Description :
Chaga is a member of the mushroom family. It grows as a parasitic fungus on the bark of mature Birch trees, or more rarely, on Elm and Alder. It is fairly rare and hard to find since it grows in cold climates and must infect a host tree. Chaga enters the bark through a wound in the tree and grows internally until it erupts as a charcoal-black growth on the outside of the bark. Just under the crusty, charred, black surface is a yellowish gold interior that is softer and kind of squishy. Used internally by drinking teas or taking tinctures, Chaga has strong effects.
History and Folklore:
Chaga has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine. Chinese herbalist Shen Nong documented it in his herbal texts as early as the first century B.C.  As a folk remedy, Chaga was ingested by the local people of the Siberian mountain regions in tea or powder form, inhaled from smoke and applied to the skin. Documented in the book “The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing” in 100 B.C., the Chinese Monk Shen Nong proclaimed Chaga as a superior class herb, because of its diverse and complete health-enhancing properties.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest Chaga conks in the late fall to late winter before the sap in the host tree begins to flow. Take Chaga only from live trees. Leave 15-20% of larger than hand sized Chaga growth on the tree so that the Chaga can heal and regrow. Cut the chunks into smaller chunks and dry immediately in a dehydrator on the lowest setting. Do not dry in the oven. Dried Chaga can be ground for teas and tinctures.
Precautions:
Do not use while pregnant or nursing. Avoid if taking diabetic drugs.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Adaptogen, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-cancer, rich in anti-oxidants
Other Names:
Clinker Polypore, Clinker, Cinder Conk, Black Mass, Birch Canker Polypore
Tincture Ingredients: Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
*These statements have not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
Ariana –
Beth J (verified owner) –
Bought this with Pine Needle and Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia). It worked great!