AGARIKON – antimicrobial amazement!
AGARIKON {Fomitopsis officinalis or Laricifomes officinalis} is a chalky cylindrical fruit body resident of the Pacific Northwest old growth forest that adds layers of spore-producing pores with each growth season. It is an antimicrobial that has been used historically for tuberculosis + pneumonia as well as topically for anti-inflammatory, muscle/skeletal pain. Haidas first peoples of British Columbia utilized Agarikon as a protector of women’s sexuality. First peoples carved the mushroom into animalistic forms and placed it on shaman’s graves to protect from evil spirits. Thought to have provided aid in prevention of viral disease brought by European colonizers (smallpox). Polish peoples traditional use as treatment against coughing illnesses, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Agarikon was known as ‘elixir of long life.’ This magnificent chalky fruit body is useful against the common cold + influenza. It is an important effective antiviral and antibacterial. North America strains show strong activity against cowpox, swine (H1N1), bird flu (H5N1), + herpes virus. Agarikon has a potential to defend against global pandemics. The key pharmaceutically active compound is Agaricin (agaric acid). Agarikon contains full spectrum of constituents.
Our Agarikon tincture is made with so much love and fungus appreciation! We carefully hand harvest small amounts of Agarikon fungus from the cascade mountains of the pacific northwest. Once we return from the mountains we carefully cut and dry the polypore shelf mushrooms. I then macerate the mushroom using a double extraction method which I learned from one of my most amazing herbal teachers at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism. I weigh out the dried mushrooms and split in half. I tincture one half for a moon cycle. Once the tincture is pressed, I decoct the other half on the stove for a full day (which is the method used in Traditional Chinese Medicine). I cool the decoction, strain and blend with the tincture and small amount of glycerine (which helps suspend the molecules). This tincture is available here ~ Agarikon Also available as part of my powerhouse formula All 4 Fungi as well as a heat activated part of the delectable Shroom Cacao
