Chaga extract

The chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus), also known as the birch polypore, originates in Siberia and northern China. Its exterior resembles burnt charcoal with a very hard and brittle surface, rather than a typical mushroom. Inside, however, the chaga has a beautiful, vibrant brownish-orange color.

Chaga grows on various deciduous trees in the damp and swampy forests of Russia, Poland, the Baltic states, and Finland. It thrives particularly well on birch trees and is therefore found in large numbers there. v.a. in the vast birch forests of Russia and Ukraine.

Only the chaga mushroom, which grows on birch trees, is used as a medicinal mushroom.

In Siberia, chaga has been used to make a tonic tea for thousands of years. The chaga is dried, broken up, and steeped in hot water. Legend has it that Vladimir Monomakh, Grand Prince of Kiev, who lived in the 11th and 12th centuries, was cured of lower lip cancer by a chaga brew.

It is also used as a medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine. v.a. It is used in inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis or gastric ulcers (however, this is not scientifically proven and does not constitute a claim regarding the efficacy of our product).

• Where do the mushrooms come from?
  • The raw material The chaga mushroom comes from wild harvesting of birch trees.
• Where are the capsules produced?
  • Our medicinal mushroom capsules are manufactured exclusively in Germany on certified production lines.
• Why aren't your mushroom capsules "organic"?
  • Experience has shown that Unfortunately, relying solely on an organic certification is often insufficient. Therefore, we have every batch tested by external laboratories, both before the raw material is shipped and as a finished, encapsulated product. In addition to the standard analyses for heavy metals and microbial contamination, we also test for ethylene oxide (ETO), as contamination of raw materials from India, China, and Turkey has unfortunately been frequently detected recently. This allows us to guarantee our customers the highest level of safety without relying solely on certifications.
• Do you test your mushrooms for ethylene oxide (EtO)?
  • Since ethylene oxide is unfortunately often used to fumigate containers to prevent microbial contamination, cases of ETO-contaminated food are currently increasing.Therefore, we have decided to have the ETO levels of all our mushrooms tested by the renowned Hamburg laboratory GBA. This ensures that our mushroom extracts never exceed the permitted maximum levels.
• Why extract and not powder?
  • Many polysaccharides/beta-glucans in powder form cannot be absorbed or metabolized by the body because they are protected by chitin cell walls, and humans lack the chitinase enzyme needed to break down this chitin. Furthermore, depending on the mushroom, the polysaccharides typical of mushrooms are present in mushroom powder at a maximum of 3-10%. Higher concentrations and improved bioavailability can only be achieved through an extraction process.
• How long should the mushrooms be taken?
  • This cannot be answered generally. Experience shows that results appear after a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of about 3 months. Dosage and duration of intake also depend, for example, on whether the medicinal mushrooms are used for prevention or treatment. Generally, it is recommended to pause intake as soon as an improvement is noticeable. However, if in doubt, always consult your doctor or a mycotherapist.
• Why do mushrooms from different batches have different colors?
  • Mushrooms are natural products, and therefore their taste and color are always subject to variations. Besides natural causes, various processing parameters can also influence the color of the mushroom extract, such as the drying process (temperature control). Storage can also alter the color, as mushroom extract is highly hygroscopic and can clump and darken by absorbing moisture.
• Can the capsules be opened and, for example, added to drinks or food?
  • Yes, this is perfectly possible. But please add the mushroom extract only after cooking.
• Can taking mushrooms cause headaches?
  • Because mushrooms are very high in fiber and hygroscopic (absorb moisture), it is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking them. Failure to do so can lead to headaches due to dehydration.
• What does the "shellbroken process" achieve?
  • The shellbroken process grinds the previously gently dried mushrooms very finely, making their valuable nutrients more bioavailable to our bodies. Very coarse powder cannot be sufficiently broken down and metabolized within the short timeframe of digestion.
• Are medicinal mushrooms also suitable for children?
  • Medicinal mushrooms are very well tolerated and therefore generally suitable for children. However, please always consult a doctor or mycotherapist before taking them.