Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) has long been used as a powerful medicinal mushroom by various Northern cultures for centuries. Not psychoactive, this nonpsychoactive fungus boasts antioxidant, antiviral and anticancer properties as well as being known to improve immune health by lowering blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

Chaga is an excellent source of minerals and vitamins, such as B12, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, iron magnesium manganese copper selenium zinc. Furthermore, its polyphenol and superoxide dismutase concentrations help combat oxidative stress in the body which is associated with chronic diseases like heart disease diabetes neurodegeneration.

Chaga not only contains numerous nutrients and antioxidants, but is also an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids – its protein helps with muscle development while the essential fatty acids provide energy and metabolic processes with fuel. Furthermore, its fiber content aids digestion while promoting regular bowel movements.

Chaga offers more than nutritional benefits; it is also an adaptogen. Adaptogens are plants or mushrooms that help the body adapt to physical, chemical and biological stressors. With its high concentration of antioxidants and adaptogenic compounds, chaga may help strengthen natural defenses against environmental threats that might otherwise leave us vulnerable.

Traditional methods for enjoying chaga’s therapeutic benefits involve making tea from it. Boiling hot water breaks down its cell walls, enabling our bodies to absorb all of its beneficial compounds. Making it at home makes this method very accessible, and allows us to experience its therapeutic effects without leaving our comfort zones.

Instead of making Chaga mushroom tea, you can also take supplements in the form of capsules and powders to supplement your intake of this medicinal plant. However, prior to doing this, please consult a healthcare provider as this plant could have potential side effects or interact with medications prescribed to you.

For optimal quality chaga, it is wise to purchase from a reliable source. When looking for organic and wildcrafted supplements, they tend to be free from pesticides and heavy metals, while purchasing via shipping could have exposed it to chemicals or contaminants during transit.