GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS
OF MEDICINE
This guide will aid in recognition of a Birch tree
garden ecosystem of medicine which facilitates
Polypore, Chaga and Amanita.
Jazmin C.M.J. Romaniuk
Maiingan Ahnungkwe
Part One: Nimishomiss
Wigwass Grandfather Birch
Part One: Garden Ecosystems of Medicine
Romaniuk 1
Personal Declaration
Herein, this is original work. I have credited those where due. I am Anicinabekwe, I study science
and I practice my connection with the plants. This work is a new returning to our teachings.
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Table of Contents
I
Preface
3
II
Birch
5
III
Polypore
11
IV
Chaga
15
V
Amanita
18
VI
Conclusion
23
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Preface
Anishnabeg see the land as a living, breathing organism unto its own, and each being of the
land is as integral to the survival of the whole as every other being, known as Gidakiiminaan, our
connection and relation to the land. The waters are our blood, the trees and the wind are our lungs
and plants and animals are our bodies. It is known that we, the Anishnabeg, will return to the earth
and feed those individuals who have fed and nurtured our lives. This is the agreement of life, and
this is part of mino bimaadziwin, the good life.
If we focus more on economics rather than on our place within ecosystems, we lose humility
and respect for the Earth that supports us. The most well-known example of our collective
forgetfulness is of our most sacred teacher, Nimishomiss Ahsayma, Grandfather Tobacco. Tobacco
has been altered and manipulated in order to be used recreationally. Recreational tobacco use has
become industry and therefore tobacco commercialisation has taken respect away from the
sacrament. The removal of ceremony from this teacher ends in killing thousands of people each
year, leaving us with an unfortunate example of the power of Ahsayma.
Each being of the land is reliant upon the health and well-being of others within an
ecosystem. The individual ecosystems of plants create and gain nourishment within the ecosystem
they have collectively constructed, which is referred to as a garden herein. This work is presented to
teach individuals how to recognize the specific garden ecosystem of Nimishomiss Wigwass,
Grandfather Birch. This plant, as well as itself having analgesic properties, houses powerful
medicines known to the Anishnabeg and peoples across the world: Polypore fungus, Chaga, and
Miskwedo. The following chapters intend to teach the amateur or expert botanist to recognize the
unique garden of Nimishomiss Wigwass.
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This guide combines both traditional and western biological terms to examine the medicines
of four organisms, beginning with Nimishomiss Wigwass, Birch, and following with the organisms
from the highest to the lowest point of the tree. The names, distribution, botanical description, main
active compounds, as well as known medicinal uses are explained. The close of each chapter
includes recommended foraging and preparation methodologies with each associated organism.
Illustrated in the final chapter is how this garden ecosystem of medicine is both physically and
chemically interconnected. The discussion contains the comparisons of chemical constituents of
each organism, which allows the reader to see a perspective of a microcosm of medicine.
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Birch: Host of a system of fungal medicine
Fungi living parasitically with the medicinal birch tree, produce bioactive constituents that
have been rendered and used medicinally for thousands of years across the world. The subject of the
nature of the medicinal fungi growing from a detritus birch and other trees has given science
valuable data regarding the continued research and contemporary use of the medicinal fungi in
modern medicine. This medicinal information included in review focusses on the Betula sp. and three
members of the taxonomic class Agaricomycetes.
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CHAPTER I: Nimishomiss Wigwass, Betula papyfera Marsh.
Nimishomiss wigwass grow in communities, or stands, that the following illustrates as being a
garden unto itself. We use the word “Nimishomiss,” grandfather, to show respect for our traditions
and medicine when referring to the birch tree. The garden of Nimishomiss holds the medicinal
organisms that rely on the life of the tree to form their unique characteristics. Below is an
Anishnabeg legend of the origin of Nimishomiss.
