Botanical Name: Inonotus obliquus
Common Name:
- English: Chaga
- Also, Known As: Birch Mushroom, Clinker polypore, Birch conk, Birch canker polypore, Chaga Conk, Chaga Mushroom, Champignon de l’Immortalité, Cinder Conk, Diamant de la Forêt, Don de Dieu, Ganoderma Sibirica, Inonotus obliquus, Roi des Plantes, Siberian Chaga, Tchaga, Tricholoma Obliquus
Origin: China
Harvested: Wild
Part used: Mushrooms
General Information:
In North America and Canada, the Birch is well known for its beauty alone. The unthinkable medical purpose can be found in the older trees in what is known as a mushroom, or fungus-type growth. It is parasitic on birch and other trees. This growth is rough, dry, porous, crusty, with deeply cut and crooked separations having the appearance of dull charred wood on the outside. The sterile conk is irregularly formed and has the appearance of burnt charcoal. When this projection is sawn off the tree, it is as if the tree was having cosmetic surgery or the removal of an out-of-control wart. The mushroom can take up to seven years to reach maturity.
The interior is yellow to yellow brown often with some bits of white mixed in and is moderately hard with a somewhat pebbly, corky texture. The outer surface is dark brown to black, very hard, with a deeply cracked texture. It can be brittle with pieces easily rubbing or falling off.
How to use:
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered herb to any super food herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. This method is also known as “Electuaries”.
Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, gives you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.
Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.