Black growths on tree trunks seem to the uninitiated to be a common manifestation of the disease. In part, this is true. They appear as a result of the defeat of trees by the oblique tinder fungus (biological name - Inonotus obliquus). This is a species of fungi of the genus Inonotus of the Basidiomycetes department. The sterile form of the fungus (sclerotia) is called Chaga, or birch fungus. It is most often found on birch trees, which is why it received the popular name "black birch fungus".
Chaga is called the king of medicinal mushrooms and not for nothing. People who regularly consume tinctures or tea from Chaga notice a significant increase in mental and physical performance. In ancient times, the chaga mushroom was used as a remedy for all diseases, especially gastrointestinal diseases, inflammatory processes and cancerous tumors.
Due to its many powerful therapeutic qualities, Chaga was considered miraculous, emphasizing this with appropriate names: "gift of God", "mushroom of immortality", "king of plants" and even "forest diamond".
This fungus can be found in northern latitudes around the world. It appears as a cracked growth in the middle and lower parts of hardwood trunks. In the sun, the porous and uneven surface of this fungus turns coal-black, and in the middle it is usually a bright orange hue.
How Chaga appears, its nature.
Chaga grows on damaged areas of trunks from spores of the tinder fungus , i.e. Chaga is a product of the activity of a harmful fungus that penetrates the wood and gradually destroys it. In this place of the trunk, a protrusion develops, which over time tears the bark, forming a growth. The shape and size of the growths depend on the nature of the trunk damage and the size of the wounds through which the infection occurred. The growths can grow for 10 or more years, feeding on the juices of a living birch, reaching a diameter of up to half a meter. The weight of Chaga varies depending on its age and size and can range from a few grams to 2–10 kg, and sometimes more. It has been noticed that old trees are more susceptible to infection by fungi, since over time the tree's ability to resist the penetration of spores into the middle of the wood decreases. Growth conditions also play a large role: those trees that grow in the mountains are less likely to be affected by tinder fungi, because their wood is denser. On dry or fallen trees, the fungus dies and loses the active compounds that determine the medicinal effect of the fungus. Chaga from dead wood is not useful, two months after the death of the tree, the biologically active properties of the fungus are lost. In addition, not every Chaga that grows on deciduous trees has good health benefits, but only that which grows on the shore. Therefore, this mushroom is also called birch. While the mushroom grows, it manages to absorb all the healing properties of birch sap, and then gives them to us in a more concentrated form.
It is possible to collect birch mushrooms in different seasons, but it is better - in winter or late autumn, when there are no leaves on the trees and the mushroom is easier to notice. The growths are chopped off with an ax or hammer and the loose inner part, which is unsuitable for use, is cut off. The core of the mushroom has a rather hard texture. Usually it is dried and ground into small pieces or even into powder. Then mixtures are made for brewing tea.
History of Chaga use.
Chaga is one of the medicinal mushrooms that has retained its importance for many centuries.
Due to its many powerful therapeutic qualities, Chaga was considered a miraculous remedy, which was emphasized by appropriate names: "gift of God", "mushroom of immortality", "king of plants" and even "forest diamond".
Our ancestors did not have the opportunity to go to the pharmacy and buy medicine for any disease. They had to look for opportunities to cope with the disease, using natural gifts. The fact that Chaga has been used as a medicine for many centuries. The famous Persian physician-scientist of the 11th century Avicenna also wrote about the healing properties of Chaga. He claimed that the northern tribes, who were famous for their fantastic health and physical strength, constantly consumed drinks from birch mushroom.
Information from ancient manuscripts reports that the birch mushroom Chaga was used to treat the Kiev prince Volodymyr Monomakh, who had a tumor on his lip. Russian dissident Alexander Solzhenitsyn fought cancer by using Chaga. In 1968, he described this in the novel "Cancer Corps". In it, he mentions that residents of Siberian regions, who brew Chaga instead of tea and coffee, do not get cancer at all.
