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Mythical Mushrooms & Dark Magic Reishi Tuffles

18 Thursday Jul 2013

Posted by Asia in Wild Foods, Wildcrafting & Collecting

≈ 27 Comments

Tags

appalachia, cacao, chocolate, Gandoderma, herbal medicine, medicinal recipes, mushroom hunting, mushrooms, rain, rainy days, recipe, reishi, storms, truffles, wildcrafting

It’s summer in Appalachia and there is endless rain. Some days it has poured from grey dawn to greyer twilight, the sound of it like trees harshly arguing. It’s become a rhythm: the rain, the rain. Last week, it reached a pitch. The soil was saturated; every step raised small lakes of footprints. Low fields became like shallow ponds, their basins filling with mud from the river and the tiny eggs of tadpoles. Up north, whole bridges washed away. Times like these I wonder if the earth itself doesn’t experience that same sharp catharsis we call crying. The moment when something inside finally tears, and there is nothing to do but allow the fresh gift of deep weeping.poppy in rain

Rain is a part of these mountains, as ancient as the softened curves of its stones. It is a harbinger—sometimes soft, sometimes thunderous— of the dying and the born. Old trees topple with sodden roots to the forest floor. The waterfalls carry boughs away. Plants grow heavy, yet ravenous. Moss and mold cover all unmoving things. Deeper still, in the rotted logs of the woods, death is transformed, stunningly and sudden, into life. This is the time for mushrooms.

Ganoderma tsugae

Ganoderma tsugae

Mushrooms have always held a great and murky magic in my mind. They are mysterious. Neither plant, nor animal, nor mineral, mushrooms occupy a space of being that is hard to communicate…let alone conceive. Like us, mushrooms breathe. They take in the same oxygen we so unconsciously praise, and exhale the same spent carbon dioxide. Many people lump mushrooms in with the plant kingdom but mushrooms are actually as different from those chlorophyll-loving beings as we are from a blade of grass.

The shrooms that we see growing from soft logs and standing trees, are actually the wisely-timed blooms of a much larger, hidden network of vegetation called mycelium— colonies of branching beings that extend underneath the soil of our entire world.

Mycelium breaks down massive amounts of organic material, turning winters leaves into the rich humus of a forest floor. Without mycelium, life on our planet, and the great relief of dying, would be irrevocably altered. Mycelium is not only an organism (and some say the largest organism on earth) it also functions as a vast network of interaction. Some scientists believe that trees and other plants are able, not only to communicate, but also send vital nutrients to each other through the infinite strings of this mysterious web. Mycelium is so adept as breaking down organic compounds, many think they might be the first to adapt to the new chemicals of our world, transmuting radiation and pollutants into something more benign.

Richard Giblett - Mycelium Rhizome

Richard Giblett – Mycelium Rhizome

Mushrooms, often as ephemeral as an orchid in the rich cove of spring, are rare heralds in our world. They remind that we are all connected, in vast and unfathomable ways. That our lives, singular and unique, are but a single bloom enriching the whole. They lay bare the pungent, primal fact of existence: that the release of one form ignites another. From death and decay, the darkened sway of one life extinguished, Double layered reishinew life arises and is born. They show, exquisitely, how all are really one in the same. Here in Appalachia, the birth story of reishi begins with the death of the Eastern Hemlock.

Our abundant local species of reishi is Ganoderma tsugae, named for the scientific genus of the tree on which they flourish. Eastern hemlocks (Tsugae candensis) used to dominate large swaths of southern Appalachia. Today, almost all of these great hemlocks are falling. The wooly adelgid, an invasive East Asian insect, has single-handedly brought down an entire population. As the hemlocks falls, the reishis boom.

In these mountains, reishi is sought after, searched for and prized like gold. Every season I try to dry enough to get me through the long winter. I like to decoct reishi for an everyday immune tonic tea, and add it liberally to my soup stocks and broths. For many people, finding a good patch of reishi in the woods is tantamount to being blessed inexplicably by a fabulous, life-affirming dream. You feel unshakably on the right path.Reishi on log

The Asian species of Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is called “Ling zhi,” which translates as “spirit plant” or the “immortality mushroom.” In traditional Chinese medicine, this rare wild mushroom was reserved for the emperor and his court. Reishi was cherished for its ability to nourish the heart and safeguard shen (the Chinese word for the concept of a person’s mind/consciousness and emotional balance). Chinese reishi is considered an adaptogen, cardiotonic, immunomodulator and gentle nervine tonic.

