Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus), found on birch trees in cold regions, contain nutrients that may boost your immunity, help regulate cholesterol levels and provide energy boost. They’re also packed with B vitamins and minerals!

Mushrooms are an excellent natural source of antioxidants and can be consumed in numerous ways, including tea. Here are some popular ones:

Benefits

Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) have recently made headlines due to their many health benefits, primarily their antioxidant content and ability to support immune system function, cardiovascular health, balance blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and more. You can add this unique woody fungus into tea brewing or smoothie making.

Although chaga may look intimidating, it has long been used as an herbal remedy. Furthermore, its energy boosting qualities and general well-being benefits make it a worthy addition. Packed full of B and C vitamins as well as iron and potassium minerals, chaga is also one of the highest ORAC scores among foods: 31 times higher than blueberries!

Chaga mushrooms are traditionally boiled for several hours to produce a drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold, boasting an earthy taste unlike any other mushroom species. Honey or lemon may add sweetness for an unexpectedly delightful finish.

Many people add a teaspoon of chaga powder to their morning cup of tea or coffee, starting out slowly before gradually increasing dosage as your body adjusts to it. Since chaga is unregulated by FDA and should only be taken under supervision from qualified healthcare practitioners.

Chaga is not a cure for any illness; rather it acts as an adaptogen by helping the body adapt to stress and promote balance. Chaga makes an excellent addition to daily routine and can be enjoyed throughout the day as either an early morning boost or as an afternoon pick-me-up beverage.

As there is currently insufficient research indicating its safety, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are advised against taking chaga mushrooms. Too much may cause liver or kidney damage as its compounds interfere with normal function of these organs. People living with type 2 diabetes should avoid chaga as it has the potential to lower blood glucose levels; furthermore it interacts with medications used to treat blood clots thus should not be consumed while on blood-thinning drugs.

Origins

Chaga mushroom has long been used by indigenous populations of the Northern hemisphere as a medicinal superfood to increase immunity and boost natural energy. Today, it can also be consumed as tea or tincture form for optimal use.

Alaska’s foraging culture thrives. Locals can often be seen wandering trails, woods and hillsides with buckets or baskets in hand in search of blueberries, fireweed and fungi; with many finding chaga to be one of their prized finds.

Chaga, an irregular, two-toned bark-like growth that resembles a burnt blister or scab, can be found on birch trees in cold climate regions. It features both coal-black exterior sclerotia and cork-like golden brown interior layers; its texture varies between coarse wood and porous rubbery rock, making it hard to chew.

Grows on birch trees across Russia, Korea, Eastern and Northern Europe, Canada and the United States; commonly referred to as Huang Chaga or Tschaga is revered in various cultures such as Chinese, Cree, Ojibway and Chipewyan cultures for its healing properties.

Chaga contains an abundance of essential nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron. Furthermore, its abundance in antioxidants provides protection from free radicals – byproducts from normal body processes that damage cells leading to chronic illnesses like cancer or cardiovascular disease.

Initial studies indicate that chaga can enhance immune system function, decrease inflammation and aid with weight loss; however it is wise to consult your physician prior to including this food in your diet as it could interfere with certain medications and cause side effects.

Preparation

Preparing chaga mushroom tea is similar to making other herbal infusions, with one exception: Chaga should be steeped for longer due to its hard and dense composition requiring additional water for infusion. Furthermore, as it doesn’t absorb flavor the same way other herbs do it is important that simmering occurs over an extended period to achieve maximum benefit from it.

When making chaga mushroom tea, it is best to use either a crock pot or electric tea kettle. Mix one heaping teaspoon of chaga with four cups of near boiling water in the pot/kettle on low setting for at least four hours; longer exposure increases its strength.

To prepare a weaker tea, reduce the amount of chaga used and shorten brewing times – this option may be preferable for those who do not prefer stronger beverages, or are new to chaga consumption.

Chaga may help to enhance immunity and lower cholesterol, as well as treat chronic fatigue, depression, arthritis, high blood pressure and many other health conditions. Chaga fungus contains essential B-complex vitamins, potassium and beta glucans – providing energy boosts while fighting viral infections and strengthening immunity systems.

If you plan on harvesting chaga yourself, it is vitally important that the correct identification of this fungus be established first. There are various poisonous species which resemble chaga and could even lead to illness if mistaken as such.

Avoid this issue by purchasing a book on wild mushroom identification or consulting an expert to make sure you are gathering the correct fungus.

As another way of collecting healthy and beneficial chaga, using a grinder to break it up before brewing can increase surface area of fungus allowing it to take in more nutrients from water. You should store chaga in dark, cool places after harvesting it to preserve its benefits.

Storage

Wild chaga mushrooms harvested from North American forests form the cornerstone of this extraordinary blend, while roasted dandelion root, chicory and adaptogenic astragalus root add complexity. Cocoa nibs add decadent yet grounding texture. Cocoa nibs complete this stunning tea and complete its decadent yet grounding flavor profile – cocoa nibs add decadence while cocoa nibs round off its delicious yet earthy profile! It is recommended for anyone seeking to boost immunity, normalize cholesterol and blood pressure, increase energy, support long life as well as soothing (great for neuropathy and pain management)! It should be stored in the refrigerator up to two brewing cycles – everyone must try at least once! This non-caffeinated blend must try at least once!