Chaga
Scientific Name
Inonotus obliquus
Common Names
Chaga, Cedar conk, Birch conk, clinker polypore
Description
Medicinal Uses and Preparation
Only mature chaga mushrooms from birch trees will provide the medical benefits, since other tree species do not have the same constituents that make chaga so awesome.
Cautions and Contraindications
Chaga has blood-thinning properties. Don’t use this mushroom if you are already taking prescription blood thinners or if you regularly use a herb for blood thinning.
As always, please check with your doctor before trying any new substance (especially if you have preexisting conditions or are taking prescribed medications).
Cultivation and Wildcrafting
Sources
- Annanda Chaga (Ethical Harvesting Practices)
- ChagaHQ (How to harvest)
- Food & Function (study)
- Global Healing
- Healthline (lists multiple studies)
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Peptides (study)