Chaga: everything you want to know about this mushroom
Chaga is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms also called the 'diamond of the forest'. The mushroom may not look like that from the outside, but once you open it, it has a bright orange interior and is full of important substances. In the 16th century, the mushroom was already considered a superfood in countries like Russia and China. In the 1980s, modern science also started to see the power of the Chaga. We put together everything you need to know about this mushroom want to know at a glance! Read on under products!
Chaga is a mushroom and has many different names and nicknames. Some official names are Inonotus oblquus or Fuscoporia obliqua. Fortunately, these are not the most common names in popular parlance, and outside the Netherlands, 'Chaga' is most often spoken of. In the Netherlands, this mushroom is also known as the birch-weather mushroom. The value of this mushroom really comes into its own thanks to nicknames such as the 'diamond of the forest', the 'king of herbs' and 'nature's gift'.
The Chaga mushroom is also known as Inonotus Oblquus or in Dutch Berkenweerschijnzwam
Where does the 'diamond of the forest' grow?
The mushroom's various nicknames are peculiar, and so is Chaga itself. The mushroom is a slow-growing parasite for the birch tree. When you see the mushroom, you probably won't even notice it. It is a blackened outgrowth of diseased and damaged birch trees. The mushroom grows in cold areas in birch forests, such as Siberia, Canada and northern Europe. And does Chaga grow in the Netherlands? The mushroom also occurs here, but it is very scarce and thus difficult to find on birch trees.
The Chaga Mushroom is very hard to find on birch trees.
Which countries use Chaga and why?
Chaga is a true superfood in both Russian and Chinese traditional medicine. In Siberia, people still drink a concoction containing the mushroom instead of black tea or coffee. According to Russian scientists, people in areas where Chaga is regularly drunk get older than in other areas of the country. In traditional Chinese medicine, the mushroom is used as a maintenance dose for healthy 'chi'. This word from China is equivalent to 'life force', 'breath' and 'spiritual energy'. In short, a life energy in balance!
Use of the mushroom in Europe
In Eastern Europe, the history of using Chaga for medical purposes dates back to the 16th century. It was then used as a medicine for a variety of diseases. Modern science discovered the mushroom thanks to various studies in Asia and Russia in the 1980s. This has increased confidence in the 'diamond of the forest'.
What are the active ingredients in Chaga?
Chaga contains several active substances that contribute to the body's function. The mushroom contains several unique triterpenes, including betulinol and betulinic acid. These triterpenes refer to bioactive substances in plants. For instance, betulinic acid is derived from the bark of the birch on which the mushroom grows. Scientists are currently investigating betulinic acid's anti-cancer and destructive effects. This should show whether betulin will become a component of chemotherapeutic treatments.
You will also find a rich amount of polysaccharides in Chaga. In South Korea, China and Japan, specific extracts based on polysaccharides are used to combat cancer. It is therefore not for nothing that these drugs have been officially authorised in the medical world since the 1980s.
Other active substances in the mushroom are antioxidants and adaptogens. The first substance helps the body neutralise aggressive substances, rendering them harmless. Adaptogens cause the body to cooperate and balance. It thus fits perfectly with traditional Chinese medicine, where Chaga is used as a maintenance dose for a healthy 'chi', or life energy that is in balance.
How to use Chaga?
Several Chaga products exist to experience the effects of the mushroom. The most popular forms are a Chaga extract or powder. You can also choose capsules or coarse pieces of the mushroom. The advantage of an extract is that the product is immediately ready for use. You can add the extract to various products, such as yoghurt, soup or a smoothie. If you want to use powder to mix the mushroom with other products, you should first add the powder to boiling water. You should do this for at least 45 minutes to experience the full effect.
In addition, capsules are suitable for direct intake. Here it is important to read the information on the packaging, so you immediately know the maximum number of capsules you can take daily. Finally, loose pieces are used for various purposes, including mixing in dishes or drinks.
Chaga tea: how to make it?
Chaga tea has become increasingly popular over the years. Preparing this tea is tremendously simple. If you have an extract on hand, all you have to do is add the extract to hot water. Your tea is then immediately ready for use. Of course, letting the tea cool down is a wise plan. For the correct dosage of the extract, always check the product's packaging. If you have a powder at home, you will have to be a little more patient before your Chaga tea is ready. Mix the powder with hot water and let it boil for at least 45 minutes. Want a stronger end result? Then choose to let the mixture boil for up to three hours. The longer you let it boil, the stronger the result.
Buy chaga
At HEMP i SHOP, you can buy Chaga products from different brands, such as Chaga Health, Pure Mushrooms and Mushrooms4life. The products on offer are all certified organic. Thanks to the wide range, you can choose from extracts, powders, capsules and loose pieces. Curious about experiences of users who have gone before you? Then take a look at the product reviews on our website.
Would you like to buy Chaga? Always read the packaging before use, so you are immediately aware of the maximum dosage, the effects, possible side effects and how to store the product.
EN 
NL 
FR 
DE 
IT 
PT 
ES 
