Also known as: Inonotus obliquus, Birch conk, Clinker polypore
Chaga is a slow-growing parasitic fungus found primarily on birch trees in cold climates. It has been used for centuries in Siberian and Northern European folk medicine for its potent antioxidant and immune-supporting properties.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) forms a dark, charcoal-like conk (sclerotium) on the trunks of living birch trees across Russia, Scandinavia, Canada, and the northern United States. Unlike typical mushrooms, the harvestable portion is not a fruiting body but a dense mass of mycelium and wood substrate rich in melanin, betulin, betulinic acid (derived from birch bark), polysaccharides, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Chaga exhibits one of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values among natural foods, making it a subject of intense antioxidant research. Its melanin content confers remarkable free-radical scavenging ability, while betulinic acid has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and potential anti-tumour effects in preclinical studies. Chaga is traditionally consumed as tea or decoction, and modern supplements are available as hot-water extracts, tinctures, and powders. Wild chaga takes 3–5 years to reach harvestable size, making sustainable sourcing an important consideration.
Chaga contains exceptionally high levels of melanin and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which neutralise reactive oxygen species and protect cells from oxidative damage. Its ORAC value ranks among the highest in natural foods.
Chaga polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans, stimulate immune cell activity including macrophages and natural killer cells. Animal studies show enhanced resistance to infections, though robust human clinical trials remain limited.
1–2 doses with meals, or brewed as tea
Hot-water extraction is essential to make polysaccharides bioavailable. Traditional preparation involves simmering chunks for several hours.
Standardised polysaccharide content
Traditional preparation and daily ritual
No product recommendations yet.
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!