Chaga mushroom – a natural source of eternal health?

For hundreds of years, Chaga mushroom has been used to treat a variety of health conditions. Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are no match for this subcortical fungus, which strengthens the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. What should we know about the Chaga mushroom, which has recently gained popularity in Poland? The uses of this mushroom and its benefits will certainly surprise many people.

Chaga mushroom – what is it?

Chaga mushroom (Latin: Inonotus obliquus), also known as birch polypore, subcortical flash fungus or birch fungus, is a parasitic species of mushroom that mainly grows on birch and alder trees in Siberia, Russia, Korea, China and Eastern Europe. Why do we call it a parasitic fungus? Chaga feeds by deeply penetrating the wood of the tree that hosts it, feeding on its nutrients and slowly damaging the structure of the plant.

The fungus has a characteristic shape resembling a piece of charcoal. Its surface is also extremely hard and black, although when broken open, it reveals an intensely orange interior.

Although considered unpalatable by many, birch fungus is also regarded as a superfood with adaptogenic properties. Chaga is rich in:

• Antioxidants
• Polysaccharides (beta-glucans)
• Terpenoids (betulin, betulinic acid)
• Sterols (inotodiol)

These and other bioactive compounds support our immune system, reduce inflammation and protect against the harmful effects of free radicals.

Chaga (birch fungus) – properties and health benefits

Over the past few decades, the scientific world has begun to intensively study the properties of birch fungus. Interestingly, many of the studies conducted have proven that Chaga does indeed have many beneficial properties, which have made this fungus so popular in folk medicine in Siberia and Asia. However, it should be remembered that the above studies refer only to the results of in vitro and in vivo studies on animals. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of reliable evidence confirming the effectiveness of the fungus in humans.

Despite this, the established beneficial properties of Chaga are as follows:

• It has antioxidant properties.
• It has anti-inflammatory properties.
• It is an effective antiviral agent.
• It has a hypoglycaemic effect.
• It lowers lipid levels (reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease).
• It has antiparasitic properties
• It has immunomodulatory properties (regulates and improves the immune system)
• It has proven neuroprotective properties (protects the nervous system)
• It is anti-allergenic.
• It helps combat fatigue.
• It has a positive effect on intestinal flora.

The above properties of Chaga are due to the large amount of biologically active substances it contains. Chaga contains over 200 of them, but polysaccharides, polyphenols, triterpenes and melanin are considered to be the most important. In addition, it also contains a large number of nutrients, minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, potassium and calcium, as well as vitamins B and D.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) – where is it used?

Thanks to its wide range of health-promoting properties, Inonotus obliquus can be successfully used for many different ailments and diseases, as well as for purely preventive purposes. What are these uses?

• Healthy immune system – the polysaccharides contained in the Chaga mushroom increase lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine secretion, which act as messengers in the immune system. Thanks to them, there is constant communication between the body's various immune cells, thus coordinating an effective fight against pathogens.
• Helps with allergies and autoimmune diseases – Chaga affects the balance between TH1 and TH2 lymphocytes. This balance plays an important role in a healthy immune system. By balancing the levels of both lymphocytes, Chaga prevents the development of chronic diseases such as allergies and autoimmune diseases.
• Reduces symptoms of histamine intolerance – The histamine-inhibiting effect of Chaga mushroom can also be extremely helpful for people with histamine intolerance. According to people affected by this intolerance, drinking Chaga infusions every day for 5-6 months enabled them to consume foods that stimulate histamine production again.
• Helps with skin diseases – for hundreds of years, Chaga has been used in traditional medicine as an effective remedy for skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and slow wound healing. The antioxidants and a wide range of other ingredients contained in the mushroom seem to have a cleansing, protective and rejuvenating effect on the skin.
• Protects against inflammation – chronic inflammation is an important cause of many diseases, including many types of cancer, atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases and even obesity. Chaga balances the disturbed production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, reducing the risk of chronic inflammation.
• Help with type 2 diabetes – this type of diabetes mainly affects people who are overweight and insulin resistant. This means that the cells in our body no longer respond to insulin and, despite sufficient production, do not absorb glucose (sugar) from the blood. Studies have shown that Chaga has a positive effect on insulin resistance, helps regulate enzyme activity and improves insulin sensitivity. What is more, it has a positive effect on glucose metabolism in the liver.
• Remedy for gastrointestinal disorders – For centuries, digestive disorders have been successfully treated with Chaga, which, as research has shown, is indeed true. This is because Chaga promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria, which alleviate chronic intestinal inflammation and inhibit the development of cancer cells in the digestive tract.

