Locations:
Search IconSearch

Chaga Mushroom Health Benefits

This fungi may help reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar

Chaga mushrooms spilling out of a white bag next to a small spoonful of brown powder

Sure, you’ve heard of portobello and shiitake mushrooms. But have you heard of chaga mushrooms?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Typically found in Siberia, the fungi have been used throughout history to boost immunity thanks to it being full of antioxidants.

So where can you find chaga mushrooms, how do you use them and what kind of benefits will you get?

Registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, fills us in.

What are chaga mushrooms?

Chaga mushrooms, which tend to grow on birch trees in cold climates, have a rocklike appearance. They don’t taste like traditional mushrooms. Instead, they have a bitter, yet vanilla taste. They’re also high in fiber and low in calories.

“It’s not like a traditional mushroom you would see in the grocery stores,” says Czerwony. So, you may need to head to a specialty store or a health food store or order it online.

You’ll find most versions of chaga mushrooms in tea, where it has been ground into a powder, though, it has become a popular ingredient in skincare products and is available as a supplement, too.

Health benefits of chaga mushrooms

More research is needed to fully understand the impact of chaga mushrooms, but here’s what we know so far.

Reduces inflammation

High in antioxidants, chaga mushrooms have been found to help fight inflammation.

“By having these antioxidants, chaga mushrooms decrease inflammation in our gut, which can cause problems like irritable bowel syndrome,” says Czerwony.

Advertisement

A study shows that chaga mushrooms can not only help reduce inflammation, but can also fight harmful bacteria.

Fights cancer

Many studies show the potential for chaga mushrooms to slow the growth of cancer cells.

“One study said that using the chaga supplement resulted in a 60% reduction in tumor size,” says Czerwony.

Other research shows it helped prevent the growth of cancer cells in the liver.

“This is really exciting news for those who have liver cancer as a viable treatment, perhaps in the future,” she says.

Similar results have been seen in lung, breast, prostate and colon cancers, but more research is needed.

Lowers blood sugar

For those with insulin resistance, polycystic ovarian syndrome or Type 2 diabetes, using chaga mushroom may help reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance.

Several studies show the potential — as much as a 31% decrease in blood sugar levels — but more research, especially on humans, is also needed.

“Using chaga mushrooms could be beneficial for those individuals to help reduce their blood sugar,” says Czerwony.

Lowers cholesterol

With its high amounts of antioxidants, chaga mushrooms may also help lower cholesterol, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.

One study shows that chaga mushrooms reduced “bad” LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and overall cholesterol. It also increased antioxidant levels. There’s also evidence that chaga mushrooms may increase “good” HDL cholesterol.

“Chaga mushrooms could protect your cholesterol levels and perhaps aid in improving your arterial walls,” says Czerwony.

Side effects of chaga mushrooms

As with all supplements or vitamins, Czerwony advises talking to your doctor before adding anything new.

If you do have Type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor first to make sure you’re keeping your blood sugar levels where they need to be.

Also, if you take any blood-thinning medication or have an upcoming surgery or procedure, talk to your doctor first, as chaga mushrooms contain a protein that prevents blood clotting.

And since supplements aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Czerwony also suggests doing your homework before buying chaga mushrooms.

“You could be getting a mixed bag of potency with each dose,” she says. “You may use a tea one time and have no side effects. But the very next time, you may have something that’s higher potency because of the way that it was grown or processed. And then you could get some of the side effects.”

But if you’ve done your research, talked to your doctor and want to give chaga mushrooms a try, go for it.

“You have to be educated and you got to be careful with some things because it can do more harm than good,” says Czerwony.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Salmon over rice with veggies
October 1, 2024/Nutrition
De-Stress Eating: Foods To Help Reduce Anxiety

Give these 30+ grocery items a try to help find relief

Hand holding fork, with scrambled eggs and red peppers on plate, with cucumber slices
September 25, 2024/Cancer Care & Prevention
Cancer Patient Diet Tips and Recommendations

When you’re living with cancer, eating enough protein and a variety of colorful foods can help you keep up your strength and energy

Person standing next to over-sized plate of hummus, veggies and pita bread
September 18, 2024/Nutrition
Snack Smart: 3 Reasons Hummus Is Good for You

This Mediterranean puree may bolster your heart health, digestive function and blood sugar management

Person stirring glass mug of green tea with spoon
September 5, 2024/Nutrition
How Green Tea Can Benefit Your Health

Catechins (antioxidants) in green tea help fight inflammation and diabetes, while improving memory and heart health

Plate full of an array of snack foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, pickles, cheese and bread
August 29, 2024/Nutrition
What Is ‘Girl Dinner’?

This quirky food trend is harmless, as long as you’re getting enough protein, fiber and healthy fats

Hot mug of lettuce water, with lettuce stalks nearby
August 28, 2024/Sleep
Can Lettuce Water Actually Help You Sleep?

While it’s rich in antioxidants, this leafy water trend is likely not much of a sleep inducer

Assorted fruits, nuts and seeds in bowls and on table
August 23, 2024/Diabetes & Endocrinology
Thyroid Issue? Here’s What To Eat and What To Avoid

No diet can cure hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, but some foods and supplements can cause trouble

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
August 21, 2024/Nutrition
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad