What is chaga mushroom?
Chaga is a medicinal mushroom that grows on birch trees in northern climates such as areas of Russia, Europe, China and North America. For centuries people have been using chaga mushroom for its healing properties and prevention of disease. In Russia, the use of chaga dates back to ancient times and was used in traditional folk medicine.
Siberian chaga is considered to be one of the highest quality mushrooms due to the region's biodiversity and abundance of wild birch tree forests.
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How does chaga grow?
Chaga (or Inonotus obliquus) grows on birch trees. It starts off as a funny looking birch bark and after growing for 10-20 years turns into a hard, wood-like brown golden mass. Biologically speaking, chaga is a parasite and will eventually poison the tree to death. This process is what allows chaga to get all of its nutrients and benefits.
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Where and when to find chaga?
Chaga mushroom grows in colder climates in northern parts of the world. Since many of the world's birches are in Russia, Siberia is especially known for its abundance of quality wild chaga. You can even sometimes find chaga in local forests and national parks of Canadian and northern states. Chaga is best to be harvested during fall season as this is when it reaches its peak in nutrients. However many opt in for winter harvest since it's much easier to spot chaga on the trees with the lack of leaves.
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How to consume chaga mushroom?
There are many ways of consuming chaga – for centuries tea has been one of the popular methods. Today, you can get raw chaga as chunks or powder to brew tea with. Other methods include chaga extract, which requires a special extraction process, and can be found in a form of drops or powder.
From tree to tea
Chaga tea has been consumed by northern cultures worldwide for centuries – preparing and brewing chaga requires patience, precision and tender love. These wild-harvesting methods were passed down generations and practiced by ethical foragers to this day.
How to consume chaga?
There are many ways of consuming chaga – for centuries tea has been one of the popular methods. Today, you can get raw chaga as chunks or powder to brew tea with. Other methods include chaga extract, which requires a special extraction process, and can be found in a form of drops or powder.
Healing Benefits from Chaga
- High Antioxidant Potency
- Nutrient-Dense Superfood
- Anti-Inflammatory Adaptogen
- Natural Immune Booster
- Regulates Blood Pressure
- Natural Stress Relief