Fomes fomentarius

What is Fomes fomentarius?

Fomes fomentarius belongs to the stem pore family and is widespread in Europe, Asia and North America. It grows parasitically or successively decomposing on deciduous trees and causes white rot. The fruiting bodies are grey to brown in color and have a crusty surface with fine zones. The underside consists of brown tubes on which the spores are formed. The fruiting bodies can grow up to 30 cm wide and 20 cm thick and can live for several decades.

The tinder fungus used to be used as tinder by cutting it into thin slices, drying it and impregnating it with saltpetre. Using a flint stone, sparks could be produced which caused the mushroom to glow. The mushroom was also used as a wound dressing, as it had a hemostatic and disinfectant effect. It was also processed into a leather-like material that was used to make hats, bags and clothing.

Today, tinder fungus is valued above all as a vital mushroom that contains many health-promoting ingredients. These include polysaccharides, triterpenes, phenols, sterols and minerals. The mushroom has various effects on the body, such as immunomodulating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumoral and blood sugar-lowering. It is therefore used for various diseases such as infections, inflammation, diabetes, cancer and gastrointestinal complaints.

How can Fomes fomentarius help your dog?

Fomes fomentarius can also be a valuable medicinal mushroom for dogs, which can support the health and well-being of your four-legged friend. The mushroom can help with the following complaints in particular:

• Wounds: The tinder fungus has a hemostatic and disinfectant effect and can therefore be used to treat wounds. It promotes wound healing and prevents infections. You can either place a piece of the mushroom directly on the wound or apply an extract from the mushroom.
• Infections: Tinder fungus has an antibacterial and antiviral effect and can therefore help with bacterial or viral infections. It strengthens your dog's immune system and helps it to fight pathogens. You can give your dog an extract of the mushroom orally or mix it into their drinking water.
• Inflammations: Tinder fungus has an anti-inflammatory effect and can therefore help with inflammatory diseases. It relieves pain and swelling and improves your dog's mobility. You can give your dog an extract of the mushroom orally or mix it into their food.
• Diabetes: Tinder fungus has a blood sugar-lowering effect and can therefore help with diabetes. It improves your dog's insulin sensitivity and regulates blood sugar levels. You can give your dog an extract of the mushroom orally or mix it into their food.
• Cancer: Tinder fungus has an anti-tumor effect and can therefore help with cancer. It inhibits the growth and spread of cancer cells and activates the body's own defenses against the tumour. You can give your dog an extract of the mushroom orally or mix it into their food.
• Gastrointestinal complaints: Tinder fungus has a digestive effect and can therefore help with gastrointestinal complaints. It soothes the stomach lining, promotes intestinal flora and regulates intestinal activity. You can give your dog an extract of the mushroom orally or mix it into their food.

What should you look out for when using Fomes fomentarius?

Fomes fomentarius is a medicinal mushroom that is generally well tolerated and has no side effects. However, you should pay attention to a few points before giving it to your dog:

• Quality: Make sure you buy a high-quality extract of the mushroom that is free from harmful substances and impurities. A standardized extract that contains a certain amount of active ingredients is best. You can buy the extract in the form of capsules, powder or drops.
• Dosage: The dosage depends on the size, weight and health of your dog. As a guideline, you can administer around 0.1 to 0.5 grams of extract per kilogram of body weight per day. Start with a low dose and slowly increase it until you achieve the desired effect.
• Duration: The duration of use depends on the type and severity of the symptoms. For acute complaints, you can give the mushroom for a few days to weeks, for chronic complaints for a few months to years. Take breaks in between to maintain the effect.
• Tolerance: Observe your dog for possible intolerances or allergic reactions while using the mushroom. If you notice side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, itching or skin rash, discontinue the mushroom.
• Interactions: Find out about possible interactions of the mushroom with other medications or food supplements that your dog is taking. For example, the mushroom can increase or decrease the effect of blood-thinning, blood sugar-lowering or immune-suppressing medication.