Chaga

What is Chaga?

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is also known as the birch conk. It does not look like a classic mushroom: it is a dark, charred-looking mass that grows on the trunk of birch trees, with an orange-brown inside.

Where it comes from

Chaga grows in cold climates, especially in Siberia, Scandinavia and northern Canada, and needs years to form. In Northern Europe and Russia it has traditionally been used as an infusion.

What is in it

Chaga contains beta-glucans, fibres and a high level of melanin, which explains its dark colour. It is also often mentioned for its antioxidants. There are currently no EU-approved health claims for Chaga. It is a food supplement, not a medicine.

Frequently asked questions about Chaga

Why is chaga so expensive?

Because it needs years to grow and is not easy to cultivate the way other varieties are. Wild chaga is harvested by hand in remote areas. You see that back in the price.

Can I make tea from it too?

Traditionally chaga is drunk as an infusion, with pieces of the wood-like mass steeped for a long time. Our capsules contain pure chaga powder and are meant to be swallowed, not to make tea from.

Are you allowed to say what this is good for?

No, and we do not. No health claims have been approved for mushrooms in the European Union. What we can tell you is what is in it, where it comes from and how you use it. If you come across a supplier who lists exactly what a mushroom is good for, that supplier is overstepping the mark.

Fruiting body or mycelium?

This is the most important quality question with mushroom supplements. Mycelium is the root network and is often grown on grain, which means starch ends up in the end product. Our capsules contain powder from the whole fruiting body, the mushroom itself. That is stated on every pack.

How do I take it?

As a capsule, with some water. Stick to the dose on the label. Most people take it over a longer period rather than one-off, and choose a fixed moment in the day for it.

Can I combine it with other supplements?

You can. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your GP or pharmacist first.