Turkey Tail Identification and Habitat

The turkey tail mushroom, known scientifically as Trametes versicolor, is a polypore that grows on tree branches, stumps and dead logs throughout hardwood forests in Europe, North America and Asia. It has been found in almost every U.S. state. Turkey tail lacks any sort of stem and appears in bracket formations — two typical characteristics of the polyporacaeae family in the fungal kingdom. In contrast to other mushrooms, this mushroom has a porous surface instead of gills and its thicker fruiting bodies allow it to survive winters which makes them easy to find from May through December.

Pores

The term “polypore” means “many pores” and is used interchangeably with other terms such as bracket or shelf fungi. What sets turkey tail apart from many of its relatives in the polypore family is that it possesses between two to three times the pore density (3-8 pores per millimeter) compared to other species of the trametes genus which generally only have 1-3 pores per millimeter.

Texture and Color

Texture is also an important factor when identifying a potential turkey tail. Trametes versicolor is generally either “hairy” or “velvety” while other trametes species are smooth. The cap of turkey tail comprises different bands of colors, such as orange, brown, yellow, white, and gray, which gives it its namesake. The caps are usually 1 - 4 inches in diameter, triangular or round in shape and have an outer edge that is either smooth or wavy. The pore surface also darkens as the mushroom ages.

Preparation and Uses of Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Turkey Tail can either be foraged or cultivated. In forests it is often found on decaying logs or stumps. The mushroom mycelium grows inside the log, decomposing the organic matter through a process of fermentation. The fruiting bodies themselves, which we see extruding from the tree material then spread spores which are often eaten or transported by animals. It is thought that the protective defenses compounds secreted by the turkey tail’s fruiting bodies to protect them from other bacteria and molds are what offer attractive biological effects to humans. This is the same evolutionary antibacterial defense mechanism of fungi was made famous in the case of penicillium rubens from which the first medicinal doeses of penicillin were derived.

It also possible to cultivate the mushroom at home with the correct tools such as a mason jar, liquid culture syringe, grain bag, flow hood and mushroom grow tent. Although our focus at AlaskaChaga started with the chaga mushroom which can only be wild-harvested and not cultivated, we’ve learned a lot about the cultivation process of other mushrooms from a YouTube channel called Spore n’ Sprout. We recommend checking out their video on Turkey Tail cultivation for more details and also the cultivation supplies that they sell on Etsy (AlaskaChaga is not an affiliate of the Spore n’ Sprout channel).

Some Final Thoughts

The tough texture of the turkey tail mushroom makes them generally unsuitable as an ingredient in traditional methods of cooking. Generally speaking, this mushroom is brewed into teas or tinctures for its potential health benefits. Turkey tail is rich in polysaccharides, in particular polysaccaride-K (PSK) and polysaccaride peptide (PSP), both of which have been extensively researched for their immunomodulatory properties.

Extensive research has been conducted on Turkey Tail with promising (but not conclusive) results. For example, a 2010 meta-analysis of studies containing two randomized controlled trials and five controlled trials investigating dietary polysaccharides documented improved immune function in colon, gastric and coloretal cancer patients who orally consumed glucan extracts from Trametes versicolor. The patients took PSK doses ranging from 200 mg to 3 g daily for four weeks in tandem with chemotherapy threatment for up to seven years.

Another study from 2014 investigated the effects of the prebiotic polysaccharopeptide from trametes versicolor with those of the antibiotic amoxicillin on the human intestinal microbiome. The experiment followed twenty-four volunteers over a course of eight weeks and found that: “PSP from T. versicolor acts as a prebiotic to modulate human intestinal microbiome composition.”

Finally, a groundbreaking 2000 study with over 688 citations investigated the general effects of mushroom glucans in cancer patients and concluded that PSK and PSP, which have been studied in Japan since the 1970s, demonstrated the most promise although further studies are needed. It was also noted that besides darkened stools, nail pigmentation and, in rare cases, diarrhea, mushroom glucan dosages were relatively safe without any reports of major contraindications.1

Chaga has rapidly become one of the most popular foods, boosted by its support among alternative health enthusiasts and people looking for an all-natural solution to chronic health problems. Long a secret kept by native Alaskans and Siberians, chaga has been shown to combat disease, improve digestive health, and much more. It can even be used to treat cancer. But one question lingers on the minds of many consumers: how does chaga stack up compared to other superfoods.

