Chaga for health

Chaga mushroom contains a large number of polysaccharides in the form of β glucans, which work as strong antioxidants inside your body. These compounds help fight off free radicals and maintain a normal cell cycle. Also, they act as prebiotics to stimulate the growth of healthy gut microbiota. On the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scale, it’s an ultra-potent source of antioxidants and is naturally rich in betulinic acid. On a cellular level, the fungus benefits your health by assuring normal vital functions. The question ‘How often to take Chaga?’ has become a popular topic recently.

Recent scientific studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the mushroom in treating a number of diseases and afflictions. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center lists the purported uses of Chaga as treating and preventing cancer, stimulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and protecting the liver. Russia, Japan, and Scandinavia are leading the way in conducting research and determining the exact health benefits of Chaga.

How to consume Chaga

Chaga can’t be eaten raw or cooked like other types of mushrooms. It is a hard, dense polypore mass. This type of medicinal mushroom is not edible in the standard method. Chaga’s properties need to be extracted. The extraction requires prolonged simmering or soaking. This process makes the beneficial components bioavailable to the human body – meaning the body is able to absorb the nutrients.

Traditionally, the polypore is broken up into small pieces, then boiled to make tea. The fungus is removed before drinking the tea. It is also commonly finely powdered and mixed into liquids. As well as combined with binders to make a salve or medicinal application.

Chaga tinctures and teas are extremely popular nowadays. Making it into a tea or tincture is relatively easy, as long as you have the raw fungus available. Check out our recipes for more inspiration on how to incorporate this fungus into your diet.

How often to take Chaga

The mushroom can be considered a tonic and can be consumed daily to help maintain balance and alkalinity within the body.  Chaga is very rich in phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals and offers a rich source of daily nutrients that helps to maintain optimum health.  We’ll give you some examples of dosages but it’s best to consult with your health specialist to make sure you gain the benefits of the fungi.

---

How long to feel the effects of Chaga

Unfortunately, you won’t feel any immediate effects from consuming Chaga. The benefits accumulate over time, with long-term use. So it’s best to get into a habit of incorporating the superfood into your diet through various products and recipes. Your body will remain forever grateful!