The world of fungi has been an interesting field of study in recent years. What’s more, certain mushrooms have been found to contain immune system boosters. Wild Agarikon mushroom is no exception. Almost as if it was born for such a time as this, it has come under the wide attention of the nutritional world – and for good reason. Let’s find out why!
Origins of Agarikon
A mushroom of many names, it goes by one of the following: “Quinine Conk”; “The Bread of Ghosts”; “Brown Trunk Rot”; “Larch Polypore”; and my personal favorite “Tree Biscuit.” However, it scientifically goes by the name Laricifomes officinalis (from Larch trees). (1)
And no, it doesn’t produce naturally occurring quinine – it’s just very bitter! Although there are over 40 differing mushroom species that technically can be called agarikon, they all contain similar properties. (2)
Above all medicinal mushrooms, it stands out as the one which brings longevity of life, averaging 70 to 100 years! (3) In fact, it is arguably known as the longest living mushroom in the world! (4) In ancient times, the Greek pharmacologist Dioscorides Pedanios referred to this beehive-like conk as the “elixir of life” as early as 65 A.D. (5)
If you are trying to run across this rare mushroom, its best to look North of the Equator, in temperate regions of old conifer forests like on the Pacific coast.
Historical Use
For starters, this mushroom has historical usage by Ancient Greeks to combat severe outbreaks such as smallpox and various respiratory illnesses like tuberculosis. European and Central Asians found the it helped with coughing, asthma, rheumatoid rhinitis, bleeding, infected wounds, herpes, and even malaria. (6, 7)
Although, agarikon is most often spoken of in reference to the European world, the isolated Indigenous People of North America first identified its healing properties.
Virus B-Gone
Perhaps the most well-known immunological property of this sage mushroom is that of its ability to kick viruses to the curb. According to randomized tests by mushroom specialist Paul Stamets, Wild Agarikon demonstrated effective against Influenza (Flu) Virus A, as well as Influenza B. In fact, its ability to combat viral loads is so well documented that trials are underway testing its effectiveness against coronavirus. (8, 9)
Isolated compounds called chlorinated coumarins from mycelium were found to directly responsible for the anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Another 2020 study showed these same compounds to have anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, and anthelmintic actions. (10, 11)
Even smallpox, cowpox, swine and bird flu are no match for this all-star mushroom. A study published in 2019 in the Journal of Mycology discovered the biologically active components in agarikon to be act as a broad-spectrum anti-microbial. Some of these pathogens included pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as Orthopox virus. Agaric acid, a main pharmacologically-active compound has been found to prevent sweating in TB cases. (12, 13)
Tumor Undertaker
But it doesn’t just stop with viruses. Up next is cancer! A recent study found that this mushroom had promising effects on colorectal cell lines. Specifically, when tested in the body, it stimulated the immune system, which in turn, reduced tumor volume and increased survival. (14)
In addition, this wild mushroom has also proven to be just as effective as some anticancer drugs. (15)
Like most mushrooms, this one also contains powerful polysaccharides which may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In 2013, a Croatian study put agarikon-containing supplements to the test against several kinds of isolated tumor cells. The results? They all had cytotoxic (cancer killing) effects on the tumors! (16)
Moreover, Wild Agarikon contains immunotherapeutics to modulate the human immune system as a means to activate dendritic cells, macrophages, T-cells, cytokines, and natural killer cells. (17)
A healthy immune system translates into a firewall against the growth of any cancer in the body!
This Rare Medicine at Your Door
So what if you could get your hands on a potent, dual-extracted, wildcrafted version of this medicine to harness in every serving the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic benefits? Look no further than David Wolfe’s new Wild American Agarikon tincture!
