1 minute read
When a forager is your friend
By Lori Matthews
Nurture the Soul with Nature is an education column that encourages reconnecting with nature to nurture the soul with:
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•Natural plant and mushroom medicines
•The observation of the natural processes of the earth, moon, and sun
•The observation of our local flora and fauna (plants and animals) honor and concern for our local water supply
•Following the honorable harvest in our food and medicine foraging
As a wild food and medicine forager, peace and comfort for my soul comes from spending time in nature with little to no human contact. I often just walk and observe. When I see a plant or mushroom that I don’t recognize, I like to sit with it, take some photos, and then learn about it. I will mark the spot in my mind so that I can return to it.
I spend as much time as I can in the woods, walking in fields, swampy areas, and near the water. I have been fortunate enough to document and learn hundreds of plants, mushrooms, and trees over my lifetime. I have some favorites for sure and one of those are Turkey Tail Mushrooms (trametes veriscolor). These small but beautiful mushrooms have some proven medicinal qualities. With over 35 different phenols, including quercetin and baicalein and flavonoids, these mushrooms are full of antioxidants. These mushrooms help boost your immune system and may help in fighting cancer. Especially when used with traditional medical treatment. Turkey tail mushrooms contain prebiotics for improving your gut health. They may suppress bad gut bacteria and help feed good gut bacteria.
Yesterday, a fellow forager came to my shop with a bag full of fresh Turkey
Tail mushrooms. I had been talking to him about my current health condition and he had asked me if I was using Turkey Tails. I had related to him that in my recent move, I had to eliminate some things and didn’t have any Turkey Tails or their extract in my stock. He very graciously went to his family woods and harvested these beautiful living organisms for my use and benefit. What a friend.
I would take this gift over money or commercials products in every situation. This was a gift from his heart to mine and each time I consume the extract that I am making, I will think of him and offer my gratitude.
