{"id":11520,"date":"2024-03-20T10:41:16","date_gmt":"2024-03-20T10:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=11520"},"modified":"2025-04-09T16:50:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-09T15:50:00","slug":"chaga","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/chaga\/","title":{"rendered":"Chaga"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":6740,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"1abae12b-4cca-41d4-8abf-5d6d08c5f54c","beyondwords_preview_token":"bd689ec4-7615-4e12-9267-c8f913b88a06","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[694,685,701,702],"sustainability":[1575],"sense":[18,786,27],"western_action":[994,992,1001,1014,1015],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1380,1498,1520,1519,1522,1511,1494,1504],"region":[1898],"class_list":["post-11520","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-stages-of-life","sustainability-amber-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-cooling","sense-sweet","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-bitter","western_action-hepatoprotective","western_action-immunomodulant","energetics_action-warm","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-heart","energetics_action-liver","energetics_action-spleen","energetics_action-sweet-taste-chinese","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-warm-temperature-chinese","region-traditional-chinese-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20240320","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Chaga is a medicinal fungus with powerful antioxidant actions","latin_name":"Inonotus obliquus<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Higher Basidiomycetes","herb_summary":"Chaga is predominantly found growing on birch trees. Its medicinal actions are centred around its ability to protect against the negative effects of free radicals.","key_benefits":"Antioxidant\r\nAnti-inflammatory\r\nCellular health\r\nImmunomodulant\r\nDigestive health\r\nAnti-aging ","how_does_it_feel":"Chaga tea (decoction) has a very mild and earthy taste along with a subtle sweetness. It doesn\u2019t have the classic mushroom taste, though it could be described as more woody or nutty in flavour.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":6740,"hdif_image_2":6743,"hdif_image_3":6741,"hdif_video":"","sense":[18,786,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_8461\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Chaga Chaga (Inonotus obliquus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nChaga can be used safely within the correct range of dosage to support the health of the cardiovascular system, digestive system and for metabolic health. Chaga is a medicinal fungus that has become widely known for its high levels of antioxidant potential. Antioxidants are used to protect cells against damage from free radicals and have a number of other important activities in the body. Antioxidants play an important role in protecting us against heart disease and cellular abnormalities, such as cancer (1, 2, 3)<\/span>\r\n\r\nChaga has powerful antioxidant properties and it is also understood to have anti-aging and immunomodulatory effects (4, 5). Chaga can be taken as a daily tonic to help support the health of our digestive system, particularly for intestinal health (6).<\/span>\r\n\r\nRegular intake of chaga has many potential health benefits, particularly in relation to metabolism. It contains compounds called beta-D-glucans which have been shown to help lower blood sugar levels as well as to help regulate the immune system (4).<\/span>\r\n\r\nChaga\u2019s medicinal compounds are best extracted with heat. It is most commonly drank as a decocted tea (see dosage for instructions). The resulting decoction can also be blended into smoothies, broths and hot drinks like cacao or hot chocolate. Chaga is also suitable to use in culinary recipes such as in stews or slow cooked meals.<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_6744\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Chaga Chaga (Inonotus obliquus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nEnergetically, chaga is classified as warm and sweet. On a cellular level, chaga provides cell support and protection, owing to its cytoprotective properties (4, 5). It also moderates the immune system in a number of ways making it a choice medicine where there is systemic inflammation and depletion. Chaga has been used traditionally to treat fatigue and convalescence (1, 3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn <\/span>t<\/span>raditional Chinese medicine (TCM) chaga is used to treat the heart shen \u2014 heart shen relates to the mind and spirit where emotional and creative functions are concerned \u2014 as it is said too to harmonise the spirit. It is also understood to support cognitive function, memory and concentration. Where the liver, spleen, heart, kidneys, stomach channels are indicated, chaga may be applied. It nourishes the liver, kidneys and heart. Chaga is also understood to revive the blood, calm the mind and increase qi (life force or vitality).<\/span>\r\n\r\nChaga is a tonic to the<\/span> digestive tract (3) that is thought to protect the gastric mucosa and it may be useful for the treatment of gastritis and ulcers (4). Chaga also supports the vital functions of the liver via its hepatoprotective action (3).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_6742\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Chaga Chaga (Inonotus obliquus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nChaga has been used as a folk medicine in various cultures around the globe. Accounts of\u00a0 its use in Europe, especially in Russia, Poland and the Baltic countries as a remedy for gastritis, ulcers and cancer are particularly present (6).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn Russia and Siberia, chaga was taken as a strong decoction or tea to improve general health, increase vitality and to prevent illness and infection (8). Here, chaga has long-standing use as a remedy for fatigue and to assist in the convalescence stages of illness and was also traditionally esteemed for treating a variety of cancers (1, 3). For more insights on integrative cancer care and mushrooms, see our article \"<\/span>Mushrooms for cancer care<\/span><\/a>\".\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nOne of the oldest references to the use of chaga as a medicine is by Hippocrates (c.460\u2013370 BCE) in his<\/span> Corpus Hippocraticum<\/span><\/i> where chaga was referenced for use in the form of infusions to wash wounds (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn TCM chaga was used to support metabolic function, cardiovascular health, and for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities (4).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_6740\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Chaga Chaga (Inonotus obliquus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Cardiovascular system<\/h3>\r\nHerbalists may use chaga for a wide range of conditions in the cardiovascular system. Chaga has a number of therapeutic actions that make it beneficial to the heart and vasculature such as its antioxidant, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic effects. It may be used as part of an approach to treat heart disease, high cholesterol, <\/span>hypertension<\/span><\/a>, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and atherosclerosis (4).<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/h3>\r\nIn Europe, chaga has been traditionally used for a number of conditions in the digestive system, particularly where there is chronic inflammation. Chaga\u2019s use in the treatment of ulcers and gastritis (4) correlates with promising research around its antioxidant effects in the lower digestive system.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThis study shows that chaga <\/span>reduces oxidative stress in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As reduced antioxidant levels have been implicated in the cause of IBD, chaga shows promise as a treatment approach to modulate free radical concentrations to improve such conditions (8).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe regenerative effect of chaga on the tissues is also owing to its antioxidant action. Interestingly, in Russia a decoction of chaga is traditionally used as a colonic treatment to target the lower bowel (4).<\/span>\r\n<\/span><\/i>\r\n

