Inonotus Obliquus
Common name: Chaga
Family: Polyporaceae
Part used: Fungal fruiting body
Habitat and Description: Chaga grows wild in the UK, Europe and Russia on several different trees including spruce, alder and birch. It appears as a black growth or conk on the tree and can resemble burnt charcoal, however it has a more orangey colour on the inside.
Constituents: Triterpenoids betulin and betulinic acid, polysaccharides, sterols, antioxidants, tannins, triterpenes.
Actions: Antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, antitumour, antioxidant, immunostimulant, hypoglycemic
Traditional and current uses:
Chaga is renowned across several countries for its medicinal properties, and was approved for public use against cancer in Moscow in 1955.
- The polysaccharide content make chaga an effective support for the immune system in fighting infections.
- The polysaccharide and teriterpenoid content support its use in Poland and Russia as an anticancer treatment.
- Betulinic acid has been shown to promote apoptosis in mitochondrial cells.
- It can help regulate blood glucose levels and improve insulin resistance.
- Has been shown to treat psoriasis after 9-12 weeks of treatment.
- Acts as a potent antiviral and is effective a variety of viral infections.
- Aids in treating gastrointestinal microbial infections.
- The antioxidant content make Chaga effective in fighting against oxidative stress in the body.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Urban Fringe Dispensary disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.
