Don't judge a mushroom by its cover. What this mushroom lacks in appearance, it certainly makes up for in medicinal potential. The Chaga mushroom may not look too appetizing, but the benefits of consuming this mushroom are far greater than its easy to overlook appearance. By the way, major props to whoever the first person was who decided this would be a good idea to put in their mouth.
This mushroom can be found growing on birch trees in regions that experience colder climates such as: North America, Russia, Eastern and Northern Europe and Korea. It is typically dried and ground into a powder that is added to hot water or encapsulated and taken as a supplement.
Here are the top 3 benefits of the Chaga mushroom:
1) Mast Cell Stabilizer
Mast cells play an important role in the body and help with many functions such as wound healing, pathogen defence, and even angiogenesis (the creation of new blood vessels). They are also responsible for releasing histamine, causing allergic reactions that are sometimes unwanted. Chaga can stabilize these cells, causing them to act more appropriately and help with things like seasonal allergies!
2) Anti-cancer
Chaga has a regulatory effect on the immune system, aiding the body in fighting off cancer. It is also being studied for its use in those undergoing cancer treatment and has been showing some promising outcomes!
3) Hepatoprotective
This charcoal looking mushroom also plays a role in liver protection. Taking your daily dose of chaga mushroom can help keep your liver in top form by acting as an antioxidant and reducing levels of the liver enzymes ALT and AST
Dr. Rob Raponi ND, CISSN, B.Kine(Hons) www.msknaturopathic.com
Podcast: Well Talks
Facebook: @Dr.Raponi