Puffballs can be found in paddocks across New Zealand.
Fungi absorb oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, like animals and unlike other plants, which all absorb carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen.
They are known by Maori as “pukurau”, and the fine red dust of the decaying fungus was used as an anesthetic for severe burns, when applied as burnt ash. They are vitamin C rich and contain “Calvacin”, a protein that may combat some forms of cancer.
The puffball spores are hemostatic, meaning when crushed and applied to bleeding wounds they will stem the bleeding and promote healing.
Other historical uses for puffballs have been as a painkiller, for stomach ache, reduce swelling, fever, coughing, nose bleeds, muscle regeneration, swollen and sore throats, heart health, infection prevention, and much more.
What a really interesting herb.
It’s not meant to be complicated to be well, nor is it meant to be expensive.