Spotlight On: Chaga Mushroom

Spotlight on: Chaga Mushroom

And, as there is so much to be said about each one, we have decided to put some of these superfood superstars under the spotlight, so you can really get to know them. We’ve already tackled Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail and Shiitake, but now it’s time for another mushroom. Today we are looking at the Chaga mushroom, a famously unattractive parasitic beasty that grows in the harsh climes of Northern Europe and Asia, including in Siberia, Russia and Scandinavia.

The name itself is derived from the old Russian word for mushroom, and the communities of these areas have been using it medicinally for centuries. This ancient indigenous knowledge is finally trickling down to modern ears. However, as the chaga (latin name Inonotus obliquus), becomes more and more well known as a health hero. 31 times more antioxidants than blueberries? Say what?!

It Goes By Many Names

Chaga mushrooms may not win any beauty contests, and their nicknames are equally unflattering (and amusing). Dubbed names like "clinker," "black mass," "cinder conk," "birch canker polypore," and the mouthful "sterile conk trunk rot of birch" sound like they belong to a death metal band! These names stem from its appearance—resembling a chunk of burnt charcoal. Yet, beneath its tough, dark exterior lies a vibrant orange core, earning it the more poetic nickname, "gold of the forest."

How It Grows

The chaga is a parasitic mushroom, i.e it has to have a host to grow on. In the chaga’s case it is the birch tree. As you probably know, for most mushrooms, the fruiting body is the visible part, and the mycelium is hidden below ground or in whatever substrate it favours. No so with the chaga, whose outer body (the ‘black mass’) is actually a hard sclerotia, and the fruiting body is deep inside the host tree. In fact it all gets a little bit ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ for the poor birch. Once the chaga spores have entered the tree, they cause decay for 10-80+ years. The charcoal-like mass on the outside is a sterile ‘conk’. It is only once the decay kills part of the tree that the chaga reaches its ‘sexual’ stage. That is when the fruiting bodies start growing beneath the bark of the host tree. If that sounds a bit scary — just remember — nature can be ruthless, my child.

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5 Amazing Benefits of The Chaga Mushroom

Fights Cancer and Prevents The Growth of Tumours

Ongoing research is exploring the potential cancer-fighting benefits of chaga mushrooms. Rich in antioxidants, chaga helps combat free radicals and oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage and increase the risk of cancer. In addition to its preventative properties, chaga may also slow the growth of existing cancer cells. A 2010 study revealed that chaga inhibited the growth of breast, lung, and cervical cancer cells in a lab setting, and it also reduced tumor growth in mice. Furthermore, a 2009 study found that triterpenes, compounds in chaga, can trigger the self-destruction of cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

In what could be great news for diabetics, chaga mushroom has been found to lower blood sugar levels. So far the tests have just been on animals, but the results look promising. Numerous recent studies have found that chaga mushrooms reduced blood sugar levels and insulin resistance in mice that had been given diabetes. In one study, the blood sugar levels of the diabetic mice had been reduced by 31% over three weeks.

Improves Immune and Anti-Inflammatory Function

Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps with healing and defense, but chronic or unnecessary inflammation can lead to health issues like heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Research, including test tube and animal studies, shows that chaga can reduce long-term inflammation while also fighting harmful viruses and bacteria, boosting the immune system. Additionally, chaga promotes the production of cytokines, proteins that regulate immune function, and stimulates white blood cells, which are essential for fighting disease. This makes chaga a potential ally in combating everything from serious illnesses to the common cold.

Can Lower Cholesterol

Studies have shown chaga extract can reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol. In a lab study on rats with high cholesterol, chaga extract was found to decrease ‘low density lipoprotein’ (LDL), which is known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol. Over the 8 week study chaga was also found to reduce total cholesterol while simultaneously increasing antioxidant levels and good cholesterol.

It’s Just Chock-Full of Vitamins

Basically, this fungus is full of what you need. This who’s who of good-for-you includes:

B-Complex Vitamins
Vitamin D
Iron
Calcium
Potassium
Zinc
Magnesium
Amino Acids
Dietary Fibre

How Do I Take Chaga Mushrooms?

Wondering how to enjoy this unique mushroom? While its tough, hard exterior isn’t exactly tasty, the easiest way to incorporate chaga into your routine is by drinking it as tea or taking it in supplement form. There are various powders, tinctures, and even chaga-infused hot chocolate available online! Just remember, it's always a good idea to consult your doctor before adding any new supplement to your health routine. So, there you have it—chaga mushroom: beautiful on the inside and great for your insides. Give it a try!