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Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide

Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide

Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide

Dr. Hobbs’s latest book is available to order and being shipped now.

Honey Mushroom Photos

Different views of Armillaria mellea, the honey mushroom.

Mushroom Medicine: Challenges and Potential

Recently published article by Dr. Hobbs from the Journal of the American Herbalists Guild.

Science & Herb Articles

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Dec 1

CHANTERELLES!

Chanterelle mushrooms are highly sought after due to their rich, earthy flavor with hints of apricot, their meaty texture, and their versatility in culinary applications. They are also prized for their rarity, as they are difficult to cultivate and primarily grow wild in forests.

Best Way to Cook:

1. Sautéing: Chanterelles are best cooked simply to highlight their flavor. Sauté them in butter or olive oil with garlic and shallots, optionally finishing with a splash of white wine or cream.
2. Pairing: They complement dishes with pasta, risotto, eggs (like in omelets), or as a topping for toast.

Nutritional Value:

Chanterelles are low in calories and rich in nutrients:
• High in vitamins like D and B-complex (e.g., B2 and B3).
• Contains minerals such as potassium and copper.
• Offers dietary fiber and antioxidants.

Their combination of flavor and nutritional benefits makes them a favorite among chefs and foragers .

Nov 5

Election day is kind of like Christmas for the news media. Likely one of their biggest money makers of the year. So much time glued to our screen, watching what’s happening in some district in Georgia.
And lots of ads to consume.
It’s my birthday tomorrow, so Rainya and I are headed to remote Hot Springs for a couple of days. No signal.
We’re going to have a little Medicine and deeply connect with the natural world and remember that there is so much beauty out there, all around us, despite what corporate media would like us to believe.
Sometimes I really enjoy the Internet, for instance, watching and listening to incredible music and seeing what my friends are doing on Facebook.
Other times, I don’t wanna be mesmerized by the screen, rather by the forest and hopefully some mushrooms!
Love to all creatures.

Christopher

Sep 9

One of my all-time favorite herbs.
It’s wonderful to have as an oil in your medicine chest and in your backpack. Apply externally for spray strains other trauma that doesn’t involve blood or broken skin.
Arnica has traditionally been used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, primarily in herbal medicine. It has been applied topically to treat bruises, sprains, and muscle soreness,
as well as to promote healing after injuries. Additionally, arnica is often used in homeopathic remedies to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. However, it is important to note that arnica should not be ingested in its raw form due to its toxic components.

When it comes to harvesting, only take one or two flowers from each plant or at least a small number from a large number on the plant and never dig up the whole plant. Patches we have harvested for years are still going strong in fact have multiplied.

Apr 23

Here’s a summary of the chemistry, pharmacology, and historical uses of plants in the genus Aristolochia, including information on Aristolochia californica:

Chemistry

Plants in the genus Aristolochia are best known for the presence of aristolochic acids (AAs). These are nitrophenanthrene carboxylic acids that have been linked to severe health consequences.
Other chemical constituents vary across Aristolochia species and might include alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
Pharmacology

Toxicity: The primary pharmacological concern for Aristolochia is the potent nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and carcinogenicity (cancer-causing potential) of aristolochic acids. Exposure to AAs can lead to a condition called Aristolochic Acid Nephropathy (AAN) and urothelial cancers.
Traditional Uses: Despite the risks, some *Aristolochia *species have been used in traditional medicine systems worldwide for various purposes:
Wound healing
Snakebite treatment
Pain relief
Anti-inflammatory effects
Stimulation of childbirth
Important Note: Due to the severe health risks associated with aristolochic acids, the medicinal use of Aristolochia is strongly discouraged.

Aristolochia californica (California Pipevine)

A. californica also contains aristolochic acids, making it potentially toxic.
It was traditionally used by some Native American tribes for medicinal purposes.
Its most notable ecological role is serving as the primary host plant for the beautiful Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly.

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