Birch mushroom (Pitptoporus betulinus) has long been revered as an effective form of medicine, serving as an outstanding example of “people’s medicine”: local, abundant, safe, and beneficial for healing purposes.

Birch trees in cold regions such as Siberia, Northern Europe, Russia, Alaska and Canada often develop what resembles burnt charcoal or tree rot on their bark, often appearing blackened at first glance.

Medicinal Benefits

Birch mushroom tea has quickly become a top pick among health enthusiasts. Packed full of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients – including antiviral agents as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components – birch mushroom tea has long been used by ancient people as medicine drink. Recent reports claim it helps slow aging processes while protecting from many diseases as it boasts antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Birches are widely found throughout northern climates and can be recognized by their distinctive papery bark, usually grey in color. Birch mushrooms grow on them and form large dark protrusions on them that look similar to protrusions from another tree; this fungus feeds off vital compounds and nutrients from it and extracts vital compounds and nutrients as it feeds off of it – this process takes 10-20 years before fully developing into mycelium-covered masses on trees.

Birch mushroom has long been used as a drink by Khanty people of Siberia, dating back over 2000 years ago. Rich in both vitamin C and antioxidants, birch mushrooms have shown effectiveness in treating chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, high cholesterol levels and colds and infections while boosting immunity, cancer therapy treatment, radiation and chemotherapy protection and more.

Betulinic acid has both antiviral and antiseptic/styptic/antimicrobial properties and may help block HIV replication, while acting as an antibacterial/antifungal agent as well as being an aromatase inhibitor (preventing the conversion of androgen hormones to estrogen), thus helping balance hormonal imbalances among women. Its betulinic acid form acts as an aromatase inhibitor (preventing conversion from androgens to estrogens that could otherwise lead to hormonal imbalance).

Birch mushroom tea can be eaten raw or made into a tea. For maximum benefits, harvest it from the forest in a healthy manner and avoid old or diseased chaga. Birch mushroom tea preparation takes only minutes – make this healing herbal beverage part of any herbal detox program today!

Medicinal Properties

Birch mushroom tea is rich in vitamin C and offers anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiviral benefits as well as diuretic, analgesic and astringent properties to cleanse the digestive tract, boost energy levels and lower cholesterol. Mushrooms are also an abundant source of minerals and soluble fiber sources.

Birch polypore (Piptoporus betulinus) is an extremely valuable medicinal mushroom, commonly found on dead or stressed birch trees in Europe, North America and Asia. It possesses infection fighting properties and its pore layer can be peeled away for use as wound dressing – speeding up healing times while contributing to traditional folk remedies and providing antifungal, antiseptic and styptic benefits – it’s commonly found growing wild across these three regions.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is another medicinal mushroom commonly collected during winter in Eastern Europe, Russia, Canada and the Northern United States. This fungus lives symbiotically on birch trees, protecting their bark from pathogens that would otherwise harm it and providing additional protection from pathogens that might enter through other means. Chaga boasts powerful cancer fighting and immune enhancing properties which often accompany chemotherapy treatments for various forms of cancer.

Medicinal mushrooms are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and soluble fiber; many also contain organic compounds such as triterpenes and beta-glucans which strengthen immunity, prevent bacteria, viruses, tumor growth and promote cell repair. Some mushroom species have even been shown to lower blood pressure while others can act as antifungals and diuretics.

Though most edible and medicinal varieties of mushrooms can be toxic to humans, most edible and medicinal varieties are generally safe and nutritional for consumption by humans. When collecting wild mushrooms it is important to always exercise caution – be mindful of where you are in the forest and take only what is necessary so other fungi can continue growing to provide us with their gifts of beauty and bounty. Also get acquainted with your local mushrooms so you understand their identifying features before harvesting.

Preparation

Birch mushroom tea is an irresistibly soothing drink. Mellow and soothing without an overwhelming mushroom flavor, it instead offers natural tree sap-like sweetness which complements other flavors nicely. Enjoyed alone or sweetened with honey or other preferred sweeteners, this medium-bodied beverage provides a delightful and refreshing taste while supporting immunity and helping balance within the body.

Medicinal mushrooms are not typically harvested and consumed as food; rather they are used for their therapeutic benefits. Fungi such as Chaga can often be found growing wild on Birch trees in northern regions of the world and were prized by native peoples for its healing powers. Chaga dates back to 4000 BCE. It can still be found growing this way today! It was recognized as having these properties by indigenous cultures since 4000 B.C.

Chaga Fungus features an outer blackish brown layer and soft, dark orange core. Often mistaken as burnt charcoal or gnarled branches, but distinguishable by its smooth surface and dark brown or black texture.

Birch polypore mushroom (Piptoporus betulinus) gained widespread fame after it was found among Otzi, a 5300 year-old mummy discovered preserved in Italian Alpine Ice, which may have used this treatment to combat intestinal parasites.

Chaga can be collected either directly from birch trees or purchased preharvested from herbalists. Once harvested, it can be made into tea by steeping it for long. Or ground into powder form for use in beverages like smoothies. Ideally, decocting it in water first (simmer it gently for an hour) gives more energy for release of beneficial constituents from its mushrom.

Todd Moe recently visited Birch Boys, a family-owned, local tea business located in Tupper Lake, NY that has made waves for producing tea from locally available fungi instead of leafy greens. Garrett Kopp, the company founder and fungi expert shared his enthusiasm about creating an innovative beverage that is changing how we think of tea.

Storage

Fungus found parasitically on birch trees can often be found growing within their bark or wounds. This fungus contains various vitamins, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and betulinic acid that have antibacterial, antiviral and immune stimulating properties which have been demonstrated to reduce inflammation while protecting cells against stress-induced damage.

Traditional uses for this mushroom include making tea from it, eating as snacks or in soups, chewing its roots for toothaches relief, making tincture of it to treat cancer and other diseases, Lyme disease treatment, whipworm parasite removal and clearing whipworm parasites from whipworm parasites. Note: Only mature specimens should be harvested as younger ones have little therapeutic value.

An effective tincture can be made by submerging fungus in alcohol for 3-4 weeks before straining and using as needed. For best results, store this solution in a dark glass jar with airtight seal.

Chaga is an increasingly popular ingredient in skincare products, as its healing powers have been demonstrated to relieve acne, wrinkles and reduce scars. Furthermore, its infusion can treat numerous skin conditions; additionally, chaga is sometimes added to herbal remedies for colds and other health concerns.

While some may choose to consume chaga as food, its bitter flavor is off-putting for many people. As an alternative, tea made with the fungus may provide additional medicinal benefits that include helping fight infections and lowering blood pressure while slowing the aging process – some even add it directly into their coffee!