Benefits of Chaga Tea: Ingredients and Side Effects

It's a superfood packed with nutrients, which is gaining more and more followers. With the growth of natural therapies and products, it's no surprise that they've included it in their treatments; this is why its success is guaranteed. In this post, we'll discuss the benefits of chaga tea , its ingredients, and side effects.

Chaga is a mushroom that grows naturally on the bark of birch trees found in Europe, Asia, and North America. In some countries, it's known by other names; for example, in China, it's called the King of Plants, in Siberia, it's known as God's Gift, and in Japan, it's called the Diamond of the Forest.

Benefits of chaga tea

For years, chaga mushroom has been used in Siberia and Asian countries for medicinal purposes . One of its most notable properties is its ability to strengthen the immune system, thanks to its betulinic acid and melanoglucan content. Let's look at some of the main benefits of chaga tea .

Strengthens the immune system and is anti-inflammatory

Chaga mushroom regulates the immune system by stimulating white blood cells. It also wards off pathogens that affect the body. Certain studies have determined that chaga is anti-inflammatory and prevents intestinal damage.

Controls glucose

Animal research has determined that chaga mushroom has hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties . These studies revealed that the mushroom regulates glucose and resists insulin. However, it is recommended to consume it cautiously and under medical supervision.

Prevents the formation of plaque in the arteries

Another benefit of chaga tea is its concentration of antioxidants. These properties reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, which clog arteries and prevent regular blood flow.

Prevents tumors from forming

There is still insufficient scientific evidence to establish its effectiveness in treating cancer. However, certain animal studies have yielded promising results, demonstrating its action against cancer cells. There is evidence of its ability to prevent the formation of liver, breast, lung, and prostate cancer cells.

Benefits of chaga tea. How to prepare it?

While culinary experts oppose heating foods above 60°C, chaga requires high temperatures to extract its nutrients. However, its antioxidant enzymes are only released with low heat, and boiling can damage it.

Chaga mushroom grows as a parasite on birch trees, especially white birch. When the mushroom is heated for a few hours over low heat, its nutrients are released into the tea and are harmless.

To prepare chaga tea follow these steps:

1. Boil 5 cups of purified water and once it boils, lower the heat.
2. Add a handful of chaga mushrooms and cover.
3. Let it infuse over low heat, without boiling, for about 3 hours.
4. Check frequently that the preparation does not boil.
5. Once the time is up, let it cool for 15 minutes.
6. Next, strain and place the liquid in a glass jar and place it in the refrigerator.

Chaga tea can be blended with other teas such as red rooibos, oolong, or green tea. It can even be flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, lemon, honey, and more.

Chaga tea with aloe vera

This infusion will serve to boost the body's immunity, one of the benefits of chaga tea .

Ingredients:

• 250 grams of chaga.
• A teaspoon of honey.
• 200 grams of aloe vera leaves that have been aged in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
• Viburnum berries.

Preparation method:

1. Extract aloe vera juice by crushing the leaves and then passing them through cheesecloth. Mix with honey.
2. Add the viburnum berries to a liter of boiled water and simmer in a double boiler for ½ hour.
3. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Next, grind the chaga and add 1 liter of boiling water. Cook for half an hour.
5. Mix the preparations and cover. Let it steep for a week at an estimated temperature of 23°C.
6. When you see foam appear, mix it.
7. On the eighth day the preparation must be strained.
8. It should be drunk 3 times a day, before meals.

Other recipes are prepared like this:

• Add one teaspoon of chaga, seaweed, and cinquefoil to one liter of water at 45°C. Let it steep over low heat for 4 hours. Strain the mixture, add mint, and sweeten with honey. Drink after 2 months.
• Add one tablespoon of chopped burdock root to 2 cups of water. Boil for 3 minutes, reduce heat, and let it steep for about 3 hours. Mix 50 ml of chaga tea into the mixture. Drink 2 to 3 teaspoons daily for a month, before meals.

Benefits of Chaga Tea. Side Effects

The benefits of chaga tea are well known, however, it's important to be aware of its adverse effects. It's not advisable to consume it if you're taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or warfarin. This could cause bleeding and bruising.

On the other hand, it's best not to consume it if you're taking medication for diabetes, as it lowers blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). There may be other undocumented effects, so drinking chaga tea should be done in moderation.