Chaga Chunks

Chaga Chunks are pieces of wild harvested chaga gathered from northern birch forests and broken into dense pieces, free from preservatives and additives. Chunks are the traditional format: drop pieces into a pot of water, hold a low simmer, and drink the dark, earthy brew. Offered in 1oz, 2oz, 3oz and 4oz bags and by the Pound.

At a glance

• Wild harvested chaga broken into dense pieces, no preservatives or additives
• The traditional format: simmer for a dark, earthy brew
• Whole, unprocessed pieces, no percentages claimed
• Spent pieces can be re-simmered until the brew comes out pale
• Offered in 1oz, 2oz, 3oz and 4oz bags and by the Pound

The herb. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus, Hymenochaetaceae family) grows as a hard, blackened sterile conk on living birch trees in the boreal forests of Siberia, Scandinavia and Canada. The black surface is dense with melanin; the amber interior carries beta-glucans, polyphenols and betulinic acid, which the fungus converts from the betulin in birch bark.

What's in it. Whole, unprocessed pieces with nothing added, so no percentages are claimed. A simmer draws out the water-soluble fraction: beta-glucans that give body, polyphenols and melanin that stain it deep brown and lend mild bitterness, and a trace of betulinic acid.

How to use. Start with a small handful of chunks in a pot of water at a gentle simmer, never a rolling boil, until the water turns rich dark brown. Strain, drink a cup, and see how it sits; there is no onset to wait for. Keep spent pieces in the fridge and re-simmer them; when the brew comes out pale, they are done.

What to expect. An earthy, rich, gently bitter cup with a faint vanilla note; users describe it as grounding and warming, not stimulating. For something to stir straight into a cup see our Chaga Extract, and for smoothies and quick brews our Chaga Mushroom Powder.

Safety. Chaga tea is gentle for most, though some notice mild digestive upset from a very strong brew on an empty stomach; dilute it or drink it with food. Not for anyone allergic to mushrooms.

• Chaga is naturally high in oxalates, so speak with your provider before regular use if you have a history of kidney stones
• Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing, on any medication, or preparing for surgery

Ingredients and storage. Wild harvested Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus), nothing else. Store dry chunks sealed in a cool, dry place; refrigerate simmered pieces between uses and discard them once the brew turns pale.

Common questions

• How do I brew Chaga Chunks? Simmer a small handful gently in water until it turns dark brown, then strain.
• How many times can chaga chunks be reused? Several, until the brew comes out pale and weak.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Chaga is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.