Coprinus
Latin: Coprinus comatus
Czech: Dung beetle
Chinese: Ji Tui Gu
The vital Coprinus mushroom grows all over the world in the fertilized areas of pastures, meadows and gardens. It can be found up to 2,00 m above sea level. In our country, it is named after the place where it is most often found - the common dung beetle.
The young fruits are edible, light cream to beige in colour. They are enclosed by scales like those of the bedellas. It can be up to 35 cm tall. It requires high nitrogen content in the soil and open spaces. The mushroom ages rapidly, turning black and spreading.
Coprinus was first described in 1780 and given its name in 1797.
Coprinus is currently receiving a lot of attention due to its significant effect on lowering blood sugar and blood pressure. It is also said to help increase brain capacity.
Characteristics according to traditional Chinese medicine
Nature: neutral
Taste: sweet
Tropism: Spleen, Stomach
Main effects according to Traditional Chinese Medicine:
- Strengthens Spleen and Stomach Qi
- Supports the Yin of the Stomach, Kidneys, Lungs
- Clears bitterness from deficiency
When do we use Coprinus vital mushroom to maintain or improve health?
1) Support digestion
- Replenishes Spleen Qi - that is, it improves digestion (conversion of food to Qi and blood)
- Supports Stomach Yin - soothes and strengthens the stomach lining
- used for: gastritis and stomach ulcers
2) Type 2 Diabetes
- Reduces glycemia and increases tissue sensitivity to insulin - with Maitake. Usually starts with Coprin at a dose of 2-2-2. After sugar drops, Maitake is added, perhaps 1-1-1 of both mushrooms. Later, Coprinus is taken and Maitake is given long term.
3) Blood circulation support
- lowers blood pressure
- improves blood circulation
Less common use of Coprinus in clinical practice:
- Hypertension
- reduces the formation of cancer cells in the breast
- hemorrhoids
- inflammation
- constipation
What to remember:
Coprinus strengthens the Qi of the Spleen and Yin of the Stomach and clears heat from deficiency. It protects the mucous membranes and is good for diabetes, gastritis and stomach ulcers.