Chaga mushroom extracts are often in powder form but there will also be some in liquid or droplet form. Extracts are often derived from birch trees that are not less than 25 years old with chaga mushrooms weighing more than 7 pounds. These are high quality standards and statistics say that about 3 of 10,000 birch trees meet these standards. Companies or manufacturers may choose to derive the extract from a birch lesser than these standards but it will no longer have the same medicinal benefit.
If you’ve purchased an extract in liquid form, it is best to take the extract with a cup of cold water. It could be a juice, beverage or simply just water as long as it is cold. Take 1-2 fluid oz. and swish it around and in between the mouth and teeth for about 60 seconds before swallowing it. Make sure to take it 30 minutes before each meal and preferably 2-3 doses per day.
You might be wondering why you need to swish it around the mouth first. Well the answer is sublingual delivery system. It is a method by which the nutrients and minerals of the extract enter our body through the sublingual system and at the same time, strengthen our gums. Doing so allows fuller absorption and faster assimilation of the nutrients in to the blood stream while avoiding the effects of Hydrochloric Acid. The only way Superoxide Dismutase can be assimilated is through the sublingual system or the small intestine.
However, if you find the swishing part a bit gross, then you can choose to not to do this. But you will have lesser medicinal value received than those who do.
Another little tip, do not microwave or boil the extract. Do not put it into a beverage that is too hot as it will cause some damage to the enzymes present in the extract. Also, preferably drink the solution from 10 AM to 4 PM to avoid being awake the whole night due to excessive energy.
For safety purposes, please consult your doctor before taking any chaga mushroom extract. It may cause side effects that your body cannot tolerate. And dosage will also vary to every individual. If unusual symptoms occur or side effects immediately stop using the product you have purchased and if the symptoms continue to get worse go to a doctor.
Also, if you are breast feeding or pregnant, do not use the product. Additionally, if you are a first time user to Chaga mushroom extracts, expect a certain change of bowel movement starting from the first day to the third. This is a sign that the product is working on you since Chaga mushroom extracts are made to detoxify the body. You may also experience some headaches, fatigue, bad breath, bad body odor, and mouth sores. Whenever you find it necessary, you may choose to reduce or add some dosage.