Calvatiacraniiformis or also known as Puffball is a species of fungus in the family Agaricaceae. In Asia, Puffball can be found has been at China, India, Indonesia, Japan and also Malaysia. It grow on the grown in open woods. Puffballs has smooth surface, which the skin (Peridium) develops winkles and folds as it matures, cracking and flaking with ages. Puffballs is an edible when it still white and firm, before it matures to become yellow-brown and powdery.
7 MEDICINAL USES OF PUFFBALL
- In ancient time, spores and capillitium of puffballs were used for their styptic properties and to hasten production and enhance adherence of eschars.
- The dried puffballs is used to cure the bleeding wound.
- Puffballs had been used as homeostats and surgical dressings (Rolfe, 1925).
- The dentists used as absorbents in preparing dental cavities for filling.
- The powder which consists of spores, among which are many fine filaments has been used by peasantry for centuries to stop hemorrhages.
- Puffballs also can be used to cure the breast cancer.
- It is also important for traditional villagers which act as first aid kit of rural home treatment.