There has recently been a crisis of confidence in the world of Southeastern herbal medicine. Some herbalists in the region have become so convinced that our local species of mushroom is inferior to the imperial G. lucidum as to declare it useless. To that, I say, “phooey!” I live in Appalachia and I believe, fixedly and with all my heart, that the medicine you need is always growing around (and within) you. When I collect our local reishi, I feel its medicine radiate through the very air we both breath. The experience is sensory, incandescence, pungent with a humid and fragrant fate. I believe in the medicine of this reishi.reishi above rushRecently I went for a solo hike at a beautiful high elevation trail. I was hoping to skip between the breaking bouts of torrential rains to find a hint of this illustrious mushroom. I hiked down the slippery mud-laden path through the fog to a spot rumored to be rich with early summer buds. Finally, after two hours, I dropped down into a forest of old hemlocks, and slowed my pace. For a while, I only spotted last year’s reishi, far off the trail and up high on the dead standing trees. I passed several streams, swollen with water. I saw no one. And then, in the soft distance, I heard the rush of a much madder flow. A waterfall, or a new river, pushed from the stones by our recent deluges of rain. As the sound grew, and I neared closer…I suddenly knew: in the middle of the torrent there would be a soaked log laden with reishi. Without question, without expectation, without pomp, I opened into the white water clearing, and there it was. If you listen long and hard enough, you can always hear medicine speaking.

four reishiI couldn’t help it. I threw caution to the wind (and my shoes in a nearby tangle of roots) and climbed up onto the precariously perched log. It was slippery, bogged with water and furred with moss. The fresh sweet buds of reishi and the illustrious varnish of their mature orange fans cascaded down its long body. I angled myself with my camera, careful not to let an elbow slip lest I tumbled myself into the falling mass of white water. Underneath me the wood radiated the fragrant, mineral breath of loose earth. I lingered for a long time, exploring life at the edge of such a deluge, listening. When the reishi gave its soft nod, I harvested. I cut a few creamy nibs off the fleshy buds, to be slow cooked later in warm butter and a cast iron pan, and took precisely four mushroom blooms. On the hike back the sky grew ponderous, unhinged and finally poured. I sloughed through the rain in a wide poncho, singing to myself as I climbed the trail, already dreaming of the enchanted reishi concoctions to come…

dark magic truffles

Dark Magic Reishi Maple Truffles

I crafted these bittersweet delights on a dangerously stormy afternoon. The soft music of the kitchen was swallowed by the drum of the rain and the thunder shook the whole house. Lightening drew close and gave an electric spark of energy to these dark magic creations.

This recipe is a decadent way to incorporate reishi medicine into your life. The combination of the cacao with a luscious dash of dark maple syrup, makes for some seriously addictive incantations. Night owls be warned. These chocolates have kept me up into the wee hours of the morning. On their own, neither reishi nor cacao have ever been able to keep me from sleep, but there is something in the synergy of these truffles that had me (and my roommate) twiddling our thumbs and daydreaming until dawn. Eat one before a rich evening of conversation, live music by firelight, or studying in your library.

reishi balls lined upIngredients:

1 cup dried chopped Reishi (if you are using powder I would reduce the amount to ¼ cup)
3 cups Water
1/3 cup Maple Syrup (depending on your sweet tooth)
1/3 cup Cacao butter (melted) – you can also substitute coconut oil
1 cup Pecans ground (or nut of choice)
½ cup Coconut flakes
½ cup Cacao powder
Optional: Maca powder, to taste

[Makes approximately 20 heaping teaspoon-sized truffles)

reishi in teacup far

Directions:

The medicinal constituents of reishi are most soluble in water. To encapsulate the medicine of these mushrooms, this recipe involves the finesse of creating a truly delicious bitter syrup. To start, combine your dried reishi and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and cover. Simmer until the water content is reduced to 1/3 cup (The water line will be just covering the reishi. You can press the decocted reishi through a cheesecloth or potato masher to get out every last drop of bitter mushroom goodness. Save the spent reishi in the fridge and add to your next tea for a gentle taste of mushroom).

