When studying various mushrooms, you might find yourself questioning why some are beneficial and some are not. When you read about something like Chaga, it makes you wonder, what is Chaga? Quite simply it is a mushroom or fungi, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.
History of Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga mushroom is specifically a non-toxic mushroom that has been long known by Asian cultures to have medicinal use. The legends surrounding, “what is Chaga,” come chock full of stories touting how the fungus increases vitality, encourages longevity, helps reduce the signs of aging and in general promotes good health. The mushroom is known as Reishaa in Japan and Lingzhi in China.
While Chaga mushrooms are not a plant or an animal, its DNA pattern is 30% closer to humans than other plants. This puts the Chaga mushroom in the scientific class Basidomycetes. There are approximately 200 species of mushrooms in this particular class. The entire grouping is thought to have positive medicinal effects.
The Asian cultures believe the Chaga mushroom strengthens the Chi or internal flow of energy. When determining what is Chaga, you must ask yourself what you are looking for in the medicine. Different people work with the mushroom to help cure cancer while others use it for stomach problems. There is a wide array of uses in alternative medicine for Chaga mushroom-based cures.
Environment
The best Chaga grows in extreme conditions. Siberia grows a Chaga mushroom that is known to have extensive antioxidants, amino acids and beta glucan. These mushrooms tend to grow on the trunks of the Black Birch trees. The Chaga mushroom thrives in weather below negative forty degrees Celsius.
Longevity
Once harvested, the mushrooms only last a few months. While they only live for that amount of time, the Chaga mushroom can still be ground into many useful substances and then last much longer. The lifespan of the substances created with Chaga is indefinite depending on what you are mixing the fungus with.
What is Chaga that is so different than other substances? This particular fungi’s close relationship to human DNA is thought to be the reason it can help our bodies fix problems when things are not going smoothly. Some believe introducing such substances via elixirs, teas or topical solutions can help your body repair itself, even when traditional, Western medicine has failed.
Antioxidants
You do not have to look very far to hear how good antioxidants are for the body. They help draw out toxins and resent your body chemistry so you begin running at top capacity again. When you are out of balance chemically, your body cannot heal itself, digest properly or even provide effective energy for activity.
What is Chaga that it makes it valuable in this same arena? The excessive number of antioxidants produced by the mushroom help to set your chemical balance right. Add to that the amino acids and vitamins and you will find yourself feeling better, even more energetic than ever before. No matter what form you seek of Chaga, you can find a way to make use of this fascinating mushroom in your daily life.