Chaga mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years, but what exactly is this strange-looking fungus and what does it do when ingested? Chaga mushroom powder has recently been touted as both an antioxidant-rich cure-all and a caffeine-free coffee replacement, but you may want to do a bit of research before trying it yourself.
Om Mushroom Organic Chaga Powder is the top pick because it is potent, vegan-friendly and certified organic.
The chaga mushroom is a fungus that grows naturally on birch trees throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In the wild, it resembles a large black chunk of burnt charcoal with a light brown interior. Unlike other mushrooms, the non-toxic chaga typically has an irregular shape and grows very slowly on its host. Practitioners of herbal medicine in Russia, Korea, northern Europe and beyond have used the fungus in their remedies for thousands of years.
Despite the many purported benefits, there are a few risks to consider when looking for a chaga mushroom powder. The fungus may interact with certain medications like blood thinners or insulin, so always check with your doctor before ingesting chaga powder. Similarly, talk with a physician if you have an auto-immune disease or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Like other herbal supplements, chaga mushroom powder has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Lastly, although there have been plenty of studies conducted on animals to verify its effect on the body, there have been very few human studies to determine its safety as a dietary supplement.
Most people stir their chaga powder into beverages like hot coffee or tea, but you can also find the ground fungus in capsule form. Hot liquids are usually preferred since they are better for dissolving the powder, and you can sweeten the beverage with honey or maple syrup.
Look for a chaga mushroom powder that is certified organic by an independent third-party organization like the United States Department of Agriculture. Many products may also be certified vegan and free of genetically modified organisms.
The recommended dosage can vary widely depending on the company, so read the instructions before preparing your tea. That being said, one serving is usually about 1,000-3,000 milligrams of ground mushroom powder that can be ingested once or twice daily.
The cost of a chaga mushroom powder usually depends on the potency and quantity. Most people can expect to spend around $15-$30 for a medium-sized container.
A. Many people say that chaga mushroom tea has a taste that’s very similar to brewed coffee. Others note a rich, earthy flavor with a touch of bitterness.
A. Despite its use as a morning coffee replacement, the chaga mushroom contains no caffeine. Some users report an energy boost because of its combination of B vitamins and other nutrients.
Om Mushroom Organic Chaga Powder
What you need to know: This product contains 100 servings of certified-organic chaga mushroom powder.
What you’ll love: This mushroom powder is certified organic by two different third-party organizations, and it is also completely vegan and free of gluten and GMOs. The mushroom was also cultured on wild oats, not in a lab, resulting in a particularly natural supplement.
What you should consider: Some users wished that the mushrooms had been grown on natural birch trees, which is how the fungus grows in the wild.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb
Exploding Buds Certified Organic Chaga Mushroom Powder
What you need to know: Perfect for people that want to try the mushroom superfood without the commitment, this product comes with 60 servings of high-quality chaga powder at a reasonable price.
What you’ll love: This popular chaga mushroom powder is certified gluten-free and organic. Add one teaspoon to your morning coffee to receive an additional energy boost without the jitters. The mushrooms are grown in the United States.
What you should consider: The powder requires constant stirring and won’t dissolve easily in liquid.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Blend Mix
What you need to know: Produced by a leading brand, this powder contains a blend of chaga mushrooms with several other adaptogens.
What you’ll love: This mushroom powder is certified organic, vegan and gluten-free. Alongside a dose of chaga, this blend contains healthy shiitake, lion’s mane, reishi mushrooms and morel. Many users enjoy the smooth, earthy taste.
What you should consider: Each serving contains a relatively small dose of a variety of mushrooms, potentially reducing the possible health benefits.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb
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Patrick Farmer writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