The answer is very well. Superfoods are a rapidly growing niche in the world of alternative medicine, and chaga is one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods in the world. Read on to discover what makes chaga different from other superfoods.

Chaga vs. Other Superfoods

The term “superfood” is a marketing term used to describe foods that are exceptionally rich in nutrients and confer all kinds of beneficial health effects. The term is not used by scientists or researchers, but has entered into common parlance as a catch-all term for exotic and helpful types of food. While there is no definitive list of what constitutes a superfood, foods often included in the category include chaga, avocados, spinach, acai berries, and much more.

One of the most popular superfoods is avocado, used to make guacamole and often a garnish in Hispanic cuisine or certain types of salads. Avocados are noted for their high concentration of vitamin D and folic acid, which help lower cholesterol levels. While eating avocados is a good way to improve your circulation, chaga is even more effective in this regard due to its concentration of beta-D glucans. These are compounds that explicitly prevent “bad” cholesterol from entering the bloodstream, reducing the chances of a blood clot.

Goji and acai berries are two superfoods that are often grouped together and are known for their high concentration of polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are antioxidant compounds that improve cell division and have been shown to combat aging and cancer. This is because antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are free-floating particles that cause cellular damage and death by colliding with cells. Chaga has a much higher concentration of polysaccharides than either goji or acai berries, making it far more effective in this regard. Additionally, chaga’s polysaccharides come in the form of chitin, which is more bioavailable than other polysaccharides.

Quinoa is another popular superfood. It is classified as an “ancient grain,” a type of grain that has largely remained the same throughout history and has not been modified agriculturally. Quinoa is noted for its high antioxidant content; however, chaga has even more antioxidants, making it far more effective at reducing aging. Additionally, chaga is a good option for those who cannot consume quinoa due to food allergies.

Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale are sometimes regarded to be superfoods due to their concentration of chlorophyll, a compound that combats carcinogens in the body. Leafy greens are also reputed to contain antioxidants. However, the concentration of antioxidants in chaga is much higher than that of spinach or kale; you would have to eat a large amount of leafy green vegetables to derive the same benefit as a relatively small amount of chaga.

Finally, parsley has recently been added to many superfood lists due to its high concentration of nutrients. However, virtually every nutrient found in parsley can also be found in chaga, and in much higher concentrations as well, allowing you to consume nutrients more efficiently. Additionally, consuming large amounts of parsley can be harmful to those who suffer from gall bladder or kidney issues, making chaga far safer in this regard.

This is far from an exhaustive list of superfoods, as the definition of a superfood is somewhat subjective due to the fact that it is a marketing term and not a scientific classification. The list of superfoods is growing on a regular basis as people continue to experiment with alternative nutrition. However, the general consensus is that chaga is one of the best superfoods in the world no matter which metrics are used.

Conclusion

The Internet has opened up a wide array of knowledge to many people, with nutrition and health in particular seeing many great advances. The advent of superfoods has allowed people to improve their health in all-natural ways, in many cases using foods that they already had easy access to. However, given the murky definition of the term “superfood,” it’s important not to fall for hype and misleading claims.

If you’re in the market for a serious superfood, chaga fits the bill. It’s one of the most nutrient-packed foods in the world, containing a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that will rejuvenate your body in all kinds of ways. No matter what health issues you may be suffering from, chaga will be able to help you in some way.

The chaga mushroom is a star in the fungi field, and for good reason. Commonly used in mushroom coffee and tea, the chaga mushroom is full of numerous awesome health benefits. Considered a powerful superfood and immune-boosting antioxidant, the chaga mushroom (Inonotus Obliquus) can be found growing on birch trees throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Chaga mushrooms have the highest Oxygen Radical Absorbent Capacity (ORAC) score, which means it has the most antioxidants ever recorded by a natural food. When compared to other foods that are rich in antioxidants (think acai, pomegranates, and blueberries), chaga mushrooms are far and away the most powerful.

What Are Chaga Mushrooms? 

The chaga mushroom has been around for centuries and used by people in the East for its many wonderful health benefits. The most common form of chaga mushroom consumed is tea, which is the best way for people to access its benefits. In recent years Western cultures have clued into the wonderfulness that is the chaga mushroom, leading natural health nuts and medical providers alike to boast about its great health properties.

