Chaga mushroom benefits are simply more than an article can describe.

In this article, we gathered all the useful information to introduce you to this super powerful food based on scientific studies and traditional use.

Here you will find the nutritional values of chaga mushrooms, the health benefits, and side effects, alongside tips on how to buy, use and store chaga mushrooms.

But first,

What is the chaga mushroom?

This type of mushroom grows on birch trees and lives in the northern hemisphere in places like Russia, Canada, and Norway…i

The world’s top producer is Russia being the world’s top producer with 60% of the global production followed by North America with 16%.

The trunk of the birch tree naturally grows fungus that turns to be chaga mushrooms.

However, due to the poor natural resources, it would need 20,000 birch trees to have one chaga mushroom.

Also, the growth process seems to be slow as the fungus needs about 4 years to become grown mushrooms.

These conditions make chaga mushrooms very rare and always in demand worldwide.

These mushrooms can then keep growing for up to 20 years and eventually kill the tree

Nonetheless, chaga mushrooms are full of benefits as they can treat cancer, diabetes, and several viral diseases.

History of chaga mushroom:

Since the 16^th century, chaga mushrooms were an essential medicine for the Siberian people to treat stomachaches, fatigue, and heart or liver diseases.

It was not before 1955 when the USSR declared chaga mushrooms a natural anti-cancerous treatment.

A few years after that, the mushroom was recognized worldwide thanks to the research of the Soviet Nobel Prize winner Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

This researcher wrote “cancer building” which describes a tea-like drink that people drink in a Russian village and none of them had cancer.

He claimed that chaga mushrooms are specifically beneficial in reversing the effect of cancerous tumors.

Only a year after that book was published, the USA declared chaga mushrooms a “special natural substance” and “the King of Herbs”.

To this very day, many specialists recommend chaga mushroom benefits as a natural substance for therapeutic uses.

Chaga mushroom benefits and nutritional values:

Chaga mushroom nutritional values:

These types of mushrooms are totally non-toxic and they contain more than 215 beneficial nutrients such as folic acid derivatives, vanillic acid, butyric acid, triterpenoids, polysaccharides, steroids, melanin, lignin, polyphenols…

However, the most beneficial compounds in chaga mushrooms are polysaccharides which are the best natural anti-diabetes substance.

Polysaccharides and ethanol substances in chaga mushrooms can lower malonic acid levels and repair damaged pancreatic tissue.

In addition, chaga mushrooms contain SOD also known as “superoxide dismutase” which helps the body fight cancerous cells.

Triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and all the other compounds in chaga mushrooms make it also beneficial in stopping viral infections.

This data counts for a serving of 1 tsp (6g) of chaga powder:

• Calorie: 30
• Fibers: 3g
• Fats: 0g
• Crabs: 6.1g
• Protein: 6g
• C vitamin: 2.75%
• B1 vitamin: 16%
• B2 vitamin: 10%
• B5 vitamin: 2.5%
• E vitamin: 20%
• Potassium: 1%
• Calcium: 1%
• Zinc: 30%
• Copper: 45%
• Iron: 60%
• Manganese: 80%
• Selenium: 30%

Chaga mushroom benefits:

A natural remedy for cancer:

Since the 1960s, several scientific studies confirmed that chaga mushrooms have a significant preventive effect on tumor cells.

For instance, the nutrients in these mushrooms can fight already existing cancer cells and prevent them from reoccurring.

These effects are very beneficial especially for cancer patients to promote their recovery by boosting their immune system.

The good thing about chaga mushrooms is that they can be taken the side to side with chemotherapy to reduce side effects during treatment.

Fights inflammation:

These mushrooms have powerful anti-inflammation properties which are particularly useful in treating joint diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Vitamin K in chaga mushrooms reduces markers of inflammation while magnesium help reduces chronic inflammation.

Many studies show the great anti-inflammation effect of chaga mushrooms modulating the inflammation response.

A powerful antioxidant:

Chaga mushroom is the richest natural substance in terms of antioxidant content as 25% of its composition comes from active antioxidants.

The antioxidants in chaga protect the cells from free radicals which are the source of many diseases.

Among the powerful antioxidants in chaga it contains flavonoids, SOD (superoxide dismutase), polyphenols, and melanin.

Melanin which is also responsible for the charcoal color of chaga mushrooms, protects the skin, the cells, and the DNA.

Also, SOD is an essential component in the process of eliminating free radicals and neutralizing the effect of oxidative stress.

Based on the ORAC index chaga mushrooms are a more powerful antioxidant ranking better than ginger, Curcuma, cinnamon, and cloves.

Promotes a healthier digestive system:

Chaga mushrooms can also benefit the digestive system thanks to their fiber content and anti-inflammation properties.

For instance, it is very effective against constipation by normalizing the movement of stool within a few days.

Many studies show the positive effect of chaga mushrooms in patients with gastrointestinal diseases.

This is mostly because this mushroom contains an abundance of anti-inflammation components that protects the liver from lipid oxidation and promote the production of bile necessary for digestion.

In addition, beta-glucans are substances in chaga mushrooms that act as prebiotics to stimulate the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Boosts the immune system:

These mushrooms are a great source of polysaccharides which are natural immune stimulants that reinforce the immune system.

This is very beneficial even for those with a weak immune system or had their immune systems weakened by a condition.

In addition, chaga is a good source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and selenium.

