Chaga Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to drink chaga hot or cold? ›

Chaga is hard as wood and is much too difficult for our body to digest as a food. The best way to get the nutrients out of chaga is to extract it in hot water. Alternatively, you can buy powders that are 'pre-extracted' so the nutrients can be absorbed. Simply mix with the desired beverage of choice.

Poisonous look-alikes: There are no poisonous look-alikes to this fungus. There are other non-chaga cankers that grow on other species of tree, so do not harvest chaga from any species but birch (Betula species). Methods and Tips on harvesting: Chaga is a perennial growth, so it can be harvested year-round.

Chaga mushroom is one such herbal medication that has been reported in several studies to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, ingesting high doses of Chaga mushroom can cause acute oxalate nephropathy, which can lead to acute kidney damage.

How long does it take chaga to work? You need to take chaga every day for about two to three weeks before you start noticing results. Over time, and with regular use, its effects will be more and more noticeable.

The problem with boiling is that, according to Cass Ingram, the medicinal components of chaga include not only polysaccharides but proteins, sterols, SOD, and enzymes including catalase, peroxidase, RNAase, and DNAase, all of which are damaged or destroyed by temperatures above 180ºF.

“By having these antioxidants, chaga mushrooms decrease inflammation in our gut, which can cause problems like irritable bowel syndrome,” says Czerwony. A study shows that chaga mushrooms can not only help reduce inflammation, but can also fight harmful bacteria.

Chaga mushrooms are high in oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones. Those who have kidney disease, a prior history of kidney stones, or who are at risk of kidney stones should not take chaga. To avoid complications, speak to your doctor before using an herbal supplement.

Chaga mushrooms are safe and legal to consume.

Unlike “shrooms,” they don't contain psilocybin; they won't get you high or cause any psychoactive effects.

“Chaga is a mushroom and if it is at all damp, it will grow mold,' she said. “That mold will look like confectioners sugar on the dark surface.” From getting moldy, if left unattended the chaga will start to rot and give off a very bad smell, Guay said.

Encourages hair growth - The Chaga mushroom is consistently used in shampoos and other hair care products to stimulate hair growth. Research has concluded that it does in fact have the potential to naturally boost hair growth.

Can Chaga go bad? ›

Chaga can spoil and ferment, go moldy and smell musty or sour when it spoils. Reusing your chaga is always a good practice. Make sure that you store your wet chaga in the freezer so it doesn't become contaminated with mold. To get the most value out of chaga it's always good to re-use your chaga several times.

Chaga is pleasant tasting as a tea, which is the most common way it is consumed. Next most common is as a tincture. The most complete process is a dual extraction involving alcohol and heat. As chaga is 'trendy' right now, you'll find many products using it in chai or coffee blends or supplements.

The black part of chaga is full of antioxidants and contains a high concentration of melanin. If you want to reap these benefits, look for supplements made of whole chaga mushrooms and eat chaga fortified foods that use the whole mushroom.

Chaga is caffeine-free, and still a great source of natural energy. In fact, many people drink Chaga as an alternative to coffee in the morning, or during that mid-afternoon slump. Since it's caffeine-free and can be enjoyed with or without food, Chaga can be consumed just about anytime you need a natural energy boost.

No, Chaga mushrooms won't cause liver damage, but they aren't without potential side effects. In fact, it could reduce the possibility of liver damage. A chemical, tetra-butyl hydroperoxide, is known to cause liver damage, but Chaga mushroom can shield the liver tissues from this harmful chemical.

Whether it's made from raw chaga or a chaga powder, you will only get the benefits of water-soluble chaga compounds by drinking it in tea form. You will reap more benefits by taking a chaga extract that's made with a dual extraction method (such as the one we use).

While it's fine to use it whenever you please, you might want to specifically consider using it during flu season to help ward off harmful bugs, when you're sick to bolster your immune system, in the morning for energy, and before bed for relaxation. Most importantly, consume Chaga consistently!

Just be aware of the kind of chaga you are using. Consequently, chaga extract and chaga tea can be brewed using boiling water. Recommendations state that raw chaga not be used with boiling water. Simply let the water cool before adding and brewing raw chaga tea.

Chaga does not have caffeine and will not keep you awake. It has adaptogenic properties and can help your body adapt to stress and calm down. It's good to drink chaga at any time of the day. Of course, Four Sigmatic Ground Coffees that have chaga will have caffeine in them.