Technically speaking, chaga mushrooms are a highly-concentrated mass of mycelium found on birch trees. Chaga mushrooms are a non-toxic parasitic fungus characterized by their dark, tough, cracked exterior. Many even liken them to a chunk of burnt charcoal. When cracked open, chaga mushrooms feature a yellowish brown color. All things considered, chaga mushrooms are not so easy to find. They are often mistaken for knots in the birch tree or even burnt patches. In some circles chaga is even referred to as birch mushrooms, so if you hear this term thrown around just know they are talking about chaga mushrooms. In most cases, chaga grow on birch trees that are at least 40 years old. However, the fungus infection usually starts much earlier. Once the tree become infected, it will take about 3 to 5 years for the chaga to be at a point where it can be harvested sustainably. After it is harvested, chaga will take about 3 to 10 years until it is at a harvestable size once again. This cycle can repeat as many times as it wishes until the tree dies.

The trained eye can spot them in cold, wet habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere, namely in northerly parts of Europe, Russia, Korea, Canada, and the United States. In the U.S., chaga can be found near Fairbanks, Alaska during the winter months. Our chaga tea is made from wild, fresh, sustainably-harvested chaga mushrooms picked in small batches, ensuring the highest quality so that you receive all the great benefits. They are easiest to spot in the winter when there are no leaves on the trees to obstruct your view.

Chaga mushrooms contain a many beneficial nutrients, including:

• Polysaccharides

• Alkalines

• Phytonutrients

• Magnesium

History of Chaga Mushrooms

As mentioned, chaga mushrooms have been highly regarded in the East for their healing powers and strong antioxidant properties. In 1955, Russia approved chaga mushrooms as a cancer-fighting fungi, which shows just how powerful they are considered. Numerous clinical studies have been performed over the last 60+ years regarding the benefits of chaga mushrooms across both Asia and Europe. Over the years there have been more than 1600 studies conducted on the benefits of chaga mushrooms, including research focused on its anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties, immune deficiencies and hormonal imbalance. In 1967 Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn published a book called Cancer Ward, which is the first time the West learned about the benefits of chaga.

Chaga Mushroom Facts

Before we dive into the health benefits of adding chaga mushroom tea tot your daily routine, let’s go over a few fun facts about the bountiful power mushroom:

• More than 5,300 years ago the icemen started using chaga as an herbal medicine

• 60 years ago Finns started to use chaga as a replacement for coffee

• 100 years ago Northern Europeans began incorporating chaga into their holistic medicine

• There are 215 phytochemicals identified in chaga mushrooms

• Approximately 46 medicines use chaga

From boosting your immune system to fighting off harmful diseases, there are so many reasons why chaga tea should become a part of your everyday routine.

What Are the Health Benefits of Chaga Mushroom Tea?

Now that we’ve looked at what, exactly, chaga mushrooms are and where they can be found, it’s time to dive into all the great health benefits. We’ve mentioned chaga’s antioxidant superpowers several times already, and we really can’t drive that point home enough. When looked at in comparison to other antioxidant-rich foods like quinoa, avocado, and goji berries, the chaga mushroom is by far the best. So, what’s the big deal? For starters, chaga is an adaptogen, immune system booster, gastrointestinal supporter, DNA-shielding agency, and cancer fighter that is accessible to all, and affordable. It’s many purifying, detoxifying properties have been recognized for centuries, resulting in people throughout Russia and Siberia, namely, to drink chaga tea on a regular basis. According to researchers, chaga mushrooms are said to do the following:

• Calm the nervous system

• Stimulate the immune system

• Reduce blood sugar

• Fight diabetes

• Have a positive impact on ulcers and other gastrointestinal diseases

• Fight lung, cervical, and liver cancer

Let’s now take a closer look at some of the most incredible benefits of chaga mushrooms:

• Provides support for the body’s immune system - One of the top benefits of chaga is that it helps balance and support the immune system. When body is fighting off a cold or other attack, chaga can step in and give it a much-needed boost. Because of this, chaga is considered a natural Biological Response Modifier (BRM) that is powerful enough to activate immune cells that fight off cancer and other unwelcome diseases.

