Chaga is a mushroom that is steeped into a delicious tea, rather than eaten raw or baked. Many people add several cups of Chaga tea to their daily diet to promote health and wellness. Before you add Chaga into your diet, you may be wondering about potential Chaga mushroom side effects and if Chaga is right for you.

Chaga is a very safe mushroom to consume. It does not have many side effects, and it is not likely that you can really overdose. While there have been very few clinical studies of Chaga in humans, there is very little cause for concern when it comes to human consumption. This mushroom has been used as a folk medicine for centuries and there are few indicators that is has caused problems. With that in mind, there have been many advances in medicine and Chaga can interact with modern medications, causing some problems. If you are being treated for a specific complication or are taking medications of any kind, talk with your your prescribing doctor before adding Chaga into your regular routine. In most cases, adding Chaga to your diet will be fine, but it is important for your doctor to be aware of all of the medications and supplements you are taking. A balanced approach to wellness is necessary and a doctor may need to know how everything that is impacting your body is working together. 

1) Alertness And Mental Stimulation

One minor side effect is increased alertness. Many Chaga users typically report an increased state of alertness after consuming the tea. It is often said to give a sense of mental clarity and a boost in energy similar to that of caffeine. While Chaga doesn’t contain any caffeine, it can have a similar impact. For many users this is ideal and Chaga can replace their daily cup of coffee. It has all the benefits of caffeine without the addiction, headaches, or jitters. However, the effect is strong enough that some users find they shouldn’t drink Chaga late in the afternoon or evening. Chaga can boost your energy enough that you may find it hard to sleep after drinking a cup of Chaga tea. The best way to avoid this complication is to find out how strong these energy boosting effects are on you personally and how long you should drink your Chaga before you want to sleep. A few days of trail and error should help you discover a Chaga schedule that will keep you alert and awake when you want to be, and also allow you to fall asleep when necessary.

2) Increased Immune Activity

Chaga is known to boost the immune system. Many people use Chaga to promote wellness during cold and flu seasons. This is also an expected and desired effect for many Chaga users, but there are some people that should be aware of the down sides. Auto-immune disorders such as Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis happen when the immune system is over active and is attacking normal, healthy cells in the body. The last thing you want to do is boost an immune system that is already too active. Some people claim that Chaga can regulate the immune system and bring it into equilibrium, which could be helpful. However, it may not be worth the risk if you have an auto immune disorder. Talk with you doctor about the pros and cons and potential risks before you consider adding Chaga to your routine.

3) Blood Thinner Interactions

Chaga has the potential to thin blood. The compounds that are concentrated from the birch tree may actually inhibit coagulation. If you bleed or bruise easily or take a blood thinning medication, you will want to avoid Chaga. You will also want to eliminate Chaga from your daily routine at least two weeks before any planned surgery. Once again, this property of Chaga can be very helpful, but if you are struggling with a specific condition, it may not be right for you.

4) Blood Sugar

Chaga can lower blood sugar. This is important for people who are naturally hypoglycemic or diabetic to know. It doesn’t mean you can’t use Chaga, but you should be aware of this side effect. Patients with diabetes may need to change or modify some of their medications. If you have a blood sugar disorder, talk blood sugar you should be aware of.

5) Chaga And Pregnancy

There have been no studies done on Chaga and pregnancy. As is always the case with pregnancy, it is better to be on the safe side. Without clinical studies, no one knows whether or not Chaga is safe for pregnant women. It is best simply to avoid it while you are pregnant and breast feeding. You can reintroduce it to your wellness routine after you are no longer breast feeding

A Wellness Routine

Chaga grows only on birch trees. As it matures, it concentrates many healthy compounds found within the tree in its own cells. Chaga is full of healthy compounds that are know to be beneficial such as polyphenols, antioxidants, betulinic acid, and melanin. It is precisely these beneficial, active compounds that can pose a potential risk for those with specific health indications. Knowing the possible interactions of Chaga with other diseases is an important part of creating a beneficial wellness routine. While side effects are certainly uncommon, they are not impossible. Make sure your doctor is aware of your Chaga use, especially if you use other medications. This will help keep you safe and help your doctor make important decisions regarding your care.

Quality Chaga

It is also important to know the quality of the Chaga you are purchasing. Because Chaga is rare and can be expensive, some distributers may blend other mushroom fragments with their Chaga to get each unit to the appropriate selling weight. While it is unlikely that these products will cause very serious side effects, Chaga that is not pure won’t have the same positive impacts. It could cause some minor problems. Chaga can also concentrate toxins that are found within the birch tree. This is why it is important that Chaga is harvested from rural areas and not close to large, populous cities. Chaga Natural harvests Chaga in Siberia for precisely this reason. Chaga is not regulated by any outside institutions so it is important to buy your Chaga from a reputable seller. 

This healthy mushroom poses very little risks and can offer immense health benefits. Once again, there are few clinical studies that can prove the side effects or the degree to which Chaga can cause the side effect listed above. Knowing some of the potential impacts on your body may help you make an informed decision about wether or not Chaga is right for you. Chaga can offer health and wellness with the ease of a cup of tea. However, it may not be appropriate for everyone’s health needs. If you are unsure about whether or not Chaga is right for you, it is always best to talk with your medical professional about your specific needs.

Sip your way to health and wellness with this potent and delicious tea.