Chaga

The Power of Chaga
Chaga mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years in Russia and Northern
European countries as part of traditional herbalism and folk medicine to effectively
treat and cure a range of ailments. A broad volume of modern clinical trials continue to
validate the wisdom of these indigenous claims about this fungus, referred to by Siberian shamans as the ‘Mushroom of Immortality’.
  • Form
  • Dose
  • Origin
  • Dual Extract 10:1
  • 200mg
  • Siberia

Benefits

Energy

Chaga is famous for its adaptogenic properties helping your body adapt to stress and promoting calm and relaxation. Polysaccharides found in Chaga also help support the body’s conversion of food into energy for a caffeine free energy boost.

Immunity

Traditionally consumed for its immunity strengthening properties. The immuno-stimulating benefits of polysaccharides, released through Chaga extractions, have been widely reported. Cultivated Chaga provides immune-modulating beta glucan compounds that support immune function and promote the formation of cytokines – the proteins that regulate the immune system.

Cognitive Function

Supplementation with Chaga can support cognitive enhancement and positively impact higher brain functions: learning and memory. In studies, Chaga has been found to have reduced cognitive dysfunction by reducing oxidative damage caused to the brain. In an impressive animal study Chaga was also seen to restore levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that promotes learning and memory, just as efficiently as the drug tacrine.

Healthy Inflammatory Response

Chaga has been used for thousands of years as an effective traditional anti-inflammatory. Recent studies suggest that Chaga can help support healthy inflammation systems by supporting the body’s defense mechanisms against inflammation as well as calming oxidative stress by countering free radicals – unstable molecules that can damage cells and compromise the immune system. As part of a growing body of research, cell based studies of compounds found in chaga were shown to help the immune system recognise cancer cells as harmful and mount an immune response against them.

Stress Management

Chaga mushroom is part of a category of plants called adaptogens. When taken consistently over a period of weeks or months, adaptogens release properties that help support the body’s ability to cope with the effects of physical and emotional stress, as well as promote feelings of calm and balance.

Skin

A rich source of UV-protective melanin, kojic acid and betulinic acid, Chaga helps maintain and support healthy skin cells as well as repair and hydrate the skin barrier.

Chaga contains the highest levels of anti-oxdative enzyme – Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) – than of any known food. This s responsible for disarming free radical molecules in the body and combating oxidative stress. By protecting your skin from free radical damage caused by ageing or sun damage, SOD enzyme helps prevent visible signs of ageing and support resilient skin.

Such a high volume of antioxidants found in Chaga supports the body in repairing damaged cells. In a trial on human cells, cells pre-treated with Chaga extract showed over 40% reduction in DNA fragmentation.

Hair

Routinely used as a shampoo to maintain healthy hair in Mongolia, Chaga demonstrates an impressive ability to support and boost healthy hair growth through its stimulative effect on hair follicles. Chaga consumption also supports healthy production of collagen.

High in Antioxidants

Chaga mushroom is one of the highest antioxidant rich foods on the planet. It has one of the highest ORAC scores of any food – as much as 31 times higher than blueberries. ORAC stands for ‘oxygen radical absorbent capacity’, which measures the antioxidant activity of food.

Chaga Precautions

Importantly, you should consult your doctor about potential side effects, based on your health condition and possible drug or supplement interactions.

Chaga may stop platelet aggregation, it should not be taken in combination with blood-thinning medications, such as Aspirin and Warfarin to prevent the risk of bleeding.

Chaga may also lower blood sugar levels. Its combination with diabetes medicine may cause blood glucose levels to fall dangerously low. People with autoimmune diseases should also avoid using Chaga because it can cause the immune system to become overactive.