Chaga - the wisdom of the ancient people in the new age
“I've been able to avoid getting sick all year, even though I work with preschoolers, so it's a real miracle! I physically feel my cells regenerate faster and I feel stronger. It's a feel-good supplement that doesn't upset my stomach like multivitamins tend to do. No fungal burping (reflux) or unpleasant aftertaste. I consume these mushrooms every day now!!!” - Eric
Mushrooms have been used for food and medicine for a millennia, but the western world's knowledge of the mushroom world's potential is still undeveloped at the moment. We know that functional fungi are powerful original sources of drugs.
Studies have proven that mushrooms have anti-allergy, anti-cholesterol and anti-cancer properties. Thus, they are rich in carbohydrates, chitin, beta-glucans, hemicellulose and various micro and macro substances. This makes mushrooms excellent prebiotics (food for gut bacteria) that stimulate the gut and support the host to fight inflammation and disease. [8]
In particular, various mushroom extracts have been in the spotlight for their anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor, anti-mutagenic properties. [1]
- Functional mushrooms are an extremely exciting field in herbal medicine. Offering extensive healing benefits. Knowledge of the potential of mushrooms is supported by a long history of traditional folk medicine and an ever-increasing body of scientific research. [2]
Of course, we must not forget the fact that many researches have been paid for by pharmaceutical companies and show the wonderful potential of the plant through a crooked mirror. Putting your product first and ruling out the opinion that you should consult your doctor before consuming mushroom extract for medical purposes. [2]
Chaga has a high nutritional and healing value - in the treatment of malignant tumors, diabetes, vascular diseases and AIDS. [3] In medieval Siberia, Chaga was also used to treat gastritis, various ulcers, heart and liver diseases, and tuberculosis. What makes the mushroom special is that, despite its strong healing properties, no toxic side effects have been identified. [4]
- Scientists from Russia, Northern Europe, Japan, America and Korea collaborate on a daily basis to find out which substances, in cooperation with various polysaccharides, exactly make Chaga such a potent medicine. [3]
What exactly is Chaga?
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a medicinal mushroom that is widely known in the folk medicine of Siberia, North America and Europe.[1] This interesting tree mushroom is certainly not unknown to Estonians either.
In this article, we will list the benefits, active ingredients and healing properties of Chaga. In the end, we will also review frequently asked questions.
ABOUT CHAGA IN GENERAL
Inonotus obliquus, or Chaga, belongs to the Basidiomycota family, the Hymenochaetales order, the Hymoenochaetaceae family, and the Inonotus family. [3]
For the first time, Dragendorff began to study the chemical components of Chaga in 1846, but unfortunately he found neither alkaloids nor glycosides, and his interest waned.
Next, the mushroom was taken under the microscope by a large group of scientists in Russia, among whom were P.A. Yakimos, A.A. Shivrina, E.V. Lovyagina, E.G. Platonov as well as other well-known scientists. They discovered that Chaga is extremely rich in nutrients.
Chaga is widespread in the forests of Eastern Europe and Russia and it grows on birch, alder and spruce trunks. Traditionally, anti-cancer tea was made from Chaga which grows on the birch. [2]
This beauty has been used in folk medicine as an immune system supporter since the 16th century, especially in Siberia [4]. Nowadays, however, this healer is gaining more and more popularity in Western society. [5]
SPREAD OF CHAGA
Chaga is mostly distributed in North America, Finland, Poland, Russia (Western Siberia), Kamchatka Peninsula, Japan and China (Heilongjiang province and Changbai mountain, where the Chaga mushroom extract of Seente Vägi also comes from).
APPEARANCE OF CHAGA
In appearance, Chaga resembles a tumor with a diameter of 25-40 cm. Most of the time, Chaga is charcoal gray or dark brown, hard, and its interior is light brown/yellowish and resembles wood. [4]
USING CHAGA
Traditionally, Chaga was ground into a powder or brewed into a “spongy” tea. Today, of course, it is available in the form of Chaga powders, capsules, teas and elixirs. [5]
ACTIVE INGREDIENT OF CHAGA
The main active ingredient in chaga is the terpenoid compound betulinic acid, which is found in the bark of the birch tree and which Chaga mushroom feeds on. There are also different glycan complexes, which are complex sugars. [8]
The protein-rich mushroom contains 15 different amino acids, of which asparagine dominates, which is a part of proteins. Also glycine, which helps protein turn into muscle. Glutamic acid is also an important component, which boosts and protects the body. [7]
The compounds in Chaga help promote the recovery of metabolic processes in the body damaged by the disease, support digestive processes and help dissolve proteins. [7]
In conclusion, the beneficial properties of Chaga consist of a rich composition of micro and macro elements (K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Si, Al) and a wide range of biological and physiological effects. Including high anti-toxic potential and control over enzymatic processes. These properties make Chaga a safe and healing agent that increases the body's resistance to harmful factors [7]
HEALING PROPERTIES
1. anti cancer
Chaga is widely used as an anti-cancer drug in Eastern European folk medicine and in Russia. Its immune-supporting polysaccharides and triterpenoids have direct anti-cancer properties.[1] Chaga mushroom helps fight and stop the spread of cancer cells. [2]
2. cholesterol lowering
Chaga mushrooms contain antioxidants and active particles that lower bad cholesterol (LDL). High cholesterol is one of the biggest threats to heart disease. [9]
3. blood pressure lowering
