Medicinal mushrooms are parasitic mushrooms that have specific medicinal qualities. Chaga for example thrives in the the bark of birch trees, mainly white birch, which grows in the colder regions of Eastern Europe, Asia, and North America, specifically in Russia, China, Korea, and some places of the United States and Canada.

Due to its medicinal virtues, in China, it is called the “King of plants” and is considered a superior herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In Siberia, they call it “Gift of God” or “Mushroom of immortality”, and in Korea, “Diamond of the forest”.

The Chaga mushroom, the one we will focus on in this article is one of the most powerful superfoods on the planet, due to its potent concentration of substances called polysaccharides. Polysaccharides (Poly, meaning more than 1) are carbohydrates formed by the union of many monosaccharides (Mono, meaning only 1) that act as energy stores.

Chaga mushrooms are also characterized as an adaptogenic food, meaning they are able to strengthen the immune system by helping balance, adjust and respond to extreme stress situations. Studies have shown them to have immune-boosting effects assisting in the body's fight against diseases more effectively.

Chaga Mushroom Is Known to Possess Properties and Supplements That Promote Good Health.

The Chaga mushroom is currently in vogue, thanks to its various health benefits. Every so often, a new food exported from other cultures jumps in popularity for its supposed properties and health benefits by going viral, thanks to the marketing power of the internet.

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus), is known for its immune building properties and is widely used as a home medical remedy in countries like Russia and China. Since the '90s, here in the US, new attention is being paid to this fungus that has been so widely used and accepted for centuries in other cultures.

The recent popularity of this fungus, also known as “coal nose”, is growing due to the various articles that tell of its multiple health benefits. Among others, Chaga possesses antioxidant properties, which may help lower inflammation and cholesterol levels. These properties are also thought to assist the body in warding off things that contribute to cancer growth (breast, colorectal, uterine cancer), pancreatitis, strengthen the immune overall system, lower blood pressure and reduce blood sugar levels.

Although the Chaga mushroom possesses these antioxidant and anti-tumor properties it has the ability to reduce cholesterol, blood sugar, and strengthen the overall immune system. The truth is that the Chaga mushroom is simply a food rich in healthy nutrients the body needs and utilizes to promote good health. Chaga mushrooms also contain amino acids, vitamin "B," cesium, vitamin "D," potassium, rubidium, fiber, copper, selenium, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, all essential minerals for a healthy immune system.


In continuing studies, researchers are paying particular attention to the biological activity of the extracts of this fungus in both in vivo and in vitro tests related to cancer and its effectiveness on the immune system, the intestinal microbiota, diabetes, hypertension, and other pathologies.

More exhaustive studies are necessary according to dietitian-nutritionist, Joan Carles Montero, because at the moment, we can only speak of promising potential,.

While scientists reach a consensus, let's see what properties and benefits China and Russia attribute to this mushroom. Both countries have been using Chaga as a nutritional supplement and miraculous home remedy for centuries, recognize its multiple healing benefits and infinite well-being results in the health of their inhabitants.

What Properties And Benefits Are Attributed To Chaga?

The properties attributed to this mushroom are many, and highly valued. This explains its recent surge in popularity. The list below are some of the attributes Chaga is believed to have.

  • It helps with the treatment of uterine, breast, and colorectal cancer, among others.
  • It is often used to treat pancreatitis.
  • To lower blood pressure.
  • Strengthen the immune system.
  • Help lower blood sugar levels.
  • Chaga’s powerful hypoglycemic effects have opened up new studies to treat diabetes.
  • Scientific studies corroborate its ability to inhibit the development of cancer cells. Medical science is now looking at its effectiveness to treat some types of cancer as well as to strengthen the immune system.
  • Thanks to triterpenoids' action, consumption of Chaga helps protect the liver and digestive system.
  • Chaga mushrooms are anti-inflammatory, antiviral and posses a soothing effect.
  • Chaga possesses saponins which help fight virus infections, pain, and inflammation.
  • Chaga helps in the body’s natural sun screening abilities. Thanks to the concentration of Vitamin D2 and melanin, it protects the body, skin, and eyes from solar radiation.
  • Due to its inhibitory effect on cell growth, studies have shown it can protect against psoriasis and other skin tissues. In fact, an increase in its consumption is thought to combat the effects of pollution and stress.
  • The Chaga mushroom is rich in beta-glucans. These are potent regulators and modulators of our immune system. Beta-glucans help our body to defend itself from diseases. To do this, they stimulate an increase in leukocytes.
  • It is a potent antimicrobial.
  • It is ideal for achieving and promoting good digestion and helps to generate bile. Thanks to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, its intake is beneficial in the case of gastritis and ul
  • Due to the presence of betulinic acid, its consumption regulates cholesterol levels. It is also believed to be beneficial for use in diseases such as thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular diseases.
  • Chaga is thought to reduce depression and anxiety. It is considered an excellent adaptogenic food, as it is rich in minerals and vitamins. It has also been used to help overcome situations of increased stress and aggressive medical treatments.
  • Having anti-aging qualities it also helps reduce the signs of aging and wrinkles. It has a high content of triterpenoids and polyphenols, excellent antioxidants especially useful against free radi

Top 10 Health Benefits Of Chaga As a Supplement

You now already know most of the properties and benefits that are attributed to the Chaga mushroom. In this section of the article, we will talk about the top 10 benefits:

  1. Helps Strengthen the Immune System

This parasitic fungus, known and valued for its powerful medicinal properties, concentrates the nutrients that the tree has absorbed during its life and turns them into small medicinal sources. Its antioxidant properties help strengthen the immune system, which translates to good health and well-being.

