A prehistoric multitool
In the forests of Uusimaa, attached to birch trees, grows a woody, hoof-shaped mushroom with a long history of human use. Fomes fomentarius, commonly known as the tinder fungus or hoof fungus, is a parasitic mushroom that causes white rot in trees. Its connection to humanity is most famously demonstrated by Ötzi the Iceman, the 5,300-year-old mummy discovered in the Alps in 1991. Among his meticulously curated equipment was a pouch containing pieces of this fungus, part of a sophisticated fire-starting kit. This find shows that as early as 3,300 BCE, humans were making fire, but mastering its transport, carrying embers within the fungus to reliably start a new fire regardless of weather conditions.
The fungus's utility comes from a soft, fibrous layer inside its hard exterior called the trama. This material is processed into a substance known as amadou. The creation of amadou is a labor-intensive process that involves separating the trama layer from the hard outer crust and the pore-filled underside. The trama is then often boiled, sometimes in an alkaline solution like water with wood ash, and pounded with a mallet. This breaks down the fibers, resulting in a soft, absorbent, felt-like material that is exceptionally good at catching a spark from flint and pyrite. It does not flame, but smolders with a hot, long-lasting ember that can be used to ignite other tinder.
A prehistoric first-aid tool
Beyond its use for fire, Fomes fomentarius was a prehistoric first-aid tool. The fungus is a source of numerous bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and phenolics like isorhamnetin and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Scientific studies have shown that extracts from the fungus have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
This aligns with its long history in traditional medicine across Europe and Asia. The absorbent, felt-like amadou was used as a styptic, a substance applied directly to wounds to stop bleeding. The Greek physician Hippocrates mentioned its use for cauterization around 415 BCE. For centuries, it was used by dentists to dry teeth and by surgeons to staunch bleeding. Its documented applications in traditional medicine include treatments for bladder disorders, sore throats, and as a diuretic. The discovery of this fungus with Ötzi suggests he may have carried it for its medicinal benefits as well as for fire.