The Auricularia, also known as "Jew's Ear," "Chinese Morel," or "Mu Err," is considered one of the oldest edible mushrooms and has probably been cultivated in China for around 1,500 years. It particularly thrives on old elderberry wood. It owes its German name, "Judas' Ear," to a Christian legend that Judas hanged himself from an elderberry tree, and that ear-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. However, at temperatures above 40°C, many important substances in the mushroom are lost, so it has little health-promoting effect in this form.

Healthy ingredients

The Auricularia has a low fat content but a high fiber and protein content. Fiber includes v.a. the polysaccharides and, among them, the beta-glucans. These influence u.a. positively influence the metabolism and strengthen the immune system.

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

Originally used for communication and self-defense, Auricularia also produces certain lectins. These have significant health benefits for humans and are thought to contribute, among other things, to the blood-thinning effect of this medicinal mushroom.

Physicians are also particularly interested in the special biopolymers found in the Judas ear, which they attribute to its lowering effects on blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Auricularia is also particularly rich in B vitamins. It also contains smaller 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:

• Promotes 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 defenses
• Stroke prophylaxis
• arteriosclerosis
• Lipid metabolism disorders
• Tinnitus
• Prostate diseases
• nonspecific inflammation
• Skin diseases, hair loss
• Headaches (Auricularia together with Shitake)
• Supports the healing of skin and eye inflammations

Promotes blood circulation and regulates blood pressure

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

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 contributes, among other things, to this "natural blood thinner" effect. It causes blood vessels to dilate, thus increasing blood flow throughout the body.

In addition, the lectins and beta-glucans from the Auricularia support blood flow.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”, which causes severe pain in the legs due to insufficient blood circulation during exercise. v.a. while walking. Here, Auricularia strengthens the blood vessels and promotes improved blood flow. The great advantage of Auricularia is that it does not attack the collagen in the veins, thus reducing the risk of internal bleeding.

Auricularia is also highly recommended for varicose veins.

immune system
Like all other medicinal mushrooms, the Judas ear is an adaptogen; d.h. 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 demonstrated antimicrobial activity in scientific studies. Certain proteins from the medicinal mushroom have shown 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.

mucous membranes and intestines

Auricularia has anti-inflammatory effects. Practical experience has shown that it particularly relieves inflammation in the eye area, 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 beneficial intestinal bacteria. Studies have demonstrated its prebiotic effect when taken over a long period of time. Researchers also found in a study on mice that the Jew's 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.