Chaga

Chaga Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is often called a superfood or super mushroom due to its numerous unique properties. It is not cultivated. It grows in the wilderness and likes cold climates. Real Chaga only grows on birch trees (cultivated Chaga differs in its medicinal properties). Most high quality Chaga is sourced from Siberia, Canada, Korea, Alaska, and some Northern parts of Europe. Chaga mushroom takes several years to grow fully. It is hard like cork and generally dark brown in colour. Nowadays, people either drink tea of grated chaga or use it in powdered form. Many of its health benefits are due to its content of oxalic, gallic, p-hydroxybenzoic, and protocatechuic acids.¹

Health Benefits of Chaga

Anti-Cancer Properties

People in Russia and Siberia have traditionally used Chaga to fight cancer. In recent years, it has gained popularity all over the world for its anti-cancer properties. This has led to lots of research into the Chaga mushroom, and there is a reason to believe that it does in fact possess anti-cancer properties. Chaga extract has a cytotoxic effect towards cancer cells. Studies in animals show that daily ingestion of Chaga may cause a reduction in tumour size and may help prevent metastasis.²^,³
Immune Stimulation

Studies show that polysaccharides and phenolic compounds in Chaga have both immune-stimulating and immune-modulating properties. Therefore, Chaga can help in a range of immune related conditions. It can help counter infectious diseases, strengthen the body, prevent cancers, and may even alter the course of certain autoimmune conditions.⁴^,⁵
Anti-Allergic

Chaga is among the few herbs that may help prevent allergic reactions. It may help prevent anaphylactic shock, may lower IgE levels, and may help counter allergies to food items. Studies indicate that it may also have a mast cell stabilising effect, which may also play a role in controlling food and respiratory allergies.⁶^,⁷
Anti-Inflammatory

Chaga is a potent anti-inflammatory mushroom. Studies show that regular intake of Chaga can reduce inflammation markers including but not limited to COX-2, IL-4 and TNF. Studies found that use of Chaga may be particularly useful for assisting with inflammatory bowel disease and colitis and it is recommended to use Chaga in conjunction with traditional therapies in treating these issues.⁸^,⁹
Hepatoprotective

Chaga is regarded as beneficial for the liver and may also help protect it from the noxious effect of various toxins. There is evidence from both in-vitro and vivo studies that Chaga is beneficial for these issues. Studies show that Chaga may reduce liver fat accumulation and necrosis. Chaga may also help normalise levels of bilirubin, and other biomarkers of liver inflammation.⁹^,¹⁰
Anti-Diabetic

Chaga may also exert an anti-diabetic effect. Studies show that fermented Chaga is better at lowering blood sugar than raw Chaga. Using Chaga may also help normalise cholesterol levels.¹¹

Side Effects of Chaga

There are no studies regarding Chaga’s safety in humans, and even well-designed toxicological studies in animals are also limited. Chaga seems to be relatively safe for short term or intermittent use, and there are no reported severe side effects from its regular use. Chaga mushroom may cause specific side effects when used for prolonged intervals, and at very high dosages (4-6 teaspoons a day). It is very high in oxalates; meaning long term, high level consumption may increase the risk of renal stone formation, and even nephropathy.¹²

Properties

Allergies⁶^,⁷
Anti-Inflammatory⁸^,⁹
Cancer Prevention²^,³
Cholesterol¹¹
Diabetes / Blood Sugar¹¹
Immune Booster⁴^,⁵
Liver Health⁹^,¹⁰
Respiratory Support⁸^,⁹

References