It is a superfood with large amounts of nutrients, which makes more and more followers. With the growth that natural therapies and products have had, it is not surprising that they have included it in their treatments, that is why their success is guaranteed. In this post we will talk about the benefits of chaga tea , ingredients and side effects.
The chaga is a fungus that grows naturally on the bark of birch trees that grow in Europe, Asia, and North America. In some countries it is known by other names, for example, in China it is called King of plants, in Siberia it is known as God’s Gift and in Japan it is called Forest Diamond.
Chaga tea benefits
For years the chaga mushroom has been used in Siberia and Asian countries for medicinal purposes. One of the most outstanding properties is that of strengthening the immune system, thanks to its content of betulinic acid and melano-glucan. Let’s look at some of the main benefits of chaga tea .
Strengthens the immune system and is anti-inflammatory
The chaga mushroom regulates the immune system, stimulating white blood cells. In addition, it prevents pathogens that affect the body. Certain studies have determined that chaga is anti-inflammatory and prevents intestinal damage.
control glucose
Animal research has determined that the chaga mushroom has properties hypoglycemic and antioxidant. As these studies revealed, the fungus regulates glucose and resists insulin. However, it is advised to consume it prudently and under medical supervision.
Prevents the formation of plaques in the arteries
Another of the benefits of chaga tea is due to the concentration of antioxidants it contains. These properties reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, which are the ones that clog the arteries, preventing the regular flow of blood.
Prevents tumors from forming
There is still not enough scientific evidence to determine its effectiveness in treating cancer. However, certain animal studies yielded promising results, in which its action against cancer cells was determined. There are indications that show its ability to prevent the formation of cancer cells of the liver, breast, lung and prostate.
Chaga tea benefits. How to prepare it?
While those who practice cooking oppose food being heated to more than 60º C, in the case of chaga, high temperatures are required to extract its nutrients. However, its antioxidant enzymes are released only on low heating, boiling can damage it.
The chaga fungus develops as a parasite on birch trees, especially white. When the mushroom is heated for a few hours over low heat, its nutrients are released into the tea and do no harm.
To prepare chaga tea follow these steps:
- Boil 5 cups of purified water and once it boils, lower the heat.
- Add a handful of fungus of chaga and tape.
- Let infuse over low heat, without boiling, for about 3 hours.
- Check frequently that the preparation does not boil.
- Once the time is up let it cool for 15 minutes.
- Next, strain and place the liquid in a glass jar and put it in the fridge.
Chaga tea can be mixed with other teas such as red rooibos, oolong, or green tea. It can even be flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, lemon, honey, etc.
Chaga tea with aloe vera
This infusion will serve to raise the body’s immunity, one of the benefits of chaga tea .
Ingredients:
- 250 grams of chaga.
- A teaspoon of honey.
- 200 grams of aloe vera leaves that have been aged in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
- Viburnum berries.
Method of preparation:
- Aloe vera juice is extracted by crushing the leaves and then passing it through cheesecloth. Mix with honey.
- Add the viburnurm berries to a liter of boiled water and cook over low heat in a bain-marie for ½ hour.
- Get off the heat and let cool.
- Next, the chaga is crushed and 1 liter of boiling water is added. Cook it also for ½ hour.
- Mix the preparations and cover. Let infuse for a week at an estimated temperature of 23ºC.
- When you see foam appear, mix.
- On the eighth day the preparation should be strained.
- It should be drunk 3 times a day, before meals.
Other recipes are prepared like this:
- In a liter of water at 45ºC add: a teaspoon of chaga, seaweed and cinquefoil. Let infuse on low heat for 4 hours. Strain the preparation, add mint and sweeten with honey. It should be drunk after 2 months.
- Add in 2 cups of water a tablespoon of chopped burdock root. Boil for 3 minutes, lower the heat and leave it for about 3 hours. Mix in the preparation 50 ml of chaga tea. You should take 2 to 3 teaspoons daily for a month, before meals.
Chaga tea benefits. Side effects
It is known about the benefits of chaga tea , however, it is important to know its opposite effects. It is not convenient to consume it if you take anticoagulant medications, such as aspirin or warfarin. This could cause bleeding and bruising.
On the other hand, it will be convenient not to consume it if you take diabetes medications, because it reduces sugar levels (hypoglycemia). There may be other effects that are not documented, so chaga tea should be drunk in moderation.