If a birch tree significantly loses its vitality, whether due to diseases or pests, it is a target for various fungi. Among them is a species with black coloring and a very unusual appearance. The black mushroom is said to be a very special one.
What is that black fungus on the birch tree?
The black fungus on the birch is calledSchiefer Schillerporling, scientifically Inonotus obliquus. It is best known asChaga Mushroom. It is avital mushroom that has many he alth-promoting ingredients and has been used for healing for centuries.
What ingredients does Chaga have?
Over200 different bioactive substances have been detected. Among other things, the Chaga mushroom contains the following substances:
- Betulinic acid
- Chrome
- Iron
- Flavonoids
- Germanium
- Melanin
- Polysaccharides
- Triterpenes
It's probably not the individual substances that make the effect, but the combination.
What effect does chaga have on the human organism?
Chaga, often spelled Tschaga, is often referred to asthe most powerful antioxidant in the world. It increases general vitality, but also has these properties, among others:
- inhibits cancer growth, shrinks cancer cells
- lowers high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
- activates the body's immune system
- detoxifies the blood
- has an anti-inflammatory effect
- reduces joint and bone problems
- supports cardiovascular function
- increases memory performance
How do I use Chaga correctly?
The hard mushroom releases its valuable ingredients best in hot water. Therefore,making tea is the easiest way to experience its healing and revitalizing effects. Chagatee is also available for purchase in this country, but at a price of well over 100 euros per kilo it is not exactly cheap.
Are there risks of using chaga?
There is plenty of practical experience with the consumption of this type of mushroom, as it has been used in Russia and other countries for centuries. So farno negative side effects have been noticed There are also no known interactions with medications. However, the mushroom has not yet been extensively researched scientifically, although initial studies confirm its positive effects.
Can I also collect the Chaga mushroom?
The Chaga mushroom is also herenativeWith a little luck or patience, you can discover italso in Germany on a birch tree. The Chaga looks like a growth on the trunk that is very reminiscent of a charred area. However, there is one downer: it is said that this mushroom has a high concentration of active ingredients, especially in extreme cold, such as that in Siberia.
Are there other useful birch mushrooms?
The birch often suffers from fungal infections, such as white rot, or lives in symbiosis with different fungi. It is important that they are clearly identified when collecting them. A young Birkenporling is edible, but is considered inedible. Other mushrooms on the trunk of the birch tree or at its feet are edible fresh or dried, for example:
- Common birch mushroom
- Hedgehogbeard
- Judasear
- Maitake (vital mushroom)
Tip
Only buy Chaga products with mushrooms from polar wild collection
The effect of the Chaga mushroom has spread, which is why many products are available for purchase on the Internet. So that you can really enjoy its healing properties, you should make sure that it was collected wild in polar regions. Cultivated mushrooms are not nearly as medicinal.