• Can both prevent and treat cancer - Countless studies have uncovered the powerful properties of chaga in regards to fighting and preventing numerous types of cancer, including lung, cervical, and liver. While Russia approved chaga for public use pertaining to treating cancer some 60 years ago, Western scientists are beginning to catch on and take its healing properties more seriously. Because chaga is so rich in antioxidants, it is able to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and cancer-carrying cells. Furthermore, chaga can also slow the growth of tumors without harming healthy cells.

• Has many soothing, supportive properties - Chaga also works to support the body’s blood vessels and can be extremely helpful in times of stress or for those suffering from pain and neuropathy.

• Helps with gastrointestinal problems and ulcers - Chaga has so many great immune-boosting properties, which is something that allows it to support gastrointestinal health. In Eastern cultures, chaga has been used for centuries to stave off ulcers and provide well-rounded support for the entire digestive system.

• Slows the aging process - Oxidative stress is one of the top contributors to physical signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and grey hair. The aging process is often made worse by exposure to the sun, pollution, and other scenarios that allow free radicals to enter the body. Those who drink chaga tea regularly are able to fight off these free radicals and in turn slow the aging process.

• Helps prevent side effects from certain drugs - Another new study indicates that chaga can be effective in preventing side effects associated with drugs and treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation.

• Lowers cholesterol - Similar to other antioxidants, chaga mushrooms can help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol. Furthermore, chaga can help fight cardiovascular disease because of this.

• Fights inflammation - People suffer from inflammation every single day for a host of reasons, whether from stress, sports injury, or illness. In many instances inflammation can result in a chronic health problem, decreasing an individual’s overall quality of life. There are also numerous chronic conditions linked to inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis. Research indicates chaga can help fight and control inflammation because it is able to regulate cytokine production. This means that chaga not only fights inflammation, but can stop autoimmune conditions from developing.

• Lowers blood sugar and fights diabetes - A relatively recent study found that chaga can help lower blood sugar and, in turn, fight diabetes. While this information is somewhat fresh and we are still learning how chaga can fight diabetes, the research is promising.

• Boasts antiviral properties - A handful of studies have been conducted that indicate chaga mushrooms have antiviral properties. Along these same lines, several studies have shown that chaga can provide support against skin blemishes and other similar conditions.

• Improves physical endurance and energy - Last but certainly not least, chaga has been proven to help with energy levels and improve physical endurance. A study conducted on mice showed they were able to swim longer after taking chaga and were less fatigued after physical exertion. 

As you can see, chaga is extremely beneficial and can help in many different aspects of our lives. While some of the studies are still in their infancy, the results are extremely promising and chaga’s antioxidant properties are very well known. Even if you aren’t taking chaga tea to fight cancer, your body will definitely be thanking you for including a cup (or three!) of chaga tea in your daily routine.

Why Chaga Tea?

Chaga comes in several different forms (including tincture, chunks, and tea), but herbal tea is far and away the most popular. Please keep in mind that chaga is not a substitute for other forms of medical care, but it can offer additional support for the body through its many wonderful antioxidant properties. Both mushroom tea and coffee are gaining popularity right now, and for good reason. While many teas include other medicinal mushrooms such as cordyceps, reishi, lion’s mane, and turkey tail, our tea is 100% chaga. Chaga tea can be brewed either hot or cold - the taste remains the same so it’s up to your personal preference! 

If you are still on the fence, we encourage you to reach out and inquire about our chaga offerings. We sell chaga tea in both bag and chunk form, allowing you to choose which best fits your needs. We soon expect chaga to become a household name when talking about superfoods and antioxidants, just like acai, matcha, and moringa. Stay one step ahead of the trend and try out chaga tea for yourself today! People have been using chaga mushrooms for centuries in Northern European countries and Russia, and it is about time the West caught on. As we write this blog, research studies are continuing to be conducted in an effort to support what these cultures have known for thousands of years. Right now, the research is incredibly promising in regards to how chaga mushrooms can address a wide range of serious health concerns. We encourage you to check out our chaga selection here and let us know if we can answer any questions about what form of chaga is best for your needs. Happy sipping!

Based on surface area, the skin is our largest sensory organ and contains various receptors associated with our sensory functions. Mechanoreceptors respond to pressure and thus constitute our sense of touch. But the skin also reacts to changes in temperature and thus regulates our body temperature. The skin essentially forms the outer envelope of the body, defines the body from the outside world. Its most important functions are in areas of temperature regulation, metabolism, and immune response. But the skin not only has practical properties, it also plays an important role from an esthetic perspective. It is thus very bothersome when nasty red patches and spots develop from a rash or allergic reaction.

