Things We Love: Chaga Mushrooms

Chaga mushrooms are powerful adaptogens that grow slowly on birch trees; obtaining nutrients from the trees themselves to become a highly beneficial superfood. If you’re looking to add just one superfood to your diet regularly this year — this is it. Hands down, the benefits are staggering. 

I personally added Chaga to my diet over a year ago and have already noticed a huge impact on my overall health and wellness as a result.

Benefits of Chaga include:

• High levels of anti-oxidants and a variety of vitamins and minerals;
• Reduces inflammation with anti-inflammatory phenols;
• Stimulates the immune system;
• Liver support;
• Gastrointestinal support;
• Detoxification;
• Cellular mutation prevention

I also noticed that Chaga is a great mental stimulant, providing clarity of thought and boosted energy levels. Instead of having a coffee mid-afternoon when I needed a lift, I would try drinking 500ml of crisp, cold Chaga tea. It has a distinct, earthy and delicious taste that I love. Many proponents suggest adding spices like cinnamon, cardamom or ginger, but I quite enjoy its natural flavour. It is almost as if drinking it connects you to the earth. 

Once a week, I brew a big pot and pour it into small mason jars to have ready ahead of time for each day. 1/3 cup to 1 litre of water does the trick. Bring your water to a boil and simmer until you reach the desired intensity (the darker the colour, the deeper the flavour). Chaga can be used 6 times before the colour fades significantly and nutrients have been used up. Strain and then freeze Chaga chunks in between uses.  

For us folks in the Northern hemisphere, Chaga can be harvested locally. Be sure to research ethical, sustainable means to harvest in your area. Alternatively, you can purchase Wild Chaga commercially from local, ethical Canadian harvesters like Birch Please Chaga (birchpleasechaga.ca, which is produced in the Maritimes), Giddy Yoyo (shop.giddyyoyo.com) and Annanda Chaga (annandachaga.com) – whose commitment to preserving our trees and wild, is paramount.  

If you’re already a Chaga fan, that’s wonderful! If not, and you’ve decided to give it a go… even better! Moving forward, we’ll continue to share the things we love with you in hopes of inspiring you to make your wellness a top priority!

In health and happiness, 
Aidan

P.S: Check out our new recipe section and stay tuned for some Chaga-inspired recipes!