The Chaga mushroom is a type of fungus often taken as a supplement for its potential health benefits, including immune support, reduced inflammation, lower blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels.
If you’re curious about this mushroom or considering trying it yourself, this guide breaks down what Chaga mushrooms are, the potential benefits they might provide, how those benefits can differ for men and women and the best ways to take it.
While Chaga has been researched, it’s important to note that results can vary from person to person. Scientific understanding of this fungus is still evolving, so we’ve explored existing evidence alongside emerging research to give you an understanding of its potential health benefits.
What is Chaga?
Chaga, known scientifically as Inonotus obliquus, is a wild fungus that grows on birch trees in cold climates. In the wild, it’s found most commonly in regions like Siberia, Canada, Northern Europe and Northern US. If you're new to functional mushrooms, our beginner’s guide to functional mushrooms offers a helpful introduction to how different varieties are traditionally used.
Chaga has been traditionally used in Russian, Scandinavian and Siberian folk medicine. In fact, Siberian Russian shamans refer to it as “The Mushroom of Immortality” thanks to its array of potential health benefits.
Chaga mushroom is easy to spot thanks to its unique look. It's charcoal-black on the outside, almost like burnt wood, with a warm amber colour on the inside. It’s also popular for its immune-boosting properties, and many people enjoy it daily as a tea, Chaga mushroom tincture, powder, or capsule to support their overall wellbeing.
How does Chaga work?
So, why is Chaga considered the “King/Queen of Mushrooms”? Well, Chaga is full of antioxidants and a variety of bioactive compounds that may help support overall bodily health. One of its key components is betulinic acid, which comes from the birch trees Chaga grows on and is known for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
It also contains polysaccharides that may help support energy levels, digestion, and immune function, along with melanin (the pigment responsible for hair, skin, and eye colour), which helps absorb UV rays and protect skin cells from damage.
Not only this, but as Chaga is rich in polyphenols, taking it may support heart health, healthy blood sugar balance and levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that helps reduce oxidative stress while supporting joint and skin health. Together, these compounds give Chaga one of the highest antioxidant activities of any functional mushroom, often recognised for its particularly high ORAC score (a measure of antioxidant capacity).
If you’re curious about how different fungi compare, you can explore our Mushroom Library to learn more about their unique properties.
What is Chaga Good For?
Now that we understand how Chaga works, let’s take a closer look at the evidence-based health benefits. While research so far is promising, it’s worth noting that most findings come from laboratory and animal studies, with fewer large-scale human trials available. More research is needed to fully confirm these effects, but the results to date are already very encouraging.
1. Immune Support
- Stimulates immune cells: Polysaccharides and beta-glucans found in Chaga mushrooms may stimulate immune cells. In 2021, Eevia Health ran a placebo-controlled human study in endurance runners showing that 4 weeks of Chaga supplementation led to fewer cold-like symptoms, lower stress levels, and improved overall wellbeing compared to placebo.
- Modulates immune response: Chaga may modulate the immune system, meaning possible protection from viruses and greater vitality. It does this by influencing the body's immune response, either by boosting a weak response or calming it when it is overactive.
- Wards off illnesses in cold climates: Polysaccharides and betulinic acid, as well as their high antioxidant activity, may help to protect individuals from illness in cold climates.
When it comes to Chaga’s extraction process, a standard dual-extraction provides the most potent tinctures, allowing the body to best absorb these compounds and experience the full health benefits.
2. Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Effects
- Rich in SOD and polyphenols: Chaga contains polyphenol antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress at the cellular level. A study by Cui et al. (2005) found that polyphenol-rich Chaga extracts showed strong antioxidant activity and protected human cells from oxidative damage.
- Supports healthy ageing: By supporting the body’s natural defence and repair systems, this activity may have anti-ageing properties, resilience, and overall wellness.
3. Gut Health
- Supports gut barrier integrity: Chaga supports gut health. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may help maintain the integrity of the gut lining, supporting its role as a protective barrier and helping reduce stress on the digestive system.
