Chaga (Inonotus Obliquus) is an adaptogenic mushroom found on Birch trees throughout the Northern Hemisphere and known for its ability to aid the immune system and heal the body. Used primarily as an ingredient for health tonics or tea, its distinct plant-like taste makes Chaga an attractive ingredient choice.

Chaga is packed with antioxidants that may strengthen your body’s defenses against infections, promote healthy cholesterol levels, and help avoid high blood sugar. Furthermore, many believe chaga can also help reduce inflammation in the body.

Chaga can be harvested and used in teas and tinctures to help combat issues like high cholesterol and chronic inflammation. If you wish to use this natural remedy for yourself, be sure to prepare chaga appropriately!

To create chaga mushroom tea, start by boiling some water on the stove, adding a piece of chaga and simmering until done. You may reuse this piece for as long as it continues giving off color to the water; once it stops giving out any color at all it means all water soluble components have been extracted and it should be replaced by another piece of chaga. Alternatively you could extract its fat soluble constituents using alcohol and make a tincture of them instead.

Once your chaga has cooled, remove from the pot and place in a glass jar to be stored either for 1 week in your pantry or cabinet; or longer-term in the fridge up to three months.

For optimal results, use hot water that is just below boiling when brewing chaga tea to preserve its antioxidants and other essential nutrients. An ideal temperature range for this is 160-175degF.

Chaga fungus grows on birch tree bark in cold climates around the world and is revered by indigenous people for its healing properties, including strong antibacterial and immunostimulatory capabilities. Furthermore, it contains valuable sterols and polyphenols such as betulinic acid.

When foraging for chaga, it’s essential to find a birch tree with an abundant amount of the fungus attached on its exterior. Chaga’s relationship with trees is parasitic; it must remain attached for survival. Woodland Cree of Canada refer to chaga as Wesakechak omikih (“Scab of Wesakechak” in Cree language) after it formed when Wesakechak threw some against a birch tree before beginning its growth process. Chaga is considered sacred by these cultures, thus only harvested with permission granted from forest owners or online retailers when available – however harvesting your own may produce better results!