The Auricularia, also known as "Judas ear", "Chinese morel" or "Mu Err", is considered to be one of the oldest edible mushrooms and has probably been cultivated in China for around 1500 years and particularly likes to grow on old elder wood. It owes its German name "Judas ear" to a Christian legend that Judas hanged himself on an elder tree and that auricle-like mushrooms grew on the trunk of this tree.

The Auricularia mushroom is known as the "Chinese morel" in Chinese restaurants, where it is often cooked for hours in soups and sauces. At temperatures above 40° Celsius, however, many important substances in the mushroom are lost, so that in this form it has hardly any health-promoting effect.

Healthy ingredients

Auricularia has a low fat content and a high proportion of fiber and protein. The fiber includes mainly polysaccharides and, among these, beta-glucans. These have a positive effect on the metabolism and strengthen the immune system.

In addition, the Judas ear is also rich in glycoproteins, which have a similarly extensive spectrum of effects as the polysaccharides.

Auricularia also produces certain lectins, which are actually used for communication and self-defense. They have a great health benefit for humans and are said to be involved in the blood-thinning effect of this medicinal mushroom, among other things.

Doctors are also particularly interested in the special biopolymers found in Judas ear. They attribute these substances to its lowering effects on blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides.

The Auricularia is particularly rich in B vitamins. It also contains small amounts of vitamin C and ergosterol, a precursor to vitamin D.

The minerals magnesium, sodium, calcium, potassium, silicon, phosphorus and iron are also contained in relatively large quantities.

Overview of areas of application in alternative medicine / naturopathy:

• blood circulation, for example in arteriosclerosis
• blood pressure regulation
• anticoagulation (thrombosis/embolism/heart attack/stroke prophylaxis)
• Venous diseases, thrombophlebitis
• vascular protection
• strengthening the body's own defenses
• stroke prophylaxis
• arteriosclerosis
• lipid metabolism disorders
• tinnitus
• prostate diseases
• nonspecific inflammations
• skin diseases, hair loss
• Headaches (Auricularia together with Shitake)
• Support the healing of skin and eye inflammations

Promoting blood circulation and regulating blood pressure

Thanks to its anti-coagulant effect by inhibiting platelet aggregation, Auricularia is used to improve blood flow properties. Good treatment results have been reported, particularly in terms of reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack, as well as in cases of circulatory disorders, through substitution with Auricularia.

In addition, there is a preventive effect against cerebral ischemia, which is also commonly called cerebral infarction or stroke.

The adenosine contained in the mushroom is one of the factors contributing to this effect as a “natural blood thinner”. It causes the blood vessels to expand and thus increases blood flow throughout the body.

In addition, the lectins and beta-glucans from the Auricularia support the flow of blood.The relatively high content of magnesium and potassium is also associated with the promotion of blood circulation through the Auricularia.

Auricularia also prevents the so-called "window shopping disease", in which poor circulation leads to severe pain in the legs when exercising, especially when walking. In this case, Auricularia strengthens the blood vessels and promotes improved circulation. The great advantage of Auricularia is that it does not attack the collagen in the veins, so the risk of internal bleeding is reduced.

Auricularia is also highly recommended for varicose veins.

immune system
Like all other medicinal mushrooms, the Judas ear is an adaptogen, meaning it modulates the immune system: it strengthens a weak immune system and downregulates an overactive immune system, e.g. due to autoimmune diseases or allergies.

Auricularia has also been shown to have an antimicrobial effect in scientific studies. Certain proteins from the medicinal mushroom showed an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and the yeast Candida albicans in the laboratory.

mucous membranes and intestines

Auricularia has an anti-inflammatory effect. Practical experience has shown that it particularly relieves inflammation in the area of ​​the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. In alternative medicine, it is therefore often used in connection with menopausal symptoms and hormonal changes, as these changes promote dry mucous membranes.

The intestine also benefits from the positive effects of the Judas ear on the mucous membranes of the small and large intestine. In addition, the medicinal mushroom strengthens the good intestinal bacteria. Studies have shown its prebiotic effect when taken over a longer period of time. In addition, researchers found in a study on mice that the Judas ear can protect against chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The scientists attribute this effect primarily to the beta-1,3 glycosides.

Auricularia also has the potential to relieve constipation and promote good bowel movements.