- May support a balanced gut microbiome: Preclinical and animal studies suggest these properties may help promote a healthy balance of gut microorganisms, which is important for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut comfort. A study by Hu et al. (2017) showed that when mice with chronic pancreatitis were given Chaga polysaccharides, their gut bacteria changed to look more like healthy mice, suggesting Chaga may influence gut health by helping rebalance the gut microbiome.
- Supports digestive and immune wellbeing: By helping maintain gut barrier function and microbiome balance, this activity may contribute to smoother digestion and support the gut’s close connection to immune and inflammatory responses.
4. Skin Health
- Supports skin protection: Chaga is rich in antioxidants and natural melanin, which may help protect skin cells from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors such as UV exposure and pollution. A study by Park et al. (2023) shows that a compound from Chaga can calm inflamed skin cells and support collagen and moisture production, which may help protect against skin ageing caused by UV and inflammation.
- High antioxidant capacity: Chaga is recognised for its high antioxidant content, with some analyses suggesting greater antioxidant activity than commonly cited antioxidant-rich fruits such as blueberries. In fact, a 2021 study by Sharpe et al. showed that Chaga has the highest ORAC activity among the six functional mushrooms tested in the study.
- Growing interest in skin wellness: Traditionally used topically in some cultures, Chaga is now gaining attention in beauty-from-within supplements for supporting overall skin health and healthy ageing.
5. Energy & Stress Resilience
- Supports energy and stress resilience: Adaptogenic properties may help the body better cope with physical and mental stress, supporting steady energy levels and reducing feelings of fatigue. A mouse study by Zhong et al. (2015) found that polysaccharides from Chaga increased endurance, improved energy storage, and reduced fatigue-related markers.
- Non-stimulant energy support: Chaga is often used in functional foods and drinks to support natural energy and resilience without caffeine or stimulants, making it suitable for daily use.
- Supports overall vitality: By helping the body adapt to stress, this activity may contribute to sustained vitality, focus and balance throughout the day.
Are the benefits of Chaga different for men vs women?
While Chaga’s main benefits – like immune, antioxidant, and stress support – apply to both men and women, individual responses may vary due to hormonal, metabolic, and lifestyle differences. At present, there is limited research directly comparing sex-specific effects, so most evidence reflects general rather than gender-tailored benefits.
| Benefit | Impact on Women | Impact on Men |
|---|---|---|
| Immune and gut health balance: | May support immune resilience and gut comfort, potentially be of extra help during hormonal shifts (e.g., menstruation, menopause), when inflammation and digestive sensitivity can fluctuate. | May help maintain immune function and gut integrity under higher physical stress or training-related strain. |
| Skin protection from oxidative stress: | Antioxidants may help counter oxidative stress linked to ageing skin, hormonal changes, and environmental exposure. | As with women, antioxidant activity may help men protect their skin from oxidative damage associated with UV exposure, shaving irritation, and physical stress. |
| Cardiovascular antioxidant support: | May support vascular health as estrogen levels change with age, a period associated with rising cardiovascular risk. | May help counter oxidative stress linked to higher baseline cardiovascular risk and lifestyle-related strain. |
| Adaptogenic stress support: | As an adaptogen, Chaga may help women better tolerate stress during menstrual cycles, perimenopause, and menopause, when cortisol sensitivity can shift. For those juggling full schedules, natural mushroom tinctures for busy mums can offer gentle daily support. | May support stress adaptation and recovery from mental or physical stressors, including work and exercise demands. |
| Cellular energy and endurance: | May support steady energy and fatigue resistance, particularly during periods of hormonal fluctuation. Plus, a 2023 animal study by Bak et al. found that probiotics derived from Chaga showed oestrogen-like activity and may help reduce bone loss and support bone health during menopause. | May help support endurance and cellular resilience during sustained physical activity or high workload. |
What benefits do customers experience from our Chaga tincture?