Immune system<\/h3>\r\nChaga has been used traditionally in Russian folk medicine for cancers. Chaga has been researched for these effects through laboratory studies which have identified a number of cytotoxic actions (9).<\/span> In vitro have identified anti-proliferative and proapoptotic effects of chaga extracts. Chaga\u2019s powerful antioxidant action also makes it a highly valuable medicine for the maintenance of cellular health and regeneration (10).<\/span>\r\n\r\nTraditional use of chaga in cancer includes therapy for breast, cervix, and skin cancers (2). There are however limited studies on people, and if one wants integrative oncology care then it is best to work with a specialist as treatment is nuanced and case specific.\u00a0 It may be a beneficial medicine to apply as part of an integrative approach to treating cancer, although it must be noted that human clinical studies are required to identify the true potential of chaga as a support in cancer therapy.<\/span>\r\n\r\nA number of compounds in chaga have demonstrated <\/span>powerful antioxidant activities. Chaga polysaccharides are active constituents that work by directly inhibiting the progress of the oxidation reaction, thereby blocking the initiation of the lipid peroxidation (5). Chaga polysaccharides also significantly enhance lymphocyte (white blood cell) proliferation as well as showing anti-tumor activity (5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe antioxidant actions of chaga can be called upon as a prophylactic against the ill effects of free radicals. These effects contribute towards the prevention of a number of serious and chronic diseases that are associated with oxidative stress, such as atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (7). Chaga is also understood to have anti- aging and immunomodulatory effects (11,5).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_6743\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Chaga Chaga (Inonotus obliquus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere are a number of <\/span>in vitro <\/span><\/i>studies that have been carried out to establish the effects of chaga extracts and its bioactive compounds, which show promising results for strengthening the immune system and fighting cancer (6). One clinical study has been included although there are currently a lack of available human studies exploring the known effects of chaga. Double blind, placebo controlled studies offer the greatest insight into the effects of plant and fungi medicines for clinical practice.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nBelow, a number of studies have been included to elaborate on the mechanistic underpinnings of some of chaga\u2019s medicinal actions discussed in this monograph<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn pre-clinical studies, which include both in vivo and in vitro, chaga has demonstrated antitumor, anti-mutagenic, antiviral, antiplatelet, antidiabetic effects. Furthermore, studies have also identified hepatoprotective, antioxidant, analgesic, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving actions (5). Chaga polysaccharides have been shown to increase exercise endurance and biological measures related to fatigue\u00a0(3). More clinical studies would help to ascertain the relevance of these findings in relation to human subjects.<\/span>\r\n

