What is a coral mushroom and what are its benefits for humans
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Description and distribution area
The coral mushroom, whose scallops look like corals (hence the name), grows in the subtropical zone. Other names for the mushroom: coral blackberry, ice, hazel and snow mushroom. Scientifically, the plant is called Hericium coralloides. This porcini mushroom looks like a jellyfish, and in general it looks quite unusual.
The plant looks like a bush with small and fragile thorns and hollow twigs. The length of the branches is small - only up to 40 cm. In color, such mushrooms are white and beige, and with age, the color darkens and becomes brownish. If you harvest the "crop", the root system will work and reproduce new mushrooms.
Inside, the plant is pinkish and juicy, has a pronounced aroma. In Russia, this species is found in Siberia and Krasnodar.
Video "Coral mushroom - a cure for many diseases"
In this video, you will learn what coral mushroom heals for and how to use it correctly.
Varieties of coral mushroom
There are several varieties of this plant. We will now take a closer look at them.
Bear paw
This species grows in pine forests, has snow-white pulp. From above, the skin has a reddish tint. They are not too big - only up to 20 cm in height. Also, this variety has a rich herbal aroma that attracts mushroom pickers. If you want to collect such mushrooms, go out on a quiet hunt at the end of August.
Reed horn
Pale yellow mushrooms that outwardly resemble a human tongue (as the name suggests). They are also found in coniferous forests, since they live in a kind of symbiosis with spruce trees. They reach 10 m in height, and according to the type of food they belong to saprophytes.
Wrinkled clavulina
Unlike previous varieties, the Wrinkled Clavulina is not too bushy. Its branches are more like animal horns, 40 mm in diameter. The mushroom grows up to 17 cm, is white in color and has a flesh without aroma.
Nutritional value and beneficial properties
This plant is extremely nutritious as it contains proteins, amino acids, vitamins, carbohydrates and minerals. The concentration of multivitamin D is especially high in it.
Coral mushroom contains elements such as potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron.
The plant has a whole range of beneficial properties that have made it popular among lovers of traditional medicine:
- Protects against radiation exposure.
- Strengthens the human respiratory system.
- Accelerates the process of hematopoiesis.
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Helps allergy sufferers.
- Fights toxic substances in the liver.
- Has a positive effect on the human brain.
- It is used as a prophylaxis against cancer.
Main areas of application
As we mentioned, there are many uses for these mushrooms, and not only in cooking.
In medicine
In folk medicine, this plant is very popular because it has many beneficial properties:
- Antibiotic. It is believed that when properly cooked, a product produces antibodies that fight the spread of viruses in the human body.
- A medicine that helps with Alzheimer's disease. The plant contains erythromycin, thanks to which mushrooms are used as an additional measure in the treatment of the above disease.
- Cancer treatment. The fungus is believed to help prevent tumor growth. Also in the East, it is used during recovery from chemotherapy.
- Deworming. In small quantities, it helps with infection with helminths and tapeworms, removing parasites from the body.
- Treatment of nervous disorders. Thanks to glycogen, the mushroom helps in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system.
In cosmetology
Beauty treatments are also not complete without this plant. Coral mushroom is believed to moisturize, restore the skin's moisture balance and have a rejuvenating effect.
According to recent studies, this remedy has proven to be more effective than glycerin and hyaluronic acid. For this reason, cosmetic companies from Japan and France have already adopted the product and are launching the production of cosmetics using it.
In cooking
Mushrooms are used to make soups and salads, and if ground, they can even be added to ice cream and desserts.
It is important to remember that before preparing a dish using this plant, it must be properly processed. To do this, the mushrooms are soaked in warm water for several hours, divided into inflorescences and tough areas are cut off.
Features of storing coral mushroom
It is important to store the product correctly so that it does not deteriorate. We recommend that you use a tightly closed jar, which should be placed in a cool dry place. A refrigerator is perfect for these purposes.
So, we examined the features of the coral mushroom. Today it is grown commercially, so you might as well try this delicacy. But with traditional medicine, it is better not to experiment and consult with your doctor before use.