Long ago and not far away, a boy was born into a nice family. Before he could walk, a ceremony was
held in his honor, a naming ceremony. He was given the name Wigwass. Wigwass was given many gifts
from the creator. One of those gifts was to help others in a good way. He not only helped his father
hunt and fish, he also helped his mother pick wild berries and tend the garden. He helped the elderly
not only in his village, but in other villages. He would help make canoes and houses.
One day when he became a young man he had to go to battle. In this battle he lost his life. His brothers
brought his body home and buried him, after they held a farewell ceremony. He was buried in pure
white buckskin on a hill just beyond his village. The following spring his people noticed that a little
tree began to grow at the site of his grave. As this tree grew tall a dream came to the father of Wigwass.
In this dream he was told that Wigwass was still able to help his people and the dream showed him
how.
In the springtime you can take the sweet sap from him and you can make syrup. You can peel the bark
off to fashion food containers for keeping food and eating. You can make canoes and you can use the
bark to make lodges. You can make boxes and baskets. From the strong wood you can make daabaagan,
sleighs and lodges. You can make fires, so the people can keep warm and cook food. So, even in his
death, Wigwassis still helping his people. [1]
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Common names Birch, Paper Birch, Canoe Birch, and White Birch
Distribution
Common throughout the Great
Lakes St. Lawrence and Boreal
forest region. Lives in moist,
open upland forests.
Considered a pioneer species,
readily coming up after a fire
[2].
Botanical description
(1) The flower [strobili] arrives
in late spring. Samaras (winged fruit bodies) complete in the late summer, as broad as or slightly
larger than the fruit body. (2) Leaf: Blade ovate, base rounded, venation of 9 or fewer pairs of lateral
veins. Margins coarsely to sharply serrate, covered with scattered small resinous glands (3) Stem:
Strong odor is absent, slightly to moderately pubescent, infrequently with scattered, small resinous
glands. (4) Young trunks have reddish bark, older trees have chalky white paper. Thin with peeling
bark, and a high oil content makes the matter waterproof. (5) Entire tree is 30m avg. Trunks often
single, at times two or more. Mature crowns are narrowly rounded [2].
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Main active constituents
Betula plants have long in been dispute over distinct species in their naming taxonomy Betula ssp.
vary in their morphological traits and their frequent hybridization [9]. Below is a list of some active
chemical constituents of the highest concentration of five Betula species [4].
Figure 2 Betula
Constituent
Methyl salicylate
Caryophyllene
α-betulenol acetate
Humulene
α-betulenol
β-betulenol
species main constituents [4] [9]
Activity
Fragrance, pain relief
Neuroprotective, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antialcoholism
Water impermeability, Antifungal
Scent of hops
Antifungal
Antifungal
Medicinal uses
Birch trees are cold tolerant and considered pioneer species, being one of the first to arise
after forest fires. This Genus inhabits many ecosystems across the world, making this plant a
convenient and highly available medicine for many cultures around the globe. Oils have been known
to be rendered and utilized for centuries across the world, and in seasonal forests, the benefit of cold
tolerant plants allows for medicine to be available all year long [4].
Ethnopharmacologically, Betula sp. have been found to be antifungal as well as
antimicrobial; however, this has been found to be variable depending on the active constituents in
each individual species of Betula [4]. The most prevalent ethnomedical use of this tree has been for
bone related ailments including arthritis, gout and rheumatism [6]. An infusion of the inner bark was
used in enemas, used to treat blood diseases, and a compound of the root bark was used as a
gastrointestinal aid [7].
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Harvesting and preparation methodologies
The author compiled and refined the following collection techniques. Important note on
harvesting and preparation: assure that you have sufficient research and/or are guided by a
practitioner knows any medicines in this writing herein. The harvesting and preparation techniques
below are samples from ethnographic accounts [per.com].
Harvest
Summer paper harvest:

