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While many members of the fungi family are colorful and fascinating in appearance, chaga mushroom is not one of them. This parasitic “ugly duckling” conk is found clinging to the bark of birch trees in a blackened clump that resembles burnt charcoal. What it lacks in visual appeal is compensated for by the presence of more than 200 phytonutrients, including fiber, protein, various antioxidants and B complex vitamins. In fact, in Japan it is known as “diamond in the forest” and in China as “the king of all plants”. Organic chaga mushroom powder is typically encapsulated, made into tablets or taken as tea.
a bit of botanical information about chaga mushroom
description The fruiting body of chaga mushroom breaks through the bark of birch trees in clumps. The inner flesh appears orange-brown when exposed, but the surface is dry, crusty and black. Chaga is found year-round but exhibits seasonal growth in spring and summer. However, the concentration of the antioxidant melanin peaks in winter.
common names & nomenclature Cinder conk, Birch conk, Clinker polypore
considerations for growing and harvesting Chaga mushroom
Chaga is a slow-growing mushroom that requires a live host (generally species of birch but sometimes alder and elm). The tree eventually dies from white rot It is possible to cultivate the mushroom by plugging live trees with chaga dowels and waiting patiently for 6-8 years for the first harvest. Subsequent harvests are possible every 4-6 years after that.
Chaga mushroom is widely used as food and in folk healing in Korea, China, Russia, Poland and by the Khanty people of Siberia. It is taken as tea, infused, smoked and made into antibacterial soap.
The pharmacological activities of several compounds found in chaga have received considerable attention from the scientific community. Of particular interest is a tetracyclic triterpene called inotodiol, which has demonstrated antiproliferative effects in vitro with human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Other compounds, such as botulin and betulinic acid, are currently being investigated for potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
habitat and range for Chaga mushroom
Chaga mushrooms occur naturally in the cool forests of northwestern North America, northern and eastern Europe and Korea.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
