- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia, North America (northern birch forests)
- Other names
- Berkenweerschijnzwam
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine
Europe · Mushroom · № 578
Inonotus obliquus
Mushroom · Europe
Chaga
Inonotus obliquus
Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, adaptogen, antioxidant; regulates the immune system (also in autoimmune diseases), lowers cholesterol, balances blood sugar, anti-inflammatory.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Cold infusion: 4 tbsp per litre, steep overnight (not above 52 °C), 3 cups a day; tincture 1 dropperful 1–3 times a day.
Use in traditions
Chaga grows as a black, cracked lump on birches in northern Europe, Russia and North America. Among the Khanty in Siberia and in Russian folk medicine a tea of the fungus was drunk for stomach and bowel complaints and as a tonic. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn described its use in his novel Cancer Ward. Demand for chaga is now leading to overharvesting.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Stimulating, adaptogen, antioxidant; regulates the immune system (also in autoimmune diseases), lowers cholesterol, balances blood sugar, anti-inflammatory.
Preparation and amount
Cold infusion: 4 tbsp per litre, steep overnight (not above 52 °C), 3 cups a day; tincture 1 dropperful 1–3 times a day.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Tincture