Chaga mushrooms, frequently referred to as the “King of Medicinal Mushrooms,” are the epitome of tradition and modern wellness.
Regarded for generations within traditional medicine, especially in Siberian culture, Chaga has risen beyond its ancient origins to become a popular nootropic and superfood today in the health community.
In this paper, we will consider how Chaga should be used to extract maximum health benefits, giving more attention to its most effective form-liquid extract, taken as a tincture.
UNDERSTANDING CHAGA MUSHROOMS
It is endemic in Russia, Korea, Eastern and Northern Europe, Northern USA, and Canada, mostly on the bark of birch trees.
This strange fungus has a tough and woody looking exterior looks like charcoal, which is in contrast with its color of rich golden brown.
However, the characteristic appearance of Chaga is not the only thing that charms, it’s the rich phytochemical profile of the fungus loaded with antioxidants, polysaccharides, beta-glucans and melanin that makes it a valuable dietary supplement.
BACKGROUND & USE
In folk medicine, historically, Chaga has been used for its alleged benefits such as immune enhancement, general health improvement, and longevity.
Contemporary research propose that these ancient applications have more than just empirical support. Research shows that Chaga can boost immune function, decrease inflammation, and even regulate the aging process.
WHY CHAGA IS AN EXCEPTIONAL NOOTROPIC?
Chaga’s nootropic property is the attraction of the fungi due to its possible role in improving cognitive activities and mental focus.
Its anti-oxidative features may help to guard against neuronal damage thereby promoting brain health and could probably improve memory and learning abilities.
CHAGA USE FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH
In terms of how to include Chaga into your diet, its versatility allows for multiple approaches, each of which has its unique advantages.
However, the ultimate goal remains the same, to use the important bioactive compounds in an efficient manner.
MOST BENEFICIAL FORM
Nevertheless, for taking the best out of Chaga, the liquid extract type, in the form of tincture, is regarded as the most effective form of supplementation thanks to the way in which it is administered.
Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts by which the mushrooms are soaked in alcohol to extract the active principles. The produced solution is very potent and enables fast absorption of the substances directly into the blood.
Using a Chaga Tincture
Basically, the tincture should be administered by using a dropper that will be put under the tongue and from there the solution will be absorbed into the blood vessels. This way the digestive system is avoided, which leads to absorption that is faster and more complete.
An ideal case in point for such a product can be seen at the Dr. Mushme website (Chaga Tincture), that has a series of Chaga-extracts that are sustainably-sourced and produced to preserve all the mushrooms natural benefits.
MORE READING: LION’S MANE VS CHAGA: WHICH MUSHROOM TO CHOOSE?
OTHER METHODS FOR PREPARATION
Tea
Among the simplest manners of partaking in Chaga is by brewing it into a tea. This entails boiling the chunks of Chaga in hot water for several hours to digest the tough cellular walls and extract the beneficial compounds.
Powder
Ground Chaga is used for powders that can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, or coffee. This process also makes the nutrients more readily available for absorption and for use by the body.
Capsules
Chaga is also relatively convenient when it is taken in capsule form. This approach is perfect for keeping a uniform dose and is convenient to include in any daily vitamins regimen.
CONCLUSION: WHY CHOOSE CHAGA?
To select Chaga as a dietary supplement or nootropic is not a matter of a trend to be followed. It is more of re-linking to the wisdom of the past and assisting the body and mind in a modernly scientific holistic approach.
No matter if you like it in your tea, your capsule, or as an extract, adding Chaga into your daily life can make you a healthier person.
Opting for a liquid extract form particularly in tinctures, offers a convenient and very effective way to receive all benefits of this amazing mushroom. So Chaga will be one of your wellness companions and you will feel its power.
REFERENCES
1. Park, Yoo Kyoung et al. “Chaga mushroom extract inhibits oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes as assessed by comet assay.” BioFactors (Oxford, England)
2. Kim, Yong Ook et al. “Immuno-stimulating effect of the endo-polysaccharide produced by submerged culture of Inonotus obliquus.” Life sciences
3. Youn, Myung-Ja et al. “Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells.” World journal of gastroenterology
4. Guggenheim, Alena G et al. “Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology.” Integrative medicine
5. Wasser, Solomon P. “Current findings, future trends, and unsolved problems in studies of medicinal mushrooms.” Applied microbiology and biotechnology
6. Zeng, Pengjiao et al. “Chemical, biochemical, preclinical and clinical studies of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide as an approved drug for treating myopathy and other diseases in China.” Journal of cellular and molecular medicine
