Cordyceps sinensis with an incredible life cycle
Have you heard about this fascinating fungus with its peculiar appearance and way of existence? The names „Chinese caterpillar, Himalayan gold or mushroom of longevity“ do not reveal much ...
Liver and Gallbladder Balm - Dandelion
Dandelion (in Slovak, 'púpava', Latin, Taraxacum officinale, also known as milkweed, smotánka, májik) is a well-known and ubiquitous weed (especially when it randomly appears overnight on a perfectly manicured lawn, even sprouting through cracks in asphalt), but foremost, it is a healing plant with a long history of use in herbal medicine. The milky tubes contain white sap that hardens in the air andleaves colorful stains on hands. Dandelion seeds can travel kilometers. It is among the longest-blooming plants, wholly edible, albeit having a not very pleasant bitter taste.
Fascinating Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
It is not by chance that in various countries it is referred to as the "mushroom of immortality" and the "mushroom of eternal life". In Japan, "Reishi" means "spiritual power". In China, it is known as "Lingzhi", which means "divine mushroom". It is one of the most valuable mushrooms in traditional medicine, used for the treatment of chronic diseases, and acknowledged for over 4000 years for its strong effects (similar to ginseng) documented in ancient books. It's also called the "mushroom of happiness" for its ability to alleviate ailments such as arthritis, insomnia, chest tightness, persistent weakness, high blood pressure, dizziness, mushroom poisoning, and heart diseases ...
Cordyceps - Zombie in Reality
Cordyceps sinensis - this is our zombie predator. In China, it is called "in winter insects, in summer herbs." Imagine a fungus that during reproduction in summer shoots its spores (seeds), which attach to the insect's body. It gradually grows throughout and parasitizes it, devours it from the inside out, with the insect still alive, even altering its outer appearance but still foraging until it retreats underground where it dies and mummifies. The fungus can survive in it for a longer period. The fungus literally controls the host's body, growing out of its body in summer, forming slender "sticks" 5-20 cm high. This inspired the video game series Last of Us where the Cordyceps fungus turns humankind into zombies. In real life, this video game unfolds in the actual life of insects. The victims are larvae of butterflies, large ants, spiders...
More important than it may seem ... Colon Cleanser, colon cleanse
Up to 80% of immune cells reside in the intestines. Did this information surprise you too? The intestines and the balance of microbiota play a crucial role in the proper functioning of the immune system. The intestines support immunity in various ways and a balanced microbiome prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and teaches immune cells to protect.
Lady's Mantle - Woman's Cloak
Common Alchemilla is a perennial herb that originates from England but has spread worldwide. Its leaves and flower tops have been used for centuries primarily to alleviate menstrual problems, hence it is often called "woman's cloak". It is also suitable for men as it effectively helps with diarrhea, laryngitis, bleeding gums, or as a gargle for inflammation of the larynx. Its name comes from Arabic, from the word al-kimia. Alchemists tried to make gold by transforming various metals, as well as incredibly ordinary things. One of the secret ingredients in gold-making was water, caught in the leaves of this plant. As far as we know - it didn't work...