Chaga, the mushroom that strengthens the immune system

The chaga (inonotus obliquus) is a dark brown fungus that it grows on several species of trees such as alder, beech or maple and especially birch. It is native to cold climates and occurs in North America and Asia, but also in northern and eastern Europe. That is why it is also known as the “pearl of the North”.

A proven remedy for centuries

Chaga has been used in folk medicine since ancient times. Even Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used infusions of this fungus to wash wounds.

In Siberia, the mushroom has been used since the 12th century against parasites, tuberculosis, inflammation and gastrointestinal problems. It was also recommended for diseases of the heart and liver.

The properties of chaga

chaga mushroom contains more than 200 active biological substances, among which polysaccharides, polyphenols, triterpenes and melanin stand out.

The polysaccharides (especially beta-1,3- and beta-1,6-D-glucans), which are the most researched, have the widest range of effects. They play an important role in the immune properties, hypoglycemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Melanin is responsible for the black color of the mushroom. Like polyphenols and triterpenes, has an antioxidant effect and can therefore counteract inflammatory processes and aging.

Another substance found in chaga is betulin, a precursor of betulinic acid. Betulina is named after the birch (Betula), in whose white bark the substance is found in large quantities. Chaga absorbs the substance throughout its life and is therefore only found in mushrooms that have grown on the birch.

He inotodiol it is also a substance that occurs specifically in chaga and has anti-inflammatory and histamine-inhibiting effects.

Chaga for a healthy immune system

The immune system, which includes various organs and cell types, is essential to our health as it protects our body from bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, cancer cells, and toxic agents.

Studies have shown that the polysaccharides in chaga increase the proliferation of immune lymphocytes in mice. They also regulate the production of cytokines, which act as messengers in the immune system.

Chaga in allergies and autoimmune diseases

Research has shown that chaga polysaccharides have a positive influence on the balance between TH1 and TH2 lymphocytes. This balance plays an important role in a healthy immune system.

TH1 cells promote inflammation while TH2 cells inhibit inflammation. An imbalance can lead to the development of chronic diseases such as allergies or autoimmune diseases.

Therefore, chaga could be integrated into the concept of complementary natural therapy for these diseases, especially since it also has a very positive effect on the intestinal flora, the condition of which is of central importance in allergies and autoimmune diseases.

On the other hand, the chaga inhibits the production of histamine, which can help improve allergies. In a study in mice, the interesting observation was made that inotodiol from chaga suppressed the function of mast cells, which release histamine upon exposure to an allergen.

Help with skin diseases

Chaga is traditionally used for skin conditions such as acne or atopic dermatitis, as well as athlete’s foot or age spots. It has been observed that eczema and psoriasis, as well as wound healing problems, may also improve with chaga.

Due to the antioxidants that the mushroom contains and the wide range of active ingredients, it also has a cleansing, protective and rejuvenating effect on the skin.

chaga for psoriasis

In a study it was found that taking a chaga extract was effective for psoriasis. The 50 subjects consumed a teaspoon of chaga extract previously dissolved in a glass of boiling water three times a day, 20 to 30 minutes before meals.

The participants were divided into three groups: 24 of the subjects took the extract for three to six months; 18 subjects took it for one year and 8 took it for more than two years. After three months the chaga began to help and after nine to twelve months its effect was greater.

However, the drawbacks of this study are that it was not double-blind placebo controlled.

The use of chaga mushroom

the chaga It can be taken as a powder, capsule, tea, or tincture. Traditionally an infusion made with pieces of mushroom is made.

When buying chaga in powder or capsule form, it is important, on the one hand, make sure the polysaccharide content is as high as possible (at least 30%) and, on the other hand, it must contain betulin and betulinic acid which is only the case for birch mushrooms collected in the wild.

Most manufacturers recommend taking chaga capsules 2-3 times a day. For loose chaga powder, one teaspoon per day is generally recommended, although it is best to use the product information as a guide.

The classic chaga decoction

The chaga infusion has a smooth, earthy and somewhat woody flavor. However, if it tastes bitter, this is a sign of inferior quality of the mushroom. In general, it is recommended to drink 1-2 cups of infusion per day.

Elaboration:

Put around 10 g of chaga in a stainless steel pot together with 400 ml of water. Let the chaga cook for at least 10 minutes in the boiling water, over low heat. Finally, strain the infusion and drink it

You can use the same chaga pieces for tea about 10-15 times. Store them in a glass covered with water in the fridge until next use. When the color of the tea is only light brown, add a new piece of chaga to the ones already used.

long infusion of chaga

You can also make a long infusion of chaga. Due to the long soaking, the infusion reaches a high level of the active principles.

Elaboration:

Put 3 pieces of chaga in a cup and fill it with hot water Let the infusion stand for 4-6 hours or overnight In the morning pour the infusion through a strainer to drink it

chaga tincture

Many people they use the tincture by spraying it on the face or dabbing it on other areas of the skin. It is especially recommended for acne, psoriasis or neurodermatitis.

Elaboration:

Boil 3-4 pieces of chaga (about 10 g) in 400 ml of water for 25-30 minutes The water left in the pot is the tincture of chaga It is best to store it in the refrigerator in closed jars

Oxalic Acid Side Effects

Chaga is rich in oxalates (salts of oxalic acid) and therefore may be contraindicated in people with existing kidney disease or other serious pre-existing conditions.

The oxalate content is 40 mg in 10 g of dry chaga pieces. For comparison: 3-4 g of green tea provide an average of 17 mg of oxalic acid, and spinach 970 mg per 100 g.

Possible drug interactions of chaga

It is not recommended to combine chaga with anticoagulant drugs. In general, if you are taking any medication, you should consult your doctor if you can take other preparations.

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