Botanical Name: Inonotus obliquus

Common Name:

English: Chaga, irch Mushroom, Chaga Conk, Chaga Mushroom,

Also, Known As: Birch Mushroom, Clinker polypore, Birch conk, Birch canker polypore, Champignon de l'Immortalité, Cinder Conk, Clinker Polypore, Diamant de la Forêt, Don de Dieu, Inonotus obliquus, Roi des Plantes, Siberian Chaga, Tchaga

Origin: Ukraine

Harvested: Wild

Part used: Mushrooms

General Information:

In North America and Canada, the Birch is well known for its beauty alone. The unthinkable medical purpose can be found in the older trees in what is known as a mushroom, or fungus-type growth. It is parasitic on birch and other trees. This growth is rough, dry, porous, crusty, with deeply cut and crooked separations having the appearance of dull charred wood on the outside. The sterile conk is irregularly formed and has the appearance of burnt charcoal. When this projection is sawn off the tree, it is as if the tree was having cosmetic surgery or the removal of an out-of-control wart. The mushroom can take up to seven years to reach maturity.

The interior is yellow to yellow brown often with some bits of white mixed in and is moderately hard with a somewhat pebbly, corky texture. The outer surface is dark brown to black, very hard, with a deeply cracked texture. It can be brittle with pieces easily rubbing or falling off.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup of teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice tray or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Chaga Mushroom Cut