Chaga mushroom is a medicinal mushroom that grows on birches. Tea prepared from the fungus Chaga is considered a powerful tonic and medicine in Lapland’s folk medicine. The latest research shows that Chaga mushroom contains some of the most powerful antioxidant substances. As studies show, Chaga tea has an extremely positive effect on the immune system. Chaga mushroom increases physical and mental performance and is an insider’s advice for cancer treatment.
- Chaga mushroom uses
- Chaga mushroom lifestyle
- Chaga mushroom history
- Spread of the Chaga mushroom
- Chaga mushroom ingredients
- Chaga mushroom – traditional use
- Chaga fungus – part of cancer treatment
- History of Chaga mushroom application
- Chaga mushroom studies
- Chaga mushrooms are vital substances
- What doctors say about Chaga mushrooms
- Chaga mushroom has an antiviral effect
- Beta-glucans of the fungus Chaga
- Terpenes in Chaga mushrooms: further helpers for the immune system
- Chaga mushroom contains germanium
- Chaga mushroom as an antioxidant
- Other healing effects of Chaga mushroom
- Preparation of tea chaga
- Effects against hand tea
- Chaga mushroom extract
- Chaga mushroom quality levels
Chaga mushroom uses
- Stomach ulcer
- Carcinoma
- Psoriasis, acne, and eczema
- Influenza, asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis
- Viral diseases (also in pets)
- Gastritis
- Diabetes
- Psoriasis, acne, and eczema
- High blood pressure
- Dental diseases
- Inflammation
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Hemorrhoids
Basically, the medicinal mushroom Chaga has an anti-inflammatory effect and activates the immune system. Therefore, it is a natural remedy for all autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or ankylosing spondylitis.
As a remedy for flu, asthma, and tuberculosis, Chaga tea has been used greatly for centuries. As recent studies show, the Chaga mushroom has a huge antiviral effect.
Many people appreciate the Chaga mushroom as a gentle home remedy for rheumatism and arthritis. For healthy, beautiful skin, it is an insider’s top. Age spots and pimples disappear with their internal and external use in the form of tea.
The Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is recognizable by its bulbous shape and black surface, tough and sharply broken.
Chaga mushroom looks similar to charcoal. The outside may be slightly brittle, so parts of the surface may break off.
The size of the visible part of the mushroom varies from 5 to 60 cm in diameter. The inner part is yellow to rusty-brown, sometimes interspersed with white veins. The interior is often hard, but sometimes structures like a cork.
The Chaga mushroom’s visible parts on the birch trees are a few centimeters thick, but they can also be more than half a meter wide. The pores are initially brown with a silver sheen, later black-brown.
Chaga mushroom lifestyle
Chaga mushroom usually grows on birches older than 20 years. Spores of Chaga are deposited in the cracks of birch bark and grow into the trunk over time.
Visible black crust forms on the outside. The young specimens look like tubers. The more than 5-year-old Chaga mushrooms resemble chilled lava.
Chaga mushroom lives in symbiosis with birch until the host tree dies. Its lifespan is usually 10 to 20 years. However, some specimens can live up to 40 years.
After the host tree dies, the Chaga mushroom develops its fruiting body. It consists of a gray mass of chitin that can be up to 2 meters long. After ripening, the Chaga mushroom releases spores. Then the ovary disintegrates within a few days.
The Chaga body is not used to make tea. We call Chaga mushroom a sterile secondary culture that does not produce spores.
Chaga mushroom history
Chaga mushroom is classified as a white-rot fungus developed about 300 million years ago. This type of mushroom is capable of metabolizing cellulose and lignin from trees.
Almost all medicinal mushrooms are white-rot mushrooms. The Chaga mushroom belongs to the genus Schillerporlinge.
Chaga mushroom, Inonotus obliquus, Tschaga, or Czaga?
Inonotus oblikuus is a scientific name. In German-speaking countries, the Chaga mushroom is also known as Schillerporling. Other names are the mushrooms Tschaga and Czaga. The English name is Chaga Mushroom.
Spread of the Chaga mushroom
The Chaga mushroom grows mainly in Lapland, Russia, Canada, Korea, and Japan. You can find it in some areas in Mongolia and China. The medicinal fungus Chaga can attack alder, beech, and some other deciduous trees. However, only Chaga mushrooms that grow on birches are important for use as a means of vitality and health. Chaga that is not grown on birches has never been used for medicinal purposes.
