Chaga mushrooms (obliquus inonotus) are known to have several potential virtues, recently formulations including CBD appeared after long research. Chaga is mainly used as a medicinal fungus in certain traditional cultures, especially in Russia and Siberia. It is often prepared in the form of a decoction or infusion for its alleged properties.
What is Chaga fungus?
Mushrooms are creatures that seem to be derogating from so many rules that they seem to be derogating from all the rules. Sometimes their external appearance rarely reveals the exceptional powers that reside within them.
Take the example of Chaga, A mushroom Modest but legendary, also known as the obliquus Inonotus.
There First impression : It is obvious that the Chaga hardly looks like an ordinary fungus, largely because it is a parasite.
Her appearance is not most flattering : black, bumpy, charred and difficult to define. It is increasing on the birch trunks in the forests of northern Europe, Asia and North America.
Yet the first impression is often bad :
By taking a step back, the historical figures having used this fungus seem to come from a large geographical expanse, and its use dates back to hundreds, even thousands of years.
THE Siberian cultures And Chinese were among the first to explore this fungus.
THE peoples Khanty, Evenki and Yaku of Siberia recognized her virtue healing and have it tea or used it in application on the skin To treat various illness.
In China, Siberia and other regions Asian, there traditional medicine Chinese is a pillar of medical culture.
Le Chaga, known there under the name of "Huang Qi", East considered like a tonic powerful for to strenghten there health and vitality.
HAS the West, where the climate has similarities, peoples Aboriginal from North America, like Ojibwés, also used the Chaga as remedy plant -based, especially for affections cutaneous as well as problems digestive And respiratory.
Russian scientific studies on the Chaga
More recently, Russian scientists have looked into the Chaga. Their studies, carried out from the end of the 19th century to the 20th century, scrutinized the properties medicinal of this fungus and documented its use by Siberian indigenous cultures.
here is some advantages Potentials associated with Chaga fungus, according to traditional and scientific sources:
Powerful antioxidant: Chaga is rich in antioxidants such as polysaccharides and phenols. These compounds help neutralize free radicals in the body, thus contributing to the protection of cells against oxidative damage.
Immune support: Some compounds present in the Chaga, such as beta-glucans, could stimulate the immune system by strengthening the response of immune cells to infections.
Potential anti-inflammatory: Laboratory studies have suggested that Chaga extracts could have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial to reduce inflammation in the body.
Stress management support: Some preliminary research on animal models have suggested that Chaga could have a positive effect on stress management, perhaps because of its adaptogenic properties.
Possible anticancer effects: Some laboratory studies have shown that Chaga extracts could inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce their apoptosis (programmed cell death). However, it is important to note that these results are preliminary and require more in -depth studies.
Digestive health support: Chaga compounds could promote gastrointestinal health by supporting the growth of good bacteria in the intestine and helping to regulate digestion.
Antimicrobial properties: Some research suggests that Chaga extracts may have antimicrobial properties, which could contribute to protection against certain infections.
It is important to note that although these potential advantages are promising, research on the Chaga is still underway, and it is advisable to consult a health professional before making significant changes to your diet or to your routine health.
Alexandre Soljenitsyne: a powerful testimony
Even this apparently harmless and dull mushroom has left a lasting impression on Alexandre Soljenitsyne, the famous Russian writer and winner of the Nobel Prize.
Soljenitsyne, who himself fought against cancer, explored illness and healing through his writings.
He made sure to include this functional fungus in his semi-autobiographical novel entitled "The cancer pavilion".
"He could not conceive more joy than to withdraw in the woods for months, to harvest this chaga, to reduce it in crumbs, to boil it on a campfire, to drink it and to find the health, like a beast in recovery. "
~ Alexandre Soljenitsyne, cancer service (1968)
A fight for the Chaga, an advantage for humanity
Growing up near the birch, the Chaga crosspiece an extended range of temperatures, of the cold winter frozen to days summer burning.
He struggle constantly against bacteria, THE towards and mushrooms harmful during its growth. This battle constant in its environment during its growth process could contribute to the wealth of biologically active chemicals contained in the Chaga.
These biologically active compounds protect him against various environmental threats and could be linked to the benefits observed over the centuries by different native tribes.
Still so much to discover on the Chaga
Believe it or not, there is still a lot to learn about this fascinating fungus.
For example, I did not even start to approach the way the Chaga was used as a coloring and pigment for textiles.
I will reserve this subject for a future article on the Chaga. So stay on the lookout, because there is always a lot to discover!
Have you ever experienced the benefits of this fungus by yourself to strengthen your immune system?
