Chaga (Inonotus Obliquus) is a mushroom that typically grows on birch trees in colder climates across the Northern Hemisphere. Technically, Chaga is a highly-concentrated black mass of mycelium that protrudes from birch trees infected with parasitic–but non-toxic–fungus Inonotus Obliquus.
The dark, hard and cracked exterior, which often appears like burnt charcoal, is called the sclerotium. Chaga helps boosts the immune system when necessary, but slows it down when it’s overactive. This makes Chaga a natural Biological Response Modifier (BRM).
In traditional medicine systems, Chaga is used to treat a variety of ailments, ranging from gastritis to cancer. It has a particularly long history in Russian folk medicine traditions, and the mushroom was even rumored to cure the lip cancer of Duke Vladimir Monomach in the 12th century CE.
Chaga has been consumed for centuries in the East, most typically as tea, where its health benefits are well established. More recently, Chaga has been gaining popularity in the West, where its numerous health benefits are now being recognized by many health gurus.
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What Are the Benefits of Chaga Mushrooms
Supports Immune System
Chaga has an abundance of Beta-D-Glucans which help balance the response of the body’s immune system. This means that Chaga helps boost the immune system when necessary, but slows it down when it’s overactive.
This makes Chaga a natural Biological Response Modifier (BRM). Research has also shown that Chaga activates immune cells responsible for combating cancer initiation.
Research is still ongoing, as more studies are needed to determine Chaga’s full role in cancer. Chaga has proven effective in supporting standard cancer approaches, such as chemotherapy, by compensating for the program’s negative side effects.
I’m certainly not saying that Chaga will ease cancer progression; however, evidence suggests there may be vital compounds in the mushroom that warrant further investigation into its role.
Soothing Properties
Chaga supports the integrity of blood vessels and provides soothing properties in times of irritation. This can be helpful for those suffering from pain, neuropathy, and even diabetes.
Ulcers and Gastritis
Due to its immune-boosting properties, Chaga has long been used to support gastrointestinal health in Eastern culture.
Most ulcers are caused by bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, so a well-functioning immune system can fight off this pathogen. Ulcers may be soothed by the use of Chaga, depending on the severity and the patient.
Normalize Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
Studies have shown that the betulinic acid found in Chaga is able to break down LDL cholesterol–bad cholesterol–in the bloodstream.
The Antioxidant Properties of Chaga Mushroom
So what are the ingredients behind Chaga that provide all these health benefits? Let’s go through the 6 key ingredients that make Chaga so healthy.
Polysaccharides
Chaga contains structural polysaccharides within its chitin walls, which provide energy, cardiovascular health, intestinal and liver health, and promote healthy blood sugar levels. It’s also said to improve one’s mood.
Beta-D-Glucans
Beta-D-Glucans are known for their ability to modulate the immune system. Beta-D-Glucans also help with normalizing cholesterol levels and blood sugar.
Phytosterols
Of the phytosterols present in Chaga, 45% is Lanosterol, 25% is Inotodiols and the remaining 30% consists of Ergosterol, Fecosterol, and several others.
In vivo and in vitro testing shows a direct effect of both Lanosterol and Inotodiols on cancer cells, with lanosterol imparting a positive effect on viral compounds.
Betulin and Betulinic Acid (Triterpenes)
Betulin and betulinic acid are powerful therapeutic agents that are currently being researched for their effects on supporting healthy cholesterol levels.
In addition to their favorable benefits for maintaining a healthy cholesterol profile, betulin and betulinic acid are also being studied in relation to cancer and viruses.
Antioxidants
Chaga sclerotium contains massive amounts of the natural black pigment known as melanin, which has high antioxidant levels due to the number of polyphenols it contains. In fact, Chaga has the highest ORAC score (the measure of antioxidant potency) of any superfood.
SODs
SODs are another important antioxidant present in Chaga. SOD refers to a group of enzymes called Super Oxide Dismutase.
These enzymes play an important role in protecting our body against the destructive effects of uncontrolled oxidation and free radicals. SOD potency is measured by the S-ORAC score.
How to Make Chaga Tea
The most popular way to consume Chaga is by drinking a delicious cup of Chaga tea. Below is my favorite simple Chaga tea recipe for you to try at home.
- Break the whole Chaga into roughly 10g chunks.
- Grind one chunk into powder using a blender or coffee grinder.
- Place one teaspoon (two if you like a stronger tea) into a tea infuser.
- Place the tea infuser into your favorite large mug and pour in about 400 ml of hot water.
- Leave the Chaga and hot water steeping for at least 5 minutes, but the longer the better to extract more of the bioactive ingredients.
- Remove the infuser from the mug and add maple syrup or honey to taste.
Chaga Mushroom and Cancer Treatment
In traditional medicine systems, Chaga is used to treat a variety of ailments, ranging from gastritis to cancer. It has a particularly long history in Russian folk medicine traditions, and the mushroom was even rumored to cure the lip cancer of Duke Vladimir Monomach in the 12th century CE.
Although the use of Chaga for cancer treatment has a long history in traditional medicine, the mode of action remains largely unknown and the scientific community has only recently begun to closely examine the possible role of Chaga in cancer treatment or prevention.
Some evidence supporting the use of Chaga mushroom extract for cancer treatment suggests that it may have anti-cancer properties and encourage apoptosis (death) of certain types of cancer cells.
Chaga is also being investigated for its ability to support the immune system, which may factor into its hypothesized anti-cancer effects. Although some results have been promising, clinical trials are still needed to understand the effect of this mushroom and its constituents within the human body.
The Chaga mushroom contains some further characteristics that may prove useful in cancer treatment. One of the mushroom’s phytochemicals, betulinic acid, and its precursor, betulin, are known for their anticancer action.
Betulinic acid is found in birch trees but is absorbed by the mushroom as it grows on the host tree. The betulin and betulinic acid found in the Chaga extract can be ingested orally, which makes it particularly attractive to researchers. Other constituents are being investigated for a possible role in the treatment of human cancers.
Chaga Mushroom Side Effects
Chaga is usually well tolerated by humans but it may interact with certain chemical substances, particularly pharmaceutical medications.
Please speak with your doctor or healthcare professional before beginning supplementation to safely achieve Chaga mushroom benefits.
Buying the Best Chaga Available
It is important that buyers remain aware of the challenges they may face when attempting to buy Chaga mushrooms or supplements. Some Chaga comes from countries with weak regulations and underdeveloped quality control standards.
This means that inferior or counterfeit products may find their way into the marketplace. By taking a little extra time you are more likely to find Chaga for sale from reputable suppliers.
