a.k.a Inonotus Obliquus
Chaga truly embodies the saying, "It's what's on the inside that counts." This powerhouse mushroom is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, enhancing immunity, digestive health, and overall balance.
*This information has not been approved by the UK Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Please note our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
History
Chaga has been used for hundreds of years across Russia, Eastern Europe and China. Notably in Siberia it has been used in both tea form and as an inhalant. Modern research has now highlighted that to get all the beneficial compounds of Chaga it needs to undergo both a water and alcohol extraction. It is now understood that a dual extracted tincture is best.
Chaga doesn’t resemble the traditional concept of a mushroom with a stem and cap; instead, it's a slow-growing fungus that takes on irregular shapes. Chaga is a sclerotia, a hardened mycelial mass that can take up to 10 years to develop. Primarily found on Birch trees, it is native to the northern and cold climates of Europe.
Science behind the benefits
Chaga boasts a high concentration of melanin*, making it a powerful antioxidant that helps the body protect itself from harmful free radicals and reducing inflammation. Research indicates that Chaga provides significant support for the immune system by regulating cytokines. Whether the immune system is overreacting or under performing, Chaga may have the ability to either calm it down and attenuate the response or kick it into gear, aiding in the fight against bacteria or viruses.
Peer review journals
Beta-glucans and other beneficial compounds
Like other functional mushrooms, Chaga is rich in beta-glucans that support immunity*.
Additionally, Chaga contains betulinic acid, an alcohol-soluble triterpenoid with anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties*.
It is also high in phenolic compounds, making it a potent antioxidant*.
Since some compounds are water-soluble and others are alcohol-soluble, dual extraction is crucial to maximize Chaga's bioavailable benefits.
Immunity
Research has demonstrated that Chaga mushroom is a powerful immune system modulator, enhancing host immunity by regulating cytokines*.
In simple terms, Chaga can calm an overactive immune system and reduce its response*, while also boosting an underperforming immune system to better fight off bacteria and viruses*. These immune-boosting effects are attributed to beta-glucans, water-soluble compounds found in the mushroom's cell walls.
Since a well-functioning immune system is crucial for overall health, incorporating Chaga into your routine could be highly beneficial*. Double bonus!
Chaga is an antioxidant?
Yes, it is! The outer black layer of the Chaga "sclerotium" harbours an exceptionally high concentration of melanin.
Extracts containing this portion of the mushroom serve as potent antioxidants, safeguarding the body's cells against detrimental free radicals*.
These extracts may also shield the body from various oxidative processes, explaining their use in anti-aging*.
Healthy gut is healthy life
Chaga has a longstanding history as a digestive aid and may offer relief for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)*.
Research indicates that polysaccharides in Chaga can influence gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut microbial profile*.
In a study examining an alcohol extract of Chaga in patients with psoriasis exacerbated by gastrointestinal disorders, significant improvements were observed. Out of 50 patients, extensive psoriasis with massive plaques was completely cured in 14 patients, with improvements noted in 2 patients*. Notably, Chaga therapy was particularly effective for psoriasis occurring alongside chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and biliary system*.
At Mogo Farm...
We source our Chaga mushroom from the Scottish Highlands and occasionally from Siberia. Our preference is to obtain all mushrooms from the UK, reducing environmental impact and ensuring short supply chains, preventing the degradation of mushrooms and enhancing their potency. It is imperative that we continue to ethically source our Chaga mushrooms, ensuring it is harvested sustainably. We complete a dual extraction process using both water and alcohol, making our Chaga mushroom tincture very potent.
Nothing goes to waste at Mogo Farm. We ensure that all mushroom matter left over from making our tinctures is composted and reused to provide exceptional nutrition for our vegetable, herb, and flower beds.
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