Chaga is an ancient herbal remedy rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants used to treat everything from tuberculosis to poor circulation.

Though commonly misidentified as a mushroom, chaga is actually an parasitic fungus found on mature yellow and silver birch trees that is commonly consumed through tea, tinctures, capsules or coffee blends for its medicinal benefits.

Steep Time

Letting your chaga tea steep for as long as possible is key for maximum effectiveness; certain compounds present can be destroyed at high temperatures while others only become accessible with prolonged boiling and extraction processes. It is therefore best to brew low and slow in order to maximize this powerful superfood!

Chaga plants grow on the exteriors of birch trees, and are known for their anticancer, antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties.1 Additionally, Chaga tea may help fight infections while strengthening immunity to viruses and bacteria2.2

While chaga tea can be enjoyed anytime of day, its adaptogenic properties best support energy and balance throughout your day.

Chaga tea can be prepared into an exquisite hot beverage despite its rugged exterior, with a medium body and earthy flavor without strong mushroom notes. Sweeten with maple syrup, honey or milk for an additional creamy sensation or switch it out for coffee altogether!

There are various ways of enjoying Chaga tea:

Make your own chaga mushroom tea using chunks or powder of the mushroom in a Bodum teapot, then strain after steeping to enjoy your drink with or without its pieces. Additionally, try creating your own tincture by soaking chaga in alcohol, or trying out one of the various chaga coffee blends available today.

If you prefer not to make your own tea, high-quality chaga extract products can be found online. They come in various forms like tablets, capsules, tinctures and tea bags; with some also featuring convenient blends like Chaga Tilces. While Chaga may contain significant alcohol levels that should not be taken by children or those taking certain medications; always check with a healthcare provider or pharmacist first as this non-toxic herb might have unexpected side effects that fit with your situation.

Water Temperature

Tea made with Chaga is an excellent source of antioxidants and will boost your immunity, prevent certain diseases, regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular problems, as well as help manage blood sugar levels. Additionally, Chaga may even help balance out your blood sugar levels!

Chaga, scientific name Inonotus Obliquus, is a hardy fungus found on birch trees in cold climates such as Alaska, Northern Canada and Korea and Russia. This hardy fungus often appears as burnt charcoal-looking growths on top of trees in such climates; often described as looking similar to burnt embers on top of them or like a bump on their branches. Chaga has long been considered an anti-cancer mushroom thanks to its various health benefits; such as its anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties as well as being known to inhibit cancer cell growth while even helping inhibit oxidative stress and cancer cell growth through inhibition of cancer cell growth via Betulinic acid’s ability of breaking down bad low density lipoprotein particles within our bodies as well as having anti-clotting properties that can prevent blood clots which could potentially lead to heart attacks or strokes occurring.

Consumption of chaga can help the body fight the signs of aging by providing essential nutrients needed for producing collagen, an essential element in maintaining healthy skin. Chaga may also reduce free radical damage while helping boost Cytokine production – an immune-regulating protein produced naturally within our bodies.

To extract beneficial compounds from chaga, the fungus must first be immersed in an alcohol solution for several hours; this allows for extraction of triterpenes and sterols that are water-insoluble. Chaga is then spray-dried into powder form before being distributed for consumption.

Chaga is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body deal with both physical and emotional stressors. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy at improving sleep quality and decreasing depression symptoms, strengthening immunity against tumors, viral infections and tumor growth while simultaneously acting as an anti-inflammatory remedy – ideal for treating conditions like Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Chaga Chunks

Chaga is the cornerstone of delicious tea! A fungus found on birch trees in cold northern climates, it often seems innocuous enough until considered an infected tree scab by some. Yet when consumed through either tea or tincture form it has immense medicinal properties that help treat cancer, support immune systems, treat allergies, among many other conditions.

Since fresh chaga only lasts a couple of days after being harvested, most products that you find either online or in stores tend to come as dried chunks or powder.

For optimal results, chaga should be chopped or ground into smaller chunks before being added to tea. The smaller its pieces or particles are, the faster and more effectively it absorbs water for extraction purposes.

Use a hammer to break apart the chunks into smaller pieces that measure around 1″ square. This will allow for even greater extraction when steeping over an extended period, rather than simply for several hours.

Once the chaga has been prepared, let it dry in a dark and cool location for approximately one month – keeping out of direct sunlight as direct exposure will cause it to mush. When ready, it can either be crushed into fine powder for use as part of brewing sessions, tea bags, or other containers, or ground directly for direct addition into beverages or tea bags.

Properly prepared chaga mushroom tea should have a balanced and harmonious flavor without bitter or harsh notes, similar to coffee but without its acidity. Some palates may detect subtle notes of umami from its umami components.

If the flavor of your chaga tea is strong, bitter or unpleasant it could be indicative of low quality chaga that has been compromised due to mold contamination or improper processing. There may even be the chance that it’s from a different source; maybe one made using non-birch-sourced chaga?

Other Ingredients

Though Chaga is no panacea, its immune-supportive properties could prove useful to your health. Packed with antioxidants and other essential nutrients that can bolster natural defenses against viruses and bacteria as well as assist with blood sugar regulation1, Chaga mushroom has the ability to help your immune system and regulate it effectively.1

Chaga can be enjoyed in several different forms, from tea and tinctures to broths and sauces. To brew tea with Chaga, simply boil chunks in water for at least 6-8 hours (overnight is best), sweeten with honey or milk and sip hot or cold depending on your preference. Also use Chaga as the foundation of soups stews and sauces since its fiber can aid digestion while helping you feel regular!

Chaga contains numerous antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory compounds that have been investigated in animal studies as well as in vitro studies. Though widely utilized over centuries past, chaga has only recently gained mainstream acceptance as a superfood with potential healing properties in Western society.2

Chaga can be more easily located during winter foraging expeditions when its tell-tale black mass stands out against a backdrop of snow-dusted trees. Use a hatchet or axe to carefully chop away at any chaga that exceeds fist size; any smaller than fist pieces should be left undisturbed as growing older increases its medicinal benefits.

Once you’ve used chaga to make tea, store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within one week. Add additional ingredients such as honey or lemon to enhance its flavor and its medicinal benefits. Alternatively, turn brewed chaga into a tincture by placing it in a bottle filled with strong alcohol like vodka and leaving it sitting for several weeks in a dark area.