Patients who suffer from psoriasis also have this problem. After neurodermatitis, psoriasis is the second most common skin disease. The word psoriasis stems from the Greek “psora” which means something similar to “itchiness” and conveys one of the symptoms of the disease. Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease, a chronic skin and joint condition. Triggering factors are not clearly understood, and many factors are at play. It is hereditary, but that does not necessarily mean that it will manifest. People may simply be carriers of the defective gene. Psoriasis patients have a strong reaction to physical and psychological stress, as well as external and mechanical stimuli to the skin. Taking certain medications, the wrong diet, or excessive alcohol consumption may also be triggers.

Psoriasis is a condition in which your own immune system attacks the first layer of skin. As a result, the body responds with an inflammatory reaction at the affected sites. The inflammatory response stimulates the constant production of new skin cells. Normally, the skin regenerates itself every 26 to 27 days. In cases of psoriasis, this happens every 6 to 7 days. Through this process, excess and immature skin cells are released and migrate to the surface. This process, the inflammation and production of cells, explains the appearance of psoriasis. Patients with psoriasis show raised, red patches of skin with white scales. For some patients, these only appear at the knees or elbows, others are affected throughout their bodies, including the mucosa. Every patient expresses the disease differently. The rash leads to severe itchiness, bordering on pain. Those suffering from psoriasis are severely limited by the inflammatory reaction. It is important to know that psoriasis is not contagious. Although the disease is very prevalent, psoriasis patients are still discriminated against and shunned to this day. This leads many patients to withdraw from society for fear of mean reactions by others. In some cases, patients even suffer from depression. It is time to spread the truth about psoriasis so that those affected do not have to suffer any longer.

Psoriasis is widespread; in Germany alone, about 2 million people live with the disease. In 2014, the WHO (World Health Organization) officially declared psoriasis a severe non-infectious disease. Psoriasis cannot be cured, but patients must nonetheless undergo therapy to be able to tolerate its symptoms.

There are two approaches to therapy: localized and systemic therapy. Localized therapy involves the application of cremes and salves on affected areas. Patients also have to carry out daily basic care to prevent possible outbreaks and to strengthen the skin. UV therapy is also used in combination with other therapy; particularly in severe cases.

In especially severe manifestations of the disease, for example when the joints are also affected, localized therapy is not sufficient and systemic treatment is required, in the form of infusions and injections.

Because these medications can be difficult to digest and often have strong side effects, it is time to apply natural remedies. Our tip: chaga tea!

Due to its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects, the chaga mushroom provides great benefits in the treatment of psoriasis. On the one hand, it directly targets the cause of the disease by working against the abnormal immune response against the body’s own skin cells, and on the other, it helps reduce inflammation, which provides rapid relief for those affected. There is a reason why the mushroom is a popular home remedy in Lapland and Siberia.

Chaga provides another decisive benefit. It has a direct effect on the spleen and liver, organs that are responsible for ridding our bodies of toxins. When liver function is thus improved and it can now more effectively eliminate toxins that would otherwise be expelled through the skin and cause an outbreak, the skin has fewer negative reactions.

Therapy should consist of two to three cups of tea per day. It is important that the first cup is consumed directly after getting up on an empty stomach. Try not to eat until 30 minutes thereafter so that all the tea’s properties can work effectively. You can also apply chaga tinctures and wraps topically. The combination of ingested and topical therapy shows surprising effects. In most cases, patients experience distinct improvement just after a few weeks, with children, possibly after a few days. In severe cases, therapy can take months. But don’t give up, some treatments just take a little bit more time. Even after you notice improvement, continue drinking a cup of tea per day to prevent another outbreak.

Psoriasis patients experience severe symptoms and it is time to put an end to the suffering. The chaga mushroom is a solution for improved quality of life. What are you waiting for? Give it a try and let yourself be persuaded by the power of chaga!

Chaga is rapidly growing across the world as an alternative health remedy due to its proven ability to fight disease, combat cancer, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and much more. Harvested and used by native Alaskans and Siberians for generations, recent developments have made chaga available to people across the globe. Given that chaga is harvested from forests, some individuals are curious about harvesting it on their own and what tools they need to do so.