At the end of June and July, the sap of the birch is flowing easily. To harvest the bark, for
either craft or medicine, hatchet the bark in a vertical line of the desired height.

Be sure to only cut to the depth of the bark, about ¼ cm.

Leave the tree for a short time, approximately an hour.

The tree releases the bark with ease making this method the safest for a living tree.
Accounts of use and preparation
Every part of the birch tree can be used for craft and as medicine. The bark is used for making
dishes, canoes, medicine pouches, writing paper, and liquid containers. Leaves and twigs of this tree
can be collected and used in medicinal teas and salves. One can learn the medicine best by drinking
an infusion of any part of this tree. Use approximately 1 tablespoon of cut birch bark into one cup
of boiling water. Use this ratio when exploring each part of the tree, either of root, leaf, twig or bark.
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References-Chapter I
[1] http://www.anishinaabemdaa.com/legend-2eng.htm
[2] Botanical description:
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500260
[3] Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 2(5), pp. 098-110, May, 2008 Available online at
http://www.academicjournals.org/JMPR ISSN 1996-0875© 2008 Academic Journals
[4] Journal Article 2000 0009-3130 Chemistry of Natural Compounds36210.1007/BF02236421 The
composition and antifungal bioassay of the essential oils of different Betula species growing in
Turkey, Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers2000-03-01
Betula species essential oil GC/MS antifungal activities Cephalosporium aphidicola Drechslera
sorokinianse Fusarium solani Phizoctonia cerealis Demirci, F.
Demirci, B.Baser, K.H.C.Guven, K.159-165English
[5] Rastogi, Subha. "Review: Medicinal plants of the genus Betula—Traditional uses and a
phytochemical–pharmacological review." Journal of ethnopharmacology 159(2015):62-83.
[6] Rastogi, S., Pandey, M. M., & Kumar Singh Rawat, A. (2015). Review: Medicinal plants of the
genus Betula—Traditional uses and a phytochemical–pharmacological review. Journal Of
Ethnopharmacology, 15962-83. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.11.010
[7] Plants used by the Great Lakes Ojibwa
[8] Mshvildadze, V., Legault, J., Lavoie, S., Gauthier, C., & Pichette, A. (2007). Anticancer
diarylheptanoid glycosides from the inner bark of Betula papyrifera. Phytochemistry, 682531-2536.
doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.05.018
[9] Atkinson, M. D. (1992). Betula pendula Roth (B. verrucosa Ehrh.) and B. pubescens. Journal Of
Ecology, 80(4), 837-870
Part One: Garden Ecosystems of Medicine
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CHAPTER II: Birch Polypore
Piptoporus betulinus (Bull. ex Fr.) P. Karst.
Figure 3 http://www.medicalmushrooms.net/piptoporus-betulinus/
Common names Polypore, birch bracket, razor strop [1].
Physical description
Formerly called Polyporus betulinus, Piptoporus betulinus fruiting bodies can be 3 to 25cm
width. Polypore can be hood or dome shaped, the pileus begins growth as a white edible mushroom,
aging to a brown shade and finally to grey in later stages. The hymenium, or pores underneath the
hood vary from angular to circular [6]. The flesh can be 1-5cm in thickness and is tough and corky.
P. betulinus specifically grows on decaying or dead birch trees; however, it can appear on nearby
trees, although this is not in its ideal habitat.
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Main active chemical constituents
Figure 4 Piptoporus betulinus [7] [8] [9]
Constituents
*Piptamine 1 (C₂₃H₄₁N)
*3-hepatanone
*1-octen-3-ol
*3-octanol
*limonene
Known activity
Antibiotic,
Antimicrobial
Tested for volatile
compounds
*3β-acetoxy-16 α hydroxyl-24-oxo 5α-lanota-8-ene-21-oic
acid
Antibacterial
6 Lanostane-type acids
*Polyporenic acid A
*Polyporenic acid C
*3 derivatives of polyporenic acid A
*(+)-12α,28-dihydroxy-3α-(3‘-hydroxy-3‘methylglutaryloxy)-24-methyllanosta-8,24(31)-dien-26-oic
acid
*(3a,12a,25s)-3-[(carboxyacetyl)oxy]-12-hydroxy-24methylene-Lanosta-8-en-26-oic acid
Anti-inflammatory,
suppresses induced
edema in mouse ears
Unknown
Medicinal uses
Medicinal uses of this fungus are widespread throughout the world. Since the mushrooms
need to synthesize antibacterial and antimicrobial medicines in order to survive in their natural
environments, peoples can utilize these compounds for a medicinal purposes. In European
ethnomedicine, polypore is used to treat cancer and stomach diseases [8]. In traditional Chinese
medicine, polypore has been used medicinally for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune
system enhancing effects [9].
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Harvesting and preparation methodologies
Harvesting: Polypore is known to come easily off of Birch trees. Choose polypore mushrooms that
have not been hardened by age as this makes preparation easier.
Preparation:
The following preparation method has been recommended by Willow Harvest Organics [10]:

