Chaga Mushroom is the reigning “King of Medicinal Mushrooms.” Found on yellow and white birch trees in Siberia, Alaska and northern Canada, Chaga’s medicinal properties are documented back to the 16th century.

Otzi, the Ice Man, who lived 3,300 BCE, was discovered carrying Chaga along with his other tools and equipment.

The fungus extracts nutrients from its hosts and concentrates them into itself. It is the second most antioxidant-rich food in the world aside from chocolate. The Chaga mushroom’s incredible density of B vitamins and antioxidants has the highest ORAC score, a measure of antioxidant potency, of any known superfood, three times more than goji berries. High antioxidant levels support cellular regeneration, protecting against cellular damage and genetic mutation.

Chaga contains antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective, and anti-cancer properties,helping to protect against food and asthma allergies, atopic dermatitis, inflammation (including autoimmune inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis), atherosclerosis, thrombosis, HIV, listeriosis, septic shock, and perhaps most prominently, cancer.

Chaga has been found in both in vivo (inside a living organism) and in vitro (in a laboratory model) to directly inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Chaga can help boost energy and promote mental clarity, but look out for impostors. As Chaga gains popularity, it’s being “farmed” by boring holes into birch trees and artificially implanting the spores. This is not wild-harvested Chaga, and does not possess the same healing properties.

I like Chaga Island Superbrew, http://www.chagaisland.com/, made in Long Island, but there are many reliable sources on line and at your local health food store.

As always, check with your health care provider before making any changes or additions to your health care regime.