David Wolfe, a natural and raw food expert, believes that Chaga is the most important anti-cancer herb in the world. Used as an anti-tumor remedy, it was approved in Russia as a cancer drug in 1955. successfully treating stomach, lung, breast, stomach and cervix cancers and also melanoma. In 1960 it was reported to successfully treat cancer in Australia.
The anti-cancer properties of chaga mushroom are said to be derived from the huge load of phytochemicals, polysaccharides and antioxidants that are naturally found within the herb. Many of these substances are thought to impart anti-cancer properties. In addition, it is also a source of betulinic acid, a compound derived from the wood of the birch trees that typically host the mushrooms. Betulinic acid is said to help counter viral infections and fight tumors.
“Chaga represents an exciting new era in cancer prevention and management. Research has confirmed Chaga’s ability to supercharge the immune system, prevent cancer from forming and keep cancer cells from replicating and migrating. Even better, Chaga is safe, natural and effective something that can not be said for conventional cancer treatments”.
The Miracle Healing Benefits of Chaga Mushroom :
- effective against breast, ovarian, cervical, prostate, lung, stomach, spleen, brain, and thymus as well as leukemia, melanoma, and lymphoma.
- anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of apoptosis destroys deformed cells. Also useful as an adjunct to conventional chemotherapy agents, because it relieves side effects and boosts immunity.
- antioxidant
- anticancer
- antiviral
- immunostimulant
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory effect
Russian scientists have managed to make a cream out of chaga for joints and veins. They developed a system of microcapsules, which allows chaga mushroom ingredients to easily penetrate the skin and work directly in the joint, the focus of the disease. Chaga mushroom (also known as Inonotus Obliquus) relieves pain, stops muscle spasms, stimulates removal of salts and toxins from the joints, significantly slows their aging and destruction of cartilage. Reports from clinics in Vladivostok mentioned one hundred percent cure of psoriasis, which is very rarely done on this disease.
What is chaga?
Chaga, or Inonotus obliquus, is a fungus, that grows on birch trees. It is found in northern regions, including Canada, the Northern U.S., Russia and part of Northern China. It has been used medicinally for hundreds of years, and mostly within Russian and Eastern folklore medicine. Some of its healthful properties come from the birch tree itself.
Why consume it?
Chaga has been found to have many health benefits, including anti-inflamatory, antiviral and antiseptic properties. It’s loaded with antioxidants, which help to strengthen the immune system. Some research suggests it may actually have anti-cancer properties. It has been used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, alleviate stomach ailments and reduce blood pressure. It may also help with seasonal allergies, as it works to normalize our autoimmune system. In summary: it’s great for skin, digestion, circulation and the immune system.
What does it taste like?
It tastes and smells a little like tree bark–but, in a good way. It has an earthy sweetness to it–very pleasant and mild. If you’ve ever had kukicha, or twig tea, it kind of reminds me of that.
Recipes to try:
Plain and Simple Chaga Tea
Chaga is often ground into a powder and then made into tea, but this is not necessary. Simply place the mushroom in a pan of water. Bring to a boil, then let simmer until the water turns a rich reddish brown color, or at least an hour to extract all its health benefits. (The time is a lot less if using a powdered version.)
Strain tea. Add honey or maple syrup, or even a slice of fresh ginger, and enjoy!
You can reuse the chaga mushroom several times. Simply put it in a glass jar without a lid, and store in the refrigerator.
Store leftover chaga tea in the refrigerator, as well.
Chocolate Chaga Smoothie:
Here’s a smoothie that’s packed full of antioxidants!
Combine in blender: 1/2 sliced frozen banana, 1 cup frozen berries, 1 cup cold chaga tea
and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder. You can add a pinch of cinnamon and allspice if desired.
Blend until smooth. Add more chaga tea if consistency is too thick.
Bonus Video: Benefits of Chaga Tea and how to make it and where to find Chaga – next page