Today, I’d like to share my experiences with chaga mushrooms—a remarkable supplement I’ve used for years both topically (in my beloved Body Butter) and internally to enhance resilience and gut health. I’m particularly impressed by chaga’s versatility and its many health benefits.
Let me break down everything you need to know about chaga, including what it is, its incredible health benefits, and how to correctly extract medicinal mushrooms for maximum benefit. I’ll also tell you about my favorite brand!
### What is Chaga?
Chaga, scientifically known as Inonotus obliquus, is a medicinal mushroom that primarily grows on birch trees in cold regions like Northern Canada, Alaska, Siberia, Northern Europe, Russia, and Korea. In the forest, it appears as a dark brown to black, chunky growth on birch trees. When you split it open, it reveals a reddish-orange interior rich in antioxidants. Traditionally, chaga has been brewed as a tea and used in folk medicine to boost immunity and overall wellness.
Chaga boasts a high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) rating, which measures how well a food or herb can neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative cell damage. Thanks to its antioxidant properties and other powerful compounds, chaga mushrooms offer extraordinary health benefits, which we’ll explore further below.
### How to Extract Chaga’s Benefits
If you’ve ever held chaga in your hands, you know it’s quite hard, making it impossible to consume raw. The chitin in mushrooms like chaga requires processing so our bodies can absorb the beneficial compounds.
When shopping for mushroom supplements, look for those that use dual extraction methods—extracting compounds with both hot water and alcohol. Some chaga compounds are only soluble in hot water, while others require alcohol extraction. This dual process ensures the highest quality supplements. Some companies merely grind mycelium and package it, but these are hard to digest, meaning you may not fully absorb the nutrients you’re paying for.
Also, prioritize brands that use the fruiting bodies of mushrooms, rather than just mycelium. The fruiting body contains the most medicinal compounds, unlike mycelium, which serves more like a root system. Chaga is unique because it lacks a typical fruiting body, but the conk—the woody growth on birch trees—holds chaga’s beneficial properties.
Some brands opt for mycelium because it’s cheaper to produce, but these supplements are less potent. Investing in a high-quality supplement with the fruiting body will save money in the long run, as you won’t have to take as much for the same effect.
My favorite brand, Eversio Wellness from Canada, uses dual extraction to craft their chaga products from the fruiting body of various mushrooms. You can enjoy a 15% discount with code JOYOUS at checkout. For more insight, check out the Joyous Health Podcast episode featuring their founder, Brandi Garden.
### Top 6 Health Benefits of Chaga
Now that you’re equipped to choose top-tier chaga supplements, let’s explore the health benefits of this fantastic fungus:
1. **Reduces Inflammation**: Thanks to its high ORAC score, chaga can help reduce body inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Anti-inflammatory foods and supplements like chaga can soothe these responses.
2. **Boosts Immune System**: Like many medicinal mushrooms, chaga supports immunity. Research suggests chaga can improve white blood cell production, essential for combating infections. Lab studies even show it may help fight cancer cells, though more human research is needed.
3. **Helps Balance Blood Sugar**: Maintaining stable blood sugar is crucial for lasting health. Chaga has shown promise in animal studies, lowering blood sugar and enhancing insulin sensitivity. If you face blood sugar challenges, chaga might be a beneficial addition, but check with your healthcare provider first.
4. **Adaptogenic Properties**: Chaga is known as the “King of Mushrooms” because it helps the body adapt to stress, promoting longevity and resilience.
5. **Supports Skin Collagen Production**: Chaga helps prevent collagen breakdown, enhancing skin’s plumpness and reducing wrinkles. It inhibits enzymes that degrade collagen, supporting skin health from within.
6. **Protects Skin**: Besides internal benefits, chaga also nourishes the skin when used topically. It keeps skin hydrated and repairs aging cells, with enzymes like melanin offering UV protection and aiding regeneration.
We incorporate Canadian-sourced chaga in our best-selling Ultra-Moisturizing Body Butter for its antioxidants, combined with organic butters and oils, to moisturize without greasiness.
### My Favorite Chaga Supplement
I enjoy using chaga during winter to bolster my immune system. I used another brand previously, but switched to Eversio for their high-quality, potent chaga. I’ve noticed a real difference since incorporating their products into my routine.
Eversio ensures top quality and potency in their extracts, offering significant value and benefits with every scoop or capsule. Use code JOYOUS for a 15% discount if you want to try their chaga or other extracts.
Have you tried chaga in your routine? Do you prefer it as a tea or extract? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Xo Joy
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**Question about allergies**:
If you’re allergic to birch trees, consuming chaga mushrooms is not recommended, as they typically grow on these trees. It’s best to consult with companies like Eversio to discuss cross-contamination concerns.
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Thank you for this advice!
Having used chaga during my breast cancer recovery, I truly believe it strengthened my immune system.