Research shows that stress is one of the main causes of high blood pressure. Like cholesterol, high blood pressure is one of the most common causes of heart attacks and cardiovascular disorders. Chaga's antioxidants help to cleanse and lower the stress level in the body. [11]
4. supporting the immune system
Cytokines are mediators of the immune system and intercellular information. These are proteins that regulate white blood cells, which are the first to go to war when the body has detected a pathogen. Birch sponge helps regulate the work of cytokines, supporting the immune system and helping cells to communicate with each other. It helps fight both colds and life-threatening diseases. [9]
5. Anti-inflammatory
When the body fights pathogens, a sudden inflammation occurs. Sometimes, however, the body is unable to fight the invader and the sudden inflammation turns into a chronic health problem. Some chronic diseases are related to inflammation in the body. For example, rheumatoid arthritis, or chronic joint inflammation. [9] Chronic inflammation can also cause obesity, depression, insomnia, allergies or various pains in the body. [10] Chaga, by supporting the immune system, lowers inflammation in the body. [1]
6. anti virus
Antiviral particles such as betulin, which is attributed to the white bark of birch (ability to induce cell death) and campesterol (lowers cholesterol), are mainly present on the outside of the mushroom, with less of them inside. [3]
SIDE EFFECTS
Although Chaga is a natural healer, it’s wise to be aware of the dangers. Chaga contains a chemical compound called oxalate. It is considered an anti-nutrient because it interferes with the body's absorption of nutrients. It binds to calcium very quickly and can cause kidney stones or even kidney failure.
Because birch sponge can lower blood sugar, people with diabetes should be careful when using it. For example, when combined with insulin, it can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. [2]
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to use chaga?
The use of Chaga depends on the needs of the person. In folk medicine, tea is usually made from the mushroom. Seente Vägi Chaga mushroom extract can be used in both powder and capsule form. We recommend taking the powder in the morning and mixing it into, for example, coffee, smoothies or porridge. However, capsules are more convenient and easier to dose, it is recommended to take three capsules every morning.
2. Too much choice? Which one should I take?
Do you feel that this rich mushroom speaks to you, but the market is full of different elixirs, powders, syrups and capsules? Unfortunately for us, we cannot say which one is the best, but when consuming mushrooms on a daily basis, we definitely recommend being aware of the quality of the mushroom extract provider. Has the product provider stated:
Seente Vägi Chaga extract comes from the Changbai Mountains in China, with a 20:1 concentrate, and it is a completely authentic black pepper powder.
We have tested our Chaga mushroom extract and you can see the results HERE.
According to the results of an independent American laboratory, we are one of the most potent mushroom extract providers not only in Estonia, but all over the world. Our mushrooms, and Chaga in particular, have an exceptionally strong effect.
3. Why is Seente Vägi Chaga more expensive than other Chaga products on the market? What is the price of a Chaga?
Once again, we come back to the quality of raw materials. The prices of the cheapest mushroom extracts ordered from China start at 20 dollars per kilo, while the more expensive ones are 200 dollars per kilo. In the form of our product, it is a controlled raw material and we know what its value is. Seente Vägi is not a cheap placebo, it actually works! That's why our quality-price ratio is calculated and in place.
SUMMARY
- Chaga is widespread in the forests of Eastern Europe and Russia and it grows on birch, alder and spruce trunks. Traditionally, anti-cancer tea was made from the black oak, which grows on the birch.
- Chaga is a black parasitic fungus that mostly lives on the trunks of adult birch trees.
- Chaga has a high nutritional and healing value - in the treatment of malignant tumors, diabetes, vascular diseases and AIDS.
- Chaga has many nutrients that are necessary for the body to function. Chaga is primarily known for its antioxidant properties.
- In summary, the beneficial properties of Chaga consist of a rich composition of micro and macro elements (K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Si, Al) and a wide range of biological and physiological effects. Including high anti-toxic potential and control over enzymatic processes. These properties make Chaga a safe and healing agent that increases the body's resistance to harmful factors.
- Chaga is a strong supporter of the immune system and is suitable for consumption all year round.
Get YOURS here ->
Used literature:
[2] Powell, M. (2014). Medicinal Mushrooms - A Clinical Guide. Mycology Press. Retrieved from https://books.google.ee/books?hl=en&lr=&id=osJHEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT8&dq=inonotus+obliquus+mythology&ots=1t13o3C7Zq&sig=LZk5UPqE5sJ0mheatC3y0SjURVU&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
[5] Healthline. (n.d.). What Are Chaga Mushrooms and Are They Healthy? Retrieved from Healthline : https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chaga-mushroom
[6] Contributors, W. E. (2020). Chaga: Are There Health Benefits? Retrieved from Nourish: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-chaga
[9] Kubala, J. (2022). What are chaga mushrooms? Nutrition, benefits and risks. Retrieved from MedicalNewsToday: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318527
[10] Pahwa R, G. A. (2022). Chronic Inflammation. StatPearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/
[11] Helpers, H. a. (n.d.). Chaga mushroom: Nine potential health benefits. Herbs and helpers. Retrieved from https://www.herbalmedicineuk.com/chaga-mushroom-nine-potential-health-benefits/
