3 Ways You Can Use Chaga Powder

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Chaga powder is ground from chunks of Chaga procured from birch trees. Chaga is a mushroom that grows only on wounded birch trees. It contains many compounds that it extracts from the birch trees including antioxidants, betulinic acid, and melanin. All of these compounds work together to provide amazing healthy benefits for your body. Here are 3 ways to use Chaga powder so that you can enjoy those benefits.

1) How to make Chaga Tea

The simplest way to use Chaga powder is to make tea. Place three tablespoons of powder into a teabag, tea ball, or diffuser, and steep in boiling or near boiling water. You can reuse the steeped powder at least one time. The brew usually has a mild earthy flavor with a hint of vanilla. You may want to add almond milk or honey for a slightly sweeter flavor.

2) Chai Tea

Chaga tea makes an excellent Chai style tea. While you are steeping the powder add, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and any other spices you enjoy to the brew. Once you are done brewing the tea to your tastes, strain out the spices and discard the powder. You may want to brew the tea slightly stronger than when you are making a traditional cup of plain tea. Then in a double boiler warm milk or almond milk to just before boiling. When the milk is warm place it in your french press and use the plunger to froth the milk. If you do not have a french press, you can whip the milk to a forth with a wisk. In a cup, pour the frothed milk over the desired amount of tea. This Chaga Chai Latte is the perfect thick and spicy drink for cool autumn days.

3) Chaga Powder Smoothie

A smoothie is the perfect alternative to a hot drink on a warm sunny day. The recipe comes from The Elephant Journal. Prepare the Chaga powder for tea as listed above. You can keep this tea in an air tight container in the fridge for a few days. In your blender combine 1 cup of cold Chaga tea, ½ of a frozen banana, 1 cup of berries, and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. Blend and add more Chaga tea or ice cubes until the smoothie is your desired consistency. You can tweak this recipe to your tastes including spices such as cinnamon, honey for sweetening, or even a touch of vanilla for added flavor.

4) How to make Tea Powder

Using Chaga powder instead of chunks allows more surface area for the Chaga to be exposed when steeping. This can create a richer, smoother taste, and extract more of the healthy compounds that Chaga is so famous for. Chaga tea can be a relaxing and beneficial part of your daily routine. However, you don’t always have to drink it as tea. Try it in smoothies, blended ice drinks, and warm spiced lattes. Experiment to find a way that you love using Chaga Powder.

Photo: “Time for some #chaga tea. #medicinalmushroom#superherb #mycelium” By Will Power

7 Healthy Foods That Work Well With Chaga Mushroom Powder

One good superfood loves another. Why get only some of the healthy benefits from foods rich in antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins, when you can boost their properties with a little bit of Chaga mushroom powder? Chaga powder dissolves easily and has a very unobtrusive taste. It will blend well with a variety of healthy snacks and meals, making it an ideal, daily, healthy additive.

1) Green Smoothies

There are all kinds of healthy bacteria in yogurt that helps improve gut health, warding off illness so you can stay well. Blend plain Greek yogurt (avoid the sugary flavored kind) with your favorite fruits. If you would prefer to use a non-dairy base, add almond milk instead of the Greek yogurt.

2) Eggs

While eggs are high in calories, they are also full of the good kinds of cholesterol. According to HealthLine, they have unique antioxidants that support eye health and prevent diseases such as macular degeneration. Eggs are a healthy source of protein, which provides steady energy and helps regulate blood sugar. Chaga mushroom powder would be an excellent addition to scrambled eggs or an omelet. The texture will blend in smoothly and the taste will not interfere with your eggs.

3) Oatmeal

Oatmeal is grain that is great for your body. Lately, carbohydrates have been shunned as bad, but some carbs have excellent healthy benefits. Many carbs spike blood sugar and offer few other health benefits. Oatmeal is different. Oatmeal is full of fiber.Fiber is great both for your circulatory system and your intestinal system. In addition, oatmeal is a grain that has quite a lot of protein. It can make a quick and simple breakfast. Add a handful of blueberries for a touch of sweetness and some added vitamins. Stir in a teaspoon of Chaga powder to support your immune system.

4) Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seeds can be mixed with any liquid to form a sort of gel like substance, similar to pudding. Daily Harvest suggests making a Chia breakfast bowl with mango, pineapple, ginger, and turmeric. You can add other spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, or even peppers for a spicy kick. Soak the spices and Chia seeds in your choice of milk base overnight. Then, add the fruit in the morning. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, helping combat a wide range of health problems. When you add the fruit to your Chia bowl stir in a teaspoon Chaga powder to boost your antioxidant intake. The subtle vanilla flavor will blend well with any fruit, chia, and spice combination. You can even use cocoa nibs or dark chocolate with chia for a rich dessert or evening treat that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Be careful with cocoa, the caffeine kick can leave you feeling awake when you would rather be sleeping.

5) Almond Butter Sandwich

Nuts are a healthy protein that are full of Omega-3 fatty acids. This important fatty acid is know for boosting brain power. Nuts can also increase your fiber intake. Nuts are filling and offer your plenty of energy after eating relatively small amounts. An article from Time cited research that found that nuts actually lowered bad cholesterol.

6) Kale Salad

Once again, leafy greens offer so many healthy benefits. A fresh kale salad can be an excellent, energizing lunch. These chopped greens will keep you going all afternoon. Sprinkle Chaga mushroom powder on top of your salad or stir it into and oil and vinegar dressing. Chaga is known to boost energy and eating some in your lunch will give you kick of energy that will keep you going through those challenging afternoon hours.

7) Guacamole

Avocados are packed full of vitamins. According to WebMD, 20 different vitamins in avocados offer energy, fight high blood pressure, promote eye health, and facilitate cell repair. That’s a long list for a little fruit. In addition, avocados stave off hunger, helping your eliminate unhealthy snacking. WebMD cites one study that found people who ate a half of an avocado with their lunch, were not as hungry for the following three hours. Not only do avocados provide beneficial vitamins, but they also promote healthy living. A teaspoon of Chaga added to a creamy and spicy guacamole dip will go unnoticed, while adding powerful health benefits. Choosing guacamole for a healthy snack will help you ward off unhealthy snacks later in the day.