Not many people know the benefits or uses of mushrooms. Chaga mushroom has been used for centuries by a variety of different people across the planet. I had no idea about the real-world effects of these life forms. It wasn’t until I was doing some research on a natural cure for cancer (not for myself but for those in my family) that I came across the use of mushrooms as alternative treatments. It took me down the rabbit hole and wanted to learn more about this fungus and how it can benefit the everyday person.
What Is Chaga?
Chaga is a mycelium growth that is usually found on yellow and birch trees. It has one of the largest amounts of anti-oxidant levels of anything on the planet. It can be found across the world from North American all the way to parts of Asia.
Chaga itself is a large growth on the outside of the birch tree. It is very hard to come across. They only grow on certain trees at certain times in their life cycle. They are growths that generally occur after the tree receives some form of damage.
The Chaga mushroom is widely considered to be the “king of the medicinal mushrooms.” Many cultures consider Chaga to be extremely potent. Chaga itself is an extremely tough substance and must be broken down into a fine powder or boiled to make extracts in order to get the most benefits from this fruiting body.
What Are The Benefits?
The benefits to this mushroom are extensive. They include cancer fighter, immune system support, lowering blood pressure, and modulating blood sugar. These benefits only scratch the surface of how many benefits it has.
There are not many human studies that show for sure of its benefits but those who have added it to their diet have found whatever ailments that may be experiencing start to stabilize or diminish. That may not be iron glad scientific evidence of a cure but it is the only thing that matters. What I mean by that is the patients that take it are seeing a real-world effect outside of a lab and at the end of the day that is what matters.
The Chaga mushroom contains 215 phytonutrients, all of which help cell to cell communication, used as anti-oxidants, and enhance immune system support. The Chaga mushroom also contains glyconutrients that are said to help fight off illness and boost total immune system.
I am not an expert in all of the benefits of this mushroom, however, these guys will lay out all of the details in further depth!
Chaga can be used in a variety of ways, from extracts to teas. You can use this fantastic fungus as an additive to soups and smoothies as well. The best way many experts suggest in the form of tea. The hot water is said to break down the walls of the Chaga extremely effectively.
Now that you have decided to try Chaga and see if the benefits are as potent as they say then it is time to actually get some. You can grab some from a couple of different places. However, just make sure you are getting some really high-quality stuff first.
Brew Time
Okay, now I am assuming you have the Chaga and it is time to make a brew out of it. There are a couple of ways in which you can do it. You can get the Chaga in tea bag form with makes it extremely convenient to simply put in a pot and let it steep for as long as you can. If you have the powder all you need in 1/2 a teaspoon and 6-8oz of water. Let it sit for 3-5 mins and you are good to go.
If you are using the chunks then you can put 3-5 chunks per liter of water and you can let it steep for as long as possible. The point is the longer you let it steep the more benefits you will get from it.
The tea and the chunks can be used multiple times simply reuse it until the color no longer is dark. That is how you get the most for your money.
What Are The Side Effects?
If you are using Chaga for a therapeutic reason then please consult your doctor before use. The mushroom may counteract what your current medication is doing. For example, Chaga is said to balance blood sugar. So those with diabetes may be lowering their blood sugar even more if they are using their medication at the same time as drinking or taking Chaga.
If you are drinking or taking Chaga as a superfood then you should be ok with 2 cups per day but just like anything, you may want to watch on the overindulgence of it. Simply pay attention to how your body is reacting to the new tea and adjust from there. It may cause some detoxing effects for those who are first using it but again play it by ear.
Final Words
Chaga is a great mushroom that has been used for centuries by tribes all over the world. It is a great tool for improving overall health and can be used in a variety of situations. Again I am not a doctor and I am not an expert in this particular superfood. I am however fascinated by the claims of those who have used it to improve their health.
It is anecdotal evidence but nonetheless. If Chaga is proven to be effective for such sinister diseases as cancer then we may be looking at a different outlook on health care as a whole. It is worth a look into but please make an informed decision before diving right into the deep end.
KHO Health was acquired by was acquire by 9INE POINT in the summer of 2019 and is now referred to as 9INE POINT Health.
