Chaga mushroom tea bags made of this exotic-looking fungus commonly found on birch trees have long been touted as immune system boosters and cancer remedies, due to their abundant supply of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Animal and test-tube studies suggest that chaga may help combat oxidative stress and chronic diseases; however, human trials will need to take place in order to confirm these benefits (5).

Boosts the Immune System

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) has long been recognized for its immunoboosting abilities. This slow-growing, non-toxic fungus acts as a natural defense against harmful bacteria, viruses and toxins; and has been utilized as part of traditional Siberian and Russian folk remedies to bolster immunity, improve overall health and extend lifespan.

Chaga is an extremely potent antioxidant that provides protection from oxidative stress and premature aging while aiding in combatting various diseases including cancer. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy at inhibiting tumor growth during laboratory tests; furthermore it may also help regulate blood pressure levels and decrease cholesterol levels.

While Chaga can be consumed on its own, for maximum effectiveness it should be combined with Reishi as it’s known to help balance body and mind by acting as an adaptogen to help reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, combat stress and fatigue, among many other benefits.

Chaga contains water-based compounds like beta-D-glucans and triterpenes that are easily extracted by cooking chunks of wild harvested Chaga in hot water at sub boiling temperatures, then extracting its constituent liquid with concentration, spray drying and then spray drying again to create a powder form for use as an immunity-boosting tea, or purchasing alcohol extracted Chaga extract to add into other beverages such as coffee or tea. Look for premium extracts with analytically verified levels of beta-D-glucans, triterpenes content with reduced starch content.

Soothes a Sore Throat

Warm chaga tea can help soothe sore throats and fight infections, according to research conducted on this mushroom (Inonotus obliquus). White blood cells play an essential role in protecting against infection while strengthening immunity (2).

This herbal drink provides several essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and magnesium. Furthermore, its antioxidant content can help combat oxidative stress on the body while improving overall health. (3)

Some people add chaga to their coffee for an energizing boost, while others brew it as an herbal tea with or without additional sweeteners and spices. Once brewed, the liquid can also be used in smoothies and soup recipes and stored in the fridge without losing its nutritional value.

Chaga can be purchased in two forms – powdered form for tea bags and chunks that can be steeped on the stove – tea bags contain less chaga than its chunk counterpart, yet can be quickly brewed using hot water that falls just short of boiling temperatures. Chaga chunks may take up to an hour on the stove with hot water that has reached just below boiling temperatures to brew properly.

It is crucial that when it comes to brewing chaga tea, the vessel chosen must withstand high heat as pouring boiling water onto it could damage or stain it. Furthermore, you should brew your tea long enough to extract all its benefits without overdoing it and turning its flavor bitter.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Chaga mushrooms have long been used by indigenous people of western Siberia as a health tonic, with longstanding use lasting centuries. Chaga’s traditional use was said to boost energy and immune function, reduce inflammation, promote longevity, help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, as well as encourage the production of cytokines (proteins that signal cells to initiate natural defense responses against diseases like cancer or infections).

At home, you can brew chaga tea using ground, powdered or whole dried mushrooms combined with hot water and sweeten with honey or other ingredients for enhanced flavor. Note: Due to chitin blocking its nutrient content, eating raw chaga may not be possible due to chitin being present – for optimal ingesting methods use dual extract tincture that combines strong hot water extract and alcohol extract in order to make all its beneficial compounds available to the body.

However, it is advised to avoid taking chaga if you suffer from osteoporosis or diabetes as its high amounts of oxalates could negatively impact bone and connective tissue health as well as bioavailability of calcium in the body. Furthermore, blood-thinning medications could interfere with their effectiveness; hence it’s wise to limit how much chaga you drink daily.

Lowers Cholesterol

Chaga’s “magic” lies in its nonpsychoactive compounds that help balance and boost body systems. Notable benefits of Chaga include lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels, protecting against cancer, strengthening immunity systems and even treating skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Chaga is a parasitic fungal growth found on birch trees in cold climates such as Russia and Eastern Europe, typically appearing as black exterior growth on their bark. These masses of fungus can reach 48 centimeters (19 inches). At times it protrudes even further – up to 30 cm (12 inches).

Chaga as food contains antioxidant compounds that provide protection from inflammation and free radical damage, helping reduce cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure levels as well as acting as natural blood thinners. Furthermore, its beta-glucans promote healthy blood cells to fight infection while also decreasing low-level inflammation that can contribute to chronic diseases.

Chaga mushrooms grow when there is an unhealed wound or gap in their host tree’s bark, taking advantage of nutrients and moisture as it grows. Full-grown inonotus obliquus takes five years to appear outside a birch tree; harvesters must therefore cut only what is necessary from live sclerotia without harming either tree itself. Once harvested this way, these mushrooms can either be consumed raw as snacks or ground into powder for teas and supplements.

Prevents Cancer

Chaga may resemble charcoal, but this fungus has long been used as a folk remedy in Russia and Eastern Europe for everything from digestive issues to low immunity. Packed full of antioxidants and polyphenols, studies suggest this ganoderma (Inonotus obliquus) species might even help combat cancer (1)

Scientists have studied this mushroom since the 12th century, yet are only just now realizing its powerful health benefits. Compounds found within chaga such as betulinic acid and triterpenoids appear to disrupt pathways cancer cells use as “go signals” for growth; studies indicate it slows tumor growth, triggers cancer cell death and shrinks tumors significantly (2).

Other benefits of chaga tea include being an effective vasodilator, expanding arteries to increase blood flow to your heart and other organs and decreasing your risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, it helps fight oxidative stress – something which damages cells and leads to serious health conditions, including diabetes – by protecting against its adverse effects.

Chaga mushroom tea should be safe for most individuals to try; however, those taking medication or suffering from kidney-related health conditions should consult their physician first as the fungus could interact with blood-thinners or reduce your blood sugar and cause dangerous side effects. Furthermore, as its activating immune functions could activate those living with autoimmune conditions like Lupus should refrain from drinking it.

Lowers Blood Sugar

Chaga is packed with vital minerals like calcium, silicon, iron, copper, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus – more than bananas or green tea combined! In one study involving polysaccharides from Chaga extract that reduced oxidative stress in liver cells as well as encouraging production of key antimicrobial chemicals to combat infection.

Chaga can help lower high blood sugar levels, which is an inherent risk factor of diabetes, heart disease and nerve damage. Furthermore, taking chaga supplements in combination with proven lifestyle changes may make a noticeable difference.

To enjoy chaga tea properly, it’s best to steep dried mushrooms for at least an hour in warm water in a cup or Crock-Pot before pouring it over coffee grounds in a traditional coffee maker. As mushrooms take time to infuse properly into your drink, this approach ensures optimal results.

Chaga mushroom tea contains beta-glucans that act as prebiotic fiber and are digested by beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, supporting cognitive health by supporting balanced gut microbiomes and aiding absorption of essential nutrients by the body. Chaga is also an effective vasodilator; expanding blood vessels to increase the volume pumped out by your heart.