The Main Chaga Tea Benefits

By Kathy Kaufman


Chaga tea is prepared from a mushroom known as Inonotus obliquus. This mushroom grows as a parasite on the birch tree as well as other trees. Its physical appearance resembles burnt charcoal. It is found in areas that have large areas of birch forests such as Korea, Northern Europe, Russia and some parts of North America. We will look at some of the chaga tea benefits.

One of the most important components in the mushroom is the enzyme known as superoxide dismutase or SOD. This is an enzyme that is very critical in cell repair after these cells have been destroyed by the superoxide anion. There are particularly high levels in the dermal and epidermal layers in the skin. Here they help stimulate maturation of important cells known as fibroblasts.

Betulinic acid is another very useful component. The acid has been found to be a very effective anticancer agent. It works by triggering the process of apoptosis or programmed cell death. Others with similar properties are the beta glycans. Their mechanism of action involves modulation of the immune system so that the recognition and destruction of cancerous cells is easier.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is found in the chaga mushroom. This vitamin plays a very central role in the conversion of carbohydrates to produce energy. It is indicated for conditions such as reduced appetite, ulcerative colitis and diarrhoea. The vitamin is frequently administered to patients suffering from HIV/AIDS to help boost their immune system. Other uses include treatment of cataracts and glaucoma, alcoholism, motion sickness and diabetic pain among others.

There are other important vitamins in the mushroom. These include D2, riboflavin and niacin. Riboflavin is effective in increasing the rate of respiration and in metabolizing carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Medical uses use management of conditions such as glaucoma, eye fatigue and cataracts. Niacin is crucial in the synthesis of gonadal hormones, in treatment of schizophrenia and in memory stimulation. Vitamin D2 is useful in formation of cartilage and bone.

One of the most important properties of the tea is that it is antimicrobial. It is highly effective against viruses, protozoa and bacteria. Flavonoids, melanin, magnesium, pantothenic acid, copper, selenium, saponins and zinc have the ability to inhibit the growth and replication of bacterial organisms. Betulinic acid and saponins are very effective in treatment of malaria and other protozoa infections.

Iron is an important constituent of the mushroom. Iron is a very important component of red cell formation. It is incorporated into the haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule. Deficiency of iron results in anaemia. The symptoms of anaemia include, among others, breathlessness, dizziness, and increased susceptibility to infections. This condition is common in athletes, dieters and strict vegetarians.

While there are numerous chaga tea benefits that have been identified, a few side effects exist and you need to look out for them. Increased tendency to bleed is perhaps the most serious of them. This side effect is most serious when blood thinners such as aspirin and warfarin are taken. The other side effect is the fact that sugar levels are often deranged and one may suffer from the effects of hypoglycaemia. Caution should therefore be exercised at all times.




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