Chaga from our birch tree in the yard. two pics. of chaga and link to its antioxidant powers!

Here is some dried chaga.  I boil a chunk of it in water on the stove or in the crockpot for an hour, or 12 hours in the crock pot on low.   Tastes like weak, truck stop coffee, but good in smoothies I have heard, but I don't partake.   I just drink it on ice, mixed with some green tea.  Here is a link to chaga benefits:
.chagaknowledge.com/chagabenefits.htm "Gift from God".   I am happy to share chaga with friends....


FAQ from the site:


Where does chaga come from and why are birch trees important?

A: Wild birch trees grow in northern climates, north of the 45th parallel where they have to endure challenging weather conditions. From the hot summers to the extreme cold winters, wild birch trees need the most powerful of nutrients to withstand the tolling enviroment. It is these nutrients which chaga draws from and concentrates.


Q: What is so special about chaga?

A: It is a dense powerhouse of 215 potent and unique phyto-nutrients. Some of these nutrients, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), polysaccharides, betulin and betulinic acid only come from a limited number of sources. Chaga is nature’s richest source of these unique compounds, and it delivers these nutrients in a whole-food, bio-available form. Chaga, and it’s constituents, are the subject of extensive research.


Q: What is superoxide dismutase?

A: SOD is an antioxidant enzyme needed the entire body. SOD is the main antioxidant responsible for counteracting superoxide, which is one of the most common and most damaging free-radicals in the human body. Normally, SOD is created by the body, but by ages 25-30 the levels of enzymes needed to create SOD in any significant amount have diminished. This makes chaga an essential supplement to any diet, especially for those 25 years and older.


Q: What are the benefits of supplementing chaga into a daily diet?

A: There are many benefits to the use of chaga. Commonly, it is used as a daily tonic. It is a powerful adaptogenic herb with an amazing nutritional profile to support the body’s general health and ability to balance itself. Chaga is an excellent natural source for B-complex, plant sterols, SOD, and beta glucan. Benefits include improved vitality and well-being due to the high amount of antioxidants and nutrients.


Q: Is chaga safe?

A: Yes. Chaga is completely natural and there have been no reported side-effects in several thousand years’ of use. Furthermore, there are no known conflicts in using chaga. It is completely safe to use every day, even many times a day. It is recognized as a nutritional supplement, and is produced under Good Manufacturing Practices for supplements.