Candlesnuff Fungi is bioluminescent which means it produces and emits light in the darkness. This is very faint and not 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 will find Candlesnuff Fungi growing on decaying wood. The glow is a natural phenomenon caused by a chemical reaction and called foxfire or fairy fire which can sometimes be strong enough to see in the dark.

This is the best time to chop a piece of decaying wood in half to see the light produced by the mycellium where it is brighter. This magical phenomenum may explain why Candlesnuff Fungus, and the Fungi Kingdom in general, has been associated with spiritual beliefs and fairy tales since the beginning of time.

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

Candlesnuff Fingi is a too tough and not recommended to eat, however, it represents a prize find due to it being a powerful tumour-fighter.

It 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 chemical 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 able to find any published recipes or remedies using Candlesnuff Fungi, 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 Turkey Tail Herbal Tea .

A small handful of Candlesnuff Fungi would go a long way and I would start by simmering a small amount (similar in size and weight to my freshly dried Turkey Tail pieces - see link above). 

Simmer in a medium pan of filered water for about 10 minutes and pour out a cup to drink (adding honey and fresh Lemon juice to taste). Top up the pan with the same amount of filtered water and keep topping it up over the course of a few days.

You can drink a cup of this powerful cleansing and healing herbal tea daily for general wellness (a typical dosage of 1–3 grams of fungi per day). You will also benefit from its anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant properties.

As with any natural remedy that you make yourself, be cautious and start with just a small amount to make sure your system can handle it. If you have a lot of stored toxins to clear from your body after years of neglect, it is always advisable to seek the right help - ideally someone who is a qualified natural healer, homeopath or nutritionalist.

None (to date)

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

However, I would image, they could be very tasty if lightly floured and fried in a heavy pan with real butter (or Ghee), crushed Garlic, Lemon juice, Celtic Salt and cracked Black Pepper.

I will get back to you with a recipe following my next successful foraging mission.