If you’re bored and tired of having the same tea over and over, it may be worth considering adding this highly healthy variant-chaga mushroom tea.
Chaga has been consumed in Russia and other Baltic countries for hundreds of years as an immunity booster and to better the overall health.
Nowadays, it’s becoming increasingly popular in the West too, and studies point out its amazing nutrients as beneficial for us.
Chaga tea is made from chaga mushrooms. These parasitic funguses grow in the colder climates of Alaska, Siberia, and Northern Canada. Mostly, it grows on birch trees and the infection eventually kills the tree and the mushroom dies soon after.
Although the mushroom looks improperly shaped and cracked, with a cork-like texture, it’s actually good for us.
Thanks to its unique combo of nutrients, it’s often referred to as a superfood. Chaga mushroom isn’t just used for tea making, but also added in lip balms, balms for joint rubbing, creams for the skin,etc.
What Are the Best Health Benefits of Chaga Tea?
- Strengthens your immunity
According to a 2011 study done with animals published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, extracts of chaga affected the cytokine production and helped in the regulation of the antibody production.
- Reduces your risk of inflammation
A 2010 study from the Biomedicine and Biotechnology journal discovered that mice experienced reduced inflammation after being administered chaga extracts.
- Balances the blood sugar levels
A study done in 2017 with animals found that the polysaccharides from chaga may have a blood pressure reducing effect thanks to the impact it has on the signaling pathways.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Chaga Tea?
First, you need to use only wild chaga, not the lab-grown one. And, make sure you crush it into powder to ensure better nutrient extraction.
When you brew it, a vanilla and earthy notes will be released, thanks to the mushroom’s vanillin.
To make it, you need:
1 glass teapot of water
Ground chaga or chunks
Prep:
Put the powder or chunks into the water and steep them for a couple of minutes to one hour. Then, increase the temperature, about ¾ of the temperature to come to a boil.
Thanks to the slow increase of the temperature, the nutrients from the chaga will be extracted better.
When you’re done with the brewing, strain the tea into a cup and enjoy.
Where Can I Buy Chaga Tea?
A lot of stores sell various chaga mushrooms-many are found in chunk or powder form. Somewhere, you can also find them in teabags.
But, ensure it’s from a trusted source to ensure maximum quality.
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