Chaga: The Popular New Alternative to Coffee
It has been stated by some that more than 80 percent of American adults drink at least one cup of coffee each day. Why? It’s not really for the flavor is it? No. It’s the all-empowering, through-the-moon energy boost! But have you ever wished there was a healthier alternative? Well, as Cinderella once said, “No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true!” And it goes by the name of Chaga.
What is Chaga?
Chaga, even though it looks more like a piece of charcoal, is a mushroom. It is a hard, woody fungus that naturally grows on beech, alder, and birch trees in cold climates throughout the world. If you are ever lost in the woods and need to start a fire, Chaga, also known as “tinder fungus,” can do the trick! The gold part of the Chaga, when smoldering, can stay lit for days. But it can do more than keep you warm. Known by the Siberians as the “Gift from God” and the “Mushroom of Immortality,” this nutritionally dense growth has been used by humans to support health for thousands of years. The Japanese call it “The Diamond of the Forest,” while the Chinese deem it the “King of Plants.” We can find documented evidence as far back as 3,300 B.C. of people using Chaga to strengthen and assist the immune system and promote longevity! Not sure which foods to eat for your fertility? Download your free Fertility Diet Challenge.
What are Some of the Health Benefits of Chaga?
Although clinical trials are still lacking on the overall effects of Chaga, it is gaining a respectable reputation for its strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune stimulating properties. Chaga contains a group of potent compounds, called Lanostanoids, that show promise when it comes to fighting cancer. Although the exact anti-cancer activity of Chaga is not entirely understood, some of the compounds in the fungus improve immune function and keep cancer cells from spreading and causing premature cancer cell death. A Russian study indicated that patients who took Chaga were able to completely cure Psoriasis. In China, this mushroom is thought of as a life extender because it reduces systemic inflammation and the risk of chronic, degenerative disease. Additional research also shows its ability to prevent anaphylactic shock, treat herpes simplex virus and prevent hepatitis C. The Chaga Mushroom is also known to balance blood-sugar levels, heal digestive ailments such as candida and helps purify the liver. Chaga also assists in restoring energy to the adrenal glands, the body’s “batteries.” If you want to restore your life force energy to enhance fertility, Chaga can help you do it! For some even say it is the single most powerful healing herb in the world.
How Does Chaga Work as an Alternative to Coffee?
Chaga is becoming increasingly popular in a brewed tea that has a flavor very much like coffee. Though researchers are continuing to study Chaga tea to learn more about its unique benefits and potential healing properties, they already know that the herbal alternative to coffee has an especially high level of antioxidants in addition to numerous vitamins and minerals such as B, D2, K, iron, calcium, and manganese. It is also a great way to boost your immune system. Chaga’s natural vitamins and protective properties make it an effective anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, and anti-fungal tea. For some people, Chaga can also act as a soothing remedy for stomach pain and indigestion.
How Do I Prepare Chaga?
The short answer: however you’d like it.
- In a small pot bring 12 cups of water almost to boil, add your Chaga 1 tea bag or 1/4 cup tea grind
- You can steep Chaga for 10 minutes or 10 hours. Chaga has a natural Vanilla taste to it and is a nice palate balance between tea and coffee.
- You can drink it black, sprinkle with cinnamon, add some real vanilla and/or some coconut or almond milk if you don’t like it straight up.
It’s up to you! Just replace the coffee bean with Chaga in your favorite recipe. So what do you think? Do you like to Chaga?
**TIP: Use Chaga for multiple brews (2-4 times). As long as you have color, you have potency.
Sarah Clark empowers couples to discover how lifestyle and diet can dramatically impact their chances of conceiving. She was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure at 28 and had both her kids with donor eggs. Not until years later did she discover that the root cause of her infertility was a food intolerance. Join the Free Fab Fertile Support Group on Facebook for mini-challenges, motivation and inspiration!