8oz of dried mushroom material can make 4 litres of tonic

Place the measured material into a slow cooker or boiling pot. Allow to sit at a minimum
of 200 F.

Willow hardest suggests adding a meat brothe so the tonic can be multi-use.

Allow to simmer for 72 hours, adding water when below the 4 litre mark.

Note: Woodier mushrooms require a longer hot bath.

Pour liquid through a cheese cloth to strain and squeeze the remaining mushroom
material as well. The mushroom will take on a portion of water.

Suggestion: pour liquid into ice cube trays for convenient use. Melt one cube into food
twice daily

Recommended dosage of Piptoporus betulinus: Tea, tonic, or tincture. Dosage: Tea: 312 g. of mushroom in tea/day. Tonic: 1 cube twice daily. Tincture: 1 tsp. twice daily [10].
Part One: Garden Ecosystems of Medicine
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References-Chapter II
[1] https://insectamonarca.wordpress.com/category/polypore-birch-mushroom/
[2] http://www.first-nature.com/fungi/piptoporus-betulinus.php
[3] Grienke, U., Zöll, M., Peintner, U., & Rollinger, J. M. (2014). European medicinal polypores – A
modern view on traditional uses. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 154(3), 564-583.
doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.04.030
[4] http://mushroomobserver.org/name/show_name_description/613
[5] Rajala, Tiina, Mikko Peltoniemi, Taina Pennanen, and Raisa Mäkipää. 2010. "Relationship
between wood-inhabiting fungi determined by molecular analysis (denaturing gradient gel
electrophoresis) and quality of decaying logs." Canadian Journal Of Forest Research 40, no. 12:
2384-2397. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed August 24, 2015).
[6] Tom Volk, Jered http://mushroomobserver.org/name/show_name_description/613
[7] Wangun, H. K., Berg, A., Hertel, W., Nkengfack, A. E., & Hertweck, C. (2004). Antiinflammatory and anti-hyaluronate lyase activities of lanostanoids from Piptoporus betulinus. The
Journal Of Antibiotics, 57(11), 755-758
[8] Alresly, Z. et al., Bioactive Triterpenes from the Fungus Piptoporus betulinus, Academy of
Chemistry of Globe Publications, Rec. Nat. Prod. 10:1 (2016) 103-108
[9] Dresch, P., et al., (2014), Fungal Strain Matters: colony growth and bioactivity of the European
medicinal polypores Fomes fomentarius, Fomitipsis pinicola and Piptoporus betulinus
[10] http://www.willowharvestorganics.com/catalog.php?category=26
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CHAPTER III: Chaga,
Inonotus obliquus (Ach. ex Pers.)
Pilát
Common names:
Black birch fungus, Conk fungus, Chaga.
Physical description:
Along with the Amanita ssp. and Piptoporus
ssp., Obliquus belongs to the Agaricomycetes
family. Obliquus is a parasitoid fungus that
grows on host trees but most favourably Betula
trees [1].
This fungus is a hyperplastic conk composed
of mycelium that occurs on the host tree post
infection and continuing as an invasive growth
on the tree [3]. The conk grows on the host
tree and has the appearance of burned matter
Figure 5 Courtesy of Jazmin Romaniuk
on its exterior. The interior is orange coloured
with a granule texture when rasped. The shapes of this conk are variable, depending on multiple
factors such as infection region and wood type.
Main active chemical constituents
The main active chemical constituents that make this fungus favourable for herbal extraction
or infusion are multiple differing alkaloid substances including triterpenes, which are precursors for
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many steroid compounds [8]. The following table summarizes some of the main known active
constituents of the fungus Inonotus obliquus.
Figure 6 Inonotus obliquus [4] [5] [6]
Lanostane Triterpenes
Oleanane Triterpenes
Inonotusic acid
Betulin
Caffeic acid
Eumelanin
Melanin
Sterols
Phenolics
Flavanoids
Activity
Anticancer
Anticancer
Anti-cancer
Antifungal, antiinflammatory
Multi-use, antiinflammatory
Skin pigmentation
Anticancer
Antioxidant
Antioxidant
Medicinal uses
This black birch fungus is best known by the name Chaga, likely stemming from the old Slavic word
“gaga” [5]. Chaga has a wide range of medicinal applications across the world. In Russia, according
to legend, the duke Vladamir Monomach was cured from lip cancer by Chaga fungus [5]. As well,
Chaga was used as a gastrointestinal aid and as a treatment for duodenal ulcers and other gastritis.
Chaga is considered antimicrobial, antitumor, and it possesses anti-inflammatory activity [6]. The
above table summarizes some of the known constituents of this medicinal mushroom.
Harvesting and preparation methodologies
Chaga grows into the wood of the birch tree. When one finds Chaga, it is best to gently separate the
fungus from the tree as much as possible.
Preparation for this fungus can vary.

