Agarikon Fungus (Laricifomes Officinalis) is a fungus in the order Polyporales. It causes heart rot in conifers and is found in the Pacific Northwest. It is used as medicine. They taste like Quinine.
Agarikon Fungus (Laricifomes Officinalis) is a fungus in the order Polyporales. It causes heart rot in conifers and is found in the Pacific Northwest. It is used as medicine. They taste like Quinine.
The conks were once collected as a source of medicinal quinine, which they were thought to contain, because of the bitter taste of the powdered conk. They were thought to work in curing Malaria. However, it was found that they do not contain quinine, and therefore, have no anti-malarial properties.
The distinctive conks can be large, as much as 60 cm long, they are usually hoof-shaped. They are soft, and white to pale yellow in colour when young. The taste of both conks and felts is bitter and distinct for this species. A single conk usually indicates a complete cull of the tree.
There are many studies going on right now on the full medicinal values of this fungus, it has been shown to work on controlling virus outbreaks as well as a medicine to treat bacterial infections. The best way to use this in treating infections is to find and dry a conk, depending on size, this could take some time. Once dry, cut small amounts and use a rasp to powder. When you are cut, just apply this powder to the wound before bandaging. You only need to harvest one conk to have a lifetime supply.