However, for this fungus to be more effective in strengthening your immune system, you must accompany its consumption with five fundamental and transversal actions for your well-being: Follow a diet rich in antioxidants, exercise regularly to mobilize T cells (a type of white blood cell that protects the body against infection). Also, you should reduce stress by incorporating a relaxing practice. Also, it is ideal to get a full eight hours of sleep each night and consume vitamin "C" and herbs such as Andrographis, AHCC, Astragalus, Echinacea, and Elderberry. If you follow these steps, you will be helping to strengthen your immune system.

  1. Relieves Pain

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this fungus helps the body fight various pains such as those suffering from arthritis, a product of inflammation. It is essential to neutralize the elements that cause inflammation and its symptoms in order to relieve pain. Chaga mushrooms do just that, as they deflate infections in different body areas and significantly reduce pain. Utilize the power of the Chaga mushroom to help your body regain the well-being of stress produced by pain.

  1. Protects Against DNA Damage

Chaga possesses anti-aging qualities that help reduce the signs of aging and wrinkles. This thanks to the high content of triterpenoids and polyphenols, which are excellent antioxidants, especially useful against free radicals. These properties fight the changes to DNA caused by the oxidation processes, slowing down aging and age damage.

Besides, being rich in antioxidants, it fights against oxidizing substances that destroy the structure of many cells in the body, protecting it from various diseases. Additionally, it helps reduce the loss of elasticity of the skin.

  1. Helps Fight Cancer

Cancer causes the deterioration of cells, which leads to a severe decline in the body. One way to prevent this is by regulating the wasting of cells without damaging other bodily organs. In an investigation at the Vestibulocochlear Research Center at Wonkwang University School of Medicine in Korea, researchers found that Chaga mushrooms have three elements that significantly inhibit metastasis formation: botulinum toxin, inotodiol, and ergosterol peroxide. These findings may substantially affect cancer patients' treatment in the future, making it possible to prevent metastasis to their bodies in a more natural way than is currently available.

  1. Lowers Cholesterol Levels

It is known that the body needs LDL cholesterol in small amounts. However, when LDL does get high, it can be very detrimental to your heart health, as well as your overall physical luck. In this sense, it is essential to regulate the levels of this cholesterol when it increases, to avoid the damage it can cause. A study published in 2008 becomes indicates that researchers found Chaga mushrooms to possess this ability.

These fungi contain betulinic acid that breaks down harmful LDL cholesterol, helping maintain cardiovascular health essential for the body. To me, it just makes sense to reduce your LDL cholesterol levels naturally whenever possible?

  1. Helps Maintain General Health

In order to maintain good general health, it is important to eat in a balanced way and that all the nutrients also reach the various organs of the body. This function falls on polysaccharides, which are responsible for transporting nutrients throughout the body. In that sense, Chaga mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides, and they do this and also help the body make the most of the nutrients it receives.

  1. Fight Against Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

In tests, a 2007 study of cells obtained from 20 healthy volunteers and 20 people with inflammatory bowel disease, scientists found that treating the cells with Chaga extract helped reduce oxidative stress (a destructive biological process believed to contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease).

Besides, many times, ulcers are caused by the presence of bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori that irritate and cause unpleasant burning sensations in the stomach. The Chaga mushroom helps neutralize this bacteria and their harmful effects, contributing to the gut and digestive system's health.

  1. Fight Viruses

Viruses have long been the subject of research due to the difficulty of fighting them effectively and the impotence we face when they attack in their various forms. Several natural compounds have been studied to test their effect on viruses. In a study published in 2014, scientists found that Chaga Fungi effectively treat herpes viruses on the skin and help eliminate skin diseases' obvious physical symptoms.

  1. Relieves Anxiety and Stress

In times of stress, the body's initial response is to send out stress hormones that increase these feelings and make us feel tense. Tea made from Chaga mushrooms helps to significantly regulate this hormonal increase, contributing to a sense of relaxation that allows us to better deal with different situations. Decreasing stress also improves our long-term mental and physical condition.

  1. Simply A Superfood

In addition to all things mentioned above, the following are additional benefits attributed to Chaga mushroom's consumption and its supplements:

  • Fight parasites and bacteria like candida.
  • Serves to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, common today, and others.

Health Tips on natural Alternatives

Since scientists have yet to reach a consensus on the outstanding benefits of this mushroom, be sure to consult your healthcare provider before adding this mushroom to your regiment.

To enjoy good health benefits, enjoy nature, take in sunshine, breathe fresh air, and keep your mind clear and free of stress. Rest eight hours per night, consume quality nutritional supplements and eat a quality diet. Find products that house plants' medicinal and nutritional properties. Considering today’s diet, supplements are recommended by most physicians and alternative health experts.

Please contact a natural healing professional or be sure you are obtaining quality research data from a reputable source and look forward to a healthier tomorrow.