Chaga, a parasitic fungus found on the bark of birch trees in colder climates, has long been used as a health supplement with many purported benefits. When taken as tea form it has been used to boost immune system function, aid with digestion issues and promote overall well-being. A growing body of research indicates it may even support liver health while protecting against oxidative stress.

Chaga mushroom’s anti-inflammatory effects are due to its polysaccharides, which possess immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. As such, they can significantly decrease liver inflammation as well as other organ inflammation, providing protection from carbon tetrachloride exposure; mice treated with an extract from this mushroom also showed reduced inflammation and liver damage post exposure; other studies indicate it can increase superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme which prevents formation of harmful free radicals to help combat oxidative stress-induced cell damage by inhibiting formation of free radicals preventing further cell damage caused by stress-induced cell damage from carbon tetrachloride exposure; other studies also showed increase expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Chaga tea can help maintain steady blood sugar levels, which is key for overall cardiovascular, blood vessel, nerve, kidney, and skin health. Animal studies have demonstrated the efficacy of its polysaccharides to bring down blood sugar and divert glucose from being stored as fat instead.

Chaga is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body cope with physical and emotional stressors. Additionally, chaga offers many other health-boosting properties including its ability to reduce inflammation and promote detoxification in cells.

Oxidative stress is one of the leading causes of illness and disease, but antioxidants found in chaga can help mitigate it by protecting against DNA damage caused by free radicals. They may also inhibit activity from proteins known as p38 kinase and ERK1/2 which play roles in inflammation responses.

Chaga can also help boost liver functioning, stimulating bile flow and supporting digestive comfort, making it ideal for those with high levels of liver enzymes such as AST and ALT levels. Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends it for supporting digestive tract comfort as a digestive aid and increasing liver functioning.

While chaga can usually be considered safe to try, those taking medications to prevent blood clotting or managing diabetes should avoid it as it could interfere with their effectiveness. As always, Dr. Vasilev advises consulting your physician prior to adding new supplements or herbs into your routine regimen.

When choosing a product to create a tea from chaga, make sure it is of high-quality. Mushrooms should be sustainably harvested from natural sources like trees or wild areas so as to not deplete their nutritional values. Also keep in mind that fungus absorbs pollutants from its environment so avoid purchasing it near industrial or heavy traffic areas and instead look for certified organic varieties which guarantee the fungus was grown under clean, healthy conditions.