1 TBSP of Chaga fungus for each cup of water. Steep the tea for a minimum of 15 minutes.
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References-Chapter III
[1] Ham, S., Kim, S., Moon, S., Chung, M. J., Cui, C., Han, E., & ... Choe, M. (2009). Antimutagenic
effects of subfractions of Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) extract. Mut.Res.-Genetic
Toxicology And Environmental Mutagenesis, 67255-59. doi:10.1016/j.mrgentox.2008.10.002
[2] Liang, L., Zhang, Z., & Wang, H. (2009). Antioxidant activities of extracts and subfractions from
Inonotus Obliquus. International Journal of Food Sciences & Nutrition, 60175-184.
doi:10.1080/09637480903042279
[3] Cha, J. Y., Lee, S. Y., & Chun, K. W. (2011). Basidiocarp formation by Inonotus obliquus on a
living paper birch tree. Forest Pathology, 41(2), 163-164. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0329.2010.00687.x
[4] Zhao, F., Mai, Q., Ma, J., Xu, M., Wang, X., Cui, T., Han, G. (2015). Triterpenoids from
inonotus obliquus and their antitumor activities. Fitoterapia, 101(Complete), 34-40.
doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2014.12.005
[5] Shashkina, M. Y., Shashkin, P. N., & Sergeev, A. V. (2006). Chemical and medicobiological
properties of chaga (review). Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal, (10), 560.
[6] Liu, C., Zhao, C., Pan, H., Kang, J., Yu, X., Wang, H., & ... Chen, R. (2014). Chemical
constituents from Inonotus obliquus and their biological activities. Journal Of Natural Products,
77(1), 35-41. doi:10.1021/np400552w
[7] Triterpenes and steroids: http://www.life.illinois.edu/ib/425/lecture23.html
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CHAPTER FOUR: Miskwedo, Amanita muscaria
The legend of the Miswedo
-an excerpt of the legend written by Keewaydinoquay
“There he sees younger brother standing in the centre of an open space, a large group of people
around him. Younger brother’s arms are open wide, spread like the umbrella of a mushroom.
His robes are beautiful, glowing red, and tufts if white feathers adorn his head. In a high,
humming voice of happiness, like the song of uncountable bees, he sings to the people.”
“Because of my supernatural experience,
In the land of the Miskwedo
I have a cure to alleviate your ills,
To take away all your unhappiness.
If only you will come to my penis
And take the quickening waters flowing from it
You, too, can be forever happy.”
“Way-ay-eah, poor elder brother! He did not understand the ways of the red-topped
mushroom. He did not understand the use of the golden mushroom liquid and the penis
elixer. He continued to be filled with foreboding.
Neither did Younger brother understand the workings of the sacred mushroom. But he
went on being happy, and all the people following him continued in a state of bliss.”
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Common names: Fly
agaric, Amanita, Mario
mushroom
Origin and
distribution:
A. muscaria variations are
found across North
America, and Eurasia [3].
Figure 7 http://web.stanford.edu/~siegelr/fungi/amanitamuscaria.html
Botanical description:
The pileus 80-240mm broad, stipe long and can be 20-30mm thick. Colour can be yellow, orange to
red with the characteristic white ‘warts’. Gills covered by a veil of early erupted specimens. Stipe is
covered with fine hairs, volva prominent and bulbous with several concentric rings around the stipe.
Flesh of the pileus and stipe are white throughout; leaves a white spore print [4].
Main active chemical constituents
The main active component, ibotenic acid, acts as an excitatory amino acid at glutamate receptors,
and muscimol is a g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonist [2], and is found to be the cause of
