Chaga is a mushroom, a parasitic chunk that looks like the remains of burned wood on the side of a birch tree. Chaga is predominantly found in Poland, Western Siberia, and throughout North America. Even in the most prime Northern regions, Chaga conks are somewhat rare. Chaga is the most nutritionally dense of all tree growths. Known by the Siberians as the “Gift from God” and the “Mushroom of Immortality,” this vibrant growth has been used by humans to support health for thousands of years.
The Japanese call it “The Diamond of the Forest,” while the Chinese deem it “King of Plants.” For the Chinese that is saying a lot, since they have an immense history with countless plants. Chaga has been a part of folk medicine in China, Russia, Poland and numerous Baltic countries for many centuries. It has been documented by Chinese herbalist Shen Nong in his writings as early as the first century BCE.
Chaga is incredibly high in antioxidants and also contains numerous B vitamins, flavonoids, phenols, minerals, and enzymes. It is also one of the world’s densest sources of pantothenic acid, which is needed by the adrenal glands as well as digestive organs. It also contains riboflavin and niacin in significantly high amounts.
It also contains wild-source minerals and is particularly high in calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc, and iron. Yet, its most potent ingredient is a special substance known as superoxide dismutase (SOD). This is an enzyme with great potency. Its function is to halt oxidation, especially the toxicity of a free radical known as singlet oxygen. This is the type of oxygen which is responsible for oxidizing and damaging the tissues, which results in aging.
The University of Minnesota is currently doing a research study on Chaga. You may ask why haven't I heard of this before? It is pretty rare and only limited places you can find it.
You must also know what you are looking for as some mushrooms are deadly. It is also important to note that their is no money in natural medicine. The FDA/USDA supports money generators and something that is high in natural antioxidants etc is not a pill and their really is no money in it- in fact, it more so looses money to continue to spend money on studying it. BUT their are places that are trying to replicate chaga in a lab. It has yet been impossible.
Moscow’s Medical Academy of Science discovered certain plants help your body fight the effects of stress and disease.
They called these plants adaptogens. They discovered that chaga is the most potent adaptogen known. This is why it is the basis for the fight against premature aging and for prevention of serious diseases. This is a rare opportunity to experience the health benefits of wild, 100% organic Chaga.
How to use Chaga: Mine is ground to a fine tea grind. You can add 1 tsp to 8 oz. boiling water and let steep 4+ minutes. Chaga is safe to consume without heating but to get the release of anti-oxidants, vitamins etc.
you need to heat it which is why making a tea is the easiest way to consume. However, it has such a light/no taste you can add it to your coffee grounds, add mint leaves to it to make a nice mint tea, or add your own favorite tea bag with it for flavoring. See also my blog on how to make a Chaga tincture :) (month of September 2013).
**Click the ‘Country Store’ tab to purchase your own Chaga