Chaga Ingredients
The healing properties of birch mushroom are explained by its rather interesting composition, which is somewhat different from other medicinal mushrooms. Chaga is rich in betulinic acid - a powerful antioxidant that protects the body's cells from damage by free radicals, has an antitumor effect. Magnesium in the mushroom normalizes blood pressure, myocardial function and, in combination with potassium, improves the conductivity of signals in the nervous system; potassium and sodium salts maintain a sufficient level of water-salt balance and oxygen in the cells of tissues and organs; iron stimulates the production of hemoglobin; zinc - slows down the aging process, as well as the level of glucose, cholesterol and thyroid hormones, which reduces the risk of diabetes, strokes and heart attacks. Befungin, which contains biologically active substances of chaga, helps to normalize metabolic processes in the body.
Chaga mushroom is revered as an elixir of life due to its amazing vitamin properties. As has been shown in the process of many studies, Chaga is a source of a whole vitamin complex necessary for the functioning of the body. A high concentration of B vitamins stimulates the normal functioning of the nervous system and energy metabolism. Retinol will help preserve vision for many years, folic acid is necessary for pregnant women, because it is needed for the formation of the fetal nervous system. Vitamin C strengthens the body's defenses against SARS and flu, affecting immunity. Tocopherol stimulates the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin D counteracts immunodeficiency, stimulating defenses.
Chaga was also rich in trace elements, among which manganese (53.40 mcg/g) is characterized by a particularly high content. Manganese regulates the absorption of iron in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, activates enzymes during the therapeutic action of Chaga. Nicotinic acid in Chaga helps reduce "bad" cholesterol.
In addition, birch fungus has been found to contain polysaccharides and beta-glucans, steroid and sterol compounds, agaricic and oxalic acids, pterins, triterpenes, flavones and resins. It is this unique set of chemical compounds that makes Chaga a good biogenic stimulant that has a positive effect on the central nervous system, improves metabolism, relieves intoxication, increases blood circulation, and increases the body's resistance.
Chaga for gastrointestinal diseases.
As a folk medicine, when used correctly, Chaga is very useful. Due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, this mushroom can become both a medicine and a health-supporting substance.
In the 50s of the twentieth century. in the USSR, clinical trials of Chaga extract were conducted and then released in the form of an aqueous solution under the name Befungin. Subsequently, birch mushroom began to be used as a symptomatic remedy for the treatment of dyskinesia of the gastrointestinal tract, skin diseases associated with inflammatory processes in the stomach and intestines, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. In 1981, a clinical study of the effect of Chaga on peptic ulcer disease was conducted. After 24 days of taking the mushroom extract, the symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract disease changed or completely disappeared. It was determined that the therapeutic effect of Chaga extract was associated with a decrease in pain caused by peptic ulcer disease, and the effect increases with higher doses.
Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of Chaga fiber, it improves digestion and strengthens intestinal peristalsis. You can feel the results in a week. For example, with constipation, bowel movements are normalized. It is known that our ancestors have been using this healing mushroom since ancient times in the treatment of stomach, esophagus, liver and pancreatic cancer, considering this remedy miraculous. By the way, the use of Chaga also affects the enhancement of the choleretic effect necessary for the digestion of food. This mushroom also reduces intestinal inflammation. This is explained by the presence of active substances beta-glucans in Chaga, which stimulate the beneficial bacterial flora of the intestine.
Chaga for immunity.
Most medicinal Chaga mushrooms have immunomodulatory properties. Chaga is no exception. Rich in polysaccharides, terpene compounds, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, the mushroom is able to effectively strengthen the immune system. Studies have shown that Chaga extracts really increase the body's defenses, activate metabolism in brain tissue, and have an anti-inflammatory effect when used internally and topically. Moreover, it turned out that Chaga is able to delay the growth or even completely destroy many tumor formations.
There is evidence that Chaga extract can have a positive effect on immunity. Namely, by promoting the formation of specialized proteins - cytokines, which regulate the immune system. The activating substance of cytokines is polysaccharides, namely beta-glucans. These long sugar molecules are known to stimulate the immune system, promoting the development of leukocytes - colorless blood cells. Which, in turn, neutralize harmful bacteria or viruses. They are the first line of defense of the immune system from external influences, contributing to the production of antibodies to detect and neutralize pathogens. Zinc, copper and selenium contribute to the body's immune response, providing better resistance to diseases. These properties of Chaga are especially important for patients who take medications that suppress the immune system. This is confirmed by studies conducted by Jeju National University in South Korea.
