Birch chaga: benefits and harms, medicinal properties, how to take, photos, reviews

Useful properties and contraindications of chaga are a question of great interest to connoisseurs of natural gifts. The tree mushroom is often used in the treatment of ailments, so it is worth figuring out what properties it has.

What chaga looks like and where it grows

Chaga is a fungus from the tinder family that grows on the trunks of birch, aspen, mountain ash and alder. Outwardly, the mushroom looks like a hard growth with an uneven surface. Usually, the growth is brown or black, covered with cracks and veins.

An outgrowth is formed on tree trunks after tinder fungus spores enter the areas of damaged bark. A mushroom can grow on a tree for more than 20 years, but in the end, under its influence, the tree always dies.

Despite the fact that for trees the fungus is an unambiguous parasite, the benefits and harms of chaga for the body are not so unambiguous. When used correctly, a build-up does more good than harm. It should be noted that only birch growths have healing properties, chaga from other trees is useless for humans.

Chaga composition

The growth from a birch trunk has an amazing composition, the benefits and harms of the chaga mushroom depend on it. The following components are present in the woody mushroom:

• organic acids;
• phytoncides and flavonoids;
• tannins;
• iron and copper, zinc and aluminum;
• potassium and magnesium, manganese and nickel;
• cobalt and silver;
• melanin substance;
• amino acids;
• resins and phenolic substances;
• pigments;
• thiamine;
• poly- and monosaccharides;
• cellulose.

Such a rich composition makes it permissible to use the birch mushroom for oral administration, it has a pronounced positive effect on human health.

Why chaga is useful for the body

The benefits of birch chaga for the human body is that the mushroom:

• has diuretic properties;
• has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect;
• improves the intestinal microflora, promotes scarring of ulcerative formations;
• helps to cope with ailments of the respiratory system;
• has a strengthening effect on the heart and blood vessels;
• stabilizes blood pressure and improves blood composition;
• has a beneficial effect on the nervous system;
• accelerates metabolic processes, not only in the intestines, but throughout the body;
• helps to strengthen immune resistance;
• has a mild analgesic effect;
• lowers blood glucose levels.

The health benefits of chaga are expressed in its antioxidant properties. The fungus serves as the prevention of oncology, and with an existing disease it can enhance the effect of medications.

For women

The health benefits of chaga for women include the anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties of the mushroom. The fungus is used for myoma and cervical erosion, for mastopathy and endometriosis.When consumed regularly, mushroom-based drinks can cure infertility.

The use of chaga for the female body also lies in the broad cosmetic properties of the product. When applied topically, the product helps to improve the condition of the skin, eliminate acne and has a slight anti-aging effect due to its tightening properties.

For men

The benefit of chaga for men is that the beneficial substances in the composition of the mushroom have a positive effect on potency. Chaga regulates hormones and improves libido. Also, the properties of chaga for men help increase overall stamina, which is especially beneficial for people with intense physical activity.

What chaga helps with

The healing properties of chaga are used for a wide range of ailments. The use of a birch mushroom is justified:

• with cirrhosis and other severe liver diseases;
• with nephritis, pyelonephritis and kidney inflammation;
• with mastopathy in women;
• with gastritis and ulcerative ailments;
• with hypertension;
• with psoriasis and dermatitis;
• with oncological diseases;
• with weakened immunity.

Most often, the mushroom is taken to treat specific ailments. However, there will be no harm for the purpose of prevention, of course, if you adhere to proven recipes for use.

Chaga for oncology

Many natural remedies have anti-cancer properties - chaga also falls into this category. Flavonoids and phytoncides in its composition prevent the multiplication of malignant cells and protect the body from the formation of tumors. The properties of chaga in oncology make it an extremely useful product, especially in the early stages of the disease, when it is not so difficult to resist the tumor.

But patients with cancer need to remember about the potential harm of chaga. And it consists in the fact that if a tree mushroom is used as the only remedy, then it may not give an effect, and precious time will be lost.

Chaga for weight loss

Chaga has a good effect in the fight against excess weight. The classic recipe based on it is an infusion combined with propolis. It is very simple to prepare it - you need to pour 200 ml of mushroom infusion into a small ball of propolis and add 2 teaspoons of natural honey. They drink such a useful remedy on an empty stomach on a daily basis.

