Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is an ancient Russian remedy that restores health and vitality. It has been used in Siberian folk medicine for its cleansing qualities, treating a variety of conditions from stomach ailments to tumors.
Where It Grows
It is a parasitic fungal mushroom that grows on birch trees, alder, beech and other hardwoods. However, the mushroom that is used exclusively for medicinal use, comes from the birch tree only.
It grows in cold, Northern climates and produces a thick black mass on the trunks of living birch, measuring up to 10cm thick and 1.5 meter long.
Medicinal mushroom extractions are usually wildcrafted from high quality "conks" growing in Eastern Europe.
Chaga Mushroom Health Benefits
Inonotus obliquus exhibits immune supporting complex
polysaccharides
that are comparable with
reishi,lion's Mane
and
cordyceps.
It contains a full spectrum of 215 phytonutrients including 29 polysaccharides and beta glucan derivatives.
It is no wonder why chaga tea has been a great secret of Russian Herbalists, countering the effects of aging and promoting a kind of vigor required for adapting to cold, harsh climates.
Inhibits Tumor Growth
This mushroom's parasitical nature draws nutrients out of living birch trees, digesting food outside its body by releasing
enzymes
into the surrounding environment.
This breaks down organic matter into a form the fungus can then absorb. A similar pattern takes place in regard to its effects on tumor growth.
It has been labeled by some as the "strongest anti-cancer medicinal mushroom." (Although, coriolus mushroom is not far behind.) It contains large amounts of betulinic acid or betulin, a chemical compound it extracts from the birch tree.
Research in Poland in 1998 demonstrates its ability to inhibit cancer growth. The studies show that betulin seems to target tumor cells because the betulinic acid is activated by the lower pH of the tumorous tissues.
Betulinic acid, once inside the cancerous cells provokes apoptosis (PCD) or "cell death" within the tumor growth.
Further documentation reveals:
1) The polyphenolic extract within the mushroom protects these cells against oxidative stress, one of the primary components to aging.
2) Chaga mushroom benefits as a endo-polysaccharide that produces indirect anti-cancer effects through immuno-stimulation.
3) The mushroom has high levels of anti-inflammatory properties.
High in Antioxidants
The exceptional amount of betulin found in Inonotus obliquus is also an extremely potent source of Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), a powerful
antioxidant
that prevents the damaging effects of free radicals.
SOD has been researched as one of the most important enzymes that acts as a "bodyguard", protecting and reducing work load of the immune system.
It is always best to keep the immune system strong, so it can function optimally. We are all bombarded with immune stress from pollution and environmental toxins that effect our health in ways we may not realize.
It is always good to clear out any extra burden to our body systems. That's why I personally include chaga tea or extracts, along with other medicinal mushrooms and the top superfoods, in my diet to give my system an extra boost.
ORAC Scale:
The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity tests for chaga measure the water-soluble antioxidant capacity of the sample. It has high ratings compared to the other
medicinal mushrooms.
The antimutagenic action of the molecules found in the white part of birch bark where Inonotus obliquus feeds, also show free-radical oxidation and induce the production of interferons, which helps induce DNA repair.
These attributes, in addition to its levels of melanin components, provide a youthful beauty by nourishing the skin and hair.
It is also great blended with other medicinal mushrooms like reishi, cordyceps,
maitake or coriolus.
The effects are increased significantly when used together.
Where It Grows
Research in Poland in 1998 demonstrates its ability to inhibit cancer growth. The studies show that betulin seems to target tumor cells because the betulinic acid is activated by the lower pH of the tumorous tissues.
