Chaga Tea: A Natural Functional Beverage

On Terra🌍, chaga tea has been making waves—and for good reason! This powerhouse mushroom, known for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, offers a soothing and healthful way to nourish your body. Whether you're new to chaga or a longtime fan, this mushroom tea recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the benefits of the "King of Mushrooms."

What is Chaga?

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a wild mushroom that thrives on birch trees in cold climates. Its rugged, charcoal-like exterior conceals a vibrant orange core, rich in polysaccharides, antioxidants, and beta-glucans. Used for centuries in Eastern medicine, chaga is cherished for its ability to support immunity, reduce inflammation, and promote overall vitality.

A Glimpse into Chaga’s Legacy

Chaga has a long history of medicinal use, with records dating back to Corpus Hippocraticum, the works of Hippocrates, where its infusions were used to cleanse wounds.¹ Traditionally consumed in China, Russia, Korea, and beyond, chaga remains a revered folk remedy. While its title as the "King of Mushrooms" is often debated—after all, the fungal kingdom boasts many remarkable species—its growing popularity in the West is backed by compelling research.

Foraging for Liquid Gold

Chaga isn't your typical mushroom. What many perceive as the mushroom itself is actually a sclerotium—a dense mass of mycelium that forms a woody, irregular conk on birch bark. This unique formation has led foragers to compare the hunt for chaga to a quest for gold, with its bright orange interior gleaming like a hidden treasure beneath its rough exterior.

But enough about its origins—let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how you can brew your own chaga tea and experience its benefits firsthand.

Why Drink Chaga Tea?

Immune Support: Chaga is packed with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This makes it a powerhouse for boosting your immune system.

Anti-Inflammatory: Chaga’s bioactive compounds are known to reduce inflammation, which can help relieve conditions like arthritis and improve overall joint health.

Energy and Focus: this adaptogenic mushroom can help combat fatigue and increase mental clarity, making it an ideal tea to start your day or enjoy as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Gut Health: With its prebiotic properties, chaga helps nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut, supporting digestive health.

100% Caffeine Free: Can act as an alternative to coffee.

Now that you know why chaga tea is so good for you, let’s explore how to brew the perfect cup!

How to Make Chaga Tea

Makes roughly 1 cup of chaga mushroom tea.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 teaspoons of chaga mushroom powder  
• 2 cups of filtered water 💧
• Optional: A slice of lemon 🍋
• Optional: Honey, maple syrup, demerara/brown sugar, monk fruit or stevia for sweetness 🍯
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of Senchai/Gyokuro/Genmaicha loose leaf green tea
• Optional: A sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor ✨

Instructions:

1. Boil Water: Start by bringing 2 cups of filtered water to a boil in a small pot or kettle.
2. Prepare Chaga: If you’re using chaga powder, simply measure out 1-5 teaspoons. Feel free to adjust the quantity depending on how strong you like your tea.
3. Brew the Tea: Once the water has come to a boil, add the chaga powder into the water. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the beneficial compounds to infuse into the liquid. Simmer for 30 minutes for a richer flavor. Once done, turn off the heat and if chosen add the green tea and allow to steep for 3 minutes. 
4. Strain and Serve: It's best to strain the tea for a smoother texture.
5. Optional Add-ins: Add a slice of lemon to boost the vitamin C content, or drizzle in a bit of honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. For extra flavor, you can add a dash of cinnamon or ginger, which also have their own health benefits. 
6. Enjoy: Sip and savor the earthy, slightly woody flavor of your homemade chaga tea. Relax and let the benefits of this functional homemade beverage mushroom tea work through the body and mind! ✨

Tips for the Best Chaga Tea

Longer Brewing Time = Stronger Tea: If you prefer a more potent tea, feel free to let it brew for an extra 10-15 minutes. Chaga’s medicinal properties are best extracted with time and heat.

Chaga Powder: Chaga powder is convenient and easy to use, making it perfect for busy mornings.

Make a Larger Batch: You can brew a larger batch of chaga tea and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This way, you’ll have a refreshing iced tea or ready-to-drink option when you need it!

Mix with Other Herbs: Chaga pairs well with other medicinal herbs like peppermint, ginger, rosemary or turmeric. As detailed above you can even blend it with green tea or black tea for a more complex flavor profile.

Why Chaga Tea Should Be in Your Weekly Routine

Chaga mushroom tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a nourishing tonic that offers numerous health benefits. By incorporating it into your daily routine, you’ll support your immune system, reduce inflammation, and increase your overall vitality. And the best part? You can enjoy all of these benefits in a simple, comforting cup of tea! 

So whether you’re looking to boost your energy, improve digestion, or simply enjoy a cozy moment of self-care, chaga tea is the perfect choice. Give this recipe a try and let the healing properties of chaga work wonders for your body, one sip at a time.

Stay healthy, stay mindful, and enjoy your chaga-infused tea! ✨

Why did the botanist fail the fungi test?
Because they kept trying to put mushrooms in the plant category! 🍄📚❌🌱

References:

1.  Szychowski KA, Skóra B, Pomianek T, Gmiński J. Inonotus obliquus - from folk medicine to clinical use. J Tradit Complement Med. 2020 Aug 22;11(4):293-302. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.08.003. PMID: 34195023; PMCID: PMC8240111.