Origin, cultivation and use of the Polyporus mushroom
The diameter of such a mushroom body with its countless individual caps can reach up to 50 cm, and the weight is often several kilos – in rare cases even up to 40 pounds! Like the medicinal mushroom Maitake, the oak polypore belongs to the genus Polypore. It is also known by the scientific name Dendropolyporus umbellatus and colloquially as the knotted polypore or knotted tufted polypore. The terms Grifola umbellata and umbrella polypore are also occasionally used. In Asia it is known as Chuling, Zhuling, Zhu Ling and Chorei. The oak polypore is found throughout temperate climates, where it grows in deciduous forests in oak and sometimes beech stands, feeding on their root wood or dead wood. It is quite rare in Germany, but thrives nationwide. Its fruiting bodies can usually be harvested between July and September. The Polyporus is a relatively unknown edible mushroom, but its delicate aroma and pleasant texture are gaining increasing popularity. Its use as a medicinal mushroom was first documented in China 2,000 years ago. While targeted cultivation of the Polyporus is possible, it is currently still quite rare.
Ingredients of the Polyporus mushroom
Perhaps the most interesting characteristic of Polyporus as a medicinal mushroom is the unusual diversity of its constituents, including high concentrations of calcium, iron, and potassium, as well as various B vitamins and the vitamin D precursor ergosterol. It also contains large amounts of the trace elements copper, manganese, and zinc, as well as various specific polypeptides and polysaccharides. Of particular note are polyporusterones A and B, which are considered antioxidants and thus protect against free radicals.
As with all medicinal plants, the concentration of constituents in untreated mushrooms can vary considerably. Therefore, standardized processing, as ensured with Hawlik medicinal mushroom products, is recommended for the use and dosage of the squirrel mushroom.
In our shop you can buy Polyporus umbellatus in the following dosage forms:
Polyporus powder capsules
The "classic" product, derived from the natural mushroom. Each capsule contains 420 mg of pure Polyporus powder, without any additional additives. Dosage: Take two Polyporus powder capsules twice daily with plenty of liquid at meals.
Polyporus extract capsules
Highly concentrated dosage through extraction. With an extra dose of vitamin C from the addition of acerola, which increases the human body's ability to absorb the mushroom. The polysaccharides in our extract exhibit particularly high bioavailability for the human body due to the processing. Each capsule contains 300 mg of medicinal mushroom extract, of which 90 mg are polysaccharides, and 40 mg of acerola extract (equivalent to 7 mg of vitamin C). Dosage: Take two Polyporus extract capsules twice daily with plenty of liquid with meals.
Polyporus extract and powder capsules
Our customer favorite combines the benefits of a high-dose extract with those of a natural powder. Each vegetable capsule contains 250 mg of squirrel extract, 150 mg of squirrel powder, and 8.5 mg of natural vitamin C. Dosage: Take two capsules twice daily with plenty of liquid, morning and noon, with meals.
Polyporus powder
Ideal for mixing into other foods or for direct consumption. Dosage: Add 1 level scoop of Polyporus powder to plenty of liquid daily and drink. Alternatively, the powder can also be mixed into food.
