John Myers
In Lapland, the Chaga mushroom is popular because of its diverse effects. In this country it is developing into a trend. Reason enough to bring you closer to the effect on body and health.
Chaga Mushroom
The Chaga mushroom can be found in Russia, Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. Although it grows on various trees, only the one found on birch trees is of medicinal importance. This is said to affect health in many areas.
- Anti- inflammatory: The Chaga mushroom is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect. The anti-inflammatory effect can be helpful, for example, in case of inflammation of the gastric mucosa and support recovery.
- Strengthens the immune system: Due to its positive effect on the immune system , the Chaga mushroom can alleviate the symptoms of some autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn’s disease. Laboratory tests showed that the fungus is effective against viruses and bacteria.
- High blood pressure/sugar: The fungus has a blood pressure-lowering effect. A study showed that the body can produce more insulin by taking the Chaga mushroom. However, if you have diabetes, you should consult your doctor first if you plan on consuming the mushroom.
- Protection for the liver: According to the study , it should be able to detoxify the liver and lower cholesterol levels.
- Gums: If you suffer from periodontal disease, the Chaga mushroom can stop the receding gums.
- Healthy skin: The effect of the fungus is also visible. It improves the skin’s appearance . The remedy can bring improvement in psoriasis, acne and neurodermatitis.
- Cancer therapy: The Chaga mushroom is also said to have an inhibiting effect on tumor growth. A study has already shown success in the treatment of colon cancer and breast cancer.
- But: So far there is no scientific evidence for the healing power of the Chaga mushroom. All studies carried out on this were not carried out on humans, but only on cells or on experimental animals specifically infected with diseases.
Chaga: It’s inside the mushroom
The Chaga Mushroom is a bundle of healthy ingredients. In order to harvest it, you have to go into the forest and look for the mushroom. The Chaga mushroom has not yet been cultivated, although efforts are being made in China due to demand. However, the cultivated mushrooms have nothing in common with the real Chaga, which has to grow on birch trees in order to have an effect. For a sustainable harvest, cut off only part of the mushroom and leave the rest on the tree. This protects the tree. After harvesting, the mushroom is dried.
- The mushroom contains a lot of germanium and zinc. The birch also releases the medicinally active substances betulin and betulinic acid to the fungus.
- All amino acids except isoleucine are contained in the Chaga mushroom.
- In addition, the mushroom provides you with polysaccharides, triterpenes, melanin, manganese, boron and iron.
- The mushroom contains plenty of oxalate. Ingested in certain amounts, this ingredient can damage the kidneys and cause kidney stones.
Harvesting Chaga mushrooms: What you need to know
To harvest the mushroom, you must look for the mushroom in the forest.
- The caga mushroom has not yet been cultivated, although efforts are being made in China due to demand.
- For a sustainable harvest, cut off only part of the mushroom and leave the rest on the tree. This protects the tree.
- After harvesting, the mushroom is dried.
Chaga mushroom: How to prepare it
If you would like to buy Chaga mushroom, you will find plenty of offers on the Internet. You may also find what you are looking for in a well-stocked herb shop or in a health food store. When buying, pay attention to various quality criteria that should be specified for good products. In addition to the country of origin, this also includes, for example, the growth height on the tree and a manual harvest.
- You can also make tea from fresh Chaga mushrooms, but it is usually dried first.
- To prepare the tea, you need to break the mushroom into small pieces. Put four of these pieces in a saucepan and pour half a liter of water over them.
- Now heat everything and let the mushroom boil in the water for about ten minutes . If you then strain the tea, it is ready to drink. If you want to achieve a higher medicinal effect , let the tea boil a little longer, i.e. 12 to 15 minutes .
- Drink Chaga mushroom tea three times a day, one hour before meals, for its health benefits.
- But you shouldn’t jump right in. Start with one cup of the tea a day to gauge how your body is responding.
- The mushroom pieces can be reused until they no longer turn brown in the boiling water.
