When you think about mushrooms, you typically get the classic image of a mushroom right before your eyes. Well, this changes when you see the Wood Ear Mushroom, which is rather different in shape and appearance than other mushrooms are. It tends to be roughly shaped like a cup or ear and it is characterized by a rubbery texture. Its name is Auricularia polytricha, but this mushroom is also known as black fungus, wood ear, Judas ear, cloud ear or tree ear, names that are related to the shape of this mushroom. It is dark brown to black and it prefers growing in humid climates, such as those that are found in Asia and some Pacific islands.
Wood ear mushroom is commonly used for cuisine, especially …show more content…
However, in addition to its nutritional values, wood ear mushroom also has benefits on the health. So here we will present some of the effects that this mushroom has on health.
Improving circulation of blood
According to the Mycological Society of San Francisco, a certain chemical is found in the wood ear mushroom, and this chemical is responsible with inhibiting blood clotting. As many of you know, blood clotting is a common cause of blood vessel diseases, heart attacks and strokes. Thanks to this chemical, wood ear can be used as an anticoagulant, thanks to its substances, which act like blood thinners.
Treating dryness
Given its ability to promote a good blood circulation, wood ear is believed to be of great use in conditions that are associated with dryness. Some of these conditions include dry throat, mouth or cough.
Hemorrhoids
Also due to its capabilities of promoting a good blood circulation, this mushroom is considered to be useful for helping with hemorrhoids. The effect that the chemicals found in wood ear has on blood is that of cooling it, so it is also good for treating