Introduction to Chaga Mushrooms, Healing Properties and Preparation
Chaga protrudes from the tree trunk like some nasty gnarly demonic gnome. Absolutely not the most attractive or appealing presentation. More often than not, hikers pass it by, never noticing its presence. It looks like a charred brain tumour, with a slightly crumbly and rough exterior. What a paradox, that something so uninviting possesses such phenomenal healing properties and health benefits.
Chaga initially came to western attention (so the story goes), as an incidental by-product of a cancer study. The study was looking at global distribution of cancer around the world.
Studies showed areas of Eastern Europe, Romania, Siberia that had extremely low instances of cancer. The rates were low enough to be statistically significant, and attract attention and curiosity of researchers.
When they investigated these areas to find out what was different about these areas, they discovered Chaga. This is what is different. They drink Chaga as a “tea” in these regions. Broken down into smaller chunks, it is simmered in a pot. The result is a rich dark tea, somewhat like coffee, but without the bitterness that coffee has. This deep earthy rich tea heals and nourishes the body. Contrary to its off-putting visual impression, the tea is a palatable and pleasant drink.
You can grate Chaga down into finer small chunks with a cheese grater. These smaller finer pieces will help pull medicinal and beneficial properties out from the Chaga more quickly. If you prefer a finer Chaga, you can then take the Chaga and run it through a coffee grinder. A word of caution though. Chaga is quite hard, and can jam in the grinder. If this happens, you need to stop the grinder and clear the obstruction from the blade. A good friend of mine burned through 3 coffee grinders before learning this lesson.
Or, you can use the minimalist approach, which I generally prefer. Drop the chunk of Chaga into a pot, as-is. Works great, less work. My kinda deal. And you don’t have to cook it that much longer. It will take more soaking to bring out the properties as you go along. I solve this problem by leaving the chunk in the pot. I add more water as the Chaga runs down, turn the burner back on. And let it simmer again. You can just as easily pour the tea out into a container to store. In that case, you an either store the chunk of Chaga for later, or start a fresh pot. I have a friend who lost track of her back-burner Chaga-pot for over a month. She taste-tested it, tentatively, found that it tasted great, and drank it up.
No matter how you prepare it, the Chaga can be used for a while, depending on size. I have had pieces that were still going strong after 3-4 months, and I drink it a lot! It is a hard wood mushroom, and technically it is not a mushroom, but rather a “sterile conch.” Chaga is clusters of mycelium that have grown into nooks, crannies and wounds on certain kinds of trees (more on that later.)
But because of its very thick and dense nature, the healing properties continue to be drawn out from its interior depths. You will sense when the Chaga has released most of its healing properties. The tea will no longer be as rich or dark or strong.
Whether you are using Chaga for a serious illness, chronic conditions, to boost your energy- I am fairly certain you will be richly rewarded and very surprised at how much this strange mushroom grows on you.
Chaga contains potent medicinal properties- perhaps the most beneficial of all the medicinal mushrooms. I have had several clients use it successfully to treat cancer and tumours. Its anti-viral properties are effective in the treatment of hepatitis and HIV. Chaga possesses anti-cancer, anti-tumour, anti-viral properties. It is a potent anti-oxidant, perhaps the most powerful one available, with an ORAC count of 36,000 units, blueberries, in contrast rate approximately 1,500-3,000 units per serving (cup). Chaga detoxes the body, detoxes and helps repair/ restore the liver. Chaga also possesses anti-inflammatory components as well. It is a potent adaptogen, and works to bolster the metabolism to create better energy. It contains hypoglycemic properties as well. The list continues. I will address various specific uses in greater detail in future posts. I have also been using it in helping to treat chronic Lyme disease, with definitive improvements in stamina and energy.
Also, please feel free to submit specific questions and what all of your unique Chaga recipes are. Please share your stories about this great healing and restorative mushroom.
I am an Education Specialist, Health Coach and Author. I work with aspects of the teachings I have learned from Andean shamanic and cosmology, to health, nutrition and education. Everything is energy. Energy must flow. Like water, when it does not flow, it stagnates and is not healthy. These techniques help your life to flow. I have been initiated into many of the ancient lineages and learned ceremonies, rites of passage and healing techniques. I have worked as a healer and done workshops and taught some of these aspects – passing the teachings on.
Author of:
Dancing in Your Bubble : ancient teaching, modern healing
Natural Support for Alzheimer’s
Getting a Handle on Happy : find and fix causes of stress and depression
The Naturally Smarter Kid : a parent’s guide to helping kids succeed in school and life
Cafe of the Hungry Ghosts : behind the veil of ordinary – a paranormal-ish fiction book
http://BeingHerd.com
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