Chaga mushroom drops have received extremely positive feedback from our customers. They report effects on immunity, wellbeing, feeling stronger and more clear-headed, improved vitality and fewer viral illnesses.
Our customers frequently report benefits such as:
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved overall wellbeing
- Staving off colds
- Reduced fatigue
- Help with headaches
- Improved memory
Explore first-hand reviews of our Chaga mushroom tincture and see how it’s supporting people with their everyday wellbeing.
Does the Chaga mushroom cause side effects?
Research into the safety of Chaga mushroom is limited, particularly in humans and over long-term use. Most available studies are laboratory or animal-based, so while Chaga has a long history of traditional use, this does not automatically guarantee safety for everyone. Because individual health circumstances vary, it’s a good idea to consult a qualified medical professional before using Chaga, especially if you have an existing condition or take medication.
Take extra care if you:
- Have low blood sugar or diabetes: Chaga may help lower blood glucose levels, which could increase the risk of hypoglycaemia when combined with diabetes medication.
- Have kidney issues: Chaga naturally contains oxalates, which may contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals.
- Use anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication: Chaga may affect blood clotting, potentially increasing bleeding risk when combined with these drugs.
- Take prescription medication: Possible interactions have not been well studied.
- Have food or mushroom allergies: Allergic reactions are possible. If you have a mushroom allergy, make sure to avoid Chaga entirely.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding: Safety has not been established for people in these groups.
How can you take Chaga?
There are many different ways to take Chaga supplements, including tinctures (also referred to as ‘drops’), powders, capsules, and teas.
Mushroom tinctures are the one of the best options for effective absorption and are convenient to use each day. Take 2ml daily, either under the tongue for faster absorption or mixed into a drink like coffee, tea, or water. You can also take it with meals, as some compounds may absorb better with healthy fats. For best results, use it in the morning to support immunity and overall wellbeing.
Key Takeaways
- Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a functional mushroom valued for its immune, antioxidant, gut, skin, and stress-supporting properties.
- It is especially rich in polyphenols, polysaccharides, melanin, and antioxidant enzymes, contributing to its exceptionally high antioxidant capacity.
- Research suggests benefits for immune modulation, inflammation balance, energy resilience, and healthy ageing, though much evidence is preclinical.
- While benefits apply to both men and women, individual responses may vary based on hormonal, metabolic, and lifestyle factors.
- Ongoing scientific studies continue to explore Chaga’s full potential and optimal use.
Chaga Mushroom Benefit Studies & References
- Eevia Health Plc (2021) Effect of Chaga mushroom as a natural immune modulator on upper-respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and psychological mood state. Study report, conducted in collaboration with Shawn M. Talbott and GLH Nutrition, November 2021. Available at: https://eeviahealth.com/news/chaga-immune-study-abstract/
- Cui, Y., Kim, D.S. and Park, K.C. (2005) Antioxidant effect of Inonotus obliquus. Journal article, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 96(1–2), pp. 79–85. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/3997003/Antioxidant_effect_of_Inonotus_obliquus
- Hu, Y., Teng, C., Yu, S., Wang, X., Liang, J., Bai, X., Dong, L., Song, T., Yu, M. and Qu, J., 2017. Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide regulates gut microbiota of chronic pancreatitis in mice. AMB Express, 7(1), p.39. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13568-017-0341-1
- Park, J., Nguyen, T.M.N., Park, H.-a., Nguyen, M.T.T., Lee, N.-y., Ban, S.-y., Park, K.-b., Lee, C.-k., Kim, J. and Park, J.-T. (2023) Protective Effects of Lanostane Triterpenoids from Chaga Mushroom in Human Keratinocytes, HaCaT Cells, against Inflammatory and Oxidative Stresses. Journal article, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(16), 12803. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/16/12803
- Zhong, X., Zhong, Y., Yang, S. and Zheng, Z., 2015. Effect of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides on physical fatigue in mice. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 35(4), pp. 468–472. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0254-6272(15)30126-6
