The chaga mushroom is well known for its full spectrum of immune stimulating phytochemicals. It is also high in betulin or betulinic acid which is a chemotherapeutic agent, which is why the pharmaceutical industry is interested in it and is currently doing many tests on its constituents. Chaga is best consumed in its natural state as a tea tonic that has had time to brew over 12 hours.
The chaga fungus grows from the birch tree and has the highest ORAC value of any substance ever tested on the planet. ORAC = Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, measured in units of antioxidants, developed by the National Institute on Aging in the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The ORAC value of Chaga is 35,000 compared to spinach which is 1,260 or blueberries which are 9,160. Goji Berries are 25,000 on the ORAC scale.
Benefits of drinking Chaga Tonic include:
- boosting the immune system
- treating stomach diseases
- treating Intestinal worms & parasites
- liver and heart ailments
- cancers
- increases metabolism
- hypertension
- diabetes
- inhibits the growth of tumors
- stimulates the central nervous system
- increases the resistibility of organism to infectious diseases
Chaga also contains Sterols and Triterpenes including lanosterol (a tetracyclic triterpene derivative), inotodiol (triterpene alcohol), and ergosterol (a Vitamin D precursor). These help support digestion, help detoxification, and may help maintain respiratory health. Germanium, which helps support the health of your blood. Melanin, which enhances the appearance of hair, skin and eyes, and helps maintain a more youthful appearance. Important Nucleosides, minerals and amino acids, Saponin, Magnesium, Chromium, Iron, Kalium, Beta-glucan, Inotodiol, Isoprenoid and others, all offering tremendous health benefits. WOW!
CHAGA PREPARATION
Your dried chaga will stay good for up to 2 years if you keep it in a dark and dry place.
Brewing Instructions: Research shows the best way to draw the nutrients from Chaga Mushroom is by water extraction. We do not recommend using boiling water with raw Chaga, since the hot temperature may corrupt the melanin complex and the polysaccharides, among other active ingredients. Place 1 liter of purified water in a pot. Bring water up to 122° (this will be medium temperature on most stoves). Place 2-3 chunks or 2-3 tablespoons of powder into the water. Cover with lid, take off the heat and brew for 10-12 hours. Strain off and store in a cool dark place in glass jars. Chaga tea keeps up to 14 days and the lefover chunks or powder can be re-used up to 5 times
Sit back, relax and enjoy the wonderful benefits of this super mushroom!
DISCLAIMER
Medicinal mushrooms and herbs are good to use because they are natural. However, this does not mean that they can't also be harmful if used improperly. Although there has never been a recorded negative interaction with Chaga, it is always in your best interest to consult your doctor first. There are many instances in which Chaga has helped so much that the use of pharmaceutical drugs was no longer needed, it is for this reason that your physician should be made aware that you are taking Chaga.