Chaga mushroom ingredients
- Melanin (dark color)
- Vitamins D3
- Triterpenes
- Minerals: germanium, zinc, boron
- Betulin
- Inotodiol
- amino acids
- Lanosterol
- Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)
- Polysaccharides (beta-glucans)
The content of different minerals varies depending on the location and climate in which the Chaga mushroom grows. The medicinal mushroom Chaga contains much germanium, manganese, and zinc compared to other foods. Betulin and betulinic acid are medically active substances from birch wood accumulating in mushrooms.
Chaga mushroom – traditional use
Chaga mushroom was already used as a tonic and medicine in Lapland and Siberia 900 years ago.
Maybe much longer, but the first written mention was that the Ukrainian Grand Duke Vladimir Monomakh (1053 – 1125) was cured of lip cancer with chaga tea.
Traditionally, this black medicinal mushroom has been used against cancer, indigestion, ulcers, Crohn’s disease and tuberculosis. In the past, Lapps (Finland) and Chanten (Siberia) drank chaga tea every day, just as many people drink coffee today.
There were very few cases of cancer and other diseases among these peoples.
The Russian doctor was surprised by the fact that an increasing number of cancers are being reported everywhere, but that he had practically no cancer patients in his province. He noticed that the population drinks chaga tea every day and concluded that because of that, people are protected from cancer.
There are also reports of medical use of the fungus Chaga from North America, Korea and Japan.
Chaga fungus – part of cancer treatment
Chaga mushroom contains many substances with antitumor effects. Melanin, polyphenols, beta-glucan, triterpenes, SOD have come into the focus of science as powerful vital substances. However, Chaga mushroom contains many other substances that have not yet been researched or unknown.
It is estimated that there are about 200 unknown substances in Chaga mushrooms. Inhibition of cancerous tumors’ growth has been confirmed several times in animal experiments. The anti-cancer effect is probably due to the interaction of many antioxidants.
The Chaga mushroom ingredients make a healthy cocktail that effectively protects the cells of the human body from damage caused by radiation, free radicals, stress, and environmental pollution.
There are only a few more scientific studies examining the effect of tumor inhibition by the fungus Chaga. Still, a study from Poland showed a significant improvement in cancer patients’ physical symptoms.
History of Chaga mushroom application
Ancient traditions show that people in earlier centuries were very familiar with natural remedies.
Due to the longer use of Chaga mushrooms against cancer in Russian folk medicine, some Eastern European researchers’ interest has been aroused. 1954. year famous Polish doctor prof. Dr. Marek Gatti-Kostial made Chaga mushroom extract. He was the first scientist to discover its antitumor effects.
His findings were confirmed by several Polish and Russian researchers in later studies. The research led to the development of Befungin. A warm water extract is used to treat cancer.
Befungin consists of Chaga extract, cobalt salt, and alcohol. The Chaga mushroom was approved and registered as an official medicine (Befungin) in the former Soviet Union in 1955. years, after extensive research.
Chaga mushroom studies
In the early 1960s, Russian and Finnish scientific studies found much evidence of the fungus Chaga’s remarkable positive effects on breast cancer, liver cancer, uterine cancer, and stomach cancer.
Also, the Chaga mushroom apparently lowers high blood pressure and prevents diabetes.
Polish studies from 1998. showed that Chaga mushroom could have an inhibitory effect on tumor growth.
Chaga mushrooms are vital substances
Melanin
The high content of melanin in Chaga mushrooms is unique. Melanin gives it a dark color. Melanin is considered a powerful antioxidant and anti-cancer agent. This substance is not found in such a high concentration in any other fungus. Melanin is famous for reducing gray hair and improving mood.
Betulinic acid
The antimutagenic effect of betulin in the white part of birch bark (which mainly feeds on the fungus Chaga) inhibits free radicals’ oxidation. It supports the production of interferons that help restore DNA.
Therefore, the anticancer properties of betulinic acid (chemicals that you can isolate from birch trees) are possible alternatives to chemotherapy.
In studies in mice, betulin significantly inhibited the growth of skin cancer. As soon as betulinic acid enters the cancer cells, it leads to apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the tumor. Betulinic acid appears to have a selective effect on cancer cells because the pH in tumor tissue is lower than in healthy body cells.
