Chaga Introduction

In most health and wellness circles, the Chaga Mushroom is known as a fungi-based remedy with one of the most diverse health benefits. It may not be as famous as many remedies out there, but its reputation as a powerful natural form of treatment, is big.

Its legacy spans as far back as the 12th century.

What is the Chaga Mushroom?

The Chaga Mushroom is a type of fungus, relying on living birch trees to grow. It is often seen growing out of the side of the bark, and is always dark brown in color. The process of its growth occurs on the following stages:

1. It begins as a spore within the heartwood of the birch tree, unseen from the outside. It then nests and begins to spread throughout the wood.
2. As the fungus spreads within the heartwood, it begins to push the growth outwards, towards the outer part of the birch tree.
3. As it begins to manifest on the bark, the fungus actively pushes the bark aside so that it can protrude. This is where the first traces begin to show, and can be seen within the bark.
4. As it matures, the Chaga Mushroom becomes more prominent on the side of the birch tree, akin to a canker within its surface. The growth appears to be a woody growth referred to as a “conk”. This this is what is harvested to make a variety of medicinal remedies.

The reason why the Chaga Mushroom is thought to be so potent is because of the fact that it takes such a long time to grow to maturity. By the time it does, it is more concentrated compared to many other medicinal mushrooms, and therefore more powerful.