Anti-inflammatory effect of Chaga. Joints, liver, gums.
It is possible to use Chaga, for example, for arthritis.
Chaga's effects are primarily due to its content of interleukin-6 (IL-6). This cytokine controls and modulates the inflammatory response. Studies conducted on rats at Kyung-hee University in Seoul have shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Chaga.
Recent studies conducted by the Scientific Center for Virology and Biotechnology have established the ability of Chaga extract to inhibit the development of viruses, including immunodeficiency type 1, herpes simplex type 2, influenza pathogens, and HIV.
In dental practice, Chaga is often used to treat inflammation of the oral mucosa, gums and teeth. The decoction is used to lubricate sore spots and rinse the oral cavity (while taking the drug internally). Chaga extract has shown itself very well in healing gums after tooth extraction and similar surgical interventions.
Chaga antioxidants. Aging. Blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels.
The characteristic signs of aging – gray hair, wrinkles, dry skin – appear due to the destruction and death of cells due to oxidation. This is the so-called oxidative stress. The main causes of aging (in addition to natural ones) are the harmful effects of ultraviolet light and dirty air. It is the antioxidants, which are the largest in Chaga, that give the mushroom its powerful abilities – to absorb oxygen radicals. Melanin, a sign of the presence of which is the charcoal color of Chaga, also counteracts aging. It is known that melanin protects our skin from ultraviolet rays and participates in the fight against free radicals, in particular, preventing damage to cell DNA. Melanin also accelerates metabolism. Thus, Chaga antioxidants in products for external and internal use can slow down the process of "aging" of body tissues.
They also affect blood pressure, namely, they can lower it and prevent deterioration of the heart and blood vessels. Chaga antioxidants help fight cardiovascular diseases, reducing the level of so-called "bad" cholesterol.
Studies on laboratory animals with obesity and type 2 diabetes have shown the effectiveness of Chaga extract: improving insulin resistance, reducing blood sugar levels. Glucose levels after taking Chaga can decrease by 15-30%.
Chaga for women's and men's health.
For centuries, Chaga has been used in the treatment of inflammation and fibroids, erosion and endometriosis. In gynecological practice, the effectiveness of this remedy has been proven for centuries. Chaga also contains components that stimulate testosterone and prevent the development of inflammatory processes in the prostate gland. Its work is influenced by zinc, which is concentrated mainly in the prostate, muscles, liver and pancreas. Zinc directly promotes muscle growth and the production of growth hormone. Copper and molybdenum support potency, pump up male power, and prevent its decline with age.
Chaga for oncology. Scientific research
In the 1960s, when the first oncoprotective effects of mushroom polysaccharides beta-glucans were discovered, scientists discovered anticancer properties in the birch mushroom Innonotus obliquos. A series of experiments were conducted on laboratory rats. The rodents were transplanted with a sarcoma cell culture. In most animals that were given Chaga extract, the tumors disappeared or their growth slowed down significantly. This effect of Chaga was observed on the development of cancer, especially of the breast, lungs, liver and uterus. Then the birch mushroom attracted scientific attention. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms of the influence of Chaga extracts on the spread of cancer, many experiments and studies were conducted. A high concentration of biologically active substances capable of negatively affecting the development of tumor cells was found in Chaga.
One of the first major works devoted to the medicinal effects of Chaga components was the research of Dr. K. Kalos from Finland. Starting in 1984, she and her team conducted experiments confirming the immunomodulatory effect of triterpenes such as lanostane against influenza and for antitumor use. Studies have shown that Chaga has antiviral, antifungal and antitumor properties.
In natural Chaga, about 40 triterpene compounds of the lanostane series have been identified, which have antitumor properties. It was believed that these active compounds play a leading role in combating cancer, until the properties of beta-glucans were discovered. These are quite diverse and numerous bioactive substances, even within one mushroom, 29 types of these polysaccharides have been identified in Chaga alone. It is the presence of these polysaccharides in Chaga extract that is responsible for the mitigation of the effects of pharmacological drugs during chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
How does this happen?
After bone marrow damage caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, beta-glucans, which trap free radicals, dramatically increase the body's ability to regenerate red blood cells. At the same time, beta-glucans contribute to the restoration of bone marrow activity, which is also suppressed by pharmacological drugs. The liver and kidneys affected by these same drugs also receive therapeutic support from beta-glucans, which prevent organ damage.
