How to Identify Chaga TypeFungus (not a true plant)Host TreeWhite or yellow birch trees (especially Betula papyrifera or B. pendula)AppearanceCharcoal-black, crusty, and cracked on the outside; orange to rusty-gold and cork-like on the insideTextureBrittle and woody when dryShapeIrregular, often protruding 5–15 inches; looks like burned wood or a large cankerGrowthTakes 3–10+ years to mature; only found on living birch trees NOT to Be Confused With: Birch knots or burls – which are tree growths, not fungus Other fungi like black knot or dead wood rotters Historical Uses of Chaga Siberian & Russian Folk Medicine Used for thousands of years as a tea for longevity and vitality. Mentioned in Russian medical texts as early as the 16th century. Called the “Gift from God” or “Mushroom of Immortality”. Traditionally used to treat: Cancer and tumors Tuberculosis Stomach ulcers Inflammation Finnish & Scandinavian Use Used during WWII as a coffee substitute due to caffeine scarcity. Boiled to make nutrient-rich broths and drinks. Cultural Note: Famously referenced in Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s novel Cancer Ward, in which a patient uses chaga tea to treat cancer. Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract from our Amazon Affiliate link. Medicinal Benefits (Modern Research) Chaga has drawn increasing scientific attention for its bioactive compounds and therapeutic potential. 1. Powerful Antioxidant Contains high levels of polyphenols, triterpenes, melanin, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) Helps fight oxidative stress and cellular damage 2. Immune System Modulation Enhances immune response while balancing overactivity Supports white blood cell activity and NK (natural killer) cells 3. Anti-inflammatory Reduces markers of chronic inflammation, particularly in gut and skin conditions 4. Anti-cancer Potential Contains betulinic acid and other triterpenes from birch bark, shown to inhibit tumor growth in preliminary studies Traditionally used to support cancer patients (NOTE: not a substitute for clinical cancer treatment) 5. Liver and Gut Health Supports liver detoxification Traditionally used for gastritis, ulcers, and digestive inflammation How to Use Chaga Parts Used: Sterile conk (the black-and-gold fungal mass) — harvested from living birch trees only Common Preparations: Decoction (tea)Most traditional form; long-simmered brewPowder (for capsules or extract)Concentrated or for daily supplementationTincture (dual extract)For deeper medicinal effect (especially anti-tumor compounds)Infused oilUsed externally for inflammation or wounds (less common) Chaga Tea (Traditional Decoction Recipe) Ingredients: 1–2 tbsp dried, chopped chaga 3–4 cups water Instructions: Simmer (don’t boil) the chaga in water for 45–90 minutes. Strain and drink warm or cool. Reuse chunks 2–3 more times until brew loses color. Optional: Add cinnamon, ginger, or raw honey for flavor. Dual-Extraction Tincture (Advanced) Combines water decoction + alcohol infusion to extract both water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble triterpenes. Safety & Precautions Generally safe when used properly Avoid in cases of: Autoimmune diseases (can overstimulate the immune system) People on blood thinners (has mild anti-coagulant effect) Diabetics on medication (may lower blood sugar) Always harvest responsibly — taking too much can kill the host birch tree Avoid chaga growing on non-birch trees, as it may lack medicinal compounds