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About Cow Tree Mushroom

Cow tree mushroom (scientific name: Taiwanofungus camphoratus), also known as wild cow tree fungus, red camphor fungus, camphor mushroom, or divine mushroom, is a species of fungi unique to Taiwan. It primarily grows at altitudes of 450–2000 meters in Taiwan's mountain areas. The cow tree mushroom grows on the decaying inner layers of the cow tree's trunk and on the surface of fallen cow trees.
The cow tree mushroom and the cow tree have a special parasitic relationship, and under normal conditions, it does not parasitize other tree species. Due to excessive deforestation, the cow tree has become increasingly rare and is now listed as a "National Treasure-Level Protected Tree Species." As a result, wild cow tree mushrooms have also become very scarce.

Who Should/Should Not Use Cow Tree Mushroom

Cow tree mushroom is rich in nutrients, including polysaccharides, triterpenes, superoxide dismutase, adenosine, proteins, vitamins, trace elements, etc., which help nourish and strengthen the body, adjust physical constitution, and maintain health. It is an excellent health supplement, especially for night owls, people who frequently drink alcohol or have social gatherings, overtime workers, elderly individuals, and those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar, as they can benefit from additional nutrition. It is also suitable for vegetarians. However, special caution should be exercised for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and people before or after surgery, as they should avoid consuming cow tree mushroom products. Those taking specific medications should consult a doctor before use.

Understanding the Different Types of Cow Tree Mushroom

The growth stages of cow tree mushroom are roughly divided into three stages: mycelium → mycelium body → fruiting body. The mycelium of the cow tree mushroom contains high levels of "polysaccharides" and the anthraquinone "Antroquinonol," while the fruiting body contains "triterpenes," which the mycelium body lacks. As a result, the price of cow tree mushroom products varies depending on the stage, with fruiting body products being the most expensive.

Currently, cow tree mushrooms are cultivated in four ways: wild, log cultivation, patented solid-state cultivation, and liquid fermentation. Wild cultivation offers the highest nutritional value, but due to limited availability, the price is also the highest. Log cultivation may vary in quality depending on the choice of tree species by the cultivator. Although liquid fermentation is faster and cheaper, the mycelium produced lacks the triterpenes found in the fruiting body. You can choose the most suitable product type according to your needs.

The fruiting body contains high levels of "triterpenes" and the antioxidant component "superoxide dismutase (SOD)." While other mushrooms, like reishi, also contain triterpenes, the cow tree mushroom stands out for its particularly high content and efficacy.