Valuable substances in the composition of the fungus contribute to the breakdown of adipose tissue and normalization of metabolism. Therefore, it becomes easier to get rid of excess weight - the kilograms quickly go away along with the slags.

The use of chaga in official medicine

Chaga can be consumed with health benefits not only in its natural form, but also in the form of medications. In particular, in pharmacies you can find:

• dry raw wood mushroomdesigned for self-brewing;
• chaga solution called Befungin - the extract is beneficial for gastric disorders and cardiovascular disorders;
• balm of the same name Chaga - apply the remedy externally to heal abrasions, cuts and burns;
• biological additives mushroom-based, for example, Chagalyux and Chagovit, saturating the body with useful vitamins, polyphenols and minerals.

As a rule, all these funds are released freely and cannot cause harm, although, of course, before using it is worth familiarizing yourself with the contraindications.

Traditional medicine recipes based on chaga

The medicinal properties of the chaga mushroom are highly regarded in home medicine. On the basis of the product, several useful remedies can be prepared at once that facilitate the course of serious diseases.

Chaga tea

For oncology and internal inflammation, tea made from woody mushroom in combination with medicinal herbs is of great benefit. They do it like this:

• dried calendula, St. John's wort and calamus are mixed in equal proportions;
• a teaspoon of the collection is poured with a glass of boiling water and brewed for about 10 minutes;
• add 2 more teaspoons of ordinary chaga infusion in water to the finished drink.

You need to take the product up to 4 times a day in the volume of a glass. The benefits of chaga tea are expressed in the fact that the drink has a pronounced antiseptic and antioxidant effect.

Chaga decoction

Another useful medicine based on a birch mushroom is an aqueous decoction. For cooking you need:

• soak 250 g of mushroom in 2 liters of water to soften the woody mushroom a little;
• after a couple of hours, remove the mushroom from the water and grate, then return the pulp to the same water;
• place a pot of water on low heat and heat for an hour, not allowing the mixture to boil.

After an hour, turn off the heat under the pan, and filter the broth. You need to drink it three times a day, 2 large spoons, in total, therapy can last up to 6 months. The broth helps well with heart ailments and metabolic disorders, and the remedy can also be used for oncology.

If desired, you can add other useful components to the chaga broth - this will not bring harm. For example, the benefits of the drink will be enhanced by a decoction of viburnum, natural honey or aloe juice.

Chaga tincture

For medicinal purposes, two types of tinctures can be prepared from a birch mushroom - water and alcohol.

To prepare an alcoholic tincture, you must:

• take a dry chopped mushroom in the volume of half a glass;
• pour a liter of vodka or alcohol;
• remove for 2 weeks in a dark and cool place.

When the tincture is ready, it will need to be filtered, and then take a teaspoon three times a day on an empty stomach. The benefits of chaga tincture are especially in demand in oncology, since the valuable properties of an alcohol-based mushroom have the maximum effect.

To create an aqueous infusion you need:

• soak about 200 g of dry mushroom in a liter of water until it softens;
• then grate it;
• Place the chaga pulp in water again and put it in a cool and dark place for 2 days.

After that, the strained drink is consumed three times a day in a glass - the total daily dosage should not exceed 600 ml. The benefits of chaga infusion are manifested in cases of gastritis and stomach ulcers, in case of intestinal disorders and weakened immunity.

Chaga oil

Chaga oil is used to treat cold symptoms, joint pains and skin irritations. You can prepare it at home - you just need to mix a teaspoon of water infusion with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and then remove the mixture in a dark place for a day.

The prepared oil is applied to the joints for arthritis, osteochondrosis and rheumatism three times a day. The beneficial properties of the oil are not harmful for muscle damage - bruises and sprains. The oil improves the condition of the skin and strengthens the small capillaries located close to the surface of the epidermis.

Another valuable property of the home remedy is the positive effect on sinusitis and runny nose. In such cases, the sinuses need to be lubricated with a medicinal agent from the outside.