the entheogenic effects of A. muscaria. The atropine alkaloids are noted at the bottom of the
following table. These constituents have been found in low amounts in various studies; however,
other analyses have contested that these chemicals are part of the action associated with the effects
of this mushroom.
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Figure 8 Amanita muscaria Main Active constituents [3] [4] [5]
Constituents
Ibotenic acid
Muscimol
Muscazone
(-)-R-4-hydroxy-pyrrolidone-(2)
Choline
Acetylcholine
Betain
Muscaridin
Hercynin
Uracile
hypoxanthin
Xanthin
adenosin
Atropine*
Scopolamine*
Bufotenine*
Known activity
Psychoactive
Psychoactive
Trace amounts, minor action
Biogenic amine
Central nervous system (CNS) action
CNS action
CNS action
*Arguable constituents found in some specimens and not others
Medicinal uses
This well known, attractive mushroom has a long history of use throughout history around the
world. People from many cultures have used this medicinal mushroom to experience visual
distortions, produce dreams, as well as to gain insights [6]. This mushroom has had much attention
in fairy tales, myths, legends and religion as well. Clark Heinrich, in his book Magic Mushrooms in
Religion and Alchemy, describes many different theories on the long-time use of this mushroom
throughout history. Heinrich refers to Wasson’s theory of the soma, summarizes the mushroom
motifs of story of Jesus, the amanita and the philosophers stone, and the mushroom as the
Miskwedo of the Anicinabeg [6]. As well, Jonathan Ott in the 1970s wrote Hallucinogens of North
America, highlighting known entheogenic plants, as well as preparing and ingesting some of these
plants himself [4]. R. Gordon Wasson hypothesized that the A. muscaria mushroom is the plant
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“Soma” presented in the Rg Veda of India [4] using the descriptions given in the Rg Veda to
formulate his hypothesis [1]. Wasson had studied the mushroom extensively, even as an active
participant in ingestion [4].
One note to highlight is the Indigenous Canadian use of the Amanita muscaria. Due to cultures’ oral
history being the main connection to learning the past, information about ancient medicinal use of
the amanita would be lacking. Thankfully, Heinrich adds to his book the story of the Miskwedo as
told by the medicinal woman and ethnobotanist Keewaydinoquay [6].
Harvesting and preparation
The time of year of Miskwedo harvest can vary depending on your regions seasonality. Amanitas in
Canada can arise as early as August, however, the best collection time is early to mid-fall. Though
this writing highlights that the Amanita muscaria arise around Birch host trees, the Miskwedo can
appear with other hosts, like pines such as spruce. As noted by mycologist Dr. Hutchinson, the most
prevalent species of Amanita in Northwestern Ontario is the Amanita muscaria var. Formosa [7]. To
harvest the Miskwedo, one must only gently bend the terminal nodule of the amanita pileus that is
just beneath the ground. It is important to fully dry the mushroom, as the chemical ibotenic acid can
be in too high of concentration for safe ingestion. The drying process turns ibotenic acid into
muscimol, the chemical thought to be the reason for the effects on the CNS. In a like manner, it is
well known that the human body manufactures muscimol from ibotenic acid, hence the inclination
for urine ingestion [3].
Note of caution: Eating fresh specimens of A. muscaria can produce nausea and vomiting. Collect
specimens with a knowledgeable individual in order to avoid mistaken species identification (ie.
Angel of Death, Death cap, A. phalloides). It is unlikely that one would find a death cap in
Northwestern Ontario, however, Dr. Hutchinson noted one Angel of death located in Thunder bay