For instance, selenium prevents infections while zinc is essential to create new immune system cells and Iron is involved in the production of enzymes needed by the immune system.

Also, chaga is full of vitamins including D, K, B1, B2, B3, and B5 which are all involved with the immune system.

Vitamin D stimulates the production of white blood cells while vitamin B5 participates in the production of antibodies.

Because of that, consuming chaga mushrooms would certainly have a boosting effect on the immune system.

Offers anti-allergic properties:

In general, allergies are the result of an overactive immune system as a response to harmless allergens.

Chaga contains 33% of the daily need in beta-glucans which can decrease the level of immunoglobulin and therefore reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

On the other hand, the powerful antioxidant effect of polyphenols in chaga mushrooms can act on skin allergies including acne and eczema.

Other health benefits:

• Increases resistance to infections.
• Promotes wound healing.
• Regulates blood sugar levels.
• Normalizes the intestinal microflora.
• Strengthens the arteries.
• Normalizes the respiratory system.
• Stabilizes blood pressure.
• Accelerates the renewal process of the blood.

Precautions before you consider chaga mushroom benefits:

Even though chaga mushrooms are full of health benefits they may cause some side effects.

This is because these mushrooms are nutritionally dense and we could easily overconsume them.

For instance, consuming more than 2 tsp of chaga mushroom powder can lead to metabolic disorders which usually lead to skin irritation symptoms.

Also, chaga mushrooms help lower blood sugar levels and this can cause problems, especially for people with low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).

In addition, it contains a good amount of purine and in case of over-consumption, it can be bad for gout patients.

This is because purine encourages the production of uric acid in the body which can aggravate joint inflammation.

Getting chaga mushroom benefits:

The best way to get chaga mushroom benefits is by consuming 1tsp of chaga powder per day by adding it to any dish or drink.

Nonetheless, there are few homemade products anyway can make to diversify the use of this super powerful powder.

Since the 12^th century, Nordic people have been using chaga teas, lotion, and oils to benefit from chaga mushrooms.

Some legend in the Russian folklore speaks of how Prince Vladimir Monomakh completely healed from cancer with the help of chaga mushroom remedies.

Here are the best 3 ways to make sure you are getting the most of chaga mushroom benefits:

Chaga tea:

It is very easy to prepare chaga mushroom tea at home in case you bought it as a powder or dried piece.

If you bought pieces of dried chaga mushrooms:

• You can just soak them in hot water for 6 hours.
• Now just crush them to the smallest size possible and then dilute them in water in a ratio of 1:5 (1 cup of chaga with 5 cups of water).

However, if you bought chaga powder (the most available form) just dilute it in hot water in a ratio of 1:7.

You can put these simply made chaga water solutions in airtight glass jars and put them in the fridge to use for the next 4 days.

Now you have natural chaga cold tea that you can enjoy while benefitting your body with all the nutrients in this mushroom.

Chaga lotion:

There are several ways to make chaga lotion for external use to treat injuries, aging signs, eczema…

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of chaga powder (6 tbsp.).
• 2 tbsp. of birch tar or birch tar oil.
• 3tbsp of olive oil.
• 3 egg yolks.
• 1 tsp of salt.

Preparation:

• Simply mix all the ingredients together and store them in a small pot cosmetic container and store it in the fridge to use for up to 1 month.

Chaga oil:

You can make chaga oil at home by simply mixing 5 tbsp. of olive oil with 1 tsp of chaga powder.

Put the resulting oil in a small container and in the fridge to use for up to 1 month.

You can use chaga oil to massage the forehead in order to relieve sinusitis symptoms.

Also, it can be used as a massaging oil to relieve joint/muscle pain or to treat varicose.

Buying chaga mushrooms:

Because of the “chitin” hard coating on chaga, it is not possible to consume it in its natural state.

Therefore, it is very rare to find natural chaga mushrooms in the market but we can find sub-products including:

• Fresh chaga: These mushrooms are harvested in cold winter and can only be found in specialized markets or online stores.
• Generally, fresh chaga are sold in pieces which makes it easier to use them to prepare an infusion by placing them in hot water like teabags.
• Chaga powder: this is one of the most traditional ways to facilitate the use of chaga mushrooms and represent more than 80% of the chaga products in the market.
• This powder doesn’t support temperature therefore the best way to use it is to add it to drinks or savory and sweet dishes.
• Chaga herbal extract: prepared by hydro-alcoholic extraction to obtain a thick herbal extract that has all the nutrients of chaga.
• However, this sub-product is high in alcohol and should be avoided by pregnant women and children.
• This herbal extract is usually bitter and tastes woody but you can always dilute the flavor with maple syrup or honey.
• Chaga tablets: This is also one of the most available form as you can find it in organic stores or on the internet.
• The capsules contain dried chaga powder that can easily be added to any dish or drink.
• Make sure you only choose organic and natural chaga capsules that have “at least 30% of polysaccharides” written on their label.

Storing chaga mushrooms:

Chaga is very vulnerable to mold growth therefore it is not recommended to store it in humid and hot places.

You can keep chaga powder in a paper or linen bag but in this case, it can still form mold when the temperature changes.

Thus, the best way to store chaga powder is by putting it in a glass airtight jar and place it in a dark and cool place like the pantry.

In this case, chaga mushroom powder will keep all of its benefits for up to 2 years.