Chaga fungus contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients which have been used to treat various health problems including tuberculosis, bad circulation, cancer and weight gain.

Antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties have been demonstrated. Furthermore, this supplement has also been found to prevent chemically induced immune system overreactions in animals.

1. Increased Heart Rate

Chaga extract contains polyphenols such as betulinic acid and betulin, known for their anti-ulcer and gastritis-fighting abilities as well as their antioxidant and immunomodulatory benefits.

Chaga may help improve mitochondrial performance – the powerhouses responsible for providing chemical energy to cells – by protecting against oxidative stress that damages DNA and interrupts cell signaling pathways. Furthermore, the fungus may reduce oxidative stress-related DNA damage as well as disruptions in signalling processes that drive cells.

One study demonstrated how chaga extract reduced cholesterol levels in mice and rats; further investigation must take place to ascertain if its effectiveness applies to human populations as well.

One potential advantage of Chaga is its ability to fill your body with oxygen, helping improve mental and physical well-being. The fungus contains superoxide dismutase enzyme and melanin pigment which have both been demonstrated to fight free radicals that damage DNA cells, increasing cellular respiration for energy production. Furthermore, its production of cytokines (molecular signals that signal cells to fight pathogens), may help defend against infections that range from colds to life-threatening illnesses.

2. Headache

Chaga mushroom’s benefits include strengthening immunity, protecting against cancer and helping manage blood sugar. It has earned numerous nicknames such as black gold, diamond of the forest and mushroom of immortality. Before drinking Chaga fungus tea it is recommended that a health practitioner is consulted first in order to ensure it won’t interfere with existing medications and causes no side effects.

Chaga may interact with certain medications, including insulin and drugs used to lower blood sugar, according to Rossia Parrish of Boulder Natural Health. This could result in dangerously low blood sugar levels – known as hypoglycemia – or interfere with blood-thinners such as warfarin or heparin.

Oxalates found in chaga mushrooms can bind with calcium and eliminate it from the body, which can pose problems for those suffering from osteoporosis or other bone diseases. For this reason, it’s crucial that people choosing chaga tea purchase products grown for purity with limited amounts of oxalates.

3. Diarrhea

Chaga mushroom offers numerous health and cognitive functions benefits for immune health, blood sugar regulation and cognitive performance. Also known as cinder conk fungus, chaga can be made into tea, tinctures or capsules to consume it for consumption and may help treat conditions like arthritis, depression or anxiety; however it’s important to understand any possible side effects or interactions prior to adding this superfood into your diet.

One of the more frequent chaga mushroom side effects is diarrhea. This is likely caused by high amounts of polysaccharides found within them – beta-D-glucans specifically have been studied extensively for their protective and immunomodulatory properties.

Chaga mushroom has been associated with lower cholesterol levels and improved cardiovascular health, as well as being shown to improve glucose tolerance in those living with diabetes and increase insulin production. While taking chaga mushroom tea may benefit some individuals, pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as those suffering from autoimmunity such as multiple sclerosis or systemic lupus erythematosus should avoid doing so due to potential triggers that could activate your immune system, exacerbating symptoms further. It may interact with certain blood thinners so it is best advised consulting your physician prior to including it in your routine routine.

4. Diarrhea in Children

Chaga mushroom has long been used by indigenous Siberian cultures as a traditional health food to enhance vitality and increase longevity. Consumed as tea, supplement, or powder it provides numerous natural health benefits that include anti-inflammatory effects as well as combatting oxidative stress with its abundance of antioxidants; further enhancing specific immune cells to better fight diseases or infections and producing beta-glucans which has immune-enhancing benefits.

Chaga can support digestive function, helping reduce symptoms associated with inflammation conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease and arthritis. Furthermore, studies have found evidence of its anticancer potential by blocking cancer-causing cytokines and helping protect against viral infections.

While more research needs to be conducted, lab tests have indicated that chaga could help diabetics reduce blood sugar by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enzyme. Another study indicated it could also protect against heart disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses.

5. Constipation

Chaga mushroom contains beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide that can boost immune system functionality by strengthening natural defense mechanisms against infections like viruses and bacteria.6 Furthermore, antioxidants present in Chaga can strengthen natural defense mechanisms against viral or bacterial attacks on our immune systems.6

However, high doses of chaga may cause constipation; therefore, it’s wise to start off slowly by increasing your dosage over time.

If you experience constipation after taking chaga, speak with a healthcare practitioner for advice on how to treat it. For instance, cutting back your tea intake or switching over to extracts or supplements may be necessary; drinking plenty of water when taking chaga can help flush out excess toxins from the body while adding more fiber-rich foods, like legumes, whole grains or dark leafy greens may also help.

6. Weight Gain

Chaga fungus has antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic properties. Also referred to as cinder conk, Chaga has been found to boost immune systems, protect against cancer and promote cardiovascular wellbeing. Furthermore, Chaga ranks highly on ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale which measures antioxidant power.

Chaga may help promote healthy blood sugar levels by modulating cytokine production and suppressing chemically-induced immune reactions in mice, though more research must be conducted before these findings can be applied to humans. A lab study also demonstrated that chaga has alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity; meaning that its use could potentially enhance insulin or other blood-sugar-lowering drugs’ effects and therefore may reduce blood sugar more efficiently.

Therefore, those on diabetes medication should avoid drinking chaga mushroom tea or taking any supplemental forms of the fungus; similarly pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should steer clear as well. Furthermore, those taking blood thinners (like warfarin) or suffering from gout should also refrain from consuming chaga as this could increase oxalate content in your bloodstream and possibly lead to kidney stones or crystals forming in kidneys or bladder.

7. Increased Blood Pressure

Chaga has been shown to promote immune health and protect the body against illnesses like cancer, viruses and bacteria. The fungus contains compounds which may enhance natural defense mechanisms as well as increase white blood cell production that fight harmful pathogens.

Chaga mushrooms contain metabolites that support DNA health by neutralizing free radicals that damage DNA and lead to premature aging, while their antioxidant properties combat the effects of oxidative stress that increase blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and promote cardiovascular disease.

However, if you are already suffering from high blood pressure or taking medication to control it, adding Chaga mushroom tea into your diet could interfere with those medications and cause serious side effects. Always consult with a medical provider prior to including this medicinal fungus in your daily regimen.

8. Allergic Reactions

Chaga mushroom benefits can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce chronic inflammation, but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Reactions typically manifest themselves in the eyes, sinuses or lungs and typically include mucus production and pain. Chaga may also inhibit an enzyme that breaks down starch which makes it harder for your body to absorb glucose from food sources.

No one knows for certain whether the effects of Chaga can be traced to its high concentration of oxalates or its iron content, though both could play a part. Oxalates found in Chaga may present complications to those suffering from kidney stones, history of heavy metal poisoning or low hydration levels.

As it is essential to drink only from sources which have been certified free from heavy metals, when considering taking chaga tea it’s wise to start with small doses and gradually increase over time. If any adverse side effects arise (listed above), discontinue its consumption immediately and consult a healthcare practitioner immediately.