What does chaga mushroom help with and how to take it (+17 photos)?

Chaga is a tree parasite that has long been used in folk medicine, and is now used in medications and dietary supplements. Chaga is recommended for those with weakened immune systems, intestinal problems, and skin problems. It also helps alleviate the symptoms of cancer patients.

Features of the species

Chaga is also known as the birch fungus, as it most often parasitizes birch trees. Inonotus (also known as the slanted polypore and chaga) thrives exclusively on living trees, as it feeds on its host, ultimately killing it.

It appears on damaged tree bark infected with its spores. The parasite can only be seen on the bark 3-4 years after infestation. Initially, chaga appears as a black, irregular growth, which only develops ridge-shaped growths after decades. The growth is black only on the outside; the closer it is to the bark, the lighter it appears.

The growth is brown inside, and reddish-brown near the wood itself. The fungus's body is permeated with colorless hyphae, which look like light veins. As the fruiting body matures, comb-like growths form that literally pierce the tree's bark and lead to the death of the birch.

The beneficial properties of birch mushroom

As the growth develops, it becomes saturated with beneficial microelements contained in the birch sap and directly in the tree itself.

Useful properties of the beveled tinder fungus:

• antimicrobial;
• antiseptic;
• diuretic;
• immunostimulating;
• metabolic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• analgesic;
• healing;
• hemostatic;
• antispasmodic.

Due to its high content of beneficial microelements, tinder fungus helps normalize intestinal microflora, accelerate the healing of damaged tissue, restore heart function, and strengthen the human immune system.

Chaga-based medicinal products also have benefits for the nervous system and neurohumoral regulation. Some people take a decoction or infusion of the medicinal growth as a vitamin supplement.

In addition, the mushroom is widely used in cancer treatments, as it is believed to slow the growth of pathological cells and help alleviate the patient's general condition.

The harm of wood fungus and contraindications to it

Despite the mushroom's many beneficial properties, its thoughtless and improper use can be harmful. To use the mushroom safely and effectively, it's important to understand the illnesses and conditions that limit its use.

Contraindications for use:

• dysentery;
• colitis;
• diseases accompanied by diarrhea;
• allergy to the mushroom or to one of the components it contains.

It is also not recommended for children under 12 years of age or for pregnant or breastfeeding women. These restrictions are due to the fact that some of the mushroom's substances inhibit processes necessary for fetal growth in the womb. Inonotus obliquus should not be taken during antibiotic therapy or if intravenous glucose administration is necessary.

While using tinder fungus, avoid fatty, fried, and smoked foods. It is also recommended to reduce the amount of fast carbohydrates and junk food. Plant-based and dairy products should be the basis of your diet during treatment. These dietary restrictions will help avoid unwanted digestive side effects.

Rules for collecting raw materials

You can collect the "growths" at any time of year, as their growth is not affected by climate conditions. However, finding mushrooms is much more difficult in summer, while in autumn and spring, the "growths" are more visible on bare, leafless trees.

When hunting for chaga, it's important not to confuse it with other parasites that are toxic to humans. True or false tinder fungi have a distinct and distinct shape, unlike chaga.

Other tinder fungi are also quite easy to separate from the tree, but cutting off the medicinal "growth" requires some effort. It is also worth remembering that chaga has a black color, unlike false tinder fungi.

Inonotus mushrooms are quite tightly attached to the bark, so they can be cut with either a very sharp knife or a hatchet. It's recommended to cut mushrooms that grow 0.5–2 m above the ground. The higher they grow, the more beneficial they are considered.

Polypores are not collected from dead trees, as the parasite dies along with the "host." The dead "growth" has no beneficial properties.

The chaga must be cleaned of the tree bark and the loose, reddish-brown layer. It's best to clean this layer at home. After cleaning, the chaga is cut into pieces 1.5–4 cm in size and dried at a temperature no higher than 60 degrees Celsius.

Store chaga in a place protected from light and moisture. Preserving large quantities is not recommended, as the mushroom's beneficial properties only last for 4 months after harvesting.

Indications for the use of chaga for medicinal purposes

To use the mushroom for medicinal purposes, you can prepare an infusion, oil, or extract at home.

The products are used for such diseases and conditions as:

1. Periodontosis.
2. Stomatitis.
3. Toothache.
4. Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
5. Gastritis.
6. Dyskinesia of the biliary tract.
7. Oncological diseases, regardless of location.
8. Reduced resistance of the body to infections and viruses.
9. Postoperative period.
10. Insomnia.
11. Obesity.
12. Hypertension.
13. Psoriasis, eczema and other skin diseases.
14. Burns and frostbite.
15. Wounds on the skin.
16. Herpes.
17. Diabetes mellitus.

Preparing the oil

To prepare the oil, mix 2.5 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of chaga infusion. Infuse the oil in a cool, dark place for 24 hours.

It is used to lubricate problematic or damaged areas of skin, joints, and muscles. Chaga oil solution is also used to treat superficial tumors (breast cancer, skin cancer, and others).

Decoction

There are several ways to brew the mushroom. The first method requires 2 liters of water and 250 grams of mushrooms. The mushrooms are soaked in the water until soft. Next, the chaga is grated and returned to the water. The resulting mixture should be cooked for 1 hour. The liquid is simmered over low heat.

The resulting infusion is strained immediately after cooling. Honey, lemon, viburnum infusion, and other herbal ingredients can be added. The resulting product can be taken several times a day, 30-60 minutes before meals.

For the alcohol infusion, you'll need 50g of dried wood-boring fungus and 330ml of vodka. Mix the ingredients and let them steep for three weeks in a cool, dark place. Strain the infusion before drinking.

The tincture should be taken several times a day, half an hour before meals. A single dose of the alcohol tincture is 1 tablespoon plus 50 ml of water.

Preparation of extract

To prepare the extract, either freshly cut or dried "growth" can be used. Take 2 tablespoons of crushed material and pour warm boiled water (150 ml) over it. Let the resulting mixture steep for 2 days. Strain the concentrated solution before use. Take 1 tablespoon of the extract 10-15 minutes before meals.

Reviews from people who took the drug

Reviews from people who have used Inonotus to treat various illnesses are generally positive:

Galina, 31 years old: "This mushroom is truly a panacea. Thanks to it, I got rid of a duodenal ulcer and insomnia. My grandmother used it and was delighted with it. I recommend taking it as an infusion, or even just as a tonic. It's great for stimulating metabolic processes in the body."

Lyudmila, 45 years old: "A wonderful remedy. I take it internally as a tea or infusion, and I also apply its oil to wounds and even burns. No medicine has cured me of as many health problems as this mushroom. I was even able to lose weight! It has a wonderful effect on metabolism and intestinal microflora. With it, I've completely forgotten about dysbiosis."

Answers to frequently asked questions

People have some questions about the correct use of the mushroom:

Chaga is a parasitic mushroom with numerous beneficial properties, thanks to its high concentration of active ingredients and beneficial microelements. It is well tolerated and can help alleviate even severe illnesses. However, its use should be discussed with your doctor.