Mushroom gruel

For external oncological lesions, as well as for skin diseases, a mushroom-based ointment or mushroom gruel is used. To obtain it you need:

• mix in an equal ratio the soaked and grated pulp of the mushroom with the interior pork fat;
• put the agent on low heat;
• with constant stirring, bring to a boil;
• remove from the stove, wrap the container properly and insist for another day.

The finished ointment is applied to damaged skin several times a day. Also, the agent can lubricate the lymph nodes, sore joints and anus with oncological and inflammatory lesions of the rectum.

Chaga balm

With gastric and joint ailments, a weakened state of the body, as well as with cancer of the lungs, duodenum and mammary glands, the properties of the balm are in demand. They do it like this:

• 30 ml of ordinary chaga infusion on alcohol is mixed with 40 ml of vegetable oil;
• the container with the mixture is closed and shaken;
• the resulting balm is drunk right there, without removing for infusion.

You need to apply the balm three times a day on an empty stomach, preferably at the same time. The therapy itself is carried out as follows:

• within 10 days, the balm is consumed daily;
• then take a break of 5 days;
• then the treatment course is repeated;
• then a break follows again, already for 10 days.

Further, the use of the balm must be alternated with interruptions according to the above scheme until significant relief occurs.

How to drink chaga for prevention

Basically, birch mushroom is used for medicinal purposes - for very serious ailments. However, the benefits of the chaga tree fungus can also be used prophylactically. Alcohol tinctures cannot be used without a good reason, but tea, broth or water infusion in small dosages will not do any harm.

Classically, for prophylaxis, the soaked mushroom is grated and soaked in water for a couple of days, and then drunk three times a day - by itself, with honey, with mistletoe or with other medicinal herbs.

Birch chaga in cosmetology

Dry tree mushroom is used in the cosmetic field. With its help, you can significantly improve skin condition and take care of hair health.

For facial skin

The beneficial properties of chaga rejuvenate, cleanse, tone and tighten the skin. In particular, the following mask is used to eliminate wrinkles:

• chopped mushroom in the amount of 2 large spoons pour 100 ml of cream;
• the mixture is heated in a water bath for a quarter of an hour;
• then filter and filter.

In the resulting mixture, you need to properly moisten a clean napkin and apply it tightly to your face for 15 minutes.

Chaga for beauty and health of hair

The birch mushroom helps to strengthen and restore loose curls, regulates the oiliness of the scalp and eliminates dandruff. To restore hair and give it volume, make the following mask:

• 2 large tablespoons of dry chopped mushroom pour 70 ml of olive oil;
• for a week, the mixture is kept in a dark place;
• the finished mask is rubbed into the scalp weekly and kept on the hair for about an hour under a film and a towel.

Contraindications and side effects

The beneficial properties of birch chaga can be harmful if misused or contraindicated. It is not recommended to consume chaga:

• with colitis;
• with dysentery;
• with intravenous administration of drugs containing glucose;
• when using antibiotics;
• during lactation or pregnancy;
• with allergies.

Chaga can be harmful in diseases of the nervous system, it increases excitability in case of overdose or prolonged use. Also, it is not recommended to consume the product on a diet high in carbohydrates, while eating fatty, salty, smoked or overly sweet foods.

Can children drink chaga

The beneficial properties of the tree mushroom can have a positive effect on the child's body. However, you can give chaga to a child only after 2 years in minimal amounts, otherwise the fungus will harm and cause rashes, itching and intestinal upset.

Chaga during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Since the properties of the mushroom often cause allergies, it is not recommended to use it during the period of gestation. The same applies to the lactation period - the substances present in the product through breast milk can cause a negative reaction in the infant, which will be harmful.

Conclusion

The beneficial properties and contraindications of chaga depend on moderation in the use of the product and on the general state of health. A birch mushroom will not harm if used correctly, if there are no strict prohibitions on its use.

Reviews

I can confirm that chaga mushroom has a powerful healing effect in oncology. My daughter-in-law was able to get rid of stage 1 cancer, including through the treatment with chaga. They used mainly chaga tincture - in combination with medications, the drug quickly showed its best properties, and a long remission occurred.