Chaga mushroom contains betulinic acid that the body can metabolize and a wide range of immunostimulating herbal substances. The anti-cancer effects of Chaga fungus are not only based on betulin but also a wide variety of active ingredients.
What doctors say about Chaga mushrooms
There are at least 150 medicinal mushrooms in the world that can inhibit the growth of various tumors—mostly cancer of the stomach, esophagus, intestines, and lungs. Many researchers like Dr. Karl Maret and his colleague Dr. David Winston say that the Chaga mushroom is the most powerful medicinal fungus against cancer.
Chaga mushroom is a natural remedy that cancer patients can easily consume. The body is extremely strengthened with its active ingredients in the fight against cancer. This allows patients to lead a normal life despite a serious diagnosis.
When taken in the early stages of the disease, Chaga tea can help relieve pain and prevent tumor cells’ further spread. In Russia, cancer patients are advised to use Chaga mushroom when surgery or radiation therapy is impossible.
According to Russian researchers, longer treatment with tea is necessary to cure cancer. For at least 1 year, patients must consume high tea concentrations daily.
Chaga mushroom has an antiviral effect
Two studies have found that the Chaga mushroom has an inhibitory effect on influenza and other viruses. One of the active ingredients (inotodiol) is effective against influenza A and B. The antiviral effect is probably due to the content of polyphenols.
Japanese studies have confirmed the effect of virus inhibition on HIV-1 (protease inhibition). The historical use of Chaga fungus as an anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits the virus is based on the fact that the medicinal fungus helps the body to stimulate its own immune system.
Beta-glucans of the fungus Chaga
Chaga mushroom contains beta-glucans, which are part of its cellular structure. Beta-glucans have recently been scientifically investigated for their positive effects on the immune system. Beta-glucans can attach to white blood cells (leukocytes) and activate them.
Leukocytes, also called cleansing cells, are an important part of the immune system. They fight viruses that have entered the body, for example, in the event of a cut.
Leukocyte life is significantly increased due to beta-glucans. This effect lasts up to 20 hours after taking tea. This means that leukocytes can destroy more viruses and germs, and the immune system is powerful.
Terpenes in Chaga mushrooms: further helpers for the immune system
Chaga mushroom contains many terpenes, which support the function of the thymus gland and spleen. The spleen stores leukocytes and is the seat of the immune system. The triterpenes in Chaga mushrooms help the pancreas to produce healthy white blood cells.
Chaga mushroom contains germanium
Chaga also contains anti-cancer polysaccharides and organic germanium. This rare mineral is an oxygen catalyst and one of the most powerful natural means of removing free radicals.
According to recent scientific findings, chronic fatigue syndrome is caused by dysfunction of the immune system.
This is probably why many people with this condition feel better when they drink tea. Chaga mushroom balances the immune system and thus helps to restore physical strength.
Chaga mushroom as an antioxidant
Much of Chaga fungus’s healing potential is explained by the fact that it is one of the most powerful and concentrated antioxidants in the plant world.
Antioxidants improve health and slow down the aging process by neutralizing free radicals, thus protecting the body’s cells from damage. Chaga mushroom is a “heavyweight champion” in the field of antioxidants.
Chaga mushroom and ORAC value
Wild Chaga mushroom has the highest ORAC value ever recorded for natural food.
Compared to other foods containing many antioxidants, such as blueberries and pomegranates, Chaga mushroom contains more antioxidants. This means that it has more potential to protect the body from free radicals.
Chaga mushroom also has the strongest antioxidant properties compared to other medicinal mushrooms. It also shows antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties and is known as a liver tonic and immunostimulant.
Other healing effects of Chaga mushroom
A Korean study studied how the Chaga mushroom affects the obesity of mice. For this purpose, the mice were fed fatty foods. At the end of the study, it was found that Chaga mushrooms protected mice from obesity and diseases caused by consuming too much fat.
Chaga mushroom has also been found to lower high blood sugar levels and is therefore of great help to patients with diabetes. It also reduces high blood pressure without any side effects.
Asian researchers believe that the Chaga mushroom helps maintain youth and prolong life. It also strengthens life energy.
Preparation of tea chaga
Chaga tea can be made from fresh Chaga mushrooms but is usually dried first.
