Chaga Mushroom

Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) is a type of edible fungus that grows mainly on birch trees in very cold climates such as Siberia, Northern Canada, Alaska, and northern areas of the United States.

The name “chaga” comes from the Russian word for mushroom. This mushroom has been called “black gold” and a “gift of God”, and has been traditionally been used medicinally in Russia and Northern European countries for hundreds of years.

Chaga is one of the most powerful medicinal tools and overall tonics in this century. It possesses immune-system-enhancing nutrients that revitalize and increase white blood cell count by increasing the production of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils. This incredible wild food also strengthens red blood cells and bone marrow, while staving off cytokine storms, which are the result of the body overreacting to a pathogen or toxin (it is interesting to note that this is often the cause of death as a result of a COVID-19 infection).

Chaga is highly sought after due to its phenomenal levels of antioxidants and healing properties. It is rich in Vitamins A, C, B, D, and E and minerals such as manganese, iron, calcium, zinc, and selenium. It also contains potent anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-candida, and anti-parasitic properties.

What makes chaga so unique is the presence of betulinic acid, which derives from the white birch (Betula alba) trees upon which t grows. Betulinic acid is effective in killing cancer cells on contact, which is why it is highly valued in a variety of natural cancer treatments and preventative protocols. Research has shown Chaga to be particularly beneficial for colon, stomach, endometrial, lung, breast, and prostate cancer.

Chaga is also rich in beta-glucans which can dramatically strengthen and reinforce the immune system making it an ideal choice for those suffering from autoimmune disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Chron’s disease, lymphoma, bursitis, shingles, and PCOS.

It is also very beneficial for those with HIV and has been shown to reduce the various symptoms and secondary diseases caused by HIV. Chaga contains the highest level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the world - an enzyme that promotes the breakdown of free radicals and has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, Lou Gehrig’s disease, gout, osteoarthritis, and cataracts. Chaga’s anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for those with arthritis, cystitis, tendonitis, edema, asthma, celiac disease, scleroderma, acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Spiritual Lesson

Chaga lives in harmony with the trees upon which it grows, growing slowly in order to ensure it doesn’t harm its host (many incorrectly believe that chaga kills the birch tree, when in fact improper harvesting practices is what leads to the death of the tree). Chaga offers the tree strength during times of storm and intensely cold weather, providing loyalty, patience, and the intelligence of survival.

Chaga teaches us not to let go in times of trouble, so that we may help our loved ones survive and thrive. When in times of need we can gain strength and wisdom by connecting with the power in chaga, which teaches us how to stay strong and support one another, for the greater good.

For best nutrient absorption it is best to use chaga that has been ground into a very fine powder. When drinking chaga, honor its loyalty, and stoic nature by stopping for a moment to connect with these qualities inherent within. This will enhance your body’s reception of its immune-enhancing phytochemicals. You can find high-quality chaga at Vimergy or IHerb.

Chaga Latte

Chaga Latte has a rich, earthy coffee-like flavor that can be sweetened with raw honey to help drive chaga’s medicinal properties deeper into the body.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Chaga Extract Powder
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 8 oz. hot water
• 1 teaspoon raw honey or coconut sugar
• ¼ cup coconut milk

Directions:

Add the ingredients into a blender. Blend until well combined and frothy. You can also stir the ingredients together in a mug. It won't have the same frothiness but it will still taste delicious.

Information in this article was taken from:

Chaga 101 Dr. Axe Medical Medium's book - Life Changing Foods

Thanks to Free Images for the wonderful pictures