The Chaga mushroom is considered one of the superfoods among mushrooms. Chaga mushroom extract, in particular, is becoming increasingly popular among biohackers. Find out why here.
Table of contents
1. What is the Chaga mushroom?
When it comes to mushrooms with unusual names, the first thought that often comes to mind is: Is this a drug? Definitely not, at least not in the conventional sense. The Chaga mushroom has no intoxicating or hallucinogenic effects. However, it is said to have other properties.
Chaga is a special mushroom that has been used for centuries to treat various conditions , to help people surpass themselves and achieve even more – mentally and physically. Chaga is particularly popular in colder regions such as Scandinavia, Asia, Russia, and Ukraine, and according to written records, it was used there as early as the 12th century .
The Chaga mushroom has several other names : The Latin name is Inonotus obliquus , but it is also more commonly known as birch mushroom or slate slate polypore . The extract is made from both wild Chaga mushrooms, which grow on birch trees, and cultivated mushrooms.
Take-Home Message #1: Chaga is a special mushroom that has been used as a home remedy in Russia for centuries. This superfood grows wild on birch trees and contains a variety of valuable ingredients.
2. Effects from previous studies
For over 800 years, the Chaga mushroom has been used in Siberia to strengthen one's immune system. Since then, it has been promisingly described as a "gift from God." However, it has only been known in the Western world for a few decades and is becoming increasingly popular in the biohacking scene .
Science has been intensively researching the mushroom for decades. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also swears by its powers, where it is considered
- antioxidant
- antibacterial .
There are already several scientific studies investigating the effects of Chaga on the body. It's important to note that more clinical studies are definitely needed before any generally valid health-related statements about Chaga can be made. Here are some of these studies in brief:
A 2014 Russian study investigated whether chaga could restore blood sugar levels and restore normal immune function in volunteers. Initial positive signs were found. The researchers also found initial evidence that the mushroom might stimulate the pancreas [1].
Another study conducted by researchers at the College of Ocean Sciences in Korea focused on the immune system support provided by chaga. Here, too, positive indicators appear to exist, but these still need to be investigated further [3].
Finally, the antioxidants contained in chaga were examined by a team from the Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Science. According to this study, chaga appears to possess good antioxidant properties compared to other mushrooms. A high concentration of low-molecular-weight phenolic substances appears to be crucial for this [4].
Is the Chaga mushroom helpful in stress regulation?
Stressed biohackers, in particular, often rely on consuming chaga. Their idea: "With the right stress management, you can perform better." It's a great thing when work is getting on top of you or you're pushing your body to peak performance during training. But even normal everyday life can be stressful.
How the Chaga mushroom is used
The mushroom extract is consumed daily in some cultures. Often as a tea or, also very popular among biohackers, as mushroom coffee . Biohackers claim that it can increase oxygen uptake in the body's cells and promote blood flow in the vessels. This has not yet been reliably proven .
Take-Home Message #2: The effects of chaga mushroom extract have already been examined in several studies. However, further clinical studies are still needed to make general health claims. Chaga is also known as mushroom coffee among biohackers!
3. Chaga mushroom extract and its ingredients
You will also find the following ingredients in Chaga mushroom extract:
- various B vitamins
- potassium
- manganese
- sodium
- iron
- Calcium
- magnesium
- zinc
- Polysaccharides
- Polyphenols
- Flavonoids
- Tannins
- Beta-glucans
It also contains organic acids such as formic, oxalic, acetic, betulinic, and vanillic acid. In total, the birch mushroom contains over 200 substances , making it a true nutritional powerhouse .
Some of the substances have already been proven to have an effect on metabolism, and the interaction of the individual substances further enhances this effect. This concentrated dose supports body and mind. No other food can offer this diversity and antioxidant power.
Take-Home Message #3: Over 200 substances make Chaga a true nutrient cocktail. It's precisely the interaction of the individual components that has such a positive effect on you.
4. How can I take Chaga mushroom extract?
Various Chaga mushroom products are available for purchase in pharmacies and online, such as
- Chaga tea
- Chaga tincture
- Chaga powder
- Chaga capsules.
The simplest, most natural form of administration is Chaga tea , because you can simply drink the beneficial ingredients as an infusion. Most of them are water-soluble and are quickly absorbed by the body as a tea, allowing them to exert their effects in the cells.
Chaga tea is usually sold in lump form. This may seem strange at first glance, but the light brown lumps release their full range of nutrients into the water when brewed. This method of producing chaga mushroom extract has been proven successful for over 800 years and is still considered the most beneficial today.
Tip : We recommend drinking about two cups of tea per day to enjoy the positive effects.
5. Does Chaga mushroom extract have side effects?
Chaga tea is generally very digestible. With the appropriate dosage, side effects are extremely rare. However, you shouldn't overdo it, as anything too high can place undesirable demands on your body. It's best to enjoy your mushroom coffee in small amounts.
Take-Home Message #4: The best way to prepare chaga mushroom is to brew chaga tea. Dissolved in water, the active ingredients are best metabolized and generally have no side effects.
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Want to try Chaga and other powerful mushrooms? Then try the Mushroom Complex Capsules ! They contain Chaga, Cordyceps, Hericium erinaceus, and Reishi.
6. Conclusion
The Chaga mushroom has been very popular in many cultures for hundreds of years. It is particularly interesting for biohackers because of its high and diverse nutrient content. Chaga mushroom is traditionally consumed as a tea, but it is also available in powder form or capsules. It is considered antioxidant and antibacterial in Chinese medicine.
7. Sources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25069284
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20607061
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22484608
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17666849
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