Mushroom

Chaga Mushroom (has a safety note)

BotanicalInonotus obliquusAlso calledBirch conk, Cinder conk, Clinker polypore

A charcoal-black growth from northern birch trees, simmered into a smooth, earthy tea with a faint hint of vanilla.

* Safety note: High in oxalates and linked to kidney injury with heavy use; read the cautions before use. Read the cautions

Chaga Mushroom, sterile conk (dried chunks)

Chaga looks like a lump of burnt charcoal clinging to the side of a birch tree. Break it open and the inside is a rusty, golden brown. People across Russia, Scandinavia and the northern forests of North America have long broken off pieces and simmered them in a pot on the stove, and the tea that results is dark, smooth and surprisingly mild, earthy with a soft vanilla note.

Chaga belongs to northern folk traditions, not to Ayurveda. No classical text describes it and we have not found a reliable modern Ayurvedic profile, so we keep our Ayurvedic notes here light and honest.

Ayurvedic Properties

Not described in classical Ayurveda, and we have not found a reliable modern Ayurvedic profile, so most of its energetics are shown as unknown. It comes from the folk traditions of Russia and northern Europe.

RasaTastes
  • Bitter
ViryaHeating or cooling
Not known
VipakaPost-digestive effect
Not known
AgniEffect on digestion
Not known

There is no traditional Ayurvedic basis for judging its effect on digestion.

GunaQualities
Not known
TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
  • Vata: not known
  • Pitta: not known
  • Kapha: not known
  • decreases (calms that dosha)
  • increases (can aggravate it)
  • neutral or balancing
  • not known
  • V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha

Because chaga has no classical or reliable modern Ayurvedic description, we do not assign it a dosha effect. Enjoy it as an occasional warm cup rather than a daily habit, for the safety reasons below.

Traditional Uses

  • Traditionally used to support general vitality through long northern winters.
  • Traditionally used to support the body's natural defenses in northern folk practice.
  • Traditionally used to support warmth and comfort through cold northern seasons.

How People Use It

  • TeaSimmer about 1 tablespoon of chaga chunks in 4 cups of water, covered, for 1 to 2 hours. Strain. The chunks can be dried and simmered again two or three times.
  • MilkWarm a cup of brewed chaga tea with an equal amount of milk or oat milk and a pinch of cinnamon for a soft, latte-style drink.
Try This

Birch Forest Chaga Latte

A cozy, coffee-colored cup for a cold afternoon.

  • 1 cup brewed chaga tea
  • 1/2 cup milk or oat milk
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  1. Brew chaga as above and strain out the chunks.
  2. Warm the tea and milk together in a small pot without letting it boil.
  3. Whisk in the cinnamon and maple syrup.
  4. Pour into a mug and save it for the occasional cold afternoon.

Pairs Well With

Cautions

  • Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been studied. Avoid chaga during pregnancy or while nursing unless your doctor or midwife approves.
  • Chaga is very high in oxalates. Case reports describe serious kidney damage (oxalate nephropathy), some needing dialysis, in people who took chaga powder daily for months. Avoid chaga if you have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones, and do not use large amounts long term.
  • Chaga may slow blood clotting. Talk with your doctor if you take warfarin or other blood thinners or antiplatelet medicines, or before surgery.
  • Chaga may lower blood sugar. Check with your doctor if you take insulin or diabetes medicines.
  • Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using chaga regularly.

In Our Shop

Organic Chaga Mushroom

Organic Chaga Mushroom, from $14.00. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.

Shop Chaga Mushroom →

Sources and Further Reading

This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.