Harvesting chaga is not very difficult in and of itself, but because it must be harvested in extremely adverse weather conditions, proper preparation is key. Here’s a guide to what equipment you need to harvest chaga.

What Equipment is Used to Harvest Chaga?

While chaga naturally grows across a wide swath of the northern hemisphere—since it grows wherever birch trees can be found—only chaga that grows in Alaska, Siberia, and similar climates can be harvested. This is because chaga loses its nutritional value when exposed to more temperate climates. On the same note, chaga must also be harvested during the winter, because running sap during the warmer months causes all of the nutrients in chaga mushrooms to be flushed out.

Because of the extremely cold temperatures in Alaska and similar locales during the winter, you will need to dress adequately, with warm, multi-layered clothing, thick snow boots, thick gloves, a hat, and a scarf. In general, as little of your body should be exposed as possible in order to keep yourself warm and prevent frostbite. You should also carry some snacks and water with you in order to keep yourself nourished while out in the forest.

In addition to this, you will need a map of the place you are going to harvest chaga from and a compass to help you orient yourself. While birch trees can be found in many places, trees that are located near cities, roads, and other forms of human development absorb pollutants, which contaminate the chaga and make it unsafe for consumption. For the cleanest, purest chaga, you will need to go to remote areas that typically lack cell phone service, so you will need a map, compass, and possibly a GPS in order to avoid getting lost.

To remove the chaga itself, you will need a hammer, knife, or other similar instrument. Chaga appears on birch trees as a hard, cracked growth, which is referred to as the sclerotium. Large chaga growths cannot be removed by hand because they are deeply embedded in their host trees, and attempting to yank an entire mushroom out of a tree is also environmentally hazardous. By using a hammer or large knife, you can surgically remove parts of the chaga mushroom without cleaving the entire thing off of the trunk.

The reason why it is important to not remove chaga mushrooms in their entirety is because doing so will expose a hole in the tree trunk. Chaga mushrooms derive their nutritional content by leeching from their host trees, embedding themselves beyond the trunk itself into the deepest parts of the tree. An exposed hole in the trunk weakens the structural integrity of the tree and also allows outside infections to get inside, potentially killing the tree. By leaving part of the chaga mushroom attached to the tree, you can prevent any holes from forming and allow the tree to continue growing.

On the same note, stripping trees of their chaga results in stock depletion. Overharvesting chaga in an area will quickly lead to that region becoming depleted, forcing you and other harvesters to travel further in order to gather more. Chaga grows slowly, and leaving a portion of chaga mushroom untouched allows the chaga to regrow itself over time.

Finally, you need a bag or some other container in order to hold the chaga that you have collected. Bags work best because they are small and easy to carry around. Chaga mushrooms can be quite large, and given the adverse weather conditions that you need to work in in order to pick chaga, it behooves you to collect as much as possible in a single outing so you don’t have to make as many trips.

Before chaga can be used, it must first be dried in order to get rid of any residual water or sap. Chaga that is not dried runs the risk of becoming moldy, posing a health hazard to anyone who consumes it. To dry chaga, place it outside in the sun or air-dry it in dry locations in your home. You can also dry chaga in an oven set to a low temperature.

If you have collected a large amount of chaga and want to store it safely, use Ball jars, Tupperware containers, or other airtight containers that keep out the elements and insulate against insects and rodents. Store your chaga in cool, dry places that are out of the way of sunlight, and be sure to label each container with the date of when you harvested the chaga in it so you can keep track of expiration dates. While expired chaga won’t make you sick, old chaga lacks nutritional content, so you’ll want to keep notes on how old your chaga is and when you need to use or dispose of it.

Conclusion

Chaga harvesting, while not particularly complicated or strenuous, requires careful preparation and the right set of tools. Given the extremely cold temperatures in which chaga must be harvested, you must guard yourself against frostbite, hypothermia, and other winter-related medical conditions. You must also be able to navigate dense forests that are removed from civilization and learn how to remove chaga mushrooms in a way that doesn’t damage their host trees.

While chaga harvesting might seem daunting, with practice and preparation, you’ll be able to easily harvest chaga on your own. If you live in an area where chaga can be harvested, why not try it out?

