THE MEDICINAL EFFECT OF THE CHAGA MUSHROOM
Today we know the medicinal properties of many plants, herbs and mushrooms. The same goes for the Chaga mushroom. A miraculous mushroom that is often used as an immune booster and has an interesting history. The Chaga is one of the six popular medicinal mushrooms and is also called the mushroom of immortality. To what does he owe this special name? You can read that in this article! We tell you more about what the Chaga mushroom is and what medicinal properties it has.
What is the Chaga mushroom?
The Chaga mushroom is one of the six popular medicinal mushrooms and is called "Inonotus obliquus" in Latin. The Chaga is also better known as the birch weather fungus and the mushroom of immortality. The other medicinal mushrooms are Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail and Maitake.
The Chaga mushroom is the parasite of the birch tree, which is why we call it the birch weather fungus. The outside of the Chaga is hardly noticeable, it is a black fungus that grows on the birch tree, also called birch fungus. The inside, on the other hand, looks very special. As soon as you open the fungus you will see that it is bright orange in color, and of course you cannot see this with your naked eye, but there are many important nutrients in the fungus.
The medicinal effect of the Chaga
The Chaga mushroom or birch weather fungus contains many active components that have an anti-oxidant, anti-tumor and anti-viral effect. The Chaga has a medicinal effect that has proven itself time and again and the mushroom now belongs to the superfoods. The mushroom helps to bring and keep your body in balance. Nicknamed “mushroom of immortality” says everything about the beneficial effect of the Chaga on our body.
What are the benefits of the Chaga mushroom?
The Chaga has different medicinal effects and has many advantages. The Chaga has an adaptogenic effect that ensures that your body remains in balance. It helps your body to better protect itself against external influences. And not only that, the Chaga mushroom has many advantages:
- It gives a boost to your immune system.
- Works well for your cardiovascular system.
- It improves your vitality and strengthens your body.
- It has a very high anti-oxidative effect and a strong antiviral effect.
- Helps with inflammation.
- Protects your liver.
- Lowers your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Prevents and slows the growth of specific cancer cells
Vitamins and minerals in the Chaga Mushroom
The Chaga mushroom is full of vitamins and minerals that are very important for your body. It is also packed with antioxidants that help with many different health conditions, such as the benefits mentioned above.
The most important vitamins and minerals that occur in the Chaga mushroom are:
- Vitamin B complex
- Vitamin D
- Potassium
- Cesium
- Rubidium
- Fibres
- Amino acids
- Selenium copper
- Iron
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Calcium
How can you use the Chaga mushroom?
Despite the fact that the Chaga is an edible mushroom, you can't just bite into it, like you would with the mushrooms in the supermarket. The Chaga has too hard a texture for this, and this makes it difficult to chew and digest. That is why the Chaga is often ground into powder, and it is available as a Chaga extract or a Chaga capsule.
You can take the Chaga in different ways thanks to the different types of products that are available. For example, you can:
- Put the Chaga powder in your smoothie or coffee.
- Make Chaga tea with Chaga tea bags or powder.
- Take the Chaga capsules as a dietary supplement.
- Mix the Chaga extract through your drink.
When you take 1 gram of Chaga daily, you will already notice the health effects Also increase the dose to 1.5 or 2 grams, but we recommend increasing this gradually.
Possible side effects of Chaga products
The Chaga extract can potentially inhibit platelet aggregation, so we do not recommend using the extract when you:
- Have a bleeding disorder.
- Have an autoimmune disease.
- Blood thinners used.
- You are pregnant.
- Or if you are still breastfeeding.
In addition, it is useful to know that it can be harmful to your kidneys, since the mushroom contains a higher oxalate content compared to other medicinal mushrooms.
Conclusion
The Chaga mushroom is a vegetable superfood that is packed with vitamins and minerals. The Chaga can be taken in different ways. It has a very positive effect on your health and is a real boost for your immune system. It is and remains a natural product, but the mushroom is one of the six best medicinal mushrooms for a reason. You can always try it to see if the Chaga works well for you too!
