The medicinal mushroom Agarikon (Fomes officinalis) can live for 50 years or more, making it one of the longest living perennial mushrooms in the world. This is even more impressive in light of the fact that it starts growing on trees that are already old to begin with. In other words, Fomes officinalis can only survive in old growth forests.
Historical records indicate that Agarikon may have been the most important medicinal mushroom of ancient Europe. The earliest preserved record dates to 65 B.C., when it was listed by Greek physician Dioscorides in Materia Medica as a remedy for tuberculosis. [25]
However, Agarikon (Fomes officinalis) is now practically extinct in Europe because of its dependency on old growth forests. Its current habitat in the wild may be entirely limited to unlogged land in Washington State. Fortunately, though, this is one mushroom that can be cultivated. Two companies that grow Fomes officinalis commercially are Paul Stamets' Fungi Perfecti out of Washington State, and the Ohio based Mushroom Harvest.
Historically, Fomes officinalis was used in the form of a poultice to treat skeletal pain and muscle pain, and as a tea for lung conditions such as pneumonia and tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
Congruent with this is a report from Poland, listing the historical uses of Agarikon extract to have included lung conditions (coughing, asthma) and rheumatoid arthritis, but also infected wounds and open bleeding. It is said to have been considered an elixir for long life. [147]
In North America, it is believed that Agarikon extract was used by Native Americans as protection from smallpox and other diseases brought over by the Europeans. But there is no definite written record of this information. The Haida Native American mythological tradition also retains a connection between Agarikon and the female creator spirit Raven, and with female sexuality.
Two of the rare mentions of Fomes officinalis in modern scientific literature have reported that it does produce significant immune enhancement in test subjects. [148, 149]
Finally, it should be noted that in spite of its common name synonyms "Quinine Fungus" or "Quinine Conk," Agarikon does not contain the compound quinine and is not effective in the use against malaria.
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
Historical records indicate that Agarikon may have been the most important medicinal mushroom of ancient Europe. The earliest preserved record dates to 65 B.C., when it was listed by Greek physician Dioscorides in Materia Medica as a remedy for tuberculosis. [25]
However, Agarikon (Fomes officinalis) is now practically extinct in Europe because of its dependency on old growth forests. Its current habitat in the wild may be entirely limited to unlogged land in Washington State. Fortunately, though, this is one mushroom that can be cultivated. Two companies that grow Fomes officinalis commercially are Paul Stamets' Fungi Perfecti out of Washington State, and the Ohio based Mushroom Harvest.
Historically, Fomes officinalis was used in the form of a poultice to treat skeletal pain and muscle pain, and as a tea for lung conditions such as pneumonia and tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
Congruent with this is a report from Poland, listing the historical uses of Agarikon extract to have included lung conditions (coughing, asthma) and rheumatoid arthritis, but also infected wounds and open bleeding. It is said to have been considered an elixir for long life. [147]
In North America, it is believed that Agarikon extract was used by Native Americans as protection from smallpox and other diseases brought over by the Europeans. But there is no definite written record of this information. The Haida Native American mythological tradition also retains a connection between Agarikon and the female creator spirit Raven, and with female sexuality.
Two of the rare mentions of Fomes officinalis in modern scientific literature have reported that it does produce significant immune enhancement in test subjects. [148, 149]
Finally, it should be noted that in spite of its common name synonyms "Quinine Fungus" or "Quinine Conk," Agarikon does not contain the compound quinine and is not effective in the use against malaria.
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
About the Author:
Dr. Markho Rafael, an passionate mushroomer since childhood, has spent his entire professional career in the natural health field. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, working in particular with the certified organic line of Paul Stamets Fungi Perfecti. For scientific references to this article, please visit the Fomes officinalis extract (Stamets) page. Click on the numbers that indicate references.
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