Inonotus obliquus · birch bracket fungus
Chaga is traditionally collected from birch trees in cold northern regions. At Healthy Fungi, we distinguish between the concentrated capsule extract and pure Chaga powder for making an infusion.
Extract: 60 capsules · powder: 100 grams
Chaga is recognizable by its black, almost charred exterior and rust-brown core. The mushroom has a special place in Northern European and Russian foraging traditions. For our preparations, we focus on the correct species, origin, composition and careful processing.
Chaga grows mainly on living birch trees in cold and temperate forests. The visible, irregular black growth consists of a sterile fungal mass that may be intertwined with birch wood. It is therefore not the same as the ordinary, spore-producing fruiting body.
The hard exterior has deep cracks; the inside is brown to orange-brown. The tree of origin and harvested material are important for identifying the raw material.
In Siberia, including among the Khanty people, Chaga forms part of a long tradition of dark infusions. The practices of gathering, drying and steeping Chaga have been passed down through generations.
The Russian physician Sergei Nikitich Maslennikov (1887–1958) is closely associated with the tradition surrounding Chaga. According to historical accounts, he investigated the use of Chaga among farmers in and around Aleksandrov and described various preparation methods. Cancer Ward. That historical use does not constitute evidence for treating diseases.
We use Chaga material formed on birch trees. For the extract, the material is processed and concentrated; Chaga powder consists of finely ground raw material. These products are therefore not interchangeable simply on the basis of weight.
Hot-water extraction mainly targets water-soluble constituents. Other solvents, including ethanol, may extract different fractions. The method used and the accompanying analyses determine which compounds can be identified in the final product.
Chaga contains a variety of polysaccharides, including certain glucan fractions, melanin-like pigments, phenolic compounds, sterols and triterpenoids. Compounds studied in Chaga research include inotodiol and betulin-related substances.
Not every constituent occurs at the same concentration in all raw materials or extracts. Some substances are more soluble in water; others are better isolated with ethanol. A high total polysaccharide percentage alone says nothing about a clinically proven effect.
Our Chaga extract has a minimum product specification of 50% total polysaccharides and at least 20% beta-glucans. These are two separate parameters: beta-glucans are a subgroup of polysaccharides.
Each capsule is specified to contain 300–350 mg of extract, with 60 capsules per jar. That corresponds to approximately 18–21 grams of extract per package. The percentages are product specifications; laboratory analyses are important for confirmation of each production batch.
For Chaga, we assess the correct species, origin, raw material used, moisture content, microbiological quality and possible contaminants. Testing for heavy metals and oxalates is also relevant, especially when powder is used regularly.
The exact composition and values may differ by product and batch. The current product label and relevant analysis therefore take precedence for allergens, additives used and declared concentrations.
The concentrated extract is supplied in plant-based pullulan capsules. The product specification lists 60 capsules, each containing 300–350 mg of Chaga extract. We choose a formulation without added grain or mycelium fillers.
Our capsule shell is made from plant-based pullulan. Check the current label for the exact composition and the absence of any allergens.
Daily use: 2–3 capsules per day.
Personal usage schedule: 4–6 capsules per day, optionally combined with other recommended mushrooms.
Take with a glass of water on an empty stomach.
Chaga powder is used for the traditional infusion described below; the amount of powder is not the same as the amount of extract in a capsule.
Preparing a dark Chaga infusion is part of Russian folk tradition. A well-known traditional version bears the name of physician and folk healer Sergei N. Maslennikov.
You will need: 2–3 tablespoons of Chaga powder or finely chopped Chaga and 500 ml of water.
The original directions for the infusion state: drink one glass one to three times daily, 10–15 minutes before meals. This is a historical description, not a clinically established dose or one that is safe for everyone. Old recipes also mention storage for two days; for home preparation today, fresh use is preferable.
Chaga can be enjoyed as a warm drink and served with honey or lemon if desired. Traditionally, the remaining solids were sometimes used in skin preparations or for plants.
The historical recipe states that boiling water and alcohol should be avoided because they supposedly damage certain substances. This is not a universal chemical rule: in laboratory research, inotodiol is often extracted using ethanol. Water and ethanol extract different fractions.
In Russia, Chaga is used not only in beverages but also in traditional skin preparations. An old lotion recipe combines Chaga powder with herbs.
Traditional ingredients: 1 tablespoon of Chaga powder, sage, chamomile flowers and a glass of warm water.
In an older variation of the recipe, after straining, one tablespoon of lemon juice added, and the lotion was applied twice daily to sensitive skin prone to couperose. We do not automatically recommend that addition or such frequent use in modern skincare: lemon juice may irritate the skin and, combined with sunlight, cause unwanted reactions.
Avoid use on damaged or severely irritated skin and around the eyes. Chamomile and sage can also cause sensitivity reactions. A homemade herbal lotion is not a proven treatment for rosacea or couperose.
Store Chaga capsules and Chaga powder in their tightly closed original packaging, in a dry, dark place at 10–25°C and out of reach of children. Protect the raw material from moisture. Preferably prepare Chaga drinks fresh, and do not keep lukewarm infusions for extended periods.
Chaga is studied because of its various chemical fractions. It is important not to equate an analytical property or a result from a cell or animal model with a proven health benefit of the complete extract in humans.
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrate chains. Various Chaga fractions are studied for their structure and interactions with cells. Total polysaccharide content and beta-glucan content must be measured and interpreted separately.
Inotodiol is one of the lanostane-like triterpenoids studied in Chaga. It has limited water solubility and can be isolated with ethanol. Its concentration in a hot-water extract is therefore not automatically the same as in an ethanol fraction.
The dark color is associated with pigment-rich constituents of Chaga. Phenolic compounds and melanin-like fractions are examined chemically. Their presence alone does not prove protection of cells or other health benefits for consumers.
Studies involving isolated Chaga compounds, cell cultures and laboratory animals describe various biological processes. For the Chaga extract or powder on this page, convincing clinical evidence supporting treatment of diseases or specific health benefits in humans is lacking.
Chaga-extract met minimaal 50% polysachariden en 20% bètaglucanen. 60 plantaardige capsules met 300–350 mg extract per capsule.
Zuiver Chaga-poeder van berkgebonden grondstof, 100 gram. Traditioneel gebruikt voor de bereiding van een donker Chaga-aftreksel.