Chaga has quickly become one of the world’s most popular superfoods, embraced by alternative health enthusiasts for a number of benefits. Originally used as a folk remedy by native Alaskans and Siberians, chaga users cite its ability to fight disease, reverse aging, combat cancer, improve digestive health, and many other effects for why they use it. Given many of the seemingly-grandiose claims that chaga users make, are there any scientific studies on the positive effects of chaga?

The answer is yes. While chaga has only been known to the scientific community for a short time, scientists and researchers have already conducted many studies on its effects. While the science is far from definitive, studies provide weight to many of the claims that chaga users make. Here is a rundown of interesting scientific articles about chaga.

Interesting Scientific Articles About Chaga

While chaga has formed a plank of Russian culture for centuries, it was not until the latter half of the 20^th century that serious scientific studies were performed on it. The Soviet Union conducted many studies confirming many of chaga’s purported effects, while the publication of Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s novel Cancer Ward in the 1960’s sparked Western interest in chaga, as it was described as a common treatment in Soviet cancer clinics.

Three studies have hinted that chaga has considerable anti-cancer potential. The first study, from 2015, showed that chaga exhibits an anti-cancer effect on colorectal tumor cells by inhibiting the functions of the β-catenin pathway, preventing the cells from replicating. A study from 2011 also showed that chaga had a similar effect on lung cancer cells, halting their proliferation and slowing the growth of tumors, while a 2014 study displayed similar effects on cervical cancer cells.

A 2016 study went into further detail on how chaga combats cancer. Among its findings are that chaga stimulates the immune system, allowing it to be more responsive in areas of cancerous infection and lessening its deleterious effects elsewhere. The study also concluded that triterpene compounds in chaga are responsible for its anti-cancer qualities. While there is still much research to be done, preliminary studies back up chaga’s reputation as a cancer treatment.

Two studies from 2013 focus on chaga’s antiviral properties, a point of interest as its traditional use has been as a remedy for the common cold and flu. The first study showed that chaga can prevent herpex simplex from entering cells by attacking viral glycopeptides and stopping the fusion of cell membranes. The second study, conducted on mice, showed that mice infected with herpes suffered less severe symptoms when given chaga to consume.

Two studies have been conducted on chaga’s effects on inflammation. The first study, from 2013, showed that mice who consumed chaga avoided suffering from anaphylactic shock induced through the use of an allergic compound. The second study, from 2015, concluded that mice suffering from paw edema and pain saw both reduced through the use of chaga. The study also concluded that this anti-inflammatory effect was the result of chaga inhibiting the expression of nitrous oxide.

One common benefit of chaga touted by its enthusiasts is improved digestion, and there are two studies that back this up. A study from 2016 showed that chaga reduced edema and mucosal damage in mice that were suffering from intestinal inflammation. Another 2017 study on mice suffering from pancreatitis showed that chaga reduced weight and cell loss.

One study from 2011 analyzed the antioxidant effects of chaga. The study isolated polysaccharides from the fruiting bodies of chaga mushrooms and showed that the polysaccharides had an immunomodulating effect on white blood cells. It also suggested that the fruiting body of chaga has a higher antioxidant content then the sclerotium, the hard, tough exterior of the chaga mushroom.

One effect of chaga touted by some users is that it helps with weight loss. A 2015 study on obese rats showed that while chaga helped control the rats’ body weight, it was to a negligible degree. While chaga will help you enhance an already healthy lifestyle, its weight loss effects are unconfirmed and likely nonexistent.

Finally, there are a number of studies on possible adverse effects from using chaga. A 2014 study focused on a Japanese woman who developed kidney stones as a result of consuming large amounts of chaga to treat liver cancer. Another study from 2006 suggested that chaga could inhibit the function of platelets, which could cause problems in those using anticoagulant drugs. Finally, a study from 2014 suggests that chaga could induce low blood sugar in some diabetics.

Conclusion

Despite chaga’s long pedigree as a folk remedy among native Alaskans and Siberians, there is still much that isn’t known about this mushroom. Large-scale scientific research on chaga did not begin until the second half of the 20^th century, and many claims about chaga’s effects remain either unverified or speculative at best.

In the years to come, there will no doubt be further studies on chaga, verifying or debunking its various claimed effects. As it stands, the existing scientific research does verify some of its positive effects, such as antiviral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. If you’re interested in chaga, feel free to look through the existing scientific literature on it to see if it’s right for you.

Subscribe now