Leucopaxillus giganteus (Sow. ex Fr.) Sing.
Aliases：Léi Jūn (recorded in Bencao Gangmu — Compendium of Materia Medica, literally "Thunder Fungus" — named for its appearance after thunderstorms), Kǒu Mó (literally "Mouth Mushroom" — a common name for edible mushrooms used in northern China, also used for other species), Qīng Tuǐ Zǐ (literally "Green‑Legged One" — named for the bluish color of the stipe), Jù Dǒu Tóu (recorded in Liu Bo's Zhongguo Yaoyong Zhenjun — Chinese Medicinal Fungi, literally "Giant Steep Head" — describing its large, steep‑domed pileus), Dà Qīng Mó (recorded in Zhongguo Yaoyong Zhenjun Tujian — Illustrated Handbook of Chinese Medicinal Fungi, literally "Large Green Mushroom" — referring to its size and bluish‑gray color), Qīng Tuǐ Piàn (literally "Green‑Legged Slices" — referring to sliced dried specimens), Qīng Mó (literally "Green Mushroom"), Qīng Gài Mó (literally "Green‑Capped Mushroom"), Dà Bái Zhuāng Mó (literally "Large White Stake Mushroom" — referring to its robust, stake‑like stipe and large white pileus), and Dà Bái Gū (literally "Large White Mushroom"). (These are all alternative names for Léi Mó, i.e., the fruiting body of Leucopaxillus giganteus and L. candidus / Giant Leucopaxillus.)
Léi Mó (Giant Leucopaxillus) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the fruiting body of the fungi Leucopaxillus giganteus (Sow. ex Fr.) Sing. and Leucopaxillus candidus (Bres.) Sing., belonging to the family Tricholomataceae. It grows on the ground in spruce forests.
Efficacy & Actions
Releases the exterior, clears heat, promotes eruption of rashes, promotes digestion, and treats tuberculosis (anti‑consumptive).
Indications
Common cold with cough, incomplete measles eruption, food stagnation, abdominal distension and fullness, and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti‑tuberculosis effect: Léi Mó can produce clitocybin, which has anti‑tuberculosis effects. Antitumor effect: Exhibits anticancer activity. Antioxidant effect: The extract contains polyphenols and has antioxidant effects. Anti‑fatigue effect: The extracellular crude polysaccharide of Léi Mó can eliminate blood lactic acid after exercise and has good anti‑fatigue effects. Immunomodulatory effect: Has immunomodulatory effects and enhances immune function.
Ingredients
The fruiting body of Léi Mó contains polysaccharides, polyphenols, and other active components. Its extracellular crude polysaccharide is one of the main active ingredients.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g. It may also be cut into pieces and decocted in water for oral use.
Selected Formulas
For wind-cold common cold (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of Leimo (a type of mushroom) and fresh ginger, slice them, decoct in water and drink. For measles with delayed eruption and restlessness in children (empirical formula) Take 9g of dried Koumo (a type of mushroom), soak in water until soft, chop finely, decoct in water and drink, twice daily.
Daily Consumption
Léi Mó can be used medicinally, taken as a decoction for oral administration. It can also be cooked and consumed as an edible mushroom, but care should be taken with the dosage.
Medicinal Parts
It is the fruiting body of the fungi Leucopaxillus giganteus (Sow. ex Fr.) Sing. and Leucopaxillus candidus (Bres.) Sing., belonging to the family Tricholomataceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
