Evidence supporting the use of: Fomes fomentarius
For the health condition: Abrasions

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Fomes fomentarius, commonly known as the tinder fungus or hoof fungus, has a long history of traditional use in wound care, particularly for treating abrasions. Historical records from various cultures, including those in Europe and Asia, document its use as a styptic—an agent to stop bleeding—and as a dressing for superficial wounds. The fungus was processed to create a soft, felt-like material called "amadou," which could be applied directly to the skin to absorb blood and protect the wound. This practice is well-documented in ethnobotanical literature and historical texts, such as those describing Ötzi the Iceman, who was found with pieces of Fomes fomentarius among his belongings, possibly for medical use.

However, scientific validation for its efficacy in treating abrasions is limited. While Fomes fomentarius contains bioactive compounds (such as polysaccharides and triterpenes) with potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, clinical studies specifically evaluating its effectiveness in wound healing are lacking. Most support for its use comes from historical and ethnomedical sources rather than modern clinical research. Thus, the evidence supporting its use for abrasions is primarily traditional, with few scientific studies to corroborate these claims.

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