Auriculariae Fructus
Aliases：Mu Er, Guang Mu Er, Yun Er, Hei Cai, Sang Er
Hei Mu Er (Black Fungus), a Chinese medicinal, is the fruiting body of Auricularia auricula (L. ex Hook.) Underw., a fungus of the Auriculariaceae family. It is both medicinal and edible (homology of medicine and food).
Efficacy & Actions
Cool the blood and stop bleeding, moisten the lung and nourish the stomach, activate blood and tonify blood.
Indications
Bloody dysentery, hemorrhoidal bleeding, flooding and spotting (metrorrhagia), consumptive cough, hematemesis, hematochezia, traumatic injury, hypertension, constipation, etc.
Modern Pharmacology
Anticoagulant and antithrombotic: Black fungus polysaccharides inhibit platelet aggregation and prolong clotting time, earning it the nickname “food aspirin”. Hypolipidemic and anti‑atherosclerotic: Lowers serum cholesterol and triglycerides, and prevents atherosclerosis. Hypoglycemic: Black fungus polysaccharides improve insulin resistance and help lower blood glucose. Immunomodulatory (enhances immunity): Promotes the phagocytic function of macrophages and boosts immune function. Antioxidant and anti‑aging: Scavenges free radicals and delays aging. Antitumor: Inhibits certain tumor cells. Cardiovascular protection: Dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Laxative (moistens intestines and promotes defecation): Rich in dietary fiber, promotes intestinal peristalsis.
Ingredients
Polysaccharides: Black fungus polysaccharides (main active components), including β‑glucan, acidic heteropolysaccharides, etc. Amino acids: Contains over 17 types of amino acids, including essential amino acids such as lysine, leucine, etc. Protein: Approximately 10%. Minerals: Rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, etc., with a notably high iron content (approx. 185 mg/100 g). Vitamins: Vitamin B₁, B₂, C, D, etc. Others: Dietary fiber, melanin, sterols, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 9–30 g (dried) in decoction; or ground into powder; or cooked as food. Fresh fungus can be used as a culinary ingredient. External use: Appropriate amount, baked dry, ground into powder, and applied as a paste.
Contraindications
Contraindicated populations: Use with caution in cases of loose stools and diarrhea; those with bleeding tendency, before/after surgery, or with heavy menstrual flow should not consume large amounts. Drug interactions: Should not be taken together with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, aspirin), as this may increase the risk of bleeding. Dietary precautions: Fresh black fungus contains photosensitive substances (porphyrins). Eating it raw may cause phytophotodermatitis (sunlight‑induced dermatitis), so it should not be eaten raw. Dried black fungus is safe after sun‑drying. Adverse reactions: Safe at conventional doses. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Selected Formulas
1. For hematemesis, hematochezia, hemorrhoidal bleeding, or flooding and spotting (metrorrhagia) Take 15–30 g of dried black fungus, soak in warm water, wash, then boil with water until tender. Add an appropriate amount of white sugar and take orally. 2. For flooding and spotting with blood stasis Take 60 g of black fungus, stir‑fry until smoking (charred black), then add 10 g of Crinis Carbonisatus (Xueyutan, human hair charcoal). Grind both into a fine powder. Take 6–10 g each time with warm boiled water or light vinegar. 3. For hypertensive retinopathy (fundal bleeding due to high blood pressure) Take 30 g of black fungus, 20 red dates (jujube), 100 g of rice, and 150 g of rock sugar. Cook together to make congee. 4. For anemia and debility in women Take 25 g of black fungus, 15 g of longan aril (Longan肉), 15 red dates, and an appropriate amount of rock sugar. Simmer over low heat until tender, then take. 5. For calming the spirit, lowering blood pressure, reducing platelet aggregation, and preventing thrombosis Take 250 g of rehydrated black fungus, 100 g of rehydrated kelp (Laminaria), and 1 clove of garlic. Add appropriate seasonings and eat as a cold salad or stir‑fry. 6. For reducing blood clotting, preventing thrombosis, anti‑aging, and preventing cancer Take one pig front trotter (about 500 g) and 25 g of rehydrated black fungus. Add appropriate seasonings and stew until tender, then eat.
Daily Consumption
1. Black Fungus and Red Date Soup Ingredients: 15 g dried black fungus, 10 red dates (jujube), rock sugar to taste. Preparation: Stew all ingredients together into a soup. Action: Used for anemia and blood deficiency. 2. Scrambled Eggs with Black Fungus Ingredients: Rehydrated black fungus, 2–3 eggs. Preparation: Stir‑fry the rehydrated black fungus together with beaten eggs. Action: Moistens the lung and nourishes the stomach; provides nutritional supplementation. 3. Black Fungus and Lean Pork Soup Ingredients: 15 g dried black fungus, 100 g lean pork. Preparation: Stew together for 1 hour. Action: Used for hemorrhoidal bleeding and constipation due to blood deficiency. 4. Cold Black Fungus Salad Ingredients: Rehydrated black fungus, minced garlic, vinegar, sesame oil to taste. Preparation: Blanch the rehydrated black fungus, then mix with minced garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil. Action: Stimulates appetite and aids digestion; lowers blood lipids and blood pressure.
Medicinal Parts
fruiting body
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from mold and insects. Once rehydrated, black fungus (wood ear mushroom) should be consumed as soon as possible and not stored for a prolonged period.