For centuries people in Eastern Europe have been drinking Chaga tea for its many health benefits. The tea is made from the Chaga mushroom, which typically grows on the trunks of birch trees in the Northern Hemisphere. The Latin name for Chaga mushroom is Inonotus obliquus.
Researchers are seriously looking into the possibility that Chaga mushrooms may be able to prevent cancer and slow its growth.
Chaga is rich in antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals or oxidants. When the body is unable to produce enough antioxidants to prevent this damage, oxidative stress occurs. Oxidative stress can cause cancer and a host of other health problems.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Uses of the fungi by indigenous cultures, traditional medicine and holistic doctors include:
- boosting the immune system
- treating cancer by fighting off cancer-cells
- aiming digestion
- alleviating pain from toothaches
- improving lung health
- detoxifying the body
- treating joint inflammation, particularly rheumatism and arthritis
- curing tumors
- treating viral infections
- managing cholesterol
- regulating blood sugar
- antibacterial
- lowers blood pressure
- prevents drug/alcohol side effects
- improves overall health and well-being
LIST OF MINERALS AND NUTRIENTS FOUND IN CHAGA
calcium, cesium, copper, fiber, iron, magenium, magnese, potassium, rudidium, selenium, vitamin D, zinc.
Whats is Chaga tea?
Because of the way Chaga grows, it accumulates an enormous amount of anti-oxidants over time. Chaga tea is an excellent way to consume additional anti-oxidants without caffeine.
To make Chaga tea, first, the mushroom needs to be harvested. It’s recommended to cut the Chaga into chunks whilst it’s still fresh and moist before leaving it to dry over a few days. Once your chunks are dried tea can be made with either powdered Chaga or by adding little pieces into boiling water. After making a batch of tea strain out the Chaga and leave it to dry since it can be reused a few times. Check out our different tea recipes here.
LET THE ORAC SPEAK FOR ITSELF:
ORAC ( Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) measures the free oxygen radicals that food or supplement can absorb in your body. Chaga contains some of the highest amounts, but it will vary depending on when/where is grown among other things. Compare ORAC values here.
HOW DOES IT TASTE LIKE
Chaga has a somewhat earthy flavor with a slight bitterness. It also contains a naturally occurring form of vanillin, the same as what is found in vanilla bean.
You can drink Chaga mushroom straight, but the flavor may take some getting used to. But because it is so dense in nutrients and anti-oxidants, the Chaga mushroom lends itself to be a great component when blended with other herbs and spices.
