Chaga mushroom is a parasite found on white birch and other tree species that grow in cold climates. It has other names, such as "God's gift," "king of plants," and so on. It's not very popular in Spain, but its appearance in food is already emerging. In this post, we'll discuss what Chaga tea is, its flavor, uses, and recipes.
Its medicinal properties have been used for centuries in countries such as Russia, Korea, parts of Europe, and the United States. Its properties date back centuries; there are records of it being used in Europe as a remedy for gastritis, tuberculosis, and even cancer in the 16th century.
Its antitumor properties have been investigated for decades, and its betulin and betulinic acid content continue to be studied as chemotherapeutic agents.
Uses of Chaga tea
Due to the many properties that Chaga tea contains, it is used to protect health and alleviate certain ailments.
- Protects the cardiovascular system. Chaga tea has benefits that improve cardiovascular health due to its antioxidant content, which combats lipid peroxidation (when blood lipids are broken down by the action of oxygen).
- High nutritional content. It contains a number of minerals that benefit your health, such as calcium, selenium, zinc, iron, and copper. It also contains B vitamins, soluble fiber, proteins, and melanins. It also contains flavonoids, antioxidants, and triterpenoids.
- It has antioxidants. It has a high antioxidant content, evaluated with a high ORAC score. This is a laboratory test that evaluates the amount of antioxidants in various foods. It also has high levels of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant that acts against free radicals.
- Improves digestion. It is said to activate bile function in the liver, allowing more toxins to be eliminated from the body. This improves digestion and aids in detoxification.
- It's anti-inflammatory. Chaga tea promotes the formation of cytokines, which stimulate white blood cells, preventing pathogens from entering the body.
- Controls glucose levels. One of the properties of chaga tea is to lower blood glucose levels. However, it is recommended to consume it in moderation because it can cause side effects.
How to consume Chaga tea
This type of tea is consumed in several forms: powder, infusion, tincture, and capsules. It is usually made in tea form. When purchasing it in powder or capsule form, you should check that it contains a high polysaccharide content (30% is fine). It is also important that it contains betulin and betulinic acid.
It's recommended to consume chaga capsules 2 to 3 times daily. For the powder, one teaspoon a day is suggested; however, it's best to follow the product's instructions.
Chaga tea has an earthy, smooth, and woody flavor. If you notice a bitter taste, it's a clear indication that it's from a lower-quality mushroom. It's recommended to drink 1 to 2 cups of this tea daily.
Chaga Tea Recipes
When preparing chaga mushrooms, their nutrients are extracted through heat. This is due to their antioxidant enzymes, which require high temperatures to be released, but can be destroyed by boiling.
The mushroom should be heated slowly, over low heat, for several hours to release the tea's nutrients and minimize damage. Let's see how to prepare it as an infusion.
Chaga Tea
To prepare Chaga tea you must follow these steps:
- Boil 5 cups of purified water, then lower the heat.
- Add a handful of Chaga mushrooms to the hot water and cover.
- Do not allow to boil, keep warm for about four hours.
- Check that the preparation is not boiling. If it reaches a boil, turn off the heat, let it rest for 15 minutes, and resume cooking over low heat.
- Strain the chaga tea and pour the mixture into a glass jar.
- The dose is three times daily before meals. It is continued for 20 weeks to treat certain ailments.
On the other hand, Chaga infusion can be combined with other teas , such as rooibos, oolong, green, etc. In addition, it is considered to try it with cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon, ginger and honey.
Chaga tincture
The tincture is used to spray on the face. It is recommended for treating acne, neurodermatitis, and psoriasis.
It is prepared as follows:
- Boil 4 pieces of chaga in 400 ml of water for 25 minutes.
- The dye is the water that remains after cooking.
- It is kept in the refrigerator in small jars.
Side effects of chaga tea
There are certain precautions that should be considered when consuming any preparation of chaga mushroom .
If this is your first time consuming it, it's important to try a small piece to rule out any allergies. It's also important to consult your doctor if you're taking any medication, as it may cause a reaction.
It is not recommended for people taking insulin or treating diabetes, as it may impact blood sugar. Furthermore, the mushroom contains a protein that prevents blood from clotting, so it's best to avoid it if you're taking blood thinners (such as aspirin and warfarin).
There are some studies that suggest chaga mushroom has anti-inflammatory effects and may boost the immune system . Furthermore, the exact dosage is unknown, so it's best to consult your doctor before trying it.
