hericium has been shown to lower blood sugar levels.

Research in the field of neuralgia has revealed another interesting feature of hericium. More recently, in Japan, a substance was isolated from a mushroom called a nerve tissue repair stimulator, or nerve growth factor (NGF), which is a special type of protein that promotes the regeneration of brain neurons. Dr. Takashi Mitsuno believes that the extract of this unique mushroom can be an effective remedy in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease - the most common form of senile dementia associated with degenerative processes in the nerve cells of the brain responsible for cognitive information. To date, there are no effective means of combating this disease; methods of prevention are not known to modern medicine. Existing medications (amiridine, tacrine, Cerebrolysin and their analogues) can only slightly inhibit the development of the disease, but none of them contribute to recovery processes.

Summarizing the above and taking into account the experience of using the mushroom in folk medicine of the East, the indications for the use of hericium comb can be reduced to the following list:

1. Leukemia and cancer of the stomach, esophagus, pancreas, and liver. It is effective both as part of complex therapy and separately when other methods are not acceptable. Increases the effectiveness of chemical and radiation therapy from 2 to 7 times, reduces side effects;

2. Benign neoplasms - polyps, cysts, adenomas, etc.;

3. Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, neuroses, insomnia, depressive states;

4. Gastritis, stomach ulcer;

5. Strengthening the immune system and maintaining homeostasis;

6. Gynecological diseases;

7. Slowing down the processes of aging and cell degeneration.

Dried mushroom powder is usually used as an active substance for preparing extracts at home.

Hericium comb tincture

To prepare a tincture of hericium comb per 0.5 liter of vodka or 40% alcohol, take 35 g of dried mushroom powder. Infuse for two weeks in a cool, dark place.

Take half an hour before meals: for tumor diseases, 1 tablespoon 3 times a day, for other diseases - a teaspoon 2-3 times a day.

You can also prepare an infusion from dried mushrooms. To do this, 2-3 g of crushed dry mushroom are poured into 0.5 liters. warm boiled water and leave for 6-8 hours in a warm place. Drink without straining (together with mushroom) 30 minutes before. before meals, 1/3 cup.

Ongoing research has shown that consuming Lion's Mane mushroom helps boost brain function. The use of this mushroom is currently being studied for neurological disorders such as dementia and Parkinson's disease.

An unusual-looking edible mushroom traditionally consumed in the East. When boiled, it resembles shrimp meat. Contains substances that activate the synthesis of proteins involved in the growth of nerve cells, used in medicine to treat Alzheimer's diseases and senile sclerosis. Chinese healers use it to treat chronic gastritis and stomach ulcers. Regular consumption of lion's mane improves the condition of the nervous system and stimulates the immune system. The fruit body is up to 20 cm in size and weighs up to 1.5 kg, round or irregular in shape, from cream to light beige in color. The pulp is whitish, fleshy. Turns yellow when dry. The hymenophore is spiny and has the appearance of thin needles hanging down, which makes the mushroom look like a hedgehog.

Breeding tips: They are grown both outdoors and indoors at temperatures from 10 to 27°C. The favorable time for planting mushrooms on a woody base in natural conditions is from April to October, indoors throughout the year. As a wood base, use a fresh (no more than one month after felling), damp (humidity minimum 50-60%) log of hard deciduous trees without signs of rot, with bark and without branches, 10-20 cm in diameter, 100 cm long. If Dry wood is soaked in water for 2-3 days, excess water is allowed to drain. The impregnated wood is placed in a warm, ventilated room for several days.

Growing and care:
1. Holes with a diameter of 0.8 cm and a length of 4 cm are drilled in a prepared log in a checkerboard pattern at a distance of about 10-15 cm from each other.
2. Insert mushroom sticks into the holes until they stop (the operation is performed with sterile gloves or hands disinfected with alcohol).
3. Place the log on the ground, in a warm, shaded place and leave it to become overgrown with mycelium. During this time, it is necessary to keep the log moist (water 2-3 times a week for 10-15 minutes).
4. After the rudiments of the mushroom appear, the log is placed in cold water for 12-24 hours. Then they are installed vertically or obliquely in a bright room, in a greenhouse or outdoors.
5. In winter, the log with mycelium is sprinkled with leaves or transferred to the basement.

Fruiting: 6-9 months from the start of sowing logs with mycelium. After collecting mushrooms, the mycelium needs rest; for this, the log is watered less frequently for 2 weeks.

Productivity: High. It depends on the size of the mushrooms being collected, but it is better to cut off small fruiting bodies, because they are better stored.

Ingredients: Lion's Mane mushroom mycelium on wood sticks.

Store the unopened package in a cool, dry place, possibly in the refrigerator at a positive temperature.