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Chaga
Chaga, Inonotus obliquus, is a fungus in the Hymenochaetaceae family that grows as a parasite from the trunks of trees, mostly birch. As you can see from the photo above, chaga has a burnt look and strongly resembles charcoal or charred wood. This is due to high levels of melanin in the mushroom.
Chaga, also known as Tinder fungus, usually takes several years to fully mature, and only grows in cold, northern regions of the world. It has been used as a medicinal mushroom in Russia since at least the 16th century, and perhaps much longer.
Chaga was traditionally ground into a fine powder and brewed into tea. Research suggests that many of its bio-active compounds are found in indigestible parts of the mushroom, and are difficult for humans to digest unless properly extracted.
Besides high levels of melanin, chaga also contains an assortment of flavonoids, B vitamins, phenolic compounds, superoxide dismutase, triterpenes, pantothenic acid, betulinic acid and Beta-glucans. It has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well. However, cultivated chaga mushrooms have far fewer beneficial compounds than those crafted by Mother Nature. But that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Chaga Benefits
The Chinese call chaga the “King of Plants” which is impressive considering their long and storied history using herbs and plants in traditional medicine. There are numerous beneficial compounds in chaga that deserve attention, in fact, too many. But let’s start with betulinic acid.
Betulinic acid is a powerful antiviral, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and it has anti-cancer properties as well. The betulinic acid in chaga is derived from the bark of the host birch tree, which is home to the fungi for several years and responsible for much of its adaptogenic powers.
This 2010 study on betulinic acid’s effect on cancer showed it to be “effective against a wide variety of cancer cells.”[10] While researchers involved in a 2004 study discovered that betulinic acid had potent anti-HIV activity.[11] They concluded that:
Betulinic acid is a very promising new chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of HIV infection and cancer.
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has numerous studies on chaga, which delve into the betulinic acid properties, as well as a host of other active constituents of this super mushroom, and the numerous beneficial effects these have on the body.[12]
Chaga benefits are practically endless and include …
- Immune system activation
- Treatment for psoriasis
- Potent antioxidant properties
- Promotion of longevity and vitality
- Improved skin health
- Improved energy and stamina
- Anti-cancer properties
- Stress reduction
- Improved digestion
- Cardiovascular support
- Improved cognitive health
Chaga is a strong adaptogen, meaning it eliminates the effects of all kinds of stress, providing the support and balance that the body needs in any way it needs it. Because chaga grows for years in harsh climates, and beca