Pour your concentrated reishi decoction back into your empty saucepan and combine with maple syrup. Gently heat (uncovered) until you have reduced your syrup in half.

reishi in teacup super close

Dried reishi

Pour your reduced reishi syrup into a separate bowl. Taste to determine strength (Ideally you would have a perfect balance between reishi’s bitter medicinal and the mellow sweetness of the maple). Reserve a spoonful of syrup to drizzle over the finished truffles if you so desire.

Cacao butter ready to be melted

Cacao butter ready to be melted

Melt cacao butter over low heat and then combine with your reishi syrup to make a small pot of pure manna.

In a separate bowl combine ground pecans (or nuts of choice), coconut flakes and cacao powder until well mixed. (Add your optional maca or other super food powders)

Cacao powder

Cacao powder

Measured pecans

Measured pecans

Slowly pour the liquid cacao butter and reishi syrup into your combined dry mixture. Stir well. If it still feels runny, add an extra dash of coconut flakes or nuts. It should be warm, supple consistency.

Put your finished mixture in the fridge for at least an hour. Remove when it is solid enough to roll into teaspoon-sized balls. Finished your truffles with a variety of creative toppings. You could try toasted sesame seeds, candied ginger and cayenne, or ground pistachios and sea salt. Drizzle with your reserved reishi syrup and serve on any rainy day.

reishi balls in a rowreishi collection on ottoman

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Surprise! The Easter Bunny Came!

08 Sunday Apr 2012

Posted by Asia in Crafting, Domestic Bliss, Inspirations

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Tags

basket, candy, chocolate, easter, easter basket, easter bunny, lantern, lollipops, passover, rabbit, spring, wish

Okay, so it was me. I couldn’t help it! I suprised my roommate and his friend this morning with an impromptu Easter Basket.

Chocolate, flowers, honey and lollipops. What more could you really want? Oh…and a wish lantern! Apparently you light a small flame inside this lovely paper creation and it will slowly rise to the sky. This evening we’re planning on pouring ourselves into the night with a bottle of wine, setting this delicate little globe alight, and watching as it billows up, up, and away with all of our new spring wishes…

The inspiration for this basket began with one little clay egg. It was perfect…. and isn’t that always how good ideas seem to sprout? With a tiny, delicate and perfect blueprint.

Happy Easter/Passover/Spring Everyone!

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Herbal Aphrodisiacs

09 Thursday Feb 2012

Posted by Asia in Domestic Bliss, Earth Medicine

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

aphrodisiacs, aphrodite, chocolate, damiana, herbal medicine, herbs, love, maca, recipe, romance, sex, shatavari, valentine's day

In sensuous honor of the upcoming holiday, I thought I’d reblog an article I wrote for the most recent issue of A Green Beauty. I hope you enjoy…

Throughout history, people have gone to great lengths to cultivate and consume herbal aphrodisiacs. Some aphrodisiacs, like cacao, have become objects of such mass obsession that entire world trades exist solely to appease our cravings. Nowadays, there is no end to the herbal capsules, supplements, and smoking blends that promise the ultimate erotic experience. Herbal aphrodisiacs, however, work in far more mysterious ways.

How do herbal aphrodisiacs work? The answer is: in many different ways. Some herbs are known for their ability to excite sexual arousal by directly increasing blood flow to your sweet spots or by enhancing general bodily juiciness and stamina. These herbs, like horny goat weed for example, have a more immediately physical effect. Other herbs, which are usually taken tonically, affect the imbiber on a deeper, more emotional level. Herbs like Kava relieve anxiety and quiet the mind, helping your body to cast aside stress and ease freely into intimacy. Once you delve into the delicious world of herbal aphrodisiacs you will find that you quickly develop preferences. What are the herbs that have most entranced me? Read on, and be seduced by some of my all-time favorite aphrodisiacs…

Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

Damiana is an ancient and ambrosial herb. Cherished by the Mayans as a sexual sacrament, the leaves of this plant were traditionally smoked or drank as a tea immediately before lovemaking. Damiana stimulates circulation to the genitals, bringing a rush of warmth and juiciness that enhances sensitivity, as well as the experience of orgasm. Damiana works as an antidepressant, anxiolytic (antianxiety agent), and muscle relaxant and has been shown to help one soften into amour. This delicious herb is also a hormone balancer and can be used to soothe irregular menstrual cycles and the symptoms of menopause. Take tonically everyday or on any libidinous whim. Be aware, however, of what may come— Damiana has been known to produce mild euphoria and can even bring on especially erotic dreams…

Drink a cup of tea daily, or just prior to lovemaking. The recommended dosage is 5-8 grams. If you smoke, add a pinch to your pipe and get lost in the voluptuous haze

Shatavari                   (Asparagus racemosus)

In Sanskrit Shatavari translates as, “she who possesses a hundred husbands.” A gentle medicine, Shatavari can imbue a woman’s body with legendary and erotic strength. This sweet and highly nutritious root has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 5,000 years as a rejuvenative for the female reproductive system. Shatavari nourishes the entire body. It encourages energy, vitality, peace of mind and a deepening of love and compassion. Shatavari has been used extensively to relieve the symptoms of PMS, menopause, pregnancy and to increase fertility. It has a soothing and overall moistening effect— this root will get your proverbial juices flowing. Despite its status as the premier Ayurvedic herb for women, Shatavari can promote sexual desire in both sexes.

This is a tonic herb. Start with a 1 tsp of powder in a cup of tea or milk (or bowl of oatmeal) every day and observe how your sex life blossoms into a hundred incarnations…

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca is food medicine. Cultivated for over 2,000 years in Peru this nutritious root is a fertility enhancer and generous aphrodisiac. Maca builds up sexual desire as one might slowly coax the embers of a fire.  This root was so revered by the Inca that its use was restricted to royalty. Eaten liberally Maca will enhance libido, energy, strength, and stamina, making for a powerful and prolonged night of passion.  Maca also helps with anxiety, memory loss, arthritis, and general bone health. This delicate and sweet root is an excellent ingredient herb. Add it to cereal, smoothies, or your next baking endeavor.

Word of warning: Some sources recommended that it is best to buy Maca in a gelatinized powder/capsule because the raw root can be difficult to digest. In my experience, Maca is fine to eat raw, just keep your portions small. I recommend ½-1 tsp per day. Use your discretion and, as always, have fun.

bliss ballsLooking for a mouthwatering way to experiment with herbal aphrodisiacs this Valentine’s Day? Think about making some sensuous Bliss Balls and roll all your favorite aphrodisiacs into one delicious package…

 Bliss Balls Recipe

Let the creation of these bliss balls be an exercise in sensuality. Take your time. Lavish yourself. Put on an outfit that makes you feel beautiful, or perhaps decide to wear nothing at all. Listen to music that makes you want to move. Taste as you go. Share the experience with a friend, a lover or your most intimate self.

Ingredients

-2 cups cacao powder

– 1 ½ cups raw cacao beans, finely ground

-1 ½ cups raw cashew nuts

– 9-12 tsp maca powder

-7-10 tbs aphrodisiac herbs of your choice

-3 tsp cinnamon powder

-1 tsp ginger powder

-1/2 tsp cayenne

-1/2 tsp salt

Mix all dry ingredients until well blended.

In a separate bowl mix:

-75 ml cacao butter

-100 ml extra virgin coconut oil

-200 ml honey

-1 tsp pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean powder

Add wet ingredients to dry. Combine with your hands. Pinch about a tablespoon in your palms and shape into balls. Finish by rolling them in coconut flakes, powdered sugar, cinnamon, or ground nuts. This recipe will make approximately 50 balls. Keep extra in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Eat one or two balls ½ an hour to an hour before lovemaking. Hold the balls in your mouth to speed the effects. Enjoy.

Other Herbal Aphrodisiacs to Try: ashwaghanda, gaurana, rhodiola, suma, muira puama, horny goat weed, catuaba, rose petal

Recipe adapted from this lovely website

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Defined

[wool-gath-er-ing] v.
daydreaming, the gathering of thoughts and dreams as one might collect fallen tufts of wool

[wild-craft-ing] v.
the harvesting of herb, root, flower or inspiration from the wilds

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