Chaga does not grow in Ireland because of its mild climate. However, the interest in Chaga has exploded. Why? Why is there a growing interest in biohacking and natural health?
Irish consumers seek out botanicals and functional foods that promote immunity, resilience to stress, and long term vitality, without using synthetic additives, or side effects from unnecessary medications.
Chaga in Ireland – Why Now?
The pandemic has accelerated this change, with people becoming more aware of their health. They are also less reliant upon the pharmaceutical industry. Another part is cultural – Ireland has a long-standing appreciation for plant-based medicine and herbal traditions. This heritage blends with the global wellness trend, creating fertile soil for products such as Chaga.
Even coffee shops, health food stores and holistic clinics are starting to offer functional mushrooms such as Chaga. Content like this bridges the gap between curiousity and confidence amongst beginners and interested individuals.
Ireland’s health-care system has undergone a significant change in recent years. Ancient remedies, which were once thought to be obsolete, are now being discovered through new lenses. Chaga is one of them, an ancient medicinal mushroom used for centuries in Siberia. Scandinavia and other regions of the boreal. Men and women are now discovering it.
What is Chaga and why does it appear in teas, tinctures and supplements? How can Irish people benefit from the centuries-old remedy that is Chaga in a manner that’s aligned with modern science?
Why is Chaga gaining global attention?
The fungus Chaga (Inonotus Obliquus) grows on Birch trees primarily in areas with cold climates, such as Russia and Canada. It is also found in parts of Asia. This dark growth looks similar to charcoal. It’s not the most attractive thing in the forest but underneath its rough exterior is a powerful source of bioactive substances.
Chaga is traditionally consumed in Scandinavian and Siberian cultures as tea. It has long been revered by these cultures for its ability to boost vitality, support immunity, and fight inflammation. The high concentrations in antioxidants, polysaccharides beta-glucans and betulinic (derived form the host birch) acid make Chaga a powerful player among functional mushrooms.
Modern science has begun to confirm many of the traditional beliefs. Recent studies have shown that Chaga has anti-inflammatory properties, immune modulating effects, and antiviral ones.1,2 Chaga is a promising natural medicine that deserves to be in the forefront of the field of health.
Chaga health benefits: What do the studies say?
The benefits of Chaga have been extensively studied.
Immune system support
Chaga has beta-glucans that may regulate the immune response by stimulating or relaxing it depending on whether it is needed. Chaga is able to boost immune activity without being overstimulated, as shown by recent in vitro and animal trials.3.
Anti-inflammatory actions
Chronic inflammation drives many of today’s health issues. Chaga contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, such as superoxide dimutase.4.
Antiviral properties
Chaga can be used to inhibit certain bacteria and viruses, such as herpes and influenza.
Regulating blood glucose and cholesterol
Chaga has been shown to improve animal model lipid profiles and support healthy blood glucose levels. It is therefore a possible ally for managing metabolic health.
Chaga, while promising, is not meant to replace medical treatments. It’s important to take into account the quality of the source, its extraction process, and how much you use when selecting a supplement.
Chaga extracts in liquid form vs. powdered forms: not all Chaga are created the same
Method of extracting the compound is essential to the quality of a supplement. Powdered and capsule supplements are often poorly absorbed in the body or have unnecessary fillers, which reduce their potency. Chaga contains both water-soluble compounds and fat-soluble ones. A dual extraction process is needed to make these beneficial compounds bioavailable.
These liquid extracts are a great option. They are made using purified alcohol and water extraction, which ensures a complete spectrum of beta-glucans and polyphenols.
Chaga Dual Extract by Dr. Mush me. The tincture has been scientifically designed to eliminate the unnecessary fluff, and focus on its bioactive effectiveness. The extract is made from European grown organic Chaga, which has been cultivated in controlled conditions, as opposed to being wild-harvested.
Many mushroom supplements are made with mycelium powder, which is cheap, or artificial additives. However, liquid extracts of high quality have now become the new gold standard. This offers Irish consumers an effective and sustainable alternative.
Chaga: How to incorporate it into your daily routine
When you are new to Chaga products, make sure that the product is high quality and properly extracted. You can add a few drops to your hot coffee or tea each day, or take it sublingually. Chaga, unlike stimulants and synthetic nootropics works slowly, supporting the immune system, rather than suppressing it.
Chaga is a powerful tool for biohackers and wellness enthusiasts who are accustomed to using other adaptogens. They can also include Chaga in a daily routine that incorporates breathwork or healthy nutrition. The functional mushroom can be a powerful and subtle ally when it comes to promoting health, balance, and resilience.
Final Thought
In Ireland, the natural health movement is growing. It’s encouraging to watch time-tested, natural remedies such as Chaga find their way into our modern routines. Chaga is a natural option that’s backed by new science, and accessible thanks to responsible extraction and sourcing methods.
Referrals
- Alhallaf et al. The Anti-Inflammatory Property of Chaga extracts Obtained By Different Extraction Techniques Against LPS-Induced Raw 264.7. National Library of Medicine
- Plehn et al. Chaga mushroom triterpenoids: An adjunct to minimally-invasive cancer treatments. National Library of Medicine
- Muscolo et al. (2019) The role of antioxidant phytochemicals for the prevention and treatment of diseases, National Library of Medicine
- Altuwajiri et al. Chaga Mushroom Extraction as a Dual Action Agent against Microbial Cells and Cancerous Cells in In Vitro Studies
