Uses, Advantages, Adverse Effects, and More of Chaga Mushrooms

Inonotus obliquus, commonly referred to as cinder conk, clinker, birch canker, black mass, and conk rot, is a type of mushroom that grows on birch trees in Europe, Asia, North America, and the Northeast. This growth is parasitic. It is thought that in the sixteenth century, Siberian Russians were the first to learn about and profit from chaga mushrooms’ health properties.

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Chaga mushrooms have an orange tint inside that makes them stand out from other mushrooms, which look like burned charcoal or a clump of soil. We’ll look into some of the many alleged health benefits of chaga in natural medicine here. Those who are interested in chaga mushrooms for health advantages should do so at their own discretion and speak with a physician. It should be noted that chaga mushrooms have not been thoroughly scientifically investigated to determine efficacy or safety of usage.

Advantages

Because chaga mushrooms have a high melanin content, they turn black when exposed to sunlight. It is said that taking supplements of melanin will prevent UV damage to skin and hair and lessen age spots. It has also been suggested that maintaining enough levels of melanin in the body can lower the risk of skin cancer, improve fertility, stop the deficiency of folate, support metabolic processes, and shield the body against major neurological problems.

Of all living things, chaga mushrooms have some of the highest oxalate concentrations. Because kidney stones and osteoporosis are associated with elevated oxalate levels, chaga should be ingested in moderation. Furthermore, because chaga mushrooms contain high concentrations of potassium and magnesium, which are both naturally expelled from the kidneys and liver, there may be a danger of renal or liver damage, illness, or cancer. Overindulgence may put stress on these organs.

Eating chaga mushrooms has been shown to have attractive health advantages by many natural medicine practitioners. Like turmeric, chaga mushrooms are said to prevent or reduce the spread of cancer, as well as fight inflammation and, consequently, relieve arthritis.

The term “cancer fungus” has been applied to chaga mushrooms. In addition to improving immunological function, chaga mushrooms are also said to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and harmful LDL cholesterol. Numerous nutrients are abundant in chaga, such as iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, zinc, calcium, cesium, copper, vitamin D, and amino acids.

Some people think that because it contains a high concentration of melanin, it can increase the amount of melanin in our skin, protecting us from wrinkles, skin cancer, and sun damage. None of the aforementioned benefits have received much research. On the other hand, melanin functions as an antioxidant and aids in the body’s battle against free radicals, which are known to cause diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. This would corroborate the majority of statements made regarding the health advantages of chaga mushrooms.

Side Effects

In addition to their purported anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-candida properties, chaga mushrooms have also been linked to some enticing “side effects.” As a result of chaga’s impact on cardiovascular health, a lot of people experience enhanced vigor, energy, and metabolism.

Additionally, chaga has been shown to support the endocrine system, assisting the body in producing serotonin and melatonin, which improve mood and promote deeper restorative sleep that aids in cellular healing and bodily regeneration. Chagas is said to help “detoxify” or “flush” the body of toxins, heavy metals, and other pollutants since it can stimulate urine. Lastly, reports have also indicated more clarity after waking up from vivid dreams. There are numerous unresearched positive side effects of chaga mushrooms.

For generations, northern European and Russian traditional medicine has utilized chaga mushrooms. This is why it’s thought that chaga is well tolerated. There are, however, few human research on the safety of chaga mushrooms. Because chaga affects blood sugar levels, it may interfere with certain common medications. For example, blood thinners may cause problems because chaga contains a protein that can stop blood clotting.

Those with autoimmune illnesses should exercise caution when taking chaga because it can trigger an overactive immune system. Lastly, because chaga mushrooms grow on birch trees, people who are allergic to birch should stay away from them. Pregnant or nursing women should refrain from ingesting chaga mushrooms as there has been no study on their safety. Since the FDA does not regulate chaga, you should only buy chaga mushrooms from reliable suppliers. You should also always proceed with caution and consult your doctor before starting any chaga mushroom regimen.

Read Also: Diabetes and Pork

How to use

Typically, chaga mushrooms are dried and powdered into a powder that can be taken as a tablet or, more frequently, added to teas, extracts, and tinctures. The amount of chaga mushroom you should take depends on the type that you’re eating. You can have up to two 6 oz cups of chaga tea each day.

Usually, 1-2 tsp. (2.5g) of chaga powder is dosed per 6 oz of boiling water, or it can be sprinkled straight onto food. The daily maximum for powdered chaga should be 3.6 g. Usually, two to three droppers (2.2–3.3 ml) of chaga tincture are taken under the tongue or mixed into a drink. You can repeat this two or three times a day.

Less frequently, chaga mushroom powder is supplied as 1g capsules, which can be taken once day in quantities of one to two pills. It is true that chaga mushrooms are classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (G.R.A.S.) by the World Health Organization.

In summary

The use of chaga mushrooms dates back to the sixteenth century. It is thought to be safe to eat in specific amounts, despite the fact that there are few research on the subject and that most of them include humans. In addition to their high fiber content and concentrations of numerous important minerals, chaga mushrooms have the potential to prevent cancer and inflammation when taken as prescribed. Taking chaga mushrooms in supplement form or eating them can do wonders for your well-being.