The Chaga mushroom, a fungus that grows on Birch trees found in the US, Russia, and Korea, is believed to be a powerful nootropic supplement that proves a variety of health benefits.
Although scientists are only beginning to research the mushrooms benefits to humans, they have already discovered potent anti-cancer and immune boosting properties.
What is Chaga?
The Chaga mushroom is a parasitic fungus that takes root in Birch trees that are typically already dying.
While Chaga isn’t beneficial to the trees on which they grow, it does boast some impressive properties that are helpful to humans, including the ability to boost immune health and provide anti-cancer benefits.
In Russia and throughout Baltic countries Chaga has been used as a medicinal supplement, and in 2011 was the subject of one clinical study examining the effects on tumor cells.
In the study, researchers found that the mushroom produced positive anti-cancer benefits on several difference cancer types in humans and animals.[1]
In another study, Chaga produced positive markers of immune health in subjects, like reducing the damage and fragmentation of DNA by up to 40%. [2]
As a medicinal mushroom, Chaga is generally a well-tolerated option that supports overall health and the immune system.
Totally legal, it can be purchased in the US online or in-store as a tea, pill, powder, extract, or as the actual mushroom that can be steeped into a tea.
Other names for the product
Inonotus obliquus
Editor’s Note
While medicinal mushrooms are nothing new to herbalists and natural health enthusiasts, the Chaga mushroom seems to be one of the new kids on the block.
There are some positive user accounts online but compared to other nootropics Chaga doesn’t seem to be as popular.
Personally, I find that the several ways to supplement with the mushroom make it easy to get my daily dose.
I sometimes add the powder to my daily smoothies and have also sampled the tea products. I don’t necessarily feel any instant effect, but I feel that it’s a valuable addition to my daily supplements to enhance my overall immune health.
Additionally, because of the promising and positive research available, if I had or was recovering from any type of cancer, I would include it in my daily supplementation.
Benefits and Effects
Chaga has several clinically proven health benefits, most related to cancer prevention, treatment, and immune system enhancement.
Prevents cancer cell growth
In a clinical study, Chaga extract produced two-fold positive results subjects with cancer.
The extra both inhibited the growth of cancerous cells, and also helped to kill off existing cancer cells. Researchers were enthusiastic about the results and concluded that the Chaga mushroom may offer a new treatment option to people with cancer.[3]
For people with cancer, this means a possible treatment option without all of the negative side effects of chemotherapy or the long recovery times associated with surgery.
Minimize the impact on healthy cells
In a separate study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms in 2011 researchers discovered that Chaga extract had the ability to slow the growth of tumor cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.
Unlike in chemotherapy treatments, where the treatment aggressively targets all the cells in the body, both healthy and unhealthy, the Chaga treatment fought the cancerous cells without harming the good cells in the body.[4]
This means that during cancer treatment patients may experience fewer negative side effects associated with the death of healthy cells, like extreme fatigue, nausea, weakness, and muscle pain.
Immune protection
Someone without a cancer diagnosis can also benefit from supplementing with the Chaga mushroom.
Some of the other most compelling research points to the mushrooms ability to inhibit oxidative DNA damage [5] and to protect bone marrow cells in weakened immune systems. [6]
As a prime source of Beta-D-Glucans, the compound that helps to balance the immune system within the body, Chaga can promote good health and give the body an added boost when it’s exposed to illnesses helping to keep you healthy. [7]
How It Works
The scientific community agrees that more research on how, exactly, the Chaga mushroom works to produce its many purported benefits is needed.
However, we do have some information on several of the powerful compounds within the mushroom.
Chaga mushroom’s richness in Beta Glucans normalizes the immune system and triggers crucial immune functions.
They not only enhance balanced immune function in healthy adults but also bind to complement receptor 3, aiding in cell differentiation.
Additionally, Chaga is rich in several phytosterols, including lanosterol at 45% and inotodiol at 25%. Both of these phytosterols have an anti-cancer effect, and lanosterol also produces an anti-viral effect in the body. [8]
Dosage
Medicinal mushrooms and natural supplements are effective due to specific bioactive ingredients that produce positive responses in humans.
The main compound in Chaga is believed to be beta-glucan. Look for products with a 10% potency for optimal effects.
If your supplement meets that 10% guideline, start by supplementing 1000 mg daily. There are no studies or research that support a higher dosage for either immune boosting or cancer treatment properties.
Users claim anecdotally that higher doses of Chaga extract, around 2 grams daily, enhance mental clarity and alertness.
Side Effects
While Chaga side effects haven’t been extensively studied or documented in humans, there are some contraindications to be aware of.
Users who are also taking anticoagulant medications, like aspirin or warfarin, should avoid also taking Chaga mushrooms as a supplement.
The active constituents in the mushroom can raise the risk of bruising and bleeding when combined with these medications.
The mushroom may interact negatively with diabetes medications like insulin, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia symptoms.
Finally, the Chaga mushroom is rich in Beta glucans. Anecdotally, users report occasional dry mouth, upset stomach, nosebleeds, and bloody stool as a result of taking the supplement.
Stacking
Chaga, with its potent immune-boosting benefits, can be safely stacked with other antioxidant and immune-enhancing supplements.
Many stack Chaga with its well-known counterparts like Reishi and Turkey Tail mushrooms for a potent immune-boosting combination.
Alternatives
The Chaga mushroom is regarded as both a natural cancer treatment and preventive measure, as well as an immune-boosting fungus.
There are many different supplement alternatives that make similar claims. Here, we’ll examine a few you can consider.
1. Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy
Introduced by scientist John Beard in 1906, Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy has been extensively researched since the 1980s as a natural cancer treatment.
The approach has a two-fold process. Initially, cancer patients receive a tailored diet designed to rebalance the body and support healing specific to their cancer type.
Then, it’s recommended to take 5 grams of proteolytic enzymes three times per day to reduce inflammation in the system.
Studies have demonstrated that this approach enhances response rates, extends remission durations, and improves overall survival rates in patients.
2. Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushrooms, the Chaga mushroom’s well-known counterpart, also boast immune-boosting and cancer-preventing properties.
There are two main differences in the mushrooms. First, Reishi is the more researched and readily available of the two supplements.
The second main difference between the two is the taste. When brewed into a tea, Chaga mushrooms have a nutty, vanilla-like flavor, whereas Reishi mushrooms are known for their bitterness.
You can buy this mushroom supplement in pill, powder, or extract form, similar to Chaga, without needing to consume it as tea.
3. Echinacea
Another extremely common herb used in immune-boosting teas and supplements is Echinacea.
The herb, long believed to prevent the common cold, is undergoing a clinical trial to validate these claims.
It’s generally accepted as a potent antioxidant, boosting the immune system and aiding in illness prevention when consumed by healthy individuals.
Many options are available, whether seeking cancer-fighting Chaga mushrooms or immune system benefits.
It’s important to take a look at what’s available and make the best choice for you.
