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How to Make Chaga Mushroom Powder Tea at Home
Chaga mushroom is known for being packed with beneficial compounds that may support various aspects of health. Studies have demonstrated its antiviral, antioxidant, antibacterial, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties.1 Furthermore, studies have reported on its capacity to strengthen immunity, lower cholesterol levels and protect against cancer – it has even been used to treat HIV!2
One of the most popular ways of using chaga is in tea form. Chaga tea can be prepared by simmering chunks or powder of chaga in water for several hours at low heat; this process allows its beneficial compounds to seep into the tea, and to extract themselves as beneficial compounds into it. Capsules and powder forms of chaga tea also provide easy ways to reap its health benefits without boiling a piece.
If you want to brew your own chaga tea at home, there are a few essentials you need to remember. First off, it is best to find high-grade organic chaga mushroom powder as this will ensure that you receive maximum benefits from its components.
Brewing Chaga for long periods is also key, as this allows its beneficial compounds to extract. When properly prepared, Chaga tea should have a deep color with a woody taste similar to coffee or black tea brewings. When prepared this way, its benefits are believed to be similar in health terms.
To maximize the yield from your chaga harvesting efforts, winter is recommended as it makes the fungus easier to spot against a more visible tree trunk. When harvesting chaga for medicinal use it should only be harvested as large a piece as your fist size will allow its further development. Any smaller pieces should be left alone as they could potentially continue growing into something edible!
Once you’ve harvested your chaga, it is essential that it is cleaned appropriately before use. First, carefully wash off any dirt or insects before cutting into fist-sized pieces for drying in a shaded area for several days. Afterward, the dried chaga can either be ground into finer powder for use in steeped teas, added directly into hot beverages and smoothies or ground into coarsely chopped chunks for use as garnish.
Make a tincture of chaga by drying and then soaking used pieces in alcohol, to extract its fat-soluble compounds. Place the used chaga in a dark glass jar, pour a strong alcohol such as vodka over it, then store in a dark and cool location for several weeks to make your very own homemade tincture that can then be used as treatment for inflammation related conditions like arthritis and diabetes, liver disease digestive disorders and depression.