Willow Bracket Mushroom, Phellinus igniarius

Willow Bracket fungus, Phellinus igniarius, is a hoof shaped bracket mushroom that is very hard, has a blackened top, and grows on rotting stumps and infected trees. I usually find it on yellow birch trees in the Adirondack Mountains. 

Studies show that it may have neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antioxidative, antitumor, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic benefits. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is being investigated for use against cancer, multiple sclerosis, heart attack, stroke, injury recovery, liver damage, and diabetes.

It has been studied for use in stroke patients with success.¹ It may lower uric acid in gout patients.² It is cytotoxic and may induce apoptosis or programmed cell death. This may fight cancer cell proliferation.³ It appears that the immunomodulatory effect may slow the progression of multiple sclerosis.⁴

This mushroom is being used to treat some serious diseases. Results will vary between people and cannot be guaranteed. Keep in mind that this is a natural, wild gathered product and is not synthesized in a laboratory. The concentration of chemicals in each mushroom will vary depending on the location and microclimate it grows in as well as the type of tree it is on. If you are a repeat customer and the tincture varies substantially by order, please let me know. This is a dual-extracted tincture using first alcohol and then distilled water.

Suggested dosing: Tincture 1 ml 3x day.

Possible side effects: Gastrointestinal upset.

Contraindications: None known but always consult your physician if you are taking any botanical supplements. This is especially critical if this is being used as an adjuvant to cancer therapy.

¹ Kim JH, Choi BY, Kim HJ, Kim IY, Lee BE, Sohn M, Park HJ, Suh SW. A Water-Ethanol Extract from the Willow Bracket Mushroom, Phellinus igniarius (Higher Basidiomycetes), Reduces Transient Cerebral Ischemia-Induced Neuronal Death. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2015;17(9):879-89. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.v17.i9.80. PMID: 26756300.