Chaga: “king” of mushrooms?
Increasingly, natural health experts are talking about the benefits of Chaga. Is this mushroom really that different from the small white mushrooms?
The answer, YES!
Chaga is found on living birch trees in Canada, Siberia, and Russia. It is best known as a powerful antioxidant, thanks to its high concentration of betulin (proven in studies to reduce tumor size!). Chaga also boosts the immune system, supports wound healing, and is effective as an anti-allergen due to its antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Plus, it's found in Quebec. You can even harvest it by hand: Mother Nature is truly magnificent and generous, isn't she?
Summary: Antioxidant, antiviral, anti-allergen, immune system support, anti-carcinogen, anti-inflammatory… a real king!
We can prepare it:
1. As an herbal tea : Boil a handful of chaga pieces in 1 L of filtered water and boil for 15 – 20 minutes .
That's it! You can make the infusion 3 to 4 times with the same mushrooms. Its mild flavor resembles vanilla and maple.
2. As a latte : Prepare 1 cup of chaga tea and boil it with cinnamon, cloves, black peppercorns, and fresh ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of nut milk. Remove from heat and add a little maple syrup or stevia to sweeten.
Reishi: “Prince” of Mushrooms?
If chaga is known as the king of mushrooms, perhaps reishi is the prince. This noble mushroom boosts the intelligence of our own immune system with its antiviral and antioxidant properties. Due to its complex molecular structure, it is effective against simpler fungi like candida, so this mushroom has anti-fungal properties!
It also supports kidney health, heart and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Summary: anti-fungus (Candida), antiviral, antioxidant, stabilizes blood sugar levels, anti-inflammatory… a real prince!
As with chaga, reishi must be boiled to reap its benefits.
As a herbal tea : Boil 1 tablespoon of reishi pieces in 1 L of filtered water. Boil for 2 hours. Remove from heat, let cool, and add raw honey, maple syrup, or stevia. The flavor is strong, so you can add fresh ginger pieces or mix with another herbal tea.
References:
http://www.enlightenedwithoutguru.com/medicinal-mushrooms.html
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