Chaga Mushrooms 40 g, 20 g

Chaga Mushrooms – 40 g ($19.99), 20 g ($12.99)

Benefits:
Immune System and Inflammation  Inflammation is a natural response of your immune system that can protect against disease. However, long-term inflammation is linked to conditions like heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Animal and test-tube studies suggest that chaga extract can positively impact immunity by reducing long-term inflammation and fighting harmful bacteria and viruses.

By promoting the formation of beneficial cytokines — specialized proteins that regulate the immune system — chaga stimulates white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off harmful bacteria or viruses. As a result, this mushroom could help fight infections — from minor colds to serious illnesses. Additionally, other animal and test-tube studies demonstrate that chaga can prevent the production of harmful cytokines, which trigger inflammation and are associated with disease. For example, in a study in mice, chaga extract reduced inflammation and gut damage by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines.

Cancer – Prevents and Fights  Several animal and test-tube studies show that chaga can prevent and slow cancer growth. In a study in mice with cancer, chaga supplements resulted in a 60% reduction in tumour size. In a test-tube study, chaga extract prevented the growth of cancer in human liver cells. Similar results were observed with cancer cells of the lung, breast, prostate and colon. It’s thought that the anticancer effect of chaga is partly due to its high content of antioxidants, which protect cells from damage by free radicals. In particular, chaga contains the antioxidant triterpene. Test-tube studies reveal that very concentrated triterpene extract can help kill cancer cells.

Blood Sugar  Several animal studies link chaga to lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, it may help manage diabetes.
A recent study in obese, diabetic mice observed that chaga extract reduced blood sugar levels and insulin resistance compared to diabetic mice who did not receive the supplement. In another study in diabetic mice, chaga supplements led to a 31% decrease in blood sugar levels over three weeks. Similar results have been seen in other studies.

Cholesterol  Chaga extract may also benefit cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of heart disease. In an eight-week study in rats with high cholesterol, chaga extract reduced “bad” LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing antioxidant levels. Similar studies gave the same results and observed that — in addition to reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol — chaga increases “good” HDL cholesterol. Researchers believe that the antioxidants present in chaga are responsible for its effects on cholesterol.

Botanical Name: Inonotus obliquus
English: Chaga
Also, Known As: Birch Mushroom, Chinker polypore, Birch conk, Birch canker polypore
Habitat: North America & Europe
Origin: Ukraine
Harvested: Wild
Part used: Whole Mushroom

General Information:
Inonotus obliquus, commonly called chaga (a Latinisation of the Russian word чага), is a fungus in the family Hymenochaetaceae. It is parasitic on birch and other trees. The sterile conk is irregularly formed and resembles burnt charcoal. It is not the fruiting body of the fungus, but a sclerotium or mass of mycelium, mostly black because of a great amount of melanin. Some people consider chaga medicinal.

Inonotus obliquus is found most commonly in the Circumboreal Region of the Northern Hemisphere, where it is distributed in birch forests. Generally found growing on birch (Betula spp.) trees, it has also been found on alder (Alnus spp.), beech (Fagus spp.), oak (Quercus spp.) and poplar (Populus spp.). In species other than birch, the fungus often appears as buried stem canker, instead of the charcoal-like mass found on birch trees.

In North America and Canada, the Birch is well known for its beauty alone. The medical purposes of it can be found in the older trees in what is known as a mushroom, or fungus-type growth. It is parasitic on birch and other trees. This growth is rough, dry, porous, crusty, with deeply cut and crooked separations having the appearance of dull charred wood on the outside. The sterile conk is irregularly formed and has the appearance of burnt charcoal. When this projection is sawn off the tree, it is as if the tree was having cosmetic surgery or the removal of an out-of control wart. The mushroom can take up to seven years to reach maturity.

The interior is yellow to yellow brown often with some bits of white mixed in and is moderately hard with a somewhat pebbly, corky texture. The outer surface is dark brown to black very hard with a deeply cracked texture. It can be brittle with pieces easily rubbing or falling off

How to use:
Hot Infusion
The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup of teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes, Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamina, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips
You can sweeten your herbal tea with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice tray or pop moulds.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.