The chaga mushroom (technically not a mushroom, but rather a fungus) is an incredibly powerful medicinal mushroom that is highly sought after for its healing properties and extremely high antioxidant content. Chaga is rich in vitamins A, C, B, D, and E, and minerals such as manganese, iron, calcium, zinc, and selenium. It has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-candida, and anti-parasitic properties.
The medicinal mushroom chaga is one of the best sources of betulinic acid, which is known to kill cancer cells on contact. Because of this, chaga is often cited as one of the best anti-cancer and anti-tumor foods and is highly regarded and used in various natural cancer treatment and prevention protocols. Research shows that chaga is particularly beneficial for colon, stomach, uterine, lung, breast, and prostate cancers.
Chaga is also rich in beta-glucans, which can significantly boost and strengthen the immune system. This makes it an ideal choice for those suffering from autoimmune diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome , rheumatoid arthritis , lupus, fibromyalgia , irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease , lymphoma, bursitis, shingles, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) .
This mushroom is also very beneficial for people with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and has been shown to reduce various symptoms and secondary diseases caused by HIV. Chaga contains the highest level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the world. This is an enzyme that helps break down free radicals and has proven effective in treating Parkinson's disease , Alzheimer's, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) , gout , scleroderma, osteoarthritis, and cataracts.
Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal helper for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) , arthritis, colitis , cystitis, tendonitis, edema, asthma, celiac disease, and acne . The wide range of medicinal benefits found in chaga makes it one of the most important and essential healing foods that should be included in everyone's healthy regimen.
Chaga mushrooms grow in harmony with birch trees and can be found in the northern regions of the United States and in the forests of the Appalachian Mountains. They are also found in temperate forests in Europe, Canada, China, Russia and Korea, where they are called "gifts from God."
Chaga mushroom to boost immunity
Chaga mushroom is associated with building immunity - something we all need in our lives. Chaga has nutrients that boost the immune system and increase white blood cell count, increasing the production of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils so your body can fight off invaders like toxins and pathogens, as well as fungi like yeast and mold.
This amazing wild food also supports normal red blood cell and bone mass levels, balances platelets, and prevents cytokine storms, which are the result of the body’s overreaction to a pathogen or toxin. This type of overreaction occurs because the immune system becomes hyperactive to fight off multiple infections. Cytokine storms can lead to dilation of blood vessels (which can lead to bleeding), hives, rashes, and fever.
With the help of the chaga mushroom, the body is much better prepared to deal with pathogens and toxins. Chaga is one of the most healing and tonic remedies used in recent decades. The phytochemicals in chaga are extremely suitable for cancer prevention, blood sugar regulation, adrenal gland stimulation, while regulating the rest of the endocrine system, breaking down, dissolving and destroying unproductive fungi in the gastrointestinal tract.
There is a popular misconception that edible mushrooms are bad for us because consuming them leads to an overgrowth of fungi in the body. This statement could not be further from the truth. Edible mushrooms, including chaga mushrooms , are some of the best fighters and enemies of unproductive fungi that we have.
Method of use:
You can add organic chaga powder to smoothies or make tea or lattes with it. See recipes for making them here .
For more information on the healing properties of chaga and the symptoms and conditions it can help with, check out the New York Times bestseller , The Healer Medium: The Most Beneficial Foods . Heal yourself and your loved ones with the hidden healing powers of fruits and vegetables, as well as the other books in the The Healer Medium series.
Watch Anthony William's video in which he makes tea from chaga and reishi mushrooms and talks about the healing properties of this drink, as well as the harmful effects of caffeine on our immune system : watch the video here .