You must cut Chaga mushrooms into small pieces. After chopping, 3 pieces of Chaga (approximately 10 g) are cooked together with 500 ml of water for 10 minutes. Then the Chaga tea is ready to drink.
It may be necessary for tea with a high healing effect to cook pieces of Chaga for 12 to 15 minutes. The tea is similar to the taste of coffee with a slightly milder note. Some even think it tastes like vanilla.
If you want to prepare a light Chaga tea for a test, take 2 pieces of Chaga in 300 ml of water. For stronger tea with a strong antioxidant effect, take 4 pieces of Chaga mushroom.
Tea should be drunk 2 times a day, 1 hour before a meal, to enjoy health benefits. However, I recommend that you start lightly with a cup of tea every day and do not overdo it before you understand how your body reacts to it.
Effects against hand tea
According to research into the Chaga fungus’ anticancer effects, uncooked extracts have no protective effect on cancer in mice. Cooking obviously activates substances that prevent the growth of cancer cells.
Both the experience of folk medicine and laboratory studies show that it is wise to cook Chaga mushroom pieces when the tea is consumed for medical purposes.
It is important to cook Chaga mushroom in a stainless steel pot. Do not use aluminum to release toxic substances into the seawater. Let the Chaga mushroom boil with a lid so that valuable substances do not evaporate. You can supplement Chaga tea with other spices and herbs, such as cinnamon, ginger, or chamomile.
Keep in mind that you can cook up Chaga pieces to 20 times. After that, you must use new pieces.
Chaga mushroom extract
Tinctures made from Chaga mushrooms, alcohol, and water can also be effective, as Russian studies have shown. To make alcoholic extracts, use vodka or 60% pure alcohol if you want to make a tincture.
Put the ground Chaga mushroom in a glass to be half full. Then fill the glass with vodka and let the medicinal mushroom stand for 2 weeks. Then filter the liquid through a coffee filter.
Take 3 tablespoons of this Chaga mushroom extract daily. The extract is an important addition to Chaga mushroom tea, especially in cancer treatment. The mushroom Chaga extract is stored in a bottle, preferably in the refrigerator. So you can store it for years.
Chaga mushroom quality levels
Many products contain Chaga Mushroom, but only a few contain real, wild Chaga. The emphasis here is on the “wild.” Experienced users use only wild Chaga mushrooms from subpolar regions and clean environments.
Chaga mushroom finds the best conditions in the forests of Lapland. There, in the still untouched nature, with a healthy birch population, ripens a real, wild mushroom with an extremely high content of vital substances.
Another factor that makes the wild mushroom Chaga from Lapland so valuable is the frigid climate. The thermometer drops to minus 40 degrees Celsius in Lapland’s icy forest areas. The colder the climate, the more vital substances Chaga mushroom produces.
Why is that so? With antioxidants, Chaga mushroom protects against low temperatures from dying in this harsh nature. Very few living things have the power to survive at minus 40 degrees Celsius.
Only wild Chaga mushroom contains important vital substances
you should use only wild Chaga mushrooms for human consumption. Chaga from China or Eastern Europe often comes from heavily polluted areas. Chaga mushroom protects toxins from the environment and radioactive radiation, so only Chaga from clean forest areas is recommended.
Chaga powder from the farm
Not all cultivated copies are comparable to the wild Chaga mushroom from pure nature. Chaga mushrooms grow on the farm are always ground into powder and sold in capsules or a free bag.
However, Chaga powder has no medicinal value due to the scarce availability of vital substances.
Cultivated Chaga mushroom products are harvested after a few months. Wild Chaga mushrooms must grow for at least 5 years before they can be cut.
Therefore: only wild fungus from clean areas contains important vital substances in high concentration.
However, high-quality wild Chaga fungus is actually a potent antioxidant and effective remedy. Chaga mushroom is an invaluable helper for diabetes, psoriasis, cancer, arteriosclerosis, stomach ulcers, gastritis, inflammation, and many other diseases.
If you include Chaga tea in your daily diet, you will enjoy numerous positive effects. Your physical and mental resilience will increase tremendously. You will sleep peacefully, you will get beautiful skin, and you will feel fit and vital.
Chaga mushroom from the polar wild collection
The original Chaga mushroom from the polar wild collection from Finland has the wild’s natural energy vibrations. Due to the ice-cold climate, healthy birch and nutrients, clean air, the Chaga mushroom develops its vital substances more intensively.
