Introduction
Chaga is the name given to the "Inonotus obliquus" mushroom, which has been used for its medicinal properties for hundreds of years. Also called as the parasitic fungus, since it attacks many species of trees, even trees that have damage to the trunk (with wounds, broken branches or frost damage), germinate inside and develop a dark and cracked color.
Perhaps you are here because you have ever wondered what a Chaga Mushroom is, or perhaps you have never heard of it! However, despite not knowing about them, they provide many health benefits.
What You Should Know About The Chaga Mushroom
When it comes to talking about the Chaga Mushroom, we find ourselves with many questions that worry us. We probably already know something about them, however we still have doubts. Here we have some of the most common questions that may appear and that will help you to continue learning about them.
Where Does The Chaga Mushroom Come From?
The first recorded use of chaga dates back to Russia in the 17th century, where it was used in folk medicine to cure everything. West of Siberia it was taken to eliminate stomach ailments and heart disease. It has also been consumed in Finland for similar purposes.
Chaga Mushroom Benefits
Inonotus obliquus has high nutritional and medicinal value, attracting significant attention from scholars in recent years. Here we will tell you about the treatments in which the Chaga Mushroom is used.
- Fight cancer: It has healing properties against tumor treatments, and various cancer cells.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Promotes blood circulation and helps maintain cardiovascular health.
- Stomach Treatments: Eliminates intestinal parasites, reduces inflammation and balances cholesterol.
- Liver diseases: Prohibits the growth of liver cancer cells.
- Delays aging: Consuming Chaga Increases longevity. It also protects all skin tissues.
- Avoid infections: It is useful for the treatment of HIV, since it contains betluinic acid, which has antiretroviral properties.
Does It Have Side Effects When Consuming It?
One of the side effects is the increased risk of bleeding when reacting with anticoagulant medications. In addition, being a parasite in the trees, it receives “betulin”, a natural compound indigestible by humans until now, so care must be taken when consuming it.
When Not To Consume The Chaga Mushroom?
As with other little-known superfoods for which there are still no conclusive studies, Chaga consumption is not recommended under the following conditions.
- Any type of allergies
- chronic pathologies
- Consumption tolerance (take a small amount the first time)
- Consumption of diabetes medications such as insulin
Preparations With The Chaga Mushroom
- Chaga Mushroom should always be picked fresh and from live trees. Chaga obtained from old or dead trees is of poorer quality and has lower pharmacological properties.
- Chaga tea: Three grams of the fungus are used in two liters of water and allowed to boil for a few minutes. The resulting liquid is allowed to cool and can be stored in the refrigerator. They usually drink 100 ml before each meal. The liquid is dark in color and tasteless.
- Chaga Soap: The fungus is burned and placed in a bucket with hot water, stirring until the fungus dissolves. The dark water that is produced has a great cleaning and disinfecting capacity.
- Tobacco: The ashes resulting from burning the Chaga Mushroom have also been used as tobacco inputs.
Conclusion
The Chaga Mushroom is found in the market, in capsules or in a powder that is used to prepare a tea. Nowadays, Chaga supplements have become very popular, due to its multiple benefits.
It is advisable to consult with a health specialist about its consumption. Precautions should be taken, since there are no 100% proven studies. If you liked this article, share it with your friends and family.