Latin: Coriolus versicolor or Trametes versicolor
Czech: outkovka variegated
Chinese: Yun Zhi
Japanese: Kawaratake (mushroom growing by the river)
Thevital Coriolus mushroom is already mentioned in the basic work of Chinese herbalism in the so-called Shen Nong Herbarium. The mythical Emperor Shen Nong, the founder of Chinese agriculture and herbalism, describes it as a mushroom that strengthens male powers, calms the nerves, extends life span and strengthens hearing. Chinese writings from 1836 similarly refer to it.
Coriolus is a wood-rotting fungus, i.e. a fungus that uses trees, where it takes hold as a source of nutrients. It is most commonly found on damaged deciduous trees, stumps or fallen branches. It is found all over the globe, mainly in temperate climates. The fruits form clusters. The individual caps are roughly semi-circular, brightly coloured and form bands of different colours from grey, beige to various dark browns. Darkens with age.
It was not until the 1960s to 1970s that the Coriolus began to be recorded by the Western scientific world. At that time, a Japanese scientist was able to extract PKS from Coriolus, a polysaccharide with many biological effects, the predominant ones being anti-cancer. The results were so convincing that Coriolus is used in clinical medicine in Japan and Korea. It is administered to up to 70% of cancer patients and is used to treat liver diseases, including hepatitis.
It is absurd that in the European Union Coriolus is on the list of Novel Foods, i.e. it cannot be used as a food supplement. This is incomprehensible because Coriolus is one of the most researched mushrooms with proven positive health effects.
Characteristics according to traditional Chinese medicine
Nature: slightly cold
Taste: sweet, bland
Tropism: Spleen, Heart, Stomach, Liver, Lung (some sources also mention Kidney)
Main effects according to Traditional Chinese Medicine:
- Supplements Spleen
- Nourishes the Heart and the spirit of Shen
- removes moisture and transforms mucus
- Clears heat, removes toxin
- Replenishes Liver and Kidney Yin
When do we use the vital Coriolus mushroom to maintain or improve health?
1) Strengthens the Spleen and promotes Zheng Qi
- Supplements Spleen Qi - that is, it improves digestion (conversion of food into Qi and blood)
- Drains dampness - when the Spleen is weakened, it creates pathological dampness, causing digestive disorders
- Coriolus, by strengthening the Spleen and removing dampness and mucus, promotes the production of Zheng Qi.
- Zheng Qi translates to proper Qi
- Zheng Qi can be translated as our vitality or our life force
- When we are full of Zheng Qi we are healthy and harmful Qi (Xie Qi) will not penetrate
Remark:
Zheng Qi is called the correct, proper Qi of the body. It is made up of Qi from food, Qi obtained from the air, and also Qi and Kidney essence. It is the sum of several kinds of Qi.
2) It supports defensive Qi (Wei Qi)
- Wei Qi translates to defensive Qi
- Defensive Qi is also a part of Ordinary Qi
- Coriolus supports defensive Qi by strengthening ordinary Qi.
3) Detoxification
- promotes the production of glutathione in the liver - this neutralizes toxic substances and metabolites
- Heals the liver after paracetamol damage!
- Often combined with Reishi and Chaga
4) Autoimmune problems
- Coriolus is the most commonly used vital mushroom for autoimmune problems.
- It isused for: thyroid problems, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.
5) Cold sores and warts.
- Regenerates the liver - promotes the production of glutathione and interferon, thus protecting the cells
- used for herpes: labial (on the lip), genital and shingles
- suppresses the formation of warts - including HPV
6) Cancers
- Coriolus is the most commonly used fungus for cancer.
- It has cytostatic and cytotoxiceffects on cancer cells
- can be used in conjunction with conventional treatments (chemotherapy, radiology, biological)
- reduces the incidence of adverse side effects and mitigates the impact of conventional treatment
7) Anti-inflammatory effects
- Coriolus has significant anti-inflammatory effects - on acute and chronic inflammation
- sinusitis - sinusitis (acute and chronic - recurrent)
- bladderinflammation - in acute conditions
8) Mucosal regeneration
- Strengthens the Qi of the Spleen and Yin of the Lungs - thereby supporting the mucous membranes
- The Spleen and Lungs, together with the Kidneys, influence the production and distribution of fluids in the body.
- Used for dryness of mucous membranes - dry mouth, eyes, mucous membranes (in menopause, after illness)
- other uses: radiotherapy, chemotherapy, prolonged bronchitis, sinusitis, etc.
- support before pregnancy - with Cordyceps (6 months before)
- improvement of spermiogram in men - with Cordyceps
9) Overall strengthening
- prolongs and delays old age and maintains flexible immunity
- for chronic fatigue conditions, it is used together with Reishi and Cordyceps
10) Support with vaccinations
- It is recommended to take Coriolus 14 days before vaccination and about one month after vaccination
Less common use of Coriolus in clinical practice:
- Fibromyalgia - chronic muscle and connective tissue pain (together with herbs to loosen blockages)
- psoriasis - for psoriasis it is often used together with Reishi and Polypore
- has a strong antioxidant effect
- improves the breakdown of alcohol
What to remember:
Coriolus boosts proper Qi, wicks away moisture and transforms mucus. It heals the liver, promotes detoxification and regenerates mucous membranes.