Candlesnuff Fungi is bioluminescent which means it produces and emits light in the darkness. This is very faint and hardly visible to the human eye. It grows throughout the year and can be found in ancient woodlands and forests across the British Isles, mainland Europe and North America.

You need to be in a dark, damp forest at night where you might find Candlesnuff Fungi growing on decaying wood. The glow is a natural phenomenon caused by a chemical reaction called foxfire or fairy fire which can sometimes be strong enough to see in the dark.

This is the best time to gently break open a piece of the decaying wood to see the light produced by the mycellium where it is brighter. This magical phenomenum may explain why Candlesnuff Fungi - and the Fungi Kingdom in general - has long been associated with spiritual beliefs and fairy tales.

The faint, ghostly ,greenish glow produced by the mycelium in  the inky-black darkness has contributed to myths about the mysterious, unseen underworld Fungi Kingdom, and has been explicitly connected to Fae in folklore.

Candlesnuff Fungi is a very tough and not recommended to eat, however, it represents a prize find due to it being a powerful healer, cleanser and tumour-fighter.

Candlesnuff Fungi may be small but it's a medical force to be reckoned with. These pale and petite, antler-shaped creations contain anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties and compounds that work actively against some human carcinomas.

Candlesnuff Fungi contains a variety of beneficial compounds, some of which exhibit cytotoxic and anti-tumour properties. These include xylarial A and B to pyrone derivatives and cytochalasins which means that Candlesnuff Fungi presents a wealth of chemical complexity with potential medicinal implications. 

SOURCE: Candlesnuff Fungus  - Totally Wild UK

While I have not (so far) been unable to find any published recipes for Candlesnuff Herbal Tea, I would suggest that as it is non-poisonous and non-toxic, the best way to benefit would be to make a brew in the same way you would make my Turkey Tail Herbal Tea.

A small handful of Candlesnuff Fungi would go a long way and I would start by gently simmering a small amount (similar size and weight to my freshly dried Turkey Tail pieces - see link above) for 1-2 hours in a medium pan of filered water. 

Pour out a cup (adding honey and fresh Lemon juice to taste) and top up with pan the same amount of water to re-simmer and drink over a period of days.

You can drink 1-2 cups (8 oz each) a day of this powerful cleansing and healing herbal tea daily (am and pm) for general wellness and to benefit from its anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant properties.

As with any natural remedies you make yourself, be cautious, do your research and start with small amounts to make sure your system can handle it. It will get to work quickly so if you have a lot of stored toxins and waste to clear from your body after years of neglect, it's always advisable to seek the right help - ideally someone who is a qualified natural healer, homeopath or nutritionalist.

Candlesnuff Fungi Fries

It is said that Candlesnuff Fungi is too tough, tastless and woody and therefore considered non-paletable.

However, I would image, they could be very tasty if dipped in beaten egg and lightly floured before gently frying in a heavy pan with real butter (or Ghee), crushed fresh Garlic and a sprinkling of Lemon juice, Celtic Salt and cracked Black Pepper.

I will get back to you with a recipe if I find some Candlesnuff on my next foraging mission .