Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), or fire tick as it is called in Swedish, has throughout the ages received nicknames such as “Sponge of Immortality”, “Black gold of the forest” and “Gift from the Gods”. It has been used as a medicinal plant for several thousand years for a wide range of ailments and as a general strengthening drink. It also offers an appreciated taste that can be compared to vanilla, which makes it both a nutritious and tasty health drink.

Chaga’s rich nutritional content

Chaga has a complex content of nutrients that include, vitamins , minerals , trace elements, polysaccharides, phytochemicals, melanin, amino acids , sterols, saponins, betulinic acid and SOD. The mushroom contains powerful antioxidantsand has a very high ORAC value between 60,000-360,000. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity and is measured on 100 grams of food. ORAC corresponds to the strength that a substance has to neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the body, which can contribute to breaking down body cells. Antioxidants thus have the ability to protect the cells and promote a normally functioning immune system. The darker the mushroom, the higher concentration of melanin it has, which is good for our skin, among other things.

Traditional use of Chaga

Chaga has been used as a medicinal plant since the Middle Ages and is called the king of medicinal mushrooms.

The North American Indians regarded Chaga as a sacred medicinal plant. In Siberia it is called the gift of the gods and the mushroom of immortality. The Japanese have given it the name diamond of the forest and in China it is seen as the king of plants. Chaga has not received these prestigious nicknames without reason. It is truly a gift from nature that provides very powerful nutrition.

Traditionally, it has long been used as a general tonic and for various types of infections and inflammations, as well as to stabilize blood sugar.

Can you pick chaga yourself?

The fungus grows on birches and looks like a charred rough growth. There it sits for 15-30 years and concentrates nutrients. In addition to Scandinavia, Chaga also grows in Eastern Europe, Japan, Korea, and in the northern parts of North America. It is relatively rare and is only found on about 1 in 5000 birches. If you were to venture into the forest and were lucky enough to find chaga, you would scrape it off the birch with a knife. But remember to always leave a piece of Chagan so it can grow back. Also remember to check with the landowner so you have permission to “pick” chaga.

How to use Chaga

Chaga is available to buy both as pieces and as finely ground powder. The pieces should be boiled and then lie and soak in the hot water so that you get all the benefits. The chaga powder is ready to be mixed with warm water and enjoyed immediately. By adding a little ginger and honey, you get a really tasty drink that can be especially needed in times of cold. The chaga powder can also be mixed into other drinks , smoothies, sprinkled over porridge or yoghurt.