Chaga Mushroom Health Benefits and Consumption Guide

The Chaga mushroom or Inonotus Obliquus is a parasitic fungus found on birch and other trees existing in colder climates. Traditionally, Chaga has been used to treat digestive tract ailments, cancer, and immune related issue throughout Northern Europe, Russia and Alaska.

The Chaga mushroom is not aesthetically pleasing to look at. It looks like a woody growth, or sometimes resembles a conk, which has a similar appearance to a clump of burnt coal. This clump grows roughly 10-16 inches in diameter and has a softer, orange tinted core.

The Inonotus obliquus has many medicinal benefits that have been researched using vitro and animal testing. It has been used as an alternative medicine for boosting immunity, certain cancers, heart disease, and overall health.

While the chaga is not really an edible mushroom, it’s used in extract form as a tea additive or in supplement form as a capsule or tincture—usually blended with other types of medicinal mushrooms like Lion’s mane, Reishi, or Cordyceps.

For anyone looking for a safe and effective product using this extract, check out the Naurealm Chaga Mushroom Extract

Potential Chaga Health Benefits

There are many ongoing clinical studies being performed on the Chaga mushroom for its potential medicinal benefits to humans. Most of the current research data is only from vitro and animal testing so it’s unsure of how these results will hold up with human trials.

The potential of its medicinal value is promising and should yield many positive results once these studies have concluded.

Anti-Aging Properties

Free radicals are the enemy of the human body. They cause oxidative stress and it leads to signs of aging, which appear in the form of sagging skin, wrinkles, and grey hair.

We also find these free radicals bombarding us through sources like sunlight and environmental pollution. When the body cannot neutralize all these free radicals, it shows signs of aging.

The Chaga mushroom is loaded with antioxidants, which in theory can assist the body in fighting the free radicals we are exposed to; thus, allowing us to prevent or retard the process of aging.

Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetics suffer from high blood sugar levels and low insulin levels being produced in the body. Chaga has shown through testing that it has the capability to combat these problems.

In one laboratory study, Inonotus obliquus showed an ability to increase insulin levels within mice. It also effectively raised HDL-c levels (good cholesterol) and reduced LDL-c levels within the control groups.

Applying the same study to human trials would potentially be a medicinal approach to fighting Type 2 diabetes on a federally approved level.

Another research study indicates that a Chaga mushroom has the ability to increase antioxidant activities within mice as well. Having a positive effect on hypoglycemic mice could prove significant in combating one of the most deadly diseases known to man.

Prevents and Kills Cancer

There is a real possibility that Inonotus obliquus will be used in the future as a cancer treatment or prevention medicine. Several recent research studies have indicated positive results using the Chaga mushroom for stopping the growth of tumors and actually killing cancer cells in certain types of cancer.

In one study where cancer cells were grown in vitro or test-tubes, Inonotus obliquus extract was used to identify its underlying anticancer effects.  Researchers found the extract significantly inhibited cancer cell growth in stomach, breast, and cervical cancer tests.

Another recent study looked at the hot water extract of Inonotus obliquus and demonstrated that it inhibited the spreading of colon cancer cells. In addition, the research suggested that Chaga also had the ability to be used as an anti tumor agent because it induced apoptosis (cell death) within the cancer cells.

While more human studies are needed to verify the veracity of the cancer treatment properties of the Chaga mushroom, current evidence suggests it may be a viable pharmaceutical option in the near future.

 Immune System Booster and Reduces Inflammation

Our immune system is responsible for creating inflammation in order to combat against oxidative stress and disease. However, when the inflammation hangs around too long, conditions like arthritis and heart disease are possible to arise.

Research indicates that Inonotus obliquus increases the body’s natural production of Cytokines, which is a protein our immune system uses to stimulate white blood cells. By boosting our immune system, Chaga effectively helps us fight infections, from the common cold to life-threatening illnesses.

Chronic inflammation can be a danger to us falling susceptible to serious diseases. Some research on mice has indicated that Inonotus obliquus had the ability to not only enhance the immune system, but also help control inflammation from becoming a chronic problem.

Since the medical community has linked chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease to inflammation, the Chaga mushroom may play a role in combating autoimmune conditions to help our body fight against diseases.

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Safety and Side Effects

So far the research on the Chaga mushroom has not indicated what the possible side effects might be. However, the fungus does contain the chemical called oxalate, which has been known to damage the kidney.

The only known case of a 72 year old Japanese woman who was taking 4-6 tsp daily for a period of 6 months to treat liver cancer. Following the treatment, she had been diagnosed with oxalate nephropathy as a result of taking Chaga.

It would be advised to avoid consumption of Inonotus obliquus during pregnancy and breast-feeding periods.

Anyone with auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or lupus (SLE) might want to avoid using Chaga due to its natural ability to increase the activity of the immune system.

Though the Chaga mushroom has the ability to assist diabetics in lowering their blood sugar levels, they should carefully monitor for signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Be sure to contact your healthcare provider for proper dosage.

There is also a slight risk of Chaga affecting blood sugar control, which could potentially increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.  So be sure to stay clear of taking this fungus a week or two prior to any scheduled surgery.

Conclusion

The Chaga mushroom has many medicinal benefits that could be used by the medical community to fight a host of diseases and illnesses. While most of the research on Chaga has been via vitro or with mice, the potential for similar results with human trials is good.

Chaga mushroom consumption has very few side effects. Making the decision to try it out in your monthly routine a great idea. The positive health benefits shown through Chaga Extracts and Tinctures may effectively help us live longer and more healthy lives.

For those who enjoy tea, there’s a great product to make your herbal a healthy choice:

Sayan Siberian Pure Raw Chaga Mushroom Chunks with Black Top Crust