Chaga mushroom extract inhibits oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease<\/h3>\r\nOxidative stress from free radicals and reduced antioxidant levels are understood to contribute to the cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study set out to induce oxidative stress and DNA damage using hydrogen peroxide in vitro on peripheral lymphocytes obtained from 20 IBD patients and 20 healthy subjects.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAn ethanolic extract of chaga mushroom was used as a protective antioxidant. DNA damage was assessed in 50 cells per individual, making 1000 observations per experimental point. The study demonstrates that chaga extract attenuated induced DNA damage within the patient group. Lymphocytes from Crohn's disease patients had a greater basic DNA damage than ulcerative colitis patients. The study concludes that chaga extract reduces oxidative stress when challenged in vitro in lymphocytes from IBD patients and also healthy subjects (8).<\/span>\r\n

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus<\/em>) induces G0\/G1 arrest and apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells<\/h3>\r\nAn<\/span> in vitro<\/span><\/i> study was carried out to investigate the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of chaga mushroom water extract on human hepatoma cell lines, HepG2 and Hep3B cells. The findings suggested that chaga may elicit anticancer activity in the treatment of hepatoma (10).<\/span>\r\n

Chaga mushroom triterpenoids as adjuncts to minimally invasive cancer therapies: A review<\/h3>\r\nA review of in vitro studies was carried out to investigate the effects of chaga triterpenoid extracts as a potential anti-cancer agent. The review findings show a number of mechanisms by which chaga demonstrated anti-cancer activities. Such as antiproliferative and cytotoxic actions. The review also describes these effects to be similar to that of conventional chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil with chaga triterpenoids inhibiting cellular changes in human epithelial cells to the same extent (14). These findings should be viewed as preclinical relevance and not as a reflection of true effects of chaga mushroom extracts in practice. For those seeking to support themselves best during cancer treatment it<\/span> vital to work with an integrative oncology specialist as treatment is nuanced and case specific.<\/span>\r\n

Chaga and psoriasis<\/h3>\r\nSeveral anecdotal reports indicate benefit of chaga for psoriasis. In Martin Powell's book <\/span>Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide a <\/span><\/i>Russian study on 50 psoriasis patients is referenced. The study reported a 76% cure rate, with improvement in a further 16% of cases. The study length indicated results at between 9\u201312 weeks where improvements were said to have been reported (15, 16). However, these findings have not been replicated in any other studies since.<\/span>\r\n<\/span>","did_you_know":"One of the earliest references of use for chaga as a medicine was by the\u00a0Khanty people\u00a0(one of the indigenous minorities in Siberia) around the 12th century. Their method combined the elements of fire and water to create a potent decoction. In this traditional method chunks of chaga were placed directly into a fire for a period of time.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nOnce the chaga glowed red with heat it was then removed and placed into hot water to make an alchemical decoction. The extract was used externally to clean and purify after menstruation and birthing. It was also used as a wash to treat sores.<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":6744},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Chaga is a slow-growing parasitic tree fungus found in cold climates around the world. It can usually be found growing on the boles of birch tree. It is less often seen growing on alder, ash, beech, chestnut, hornbeam, plane-tree, poplar, maple, rowan, oak, walnut, and willow. However, reports on the growth of chaga on trees besides birch or beech are often unreliable as the fungus growing on the other kinds of tree are similar and often confused with chaga.<\/span>\r\n\r\nChaga is usually between 25\u201340 cm in size. It classically infests trees that are between 30\u201340 years old through wounds in the bark and can continue to grow on the tree bole for another 30\u201380 years. On old trees the growth of chaga can exceed 50 cm in diameter.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs it matures, it dries to a consistency similar to that of hard cork. It resembles a lump of burnt, craggy black\/ brown coloured charcoal on the outside and when cracked open its inside is a powdery golden\/ orange in colour (17).<\/span>","common_names":"