The Auricularia, also known as "Judas' ear," "Chinese morel," or "Mu Err," is considered one of the oldest edible mushrooms and has likely been cultivated in China for around 1500 years. It particularly thrives on old elder wood. Its German name, "Judas' ear," derives from a Christian legend that Judas hanged himself from an elder tree, and ear-shaped 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° Celsius, many important substances in the mushroom are lost, so in this form it has hardly any health benefits.

Healthy ingredients

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

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

Originally intended for communication and self-defense, Auricularia also produces certain lectins. These offer significant health benefits to humans and are believed to contribute to the blood-thinning effect of this medicinal mushroom.

Medical professionals are also particularly interested in specific biopolymers found in the Judas ear plant. They attribute its blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride-lowering effects to these substances.

Auricularia is also particularly rich in B vitamins. Furthermore, it also contains smaller amounts of vitamin C and ergosterol, a precursor of vitamin D.

It also contains relatively large quantities of the minerals magnesium, sodium, calcium, potassium, silicon and phosphorus, as well as iron.

Overview of application areas in alternative medicine/naturopathy:

• Promotes blood circulation, for example in arteriosclerosis
• Blood pressure regulation
• Blood clotting inhibition (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 inflammation
• Skin diseases, hair loss
• Headache (Auricularia together with Shiitake)
• Supports the healing of skin and eye inflammations

Promoting blood circulation and regulating blood pressure

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

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

The adenosine contained in the mushroom is partly responsible for this effect as a "natural blood thinner". It causes the blood vessels to dilate, thus increasing blood flow throughout the body.

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

Auricularia also prevents the so-called "intermittent claudication," in which insufficient blood flow during exertion leads to severe pain in the legs. v.a...while walking, this occurs. Here, Auricularia strengthens the blood vessels and promotes improved blood circulation. The great advantage of Auricularia is that it does not attack the collagen of the veins, thus reducing the risk of internal bleeding.

Auricularia is also highly recommended for varicose vein conditions.

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

Furthermore, Auricularia has demonstrated antimicrobial activity in scientific studies. Certain proteins from this 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 laboratory tests.

Mucous membranes and intestines

Auricularia has anti-inflammatory properties. Practical experience has shown that it particularly relieves inflammation 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 transitions can contribute to dry mucous membranes.

The intestines also benefit from the positive effects of Judas ear on the mucous membranes of the small and large intestines. Additionally, this medicinal mushroom strengthens beneficial gut bacteria. Studies have demonstrated its prebiotic effect when taken over a longer period. Furthermore, researchers found in a study on mice that wood ear mushrooms can protect against chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Scientists attribute this effect primarily to the beta-1,3 glycosides.

Auricularia also has the potential to relieve constipation and ensure regular bowel movements.