How to Make Chaga Mushroom Tea: Benefits and More!

If you were to wander the forests of wintry landscapes and cold climates, like the Siberian region of Russia, Scandinavia, Canada, and northern United States like Maine, suspended from the patterned bark of white or yellow birch trees, you might spy the elusive “King of Medicinal Mushrooms” growing wild:

The knobby chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus), if you’re not careful, could easily be mistaken for a charred bit of wood with its dark, charcoal-like appearance and rough surface. But for those in the know, what you’d truly have found is one of the most dynamic functional mushrooms on offer from the fungal kingdom.  

All About Chaga 

The chaga mushroom has been used medicinally since the 12th Century in Eastern Europe, and is prized across a variety of cultures, from the Khanty people of Siberia to the Native American Potawatomi of the Great Plains. Its hard, wood-like texture makes chaga difficult to digest in its raw form, but owes well to being crushed into a powder for use in tinctures, soaps, infusions, spices, and supplements. 

Traditionally, chaga has most commonly been brewed into a tea, as hot water was seen to activate its medicinal properties. 

Benefits of Chaga Mushroom

When it comes to wellness benefits, what is chaga mushroom good for? Why drink chaga tea?

Packed with bioactive compounds like beta-glucan polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenolics, and melanin, this mushroom supports everything from healthy skin to overall vitality. 

Antioxidant Activity. The chaga mushroom is the world’s most antioxidant-rich superfood, up to five times as potent as popular foods like blueberries, turmeric, and acai. 

Skin Health & Anti-Aging. In particular, chaga contains high levels of the antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase, which is tied to reducing free radical damage to the skin and protecting against visible signs of aging. Inotodiol, a triterpenoid found in chaga, has been shown to have anti-aging effects as well, and may support the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, both of which contribute to a more supple, youthful complexion. 

Anti-inflammatory Properties. Inotodiol, as well as the phenolics and antioxidant compounds in chaga, act as anti-inflammatory agents. 

Immunity. In addition to supporting the immune system by helping to balance the body’s inflammatory response, chaga’s array of antioxidants, phenolics, and beta-glucans boast antimicrobial, immuno-modulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. 

Digestive Health. Along with helping to ease inflammation in the digestive tract, chaga has been observed to support gut health by positively impacting the presence of friendly bacteria in the gut microbiome. 

Balanced Blood Sugar. In clinical research, chaga has been shown to assist in lowering blood sugar. Several studies have demonstrated its potential to help decrease high blood sugar levels and support related conditions.   

These chaga mushroom tea benefits can also be achieved by taking high quality extracts and dietary supplements. 

The Best Chaga Mushroom Supplements

In addition to tea, the King of Mushrooms can be found in chaga tincture, chaga mushroom powder, chaga capsules, chaga mushroom gummies, raw chaga chunks, and chaga mushroom coffee. 

To help you choose the best chaga supplement, look for quality markers like sustainable sourcing, USDA Organic certification, multi-step extraction, and use of the whole mushroom in the creation of products. 

How to Make Chaga Mushroom Tea 

Chaga tea has been used for centuries to help alleviate a variety of ailments, and is naturally free of caffeine. Traditionally, medicinal tea was prepared by boiling a few small pieces or powder of the mushroom in water, from a few hours to a few days, to extract its beneficial compounds into a beverage. 

How to Make Chaga Tea

To prepare a simple, traditional tea, try adding chaga powder to tea bags and steeping for approximately seven to 15 minutes in hot water – ideally at a temperature of around 176-212 degrees F (80-100 degrees C) for best results. One to two teaspoons of powder per 12 ounces of water is an ideal ratio. 

Note: you may want to strain your tea of any loose chaga particles before drinking.

How to Make Chaga Mushroom Powder

While traditionally chaga powder would have been made by grinding dry pieces of the mushroom with a mortar and pestle, you can easily make your own powder at home with a more convenient, modern process: 

If you’ve purchased chaga that is not already dried, cut the mushroom into one-inch pieces and lay out on a baking sheet. You can then dry them in the sun (over the course of about six weeks), in a food dehydrator, or in the oven (preheat to 122 degrees F, bake for about eight hours, and remove once blackened). 

Once dried, the mushroom pieces can be ground in a blender or grinder until your powder reaches a fine consistency, similar to that of granulated sugar. And, voila– your chaga powder can be stored in an airtight container for up to one year. 

Not feeling particularly crafty, or don’t have the time for a DIY project? Chaga powder can be purchased from a variety of specialty retailers, but organic chaga is ideal. 

What Does Chaga Taste Like? 

The flavor of chaga mushroom tea has been compared to that of green tea, and while it contains a naturally-occurring form of vanillin (the compound that gives vanilla its flavor), can have an earthy, slightly bitter taste. 

Want to get into chaga mushroom drinks, but not feeling that excited about the idea of a strictly medicinal tea? For a sweeter interpretation, check these must-try chaga mushroom recipes:

Sip this vegan, cappuccino-inspired Chagaccino coffee tutorial, or brew yourself a Spiced Chaga Latte. 

Pair with a slice of Spiced Chaga Zucchini Cake with Maple Glaze. 

Or, skip the sugar and spice altogether and blend chaga powder into your favorite sautee or stew. 

What’s the quickest, easiest way to drink chaga? For a potent shot of the King of the Mushroom’s powerful bioactive compounds in your favorite coffee or tea chaga tincture will do the trick. Simply add a few drops to the beverage of your choice, stir, and enjoy.   

If you’ve been seeking a well-rounded functional mushroom with a wide range of wellness benefits in each quality sip, spoonful, or supplement dose, you’ve come to the right place. However you choose to enjoy your chaga, this mushroom is brimming with meaningful health benefits to be savored, during tea time and beyond. 

May your cup of well-being and vitality always be full. 

Or, as they say in Siberia, Будем здоровы! (To your health!)