Chaga Mushroom Tincture by Cap n’ Stem Mushrooms

Description

Chaga Mushroom Tincture by Cap n’ Stem Mushrooms

Chaga mushrooms have been used for centuries in Siberia and other parts of Asia as a medicine to boost immunity and improve overall health (1). Though ugly, the Chaga mushroom is gaining popularity in the Western world for its potential health benefits.

What’s more, a cup of tea made from Chaga is packed with antioxidants. However, consumption of this special mushroom may come with some risks. Let’s examine the uses, benefits, and potential side effects of Chaga mushrooms.

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a type of fungus that grows mainly on the bark of birch trees in cold climates, such as Northern Europe, Siberia, Russia, Korea, Northern Canada, and Alaska.

Chaga is also known by other names, such as black mass, clinker polypore, birch canker polypore, cinder conk, and the sterile conk trunk rot (of birch). It produces a woody growth, or conk, which looks similar to a clump of burnt charcoal — roughly 10–15 inches (25–38 centimeters) in size. However, the inside reveals a softcore with an orange color.

For centuries, Chaga has been used as a traditional medicine in Russia and other Northern European countries, mainly to boost immunity and overall health. It has also been used to treat diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease (1). Traditionally, it was grated into a fine powder and brewed as an herbal tea.

Nowadays, it’s not only available as a tea but also as a powdered or capsule supplement. The tea may feature Chaga alone or in combination with other mushrooms, such as cordyceps. Taking it with either warm or cold water is believed to release its medicinal properties.

Keep in mind that reliable information on Chaga’s nutritional content is extremely limited.

That said, they’re low in calories, very high in fiber, and loaded with antioxidants (2Trusted Source, 3).

Supports

• May Boost Your Immune System and fight inflammation
• May Prevent and Fight Cancer
• May Lower Blood Sugar
• May Lower Cholesterol

Safety and Side Effects

Chaga is generally well-tolerated. However, no human studies have been conducted to determine its safety or appropriate dosage.

Chaga can interact with some common medications, causing potentially harmful effects.

For example, Chaga could pose risks for people with insulin or those with diabetes due to its impact on blood sugar.

Chaga also contains a protein that can prevent blood clotting. Therefore, if you are on blood-thinning medications, have a bleeding disorder, or are preparing for surgery, consult with your doctor before taking Chaga (22Trusted Source).

Though some research shows that Chaga may help reduce inflammation, it may also cause your immune system to become more active. Thus, people with autoimmune diseases should seek medical advice before taking Chaga.

There is no research on the safety of this mushroom for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Therefore, the safest option is to avoid use.

Finally, remember to buy supplements from reputable sources, as mushrooms are not monitored by the FDA.

The Bottom Line

For centuries, people have used Chaga mushrooms for medicinal purposes.

Packed with antioxidants, Chaga mushroom is available in tea or supplement form.

Its extract may fight cancer and improve immunity, chronic inflammation, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

Still, human studies are needed to confirm these benefits and to determine their safety, side effects, and optimal dosage.

If you’re interested in trying Chaga mushroom tea or supplement but have concerns about side effects or possible interactions with medications you take, talk to your doctor first.