Birch Polypore Tincture

Birch Polypore (Fomitopsis betulina) is a medicinal mushroom found growing almost exclusively on birch trees throughout North America and Europe. It has a rich history of traditional use spanning thousands of years and is perhaps most famously known for being discovered among the belongings of Ötzi the Iceman, suggesting it was valued as a medicinal resource over 5,000 years ago.

Today, Birch Polypore continues to be appreciated for its naturally occurring beta-glucans, triterpenes, phenolic compounds, and other beneficial constituents. Modern research is exploring its antioxidant, immune-supportive, antimicrobial, and digestive-supporting properties.

Our Birch Polypore is responsibly wildcrafted and prepared using a traditional double-extraction process. This method combines both alcohol and hot water extraction to capture a broad spectrum of the mushroom's beneficial compounds for a full-spectrum tincture.

🍄 Birch Polypore grows almost exclusively on birch trees, making it one of the easiest medicinal mushrooms to identify by its host tree.

🧊 The famous Ötzi the Iceman, a naturally preserved mummy over 5,000 years old, was found carrying Birch Polypore, leading researchers to believe it was intentionally valued for medicinal purposes.

✂️ Before modern leather strops, the tough flesh of Birch Polypore was commonly used to sharpen and polish razor blades—earning it the nickname "Razor Strop Fungus."

🌳 Birch Polypore acts as a natural decomposer, helping recycle nutrients back into forest ecosystems after birch trees decline.

• 🌎 It is found throughout North America, Europe, and parts of Asia wherever birch forests thrive.

For centuries, Birch Polypore has been used in European folk medicine and traditional herbal practices to:

• Support healthy immune function
• Promote digestive wellness
• Encourage normal microbial balance
• Support the body's natural cleansing processes
• Help maintain overall vitality during seasonal challenges
• Historically, slices of the mushroom were also applied externally to help keep wounds clean and dry.

Take 1–2 droppers (approximately 1–2 mL) once or twice daily, or as directed by your qualified healthcare practitioner. May be taken directly under the tongue or mixed into water, tea, or juice.

Birch Polypore naturally contains a variety of beneficial compounds, including:

• Beta-glucans – Polysaccharides that help support a healthy, balanced immune response.
• Triterpenes – Naturally occurring compounds being studied for their antioxidant and wellness-supporting properties.
• Betulin - A natural triterpene abundant in the white outer bark of birch trees.
  Potential benefits being studied:
  Supports healthy inflammatory response,
  potent antioxidant, may support skin repair and wound healing, shows antimicrobial activity against some bacteria and fungi, may support liver health in animal studies.

Betulinic Acid – Compounds obtained from the birch tree that are concentrated within the mushroom.
Betulin is converted by the body (or chemically) into betulinic acid, which has been studied even more extensively.

Research suggests it may have:

Immune-supportive properties
Anti-inflammatory effects
Antioxidant activity
Antiviral activity (including laboratory studies against several viruses)
Antibacterial and antifungal properties, potential anticancer activity in laboratory and animal studies

• Phenolic Compounds – Plant-derived antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress.
• Ergosterol – A naturally occurring fungal sterol that serves as a precursor to vitamin D₂.

Birch Polypore naturally contains triterpenes, including betulin and betulinic acid, compounds that have been studied for their antioxidant, immune-supportive, and healthy inflammatory response properties. While laboratory research is promising, more human studies are needed to fully understand their therapeutic potential.

Birch Polypore may be a wonderful choice for those looking to support overall wellness with a traditional medicinal mushroom. It has been used for centuries by herbalists to promote healthy immune function, digestive wellness, and the body's natural defenses against everyday environmental stressors.

This tincture may be especially appreciated by individuals seeking:

• Daily immune support
• Digestive and gut wellness
• Antioxidant support
• A traditional wildcrafted medicinal mushroom for overall vitality

As with any herbal supplement, consult your healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or take prescription medications.

While human clinical trials on Birch Polypore are still lacking, laboratory and preclinical research has identified several promising biological activities that continue to be investigated.

Immune Support

Birch Polypore contains naturally occurring beta-glucans, polysaccharides known to interact with immune cells and support a healthy, balanced immune response. Laboratory studies have also demonstrated immune-modulating activity in cultured human immune cells.

Antioxidant Activity

Researchers have identified phenolic compounds, triterpenes, and other antioxidants within Birch Polypore that may help protect cells from oxidative stress.

Antimicrobial Properties

Laboratory studies have demonstrated antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic activity of Birch Polypore extracts, supporting many of its traditional historical uses. More research is needed to determine how these findings translate to human health.

Ongoing Research

Scientists are actively studying Birch Polypore for its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anticancer potential. Most of this work has been conducted in cell cultures or laboratory models, and human clinical trials are still needed before conclusions can be made about its effectiveness in treating disease.

Research Spotlight

Fomitopsis betulina (formerly Piptoporus betulinus)—The Iceman's Polypore Fungus with Modern Biotechnological Potential

This scientific review summarizes decades of research on Birch Polypore, including its traditional use and the naturally occurring compounds that have demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, immune-supportive, and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory studies. The authors also emphasize that additional human clinical research is needed.

View the publication →https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5380686/

Wildcrafted Birch Polypore (Fomitopsis betulina) fruiting body from the Maine North Woods.

Organic cane alcohol

Distilled water

• Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, nursing, have an autoimmune condition, or are taking prescription medications.
• Individuals taking immunosuppressant medications should speak with their healthcare provider before using medicinal mushrooms.
• Discontinue use if you experience an allergic reaction or unexpected sensitivity.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

As with all herbal products, consistency and a healthy lifestyle are important components of supporting overall wellness.