Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCompoundsBenefitsSide EffectsDosingFormsOther Medicinal Mushrooms
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Compounds
Benefits
Side Effects
Dosing
Forms
Other Medicinal Mushrooms
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a medicinal mushroom that primarily grows on birch trees in cold climates.With its sharp-edged, charcoal-black exterior and soft, golden-orange interior, chaga doesn’t look like standard culinary mushrooms, Still, it boasts a long history of use as a traditional digestive, skin, and joint health remedy.
From boosting immunity to reducing inflammation, this nonpsychoactive mushroom has proven antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, hypoglycemic, and other beneficial properties that may support your health.Also known as cinder conk, chaga can be ground into a powder and made into a tea or tincture for its potential health benefits.
This article discusses the compounds in chaga mushrooms,their health benefits, possible side effects, medication interactions, and how to incorporate chaga into your diet.
Cavan Images / Getty Images
Compounds in Chaga Mushroom
For centuries, indigenous cultures in Canada, northern Europe, and parts of Asia, including Siberia, Russia, and Japan have used chaga mushrooms to aid digestion, soothe skin problems, relieve joint pain, and fight infections.Modern research suggests that chaga has numerous bioactive compounds that offer potential health benefits.
Polysaccharides
Chaga is best known for its ability to support theimmune systemto keep you healthy. This is partly due to its abundance ofpolysaccharides(e.g., beta-glucans) with immune-boosting properties that may enhance the activity of certain immune cells, helping protect against harmful pathogens and fight viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections.
Polysaccharides within chaga may offer additional benefits, such as balancing blood sugar levels, preventing the development or growth of tumors, and protecting heart health.
Triterpenoids
Melanin
Chaga mushrooms contain high amounts ofmelanin, a natural pigment that plays a role in hair, skin, andeye color.Melanin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may offer benefits for skin health. Research suggests that melanin in chaga may contribute to its ability to neutralize harmful free radicals, potentially guarding against ultraviolet (UV) damage and supporting skin health.
Polyphenols
Chaga is abundant inpolyphenols, including flavonoids and polyphenic acids, which have powerfulantioxidantproperties.Polyphenols scavenge free radicals, helping protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. Research suggests that polyphenols in chaga may protect cells from damage, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, liver disease, and cancer.
6 Benefits of Eating or Drinking Chaga Mushrooms
For an Immunity Boost
Rich in antioxidants, chaga mushrooms may enhance your body’s defense against infections and support your overallimmune health. Research shows that chaga stimulates the production ofwhite blood cells, immune cells that fight viruses and bacteria.Whether you want to avoid getting the common cold or flu or fight a current infection, sipping chaga tea may boost your immune system to help fight harmful pathogens.
To Reduce Inflammation
To Lower Blood Sugar
Chaga mushrooms may lowerblood sugar (glucose) levels, making chaga a valuable tool for balancing blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes(high blood glucose levels that are not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes) orinsulin resistance(when cells in your body can’t take up glucose from the blood, requiring the pancreas to make more insulin). Research using animal models shows that chaga extracts improve glucose tolerance, balance blood glucose levels, and reduce insulin resistance.
People currently taking medications to manage diabetes should avoid consuming chaga mushrooms, as there is the chance they may significantly lower blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia in people taking diabetes medications.
To Support Digestive Health
Indigenous populations have traditionally used chaga mushrooms to soothe digestive issues likegastritisandgastric ulcers. Evidence suggests chaga may act as aprebiotic, stimulating the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which may play a role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome to support digestive health.
As a Way to Protect Against Cancer
Several compounds in chaga mushrooms have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect againstcancer. Triterpenoids in chaga, for example, have antitumor properties that may prevent the growth and development of tumors.
While preliminary research findings show promise in chaga for protecting against cancer or as an adjuvant (additional) treatment with conventionalcancer treatments, more research is needed to confirm chaga’s potential anticancer effects.
To Lower Cholesterol
Side Effects to Consider
While chaga mushrooms are generally safe and well-tolerated, there isn’t enough research using human trials to confirm the potential side effects of this medicinal fungus. Chaga is a nonpsychoactive mushroom, meaning it won’t produce any changes to your mood or mental processes.
If you choose to consume chaga, moderation is key. Case studies show that consuming chaga mushrooms over a long period or in large quantities may increase the risk ofkidney diseaseorkidney failure.If you have kidney disease or are sensitive to foods high in oxalates, such as nuts, sweet potato, beets, or spinach, it may be best to avoid consuming chaga.
Interactions With Prescribed Medications
Chaga mushrooms may interact with or enhance certain medications, increasing the risk of serious side effects.
Chaga mushrooms may enhance the effects ofdiabetes medicationsthat help manage blood sugar levels. People with diabetes taking medications, such as insulin, to lower blood sugar levels may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) after consuming chaga.Consult a healthcare provider before consuming chaga mushrooms if you take medication for diabetes.
Chaga Powder Dosing
There is no universally recommended dosage of chaga powder; most studies exploring its potential health benefits involve animal models, and more research is needed to determine appropriate doses in humans for therapeutic effects.
Chaga is primarily sold as a dried extract (powder), with doses ranging from 500 to 1,500 milligrams (mg).Start with low doses (e.g., 500 mg), monitor your body’s response, and gradually increase if needed.
Conditions That It May Not Benefit
Chaga is not suitable for everyone and may worsen certain conditions. These include:
Forms of Chaga Mushroom
Traditional uses of chaga in indigenous cultures ranged from drinking it as tea, inhaling the smoke of burnt chaga, and making soap using the ashes of burnt chaga.Today, consuming chaga tea is the most popular way to enjoy chaga mushrooms and their potential health benefits.
Thanks to its growing popularity, chaga is available in several forms, including:
No matter which form you choose, look for an organic, sustainably harvested chaga mushroom from a reputable source to get the most out of this medicinal mushroom.
Chaga is not the only type of mushroom that offers health benefits. Other medicinal mushrooms include the following:
Summary
Chaga is a medicinal mushroom with beneficial compounds that may support your health. Preliminary studies suggest chaga may strengthen your immune system, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, support digestive health, and protect against cancer.
While chaga shows promise, research is still ongoing, and there is some concern that chaga may have side effects or interact with medications. Talk to a healthcare provider for guidance before incorporating chaga tea, powder, capsules, or tinctures into your diet.
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