The melanin present in Chaga in high concentrations binds radioactive isotopes and converts them into less toxic or non-toxic forms. This gives Chaga its special ability to fight melanoma (skin cancer).
Studies conducted by various Korean universities on mice show how Chaga inhibits tumor growth. It was found that at an early stage in mice, the mushroom can stop tumor formation and even cause it to degrade.
Despite the fact that there are still few clinical studies confirming complete recovery from cancer thanks to Chaga, it has been established that it is able to bring relief to the patient even at the last stage, thanks to improving hematopoiesis and as an analgesic and tonic.
Chaga contains both water-soluble compounds (polysaccharides, beta-glucans) and alcohol-soluble compounds – triterpenes, which is why it is necessary to prepare various solutions from mushroom powder: alcohol tinctures, tea, decoction, tincture, mixture for external use.
Chaga decoction. High availability of beta-glucans.
4 tablespoons of Chaga powder should be poured with four glasses of cold water. Then boil the solution for two hours on low heat so that it does not boil too much. Then remove from heat, cool.
The normal amount of chaga for cancer is 3-4 cups of strong decoction per day.
Dry standardized extract. High concentration and availability of beta-glucans.
Dry extract is a great alternative to decoction, as it achieves a high concentration of beta glucans and other beneficial water-soluble compounds.
Standardization allows us to obtain a certain amount of active compounds in the final product. Which we cannot achieve in home cooking. There should be at least 20% beta-glucans.
Take 1 teaspoon (approximately 2g) of powder 2-3 times a day.
For cancer, the dosage can be up to 8-12g of dry extract per day.
Chaga tea: a classic recipe.
For tea, use water at a temperature of 100 degrees. Pour 250-300 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of ground Chaga. Let it brew until it reaches a pleasant temperature.
Tea can be prepared for storage. It will retain its properties for three days. Put two tablespoons of powder or very fine Chaga in a liter thermos and pour boiling water over it. Let it brew for several hours. It is very convenient to do this at night, and start taking it in the morning. 2-3 cups of tea per day. If you systematically drink such a drink, then you need to take breaks for a month after 5-6 months of taking it.
Alcohol tincture of Chaga. Bioavailable alcohol-soluble terpene compounds.
Four tablespoons of dry crushed Chaga pour 1 liter of vodka, insist in a glass container in a dark place for 2 weeks. Once a day, you need to shake the container so that the sediment and the solution mix evenly. From the second week, you can start taking it, do not strain the sediment, but leave it in the container and shake it before taking it. Take 1-2 teaspoons, stirring in 50-100 ml of water 2-3 times a day 20 minutes before meals or 20 minutes after meals. The duration of taking is 2 months, after which you need to take a break for 4-5 weeks.
Chaga for external use.
For external use, Chaga powder is used to make a gruel that is easy to prepare. The powder is mixed with hot water. You only need a small amount of water. Let it sit for a while, and the mixture is ready. This Chaga gruel is used for burns, frostbite, insect bites, eczema, and skin lesions of any kind, applying it to the damaged area.
Chaga contraindications. Side effects.
Individual allergic reaction.
Chaga contains dissolved oxalates and therefore people with oxalate kidney stones should take it with caution and not systematically and consult their doctor about this.
Because Chaga may affect blood glucose levels, it should be used with caution by people on antidiabetic medications, including those taking insulin. It may cause hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar).
Pregnant women or those breastfeeding can take Chaga after consulting a doctor.
The use of penicillin is also a contraindication for the use of Chaga.
Importantly.
This mushroom is not cultivated. Raw materials for Chaga mushroom powder are collected in the wild. If you do it yourself, there is a risk of not taking into account some important factors. For example, the environmental friendliness of the area where the mushroom is collected, whether the mushroom was found on dead wood, whether it is sufficiently dried, and so on. All this can result in the ineffectiveness of the mushroom or harm your health. Therefore, for medicinal purposes, it is recommended to purchase ready-made dry raw materials from trusted manufacturers.
This article is not a medical recommendation, but is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to the treatment or prevention of disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your doctor or other appropriate healthcare professional for clarification.
