At GotChaga, we’ve done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies
our customers’ needs. With that goal in mind, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked
questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us.
What is Chaga?
(Inonotus obliquus), also known as cinder conk, is a fungus in Hymenochaetaceae family. It grows
mostly on Birch and also grows on other trees which serve as hosts to this fungus. Chaga outer
surface has burnt appearance.
Where does Chaga grow?
Chaga can be found in Canada, Eastern and Northern Europe, Korea, North Carolina mountains,
Northern areas of the United States.
What are the benefits of Chaga?
Chaga has been used to treat cancer, gastritis, tuberculosis of the bones and ulcers in botanical
medicine of Eastern Europe and in folk medicine.
Active metabolites such as phenolic compounds, melanins, and lanostane-type triterpenoids.are
present in Chaga. These metabolites are effective as antioxidants, antitumoral, and antiviral
activities and strengthening the immune system to help guard against infection of pathogenic
microbes.
Research suggests Chaga:
– can help in the treatment of cancer (ie. breast, gastric, liver, uterine), diabetes, hypertension
-immuno stimulation, an indirect anti-cancer effect
-inhibits tumor growth
-strong anti-inflammatory effects
-is a strong antioxidant
-contains immune balancing properties
-contains cholesterol lowering properties
-contains properties that improve insulin resistance
-contains properties that lowers obesity
-may be comparable to chemotherapy and radiation treatments without the side effects
-protects lymphocyte cells from hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative stress
-scierotia and mycelia offer antimutagenic and anti-tumor effects
-protects against radiation
What is the earliest recorded use of Chaga?
100 BC in the “The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing” (Chinese name, Bai Hua Rong)
and 16th century.
Are there any side effects associated with the use of Chaga?
There are no known side effects.
None-the-less, use of Chaga should be reviewed with one’s physician to ensure there are no
interactions with medications or specific health conditions of the individual.
What are the active healing properties in Chaga?
Betulin flanosterols
Inositols (B vitamins)
Inotodiol
Lactones
Lanostanoid triterpenoids
Melanin
Protein-bound Polysaccharides
Triterpenes
Xylogalactoglucan
Dhromogenic Complex (S.O.D)
Ergosterol,(a biological precursor to Vitamin D2).
What format is Chaga taken?
Tea, tincture, extract.
What does Chaga tea taste like?
Chaga tea tastes similar to coffee ;The level of bitter flavor depends on how much of the black
skin is used
How is Chaga tea prepared?
Decoction/tea can be prepared with Chaga chunks or powder simmered in purified or spring water
for several hours to several days
For example, a decoction of 2-3 lbs of Chaga chunks simmered in 2 to 3 Gallons of purified or
spring water may yield 8 to 10 quarts of Chaga Tea. 
Can Chaga chunks be reused?
Chaga chunks may be reused several times. The number of times the chunks may be reused
depends upon the amount of water and the number of hours used at each decoction.
How can Chaga be stored?
Chaga may be stored frozen or dehydrated
Is there research and/or literature on Chaga?
Yes.go to Science Tab
The details provided on this site is intended for information only and has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug
Administration. The information provided on this site does not intend to imply that it may be used to, diagnose, treat,
cure or prevent any disease
Consult your physician before use of information, products or services offered through this site.