Chaga has a unique status among superfoods. According to TCM, Chaga tonifies the kidneys, liver, and spleen, clears toxins, builds Qi (Chi), and nourishes the blood. Given its known immune modulating complex sugars and antioxidant content, it is not a wonder that the list of uses for Chaga over the millennia has been long and the mushroom is a favourite in northern traditional medicine as a all-around preventative supporting fungi.
Chaga is most often enjoyed as a decoction, wherein the mushrooms are simmered at a low heat for many hours until a thick black tea forms. Crockpots are the most luxurious way to enjoy Chaga tea.
At the Canadian Pine Pollen Co., we sustainably wild-harvest Chaga from the pristine boreal forests of Northern Canada. Our sustainable harvest protocols guide our harvest, and as such, supplies are limited. We exclusively wild-harvest mature Chaga mushrooms in the peak of their potency.
Chaga (a.k.a. the King of Mushrooms) will only grow in symbiosis with a wild birch tree and has medical recognition dating back to 3,300 B.C. - even being used by the Native Americans, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians.
Because of its potency and excellent safety profile, Chaga is known as a ‘superior herb.’ Like Reishi mushroom, Chaga is a Qi tonic. Chaga is a very effective antioxidant, with studies suggesting it is much more potent than foods like blueberries and açai. Chaga is an immune-modulating, strengthening, and balancing tonic of the highest class.
In Asia, Chaga is used to preserve health, promote youthfulness, and encourage longevity. It is known as an excellent kidney tonic herb. Chaga is also used to nourish ‘Shen’ (spirit/consciousness). Some of the most powerful nutrients in Chaga include beta-glucans, polyphenols, sterols, triterpenoids, melanin, betulinic acid, and lupeol.
Our internal Sustainable Harvest Protocol ensures a minimal impact on the Birch tree, maintains stand integrity, and supports long-term ecosystem health.
Our wild-harvesters follow safe work protocols and enjoy generous earnings that reflect their hard work harvesting Chaga in remote, low-pollution regions. Our profit-sharing structure creates an economic stimulus in remote communities while nourishing positive community engagement.
Re-connecting to our wild roots also means a return to supporting local economy, and we are grateful to have these mutually beneficial partnerships with our workers and landowners.
The polysaccharides in Chaga have been studied to support immune health and overall wellness and normal, healthy cell growth and turnover. However, Chaga contains a myriad of other healthful substances, with glyconutrients being one to note.
Glyconutrients are plant sugars that nourish the human immune system. These nutrients are essential for the body to create ‘glycoforms’ structures used to facilitate communication between cells.
Just as individual people must talk with one another to achieve common goals, so too must our cells send messages back and forth to maintain health and wellness in the body. Consuming ample glycoproteins directly affects the status of our immune, endocrine, and organ functioning.
Superoxide Dismutase: One of the most potent antioxidants made naturally in the body.
B-vitamins: These have a direct impact on energy levels, detoxification, mood, metabolism, and brain function.
Minerals: Copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, iron, potassium, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorous
Melanin: Melanin may enhance the appearance of hair, skin, and eyes, and contribute to a youthful appearance.
Betulinic Acid: The powerful phytosterol Betulin is present in Birch tree bark, then undergoes conversion to Betulinic Acid by the Chaga. Betulinic acid is one of the primary reasons Chaga stands alone among superfoods, as this compound has some incredible claims to fame.
These are just some of the nutrients found in Chaga, and extensive research is underway to determine the full extent of Chaga’s health benefits.