Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a type of fungus that grows mainly on the bark of birch trees in cold climates, such as Northern Europe, Siberia, Russia, Korea, Northern Canada and Alaska.

Use: 1/2 a tea spoon of Chaga powder can be added to drinks, vegetable and fruit juices; smoothies and liquid yoghurts. For convenience, it can be added to various hot and cold dishes: salads, soups, pasta, pizza, fresh and baked vegetables.

Chaga is also known by other names, such as black mass, clinker polypore, birch canker polypore, cinder conk and the sterile conk trunk rot (of birch)

Chaga can be consumed alone or in combination with other mushrooms, such as cordyseps.

Health Benefits

~ Boosts Your Immune System and Fights Inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response of your immune system that can protect against disease. However, long-term inflammation is linked to conditions like heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies suggest that chaga extract can positively impact immunity by reducing long-term inflammation and fighting harmful bacteria and viruses.

~ Prevents and Fights Cancer: Several studies show that chaga can prevent and slow cancer growth. In a study in mice with cancer, chaga supplements resulted in a 60% reduction in tumor size.
Chaga extract prevented the growth of cancer in human liver cells. Similar results were observed with cancer cells of the lung, breast, prostate and colon.
It’s thought that the anticancer effect of chaga is partly due to its high content of antioxidants, which protect cells from damage by free radicals.

~ Lowers Blood Sugar: Several Studies link chaga to lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, it may help manage diabetes.
A study in obese, diabetic mice observed that chaga extract reduced blood sugar levels and insulin resistance compared to diabetic mice who did not receive the supplement. In another study in diabetic mice, chaga supplements led to a 31% decrease in blood sugar levels over three weeks.

~ Lowers Cholesterol: Chaga may also benefit cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of heart disease.
In an eight-week study in rats with high cholesterol, chaga extract reduced “bad” LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing antioxidant levels.
Similar studies gave the same results and observed that in addition to reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol, chaga increases “good” HDL cholesterol.
Researchers believe that the antioxidants present in chaga are responsible for its effects on cholesterol.

Safety and Side Effects: Chaga can interact with some common medications, causing potentially harmful effects.

For example, chaga could pose risks for people on insulin or those with diabetes due to its impact on blood sugar.
Chaga also contains a protein that can prevent blood clotting. Therefore, if you are on blood-thinning medications, have a bleeding disorder or are preparing for surgery, consult with your doctor before taking chaga.
Though some research shows that chaga may help reduce inflammation, it may also cause your immune system to become more active. Thus, people with autoimmune diseases should seek medical advice before taking chaga.
There is no research on the safety of chaga for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Therefore, the safest option is to avoid use.