What Is Chaga Mushroom? Everything You Need to Know About the King of Mushrooms

Thousands of species of mushrooms have been discovered over the years and possess many properties that benefit overall health and wellness. One species, in particular, has been notable for its many health benefits and nutrients making it known as the “king of mushrooms”. 

This impressive superfood is Inonotus obliquus, also known as chaga. This species contains powerful antioxidants that help to support immune health and promote anti-aging and youthfulness.^‡ Historically used for thousands of years for its medicinal purposes, chaga has now taken shape as a natural supplement found in a powdered or capsule form that can help provide a variety of health benefits to support overall wellness. So, what is chaga mushroom?

What Is Chaga Mushroom? 

Chaga is a fungus that naturally grows on the side of tree trunks, particularly birch trees that can be found in cold climates in the Northern hemisphere. Chaga has the appearance of a large black mass or charcoal with a burnt orange color on the inside. Though not appetizing for its appearance, chaga has many powerful benefits inside that can help support youthful vibrancy. Chaga is also known to have some of the highest levels of antioxidants.^‡

Where Does Chaga Come From?

Wild chaga comes from frigid temperatures and has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes across Russia, Japan, China, Korea, Canada, Alaska, and Northern America to support immune health. Chaga is also found Western/Southern Europe and Southeast Asia.   

How Has Chaga Been Historically Used?

Historically, chaga was used as a functional beverage in folk medicine during the 12th century. The chaga mushroom cannot be consumed in its natural state, however, once the nutrients are extracted from the coal-like mushroom, chaga can be used in tea to help support the immune system.^‡ Presently, chaga is still widely used in teas and other beverages. It can be consumed in a powdered form or can be taken in as a capsule. 

What Are the Benefits of Chaga?

The extensive amount of bioactive compounds found in this species in addition to the high level of antioxidants make this king of mushrooms one of the most popular species used. Some of the benefits of the chaga mushroom include:

• Immune support^‡
• Support for blood sugar levels^‡
• Anti-aging properties^‡
• Support for skin health^‡
• Nourishing benefits for hair, skin, and nails^‡

The many benefits of the chaga mushroom make it a popular species that offers tremendous support in many areas. This support is primarily due to the amount of antioxidants found in chaga. Antioxidants can provide a world of good for your body. Often found in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods, antioxidants are crucial to combat the free radicals in your body. If not minimized, free radicals can cause damage to the cells in your body and lead to harmful illnesses. 

The bioactive compounds found in chaga are extremely beneficial to immune health. The primary bioactive compounds in chaga are beta-glucan polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenolics, and melanin. In addition, chaga contains amino acids, B vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients help to build the immune system.^‡

Supports Blood Sugar Levels^‡

Chaga has been known to support glucose levels and moderate insulin resistance.^‡ 

Anti-Aging Properties^‡

Sun damage can be extremely detrimental to skin health, and support for healthy aging is always a positive benefit. Lucky for you, chaga’s antioxidant properties may have implications for skin aging.^‡ This was found in experiments with human skin cells suggesting that the phenolic veratric acid found in fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms may improve wrinkles caused by UV damage.^‡

Skin Health Benefits^‡

The immunomodulating properties of chaga not only help to support immune health, blood sugar levels, and youthfulness, but can also reduce skin sensitivity and support overall skin health.^‡ Not to mention the bioactive compounds of chaga can help to support hair, skin, and nail strength.^‡

How To Use Chaga Supplements

As we have explored, there is no shortage of benefits offered from the chaga mushroom. So when wondering, “what is chaga mushroom?” and “how to take chaga?” The solution is simple. 

Since its longstanding use in folk medicine, chaga can still be commonly used as a functional beverage to help support daily health and wellness. Chaga mushroom powder supplements have also made this king of mushrooms more convenient to add to your daily health routine. 

Om Mushroom offers chaga in an organic mushroom powder blend to easily add to beverages or recipes of your choice. We grow our chaga in a clean and safe environment at our indoor farm in Carlsbad, California. In this controlled environment safe from toxins and pesticides, our team of mycologists monitor the growing conditions to ensure the highest quality and efficacy.

We also offer chaga in a capsule form that provides the same supporting benefits as mushroom powder, just accessible in a capsule. Our Om chaga capsules are recommended to take in the evening to help supercharge beauty sleep and support youthful radiance.^‡ 

Our Beauty Blend Organic Mushroom Powder combines chaga with maitake, shiitake, cordyceps, and king trumpet mushrooms to provide a blend that supports healthy hair, skin, and nails.^‡ This blend is also offered in capsules with the same mushroom blend, but are enhanced with biotin. 

Here are tips on how to take our chaga mushroom supplements:

• Take three capsules per day with a glass of water for optimal support. 
• Add one teaspoon (2 grams) of our mushroom powder blend daily to tea, coffee, smoothies, or recipes. 

If you are thinking about incorporating a natural supplement into your daily health routine, consider chaga. As the king of mushrooms, this supplement can provide optimal support for your health and wellness goals. 

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^‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Functional mushroom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.