Chaga mushroom – possible side effects and contraindications

Chaga is generally well tolerated by the human body. Despite this, no human studies have been conducted to determine its safety or appropriate dosage.

The mushroom may interact with some common medications and cause potentially harmful side effects:

• Chaga may pose a risk to people with blood clotting disorders. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Chaga.
• People with autoimmune diseases may be at risk of a potential increase in immune system activity, which will begin to misidentify and eliminate healthy cells.
• There are currently no studies on the safety of Chaga for pregnant or breastfeeding women. For this reason, the safest option is to avoid using the mushroom.

Chaga mushroom (birch mushroom) – appropriate dosage

The easiest way to dose and consume Chaga is to prepare the mushroom in the form of tea. In addition, you can use dried or fresh mushrooms, capsules containing Chaga extract, or powdered form, which can be added to yoghurt, tea, or soup.

The dosage of birch chaga depends largely on the type of product and the desired effects. Follow our guidelines to learn how to dose Chaga properly:

• Tea – the mushroom can be brewed in hot water to make a tasty mushroom tea. To prepare the infusion, simply add 1-2 teaspoons of dried mushroom powder to a cup of hot water and steep for about 10-15 minutes. You can add lemon or honey to improve the taste;
• Powder – powdered mushrooms can be added to smoothies, soups, yoghurts or other dishes. The recommended serving size of powdered mushrooms is about 1 to 2 teaspoons per day;
• Tablets and capsules – most manufacturers recommend taking capsules as dietary supplements 1 to 3 times a day with meals.

It is worth remembering that the above dosage has not been clinically proven. It is based on the subjective conclusions of people taking supplements, as well as information provided by manufacturers of Chaga mushroom-based products.

Interesting facts about the Chaga mushroom

• Chaga works in the human body similarly to sonar or scanners. It slowly discovers pathogens that threaten the human body and then stimulates the immune system to immediately destroy harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites;
• Thanks to its anti-stress properties, Chaga mushroom was considered in traditional Chinese medicine to be one of the remedies that harmonise the human soul;
• The healthiest varieties of Chaga mushroom grow in the virgin forests of Finland, Canada and Norway. They contain the highest amount of health-promoting polysaccharides and are free from environmental pollutants;
• Chaga has no psychedelic or intoxicating effects. Drinking tea or taking dietary supplements based on this mushroom does not cause euphoria, drowsiness or other effects. In fact, the effects of Chaga are very similar to those of any other health-promoting mushroom;
• One of the methods of consuming Chaga recommended by the inhabitants of Siberia is to prepare a strong, warming mushroom tincture. It is an ideal alternative for those who do not like the taste of Chaga tea.

Bibliography

Chaga: King of the Medicinal Mushrooms – D. Wolfe, P. Beaumier, R. Saad, North Atlantic Books, 2012.

‘The Chaga Mushroom Book: All You Need to Know About Chaga Mushrooms (Cultivation, Usage, and Benefits)’ – A. Miller, 2022.

Chemical characterisation and biological activity of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), a medicinal mushroom – J. Glamočlija, et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Elsevier Science, 2015.

‘The effects of some amino acids on growth and lipid production in Inonotus obliquus grown in vitro’ – K. Kahlos, scientific journal Acta Biotechnologica, John Wiley & Sons, 1994.

‘New Antioxidant Polyphenols from the Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus.’ – I-K. Lee, et al., scientific journal ChemInform, John Wiley & Sons, 2008.

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‘Phytochemical characteristics and hypoglycaemic activity of fraction from mushroom Inonotus obliquus’ – L. Xueming, C. Haixia, D. Peng, F. Lingling, Z. Xin, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, John Wiley & Sons, 2010.

‘Antitumour activity of water extract of a mushroom, Inonotus obliquus, against HT-29 human colon cancer cells’ – S. H. Lee, H. S. Hwang, J. W. Yun, scientific journal Phytotherapy Research, John Wiley & Sons, 2009.

‘Effect of Inonotus obliquus enriched diet on haematology, immune response, and disease protection in kelp grouper, Epinephelus bruneus against Vibrio harveyi’ – R. Harikrishnan, C. Balasundaram, M-S. Heo, scientific journal Aquaculture, Elsevier Science, 2012.

‘Antioxidant effect of Inonotus obliquus’ – C. Yong, K. Dong-Seok, P. Kyoung-Chan, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Elsevier Science, 2005.

‘Anti-cancer effect and structural characterisation of endo-polysaccharide from cultivated mycelia of Inonotus obliquus’ – K. Yong Ook, et al., Life Sciences scientific journal, Elsevier Science, 2006.