Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a dense black mushroom found on birch trees throughout the northern hemisphere. While its appearance might make you think otherwise, this parasitic organism slowly consumes and destroys its host tree over time. Chaga appears as a thick black canker with rough black surface and orange-tinged interior that forms around its host’s bark.

As this mushroom can take years to reach maturity, harvesting responsibly is of utmost importance. When collecting, only harvest from living trees as it takes up much energy and nutrients from them as its host. In turn, Chaga is known as one of the “King” medicinal mushrooms as it forms part of our forests and ecosystems.

Chaga is an indispensable forest resource, as well as being an delicious and healthy herbal medicine that can be made into tea. When prepared correctly, its flavor resembles vanilla with subtle earthiness without bitterness or strength; plus its numerous health benefits include strengthening immunity, decreasing inflammation, managing stress effectively and possibly aiding against cancer.

Chaga mushroom contains numerous beneficial compounds with antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant properties. It’s rich in vitamin C, chromium, magnesium potassium selenium calcium iron as well as beta glucans which have anti-viral and bacterial fighting abilities and melanin for anti-aging purposes while protecting skin damage as well as fighting free radicals.

Drinking warm chaga tea can be extremely stimulating to both the digestive system and immune system. Research shows that it stimulates production of white blood cells which fight viral infections. Furthermore, chaga acts as an adaptogen which helps your body cope with internal and external stresses, providing greater balance and less fatigue.

Chaga can be made into tea by boiling it for several hours until its water turns dark brown, then straining off and drinking alone or with herbs such as lemon and ginger for additional flavor. Chaga may also be added to coffee or blended into other beverages such as smoothies; and can even be sweetened using honey, maple syrup, or other natural sweeteners.

Chaga tea can be enjoyed daily as an excellent alternative to coffee and is known to contain high levels of antioxidants that have antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. You can find it as tea bags as well as capsules or powders. Furthermore, Chaga has become an invaluable supplement in treating cancer; increasing survival rates among leukemia and lymphoma patients by approximately 70% over time.