Chaga Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to feel the effects of chaga? ›

How long does it take chaga to work? You need to take chaga every day for about two to three weeks before you start noticing results. Over time, and with regular use, its effects will be more and more noticeable.

Chaga Powder Dosage / How to use Chaga Powder

Adults - Use 1/2 tsp (2.5g) of Annanda Chaga Powder per 6oz cup of boiled water daily.

Chaga may also interfere with blood clotting. Therefore, those with bleeding disorders should avoid it, and anyone taking blood thinning medication should use it with caution. Chaga mushrooms are high in oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones.

Chaga is hard as wood and is much too difficult for our body to digest as a food. The best way to get the nutrients out of chaga is to extract it in hot water. Alternatively, you can buy powders that are 'pre-extracted' so the nutrients can be absorbed. Simply mix with the desired beverage of choice.

Chaga is caffeine-free, and still a great source of natural energy. In fact, many people drink Chaga as an alternative to coffee in the morning, or during that mid-afternoon slump. Since it's caffeine-free and can be enjoyed with or without food, Chaga can be consumed just about anytime you need a natural energy boost.

“By having these antioxidants, chaga mushrooms decrease inflammation in our gut, which can cause problems like irritable bowel syndrome,” says Czerwony. A study shows that chaga mushrooms can not only help reduce inflammation, but can also fight harmful bacteria.

Chaga is pleasant tasting as a tea, which is the most common way it is consumed. Next most common is as a tincture. The most complete process is a dual extraction involving alcohol and heat. As chaga is 'trendy' right now, you'll find many products using it in chai or coffee blends or supplements.

The outer portion of the chaga mushroom (sclerotium) contains high amounts of polyphenols, which act as antioxidants. They protect against free radicals that may lead to liver and other organ damage. This is encouraging, but more study is needed to confirm chaga mushrooms' effectiveness in liver protection.

Water to chaga ratio: Use approximately 1 cup of water for every 1 inch x 1 inch chunk of chaga. Steeping: Add the chaga to your water in a pot and bring it to a simmer. Simmer for a minimum of 15 minutes, and up to 1 hour. The longer you brew your tea, the stronger it will be.

It contains a chemical called oxalate which can damage the kidneys when taken in high doses for a long time. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chaga is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

What cancers is chaga good for? ›

Recently, several reports revealed that Chaga has cytotoxic effects against several types of cancer cells such as sarcoma (Chung et al., 2010), lung adenocarcinoma (Baek et al., 2018), colon cancer (Lee et al., 2009), melanoma (Youn et al., 2009) as well as hepatocellular carcinoma (Youn et al., 2008).

Encourages hair growth - The Chaga mushroom is consistently used in shampoos and other hair care products to stimulate hair growth. Research has concluded that it does in fact have the potential to naturally boost hair growth.

Serve hot or let cool to room temperature then refrigerate for up to 14 days. Chaga Tea can be enjoyed and an iced tea or reheated on the stove top. Store used Chaga in the freezer and reuse 3 to 5 times or until exhausted (water runs clear).

What happens if you boil Chaga? The problem with boiling is that, according to Cass Ingram, the medicinal components of chaga include not only polysaccharides but proteins, sterols, SOD, and enzymes including catalase, peroxidase, RNAase, and DNAase, all of which are damaged or destroyed by temperatures above 180ºF.

However, it has been reported that the ingestion of excessive Chaga mushroom can result in acute oxalate nephropathy caused by the deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in the renal tubules. This leads to acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic renal tubular changes, such as interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy.

Many individuals who consume chaga report experiencing an increase in energy levels and overall vitality. This could be attributed to the mushroom's rich content of essential nutrients and antioxidants, which help to combat fatigue and support overall well-being.

However, many people report feeling a sense of well-being and increased energy after consuming Chaga mushrooms. Why is that? This is because Chaga mushroom is rich in nutrients, including antioxidants and polysaccharides, which can help to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body.

Chaga mushrooms are safe and legal to consume.

Unlike “shrooms,” they don't contain psilocybin; they won't get you high or cause any psychoactive effects.

I was able to forgo all prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines with no ill effects. The Chaga lessened my need for heavy painkillers as well. I actually began to crave it; it was a highlight of my day(s)! Just what I needed to heal comfortably without fear.