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Chaga tea is made from the wild mushroom of the species inonotus obliquus. The mushroom is found in large numbers on birch trees as a parasite. It bears very close resemblance to burnt charcoal in physical appearance. This fungus does well in the forests of Northern Europe, North America, Korea and Russia. In this article, we will explore some chaga tea benefits that have been identified to date.
The mushroom has been found to have some of the highest level of an enzyme known as superoxide dismutase, SOD. This enzyme is important in the repair of cells that have been damaged by the superoxide ion. High levels of SOD are found in the epidermal and dermal skin layers. Here, they play a major role in the maturation of fibroblast cells whose main role is skin building.
Another important component is betulinic acid. This acid is said to be a potent anticancer agent. Its mechanism of action involves stimulation of apoptosis (programmed cell death). Other constituents that have been found to have anticancer benefits are the beta glycans. These perform their function by modulating the immune system in a manner that helps in the recognition of cancerous cells so that they can be easily recognised and destroyed.
The mushroom has very high levels of vitamin B1 (thiamine). Thiamine is important in the synthesis of carbohydrates to produce energy. The vitamin is important in the treatment of conditions such reduced appetite, diarrhoea and ulcerative colitis. It is recommended for patients that have a compromised immune system such as those with HIV/AIDS. Other indications include diabetic pain, glaucoma, alcoholism, cataracts and motion sickness.
Other important vitamins include vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), niacin and D2. Riboflavin helps the body to make use of oxygen and to metabolize amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids. It is used medically to treat glaucoma, cataracts and eye fatigue. Vitamin B3 or niacin is required for synthesis of gonadal hormones, treatment of schizophrenia and in memory stimulation. Vitamin D2 is important in bone formation and may be used to treat some protozoa diseases.
One of the most important properties of the tea is that it is antimicrobial. It is highly effective against viruses, protozoa and bacteria. Flavonoids, melanin, magnesium, pantothenic acid, copper, selenium, saponins and zinc have the ability to inhibit the growth and replication of bacterial organisms. Betulinic acid and saponins are very effective in treatment of malaria and other protozoa infections.
The other important element is iron. Iron is required for many functions that include, among others, synthesis of red blood cells. The element is incorporated into haemoglobin as the cells are created in the bone marrow. Deficiency of the iron causes a condition known as anaemia. This condition is characterised with decreased oxygen carrying capacity of blood. Associated symptoms include dizziness, body weakness, breathlessness and increased susceptibility to infections.
In spite of the many chaga tea benefits that have been identified, there are a number of side effects that may result from the use of the mushroom. Bleeding is perhaps the most serious side effect. The tendency to bleed is increased when one takes it alongside blood thinners such as warfarin and aspirin. The other area that you need to be careful about is the control of blood sugars. If too much of this tea is consumed, there is the possibility of lowering the sugars to very low levels.
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