in the fall of 2015 [7].
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References-Chapter IV
[1] Feeney, K. (2010). Revisiting Wasson's Soma: Exploring the Effects of Preparation on the
Chemistry of Amanita Muscaria. Journal Of Psychoactive Drugs, 42(4), 499-506.
doi:10.1080/02791072.2010.10400712
[2] Li, C., & Oberlies, N. H. (2005). Minireview: The most widely recognized mushroom: Chemistry
of the genus Amanita. Life Sciences, 78(NATURECEUTICALS (NATURAL PRODUCTS),
NUTRACEUTICALS, HERBAL BOTANICALS, AND PSYCHOACTIVES: DRUG
DISCOVERY AND DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS Volume I: Natureceuticals (Natural
Products), Herbal Botanicals, Psychoactive Hallucinogens and Related Products), 532-538.
doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2005.09.003
[3] Michelot, D., & Melendez-Howell, L. M. (2003). Review: Amanita muscaria: chemistry, biology,
toxicology, and ethnomycology. Mycological Research, 107131-146.
doi:10.1017/S0953756203007305
[4] Ott, Jonathan (1976), Hallucinogenic plants of North America
[5] Tsujikawa, K., Mohri, H., Kuwayama, K., Miyaguchi, H., Iwata, Y., Gohda, A., & ... Kishi, T.
(2006). Analysis of hallucinogenic constituents in Amanita mushrooms circulated in Japan. Forensic
Science International, 164172-178. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2006.01.004
[6] Heinrick, C. (2002), Magic Mushrooms in religion and alchemy, Park Street Press, Rochester,
Vermount
[7] Dr. Hutchinson, Department of forestry, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Part One: Garden Ecosystems of Medicine
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CHAPTER FIVE: Conclusion
The system of medicine of Nimishomis Wigwas is expansive. Researchers continue to test
and gather data regarding the birch tree and each associated species of fungi because of the growing
collection of knowledge of the medicine contained within each species illustrated in this guide. The
Birch tree host houses all of these active medicines, each fungal organism living from the dying or
detritus tree. The birch tree medicines in and of itself, have been used in many cultural traditions
across the world. The importance of knowing the active medicines used culturally, presently and in
the past, can allow for scientists to narrow down biological medicinal actions and compare to
molecular data. The compounds identified can lead to further western medical applications for
ailments that scientists have yet to find cures or treatments that are applicable.
In comparison at the level of phytochemicals, because of the systemic appearance of
similarities in chemicals, one could speculate that this similarity is likely due to the common the
environment, the birch ecosystem. Birch, holding antimicrobial and pain relieving medicines, appear
correlated with the fungal medicines growing upon the host. To name a few, terpenes, steroid
components, and betulenol compounds are found in association with each fungal species mentioned
in the previous chapters.
In the words of author and anthropologist Jeremy Narby, “shamans and scientists agree
about the nature of nature, they just do not know it yet” [1]. At first review, it seems that western
scientific knowledge is incompatible with indigenous knowledge about plant and fungal medicines.
However, in a comparison of the scientific literature to the known indigenous uses across the world
as described in this guide, one can see that the literature is in agreement with what has been known
for millennia about these medicinal organisms.
Part One: Garden Ecosystems of Medicine
Reference-Chapter V
[1] Sanders, J. Clement, A., (2014), Tonkiri: Chapter One
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