In this video, we meet Birch Polypore (Fomitopsis betulina) — a powerful winter medicinal mushroom with a long history of human use, from Ötzi the Iceman to contemporary herbal and mycological practice.
Framed by the January New Moon in Capricorn, we explore birch polypore as a medicine of resilience, endurance, and quiet support during the deep winter months.
✨ In this video we explore:
• What birch polypore is and where it grows
• Its historical use, including Ötzi the Iceman
• Medicinal properties: immune modulation, antiseptic, styptic, anti-inflammatory
• Key constituents such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, triterpenes, and sterols
• Its relationship with birch trees and winter medicine
• How medicinal mushrooms support long-term health rather than quick fixes
🍲 You’ll also see:
- How to make a broad-spectrum birch polypore extract
- An immune-supporting soup, inspired by Lucinda Warner https://whisperingearth.co.uk
- And the Herbalists Without Borders mushroom calendar https://bristolhwb.org/calendar/ (their beautiful 2026 calendar is all about mushrooms and you support their fantastic work, if you buy one!)

This video accompanies a Substack article, where you will find all the info and more and the recipes written out.
📖 Read the full article on Substack: 👉 https://substack.com/@mothermouthmedicine/note/p-184851935?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=orzi2
If you enjoyed this, please consider subscribing — both here on YouTube and on Substack — to receive seasonal herbal teachings, plant and fungal monographs, and practical medicine-making rooted in tradition and lived experience.
🌑🍄 With fungi fever xsteph

#BirchPolypore #MedicinalMushrooms #NewMoon #CapricornNewMoon #WinterMedicine #Herbalism #Mycology #FungalMedicine #Mothermouth











