Chaga Extract

Chaga Extract is a concentrated extract of wild harvested chaga, made with a careful extraction that preserves the natural compounds of the conk while leaving the woody bulk behind. It contains no fillers or additives, just pure concentrated chaga, so a small measure goes a long way. Sold by weight in 2g, 5g, 10g, 20g, 50g and 100g sizes.

At a glance

• Concentrated extract of wild harvested chaga, no fillers or additives
• Water-soluble fraction: beta-glucans, polyphenols and melanin
• No extraction ratio or beta-glucan percentage stated
• A small measure goes a long way, less than whole powder
• Earthy, faintly sweet, mildly bitter; turns hot water deep amber
• Sold by weight in 2g, 5g, 10g, 20g, 50g and 100g sizes

The herb. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a parasitic fungus of the Hymenochaetaceae family that forms a hard, black, deeply cracked growth on birch trunks across the cold forests of Siberia, Finland and Canada. Its charcoal exterior is rich in melanin; the tan interior carries beta-glucans, polyphenols and betulinic acid, a compound derived from the betulin in birch bark. For centuries Siberian households grated chaga into the kettle as a daily tea.

Active content. No extraction ratio or beta-glucan percentage is stated, so we quote none. The extract delivers the concentrated water-soluble fraction of chaga: naturally occurring beta-glucans, which give body in a cup, and polyphenols and melanin, which carry chaga's deep color and mild, earthy bitterness.

Dosage, first time. Start with a small measure stirred into tea, coffee or a smoothie, or taken directly with a glass of water, and wait to see how it sits before taking more. Because it is concentrated, less is needed than with whole powder.

Regular use. Once you know your amount, a single small daily serving is how most people use it. Keep it consistent, do not escalate, and remember a concentrate counts for more than a spoon of raw powder.

What to expect. An earthy, faintly sweet, mildly bitter note that disappears into coffee or cacao and turns hot water deep amber. Users describe chaga as grounding and easygoing. It is not a whole-mushroom powder; for the slow-simmer tradition see our Chaga Chunks, and for smoothies and larger scoops our Chaga Mushroom Powder.

Side effects. Most people tolerate chaga well, though a concentrated extract on an empty stomach can bring mild digestive upset in some. Take it with food or reduce the measure, and stop if it continues. Not for anyone with a mushroom allergy.

Interactions and cautions.

• Chaga is naturally high in oxalates, and an extract concentrates them, so consult your provider before regular use if you have had kidney stones
• Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication, or preparing for surgery

Ingredients and storage. Concentrated wild harvested Chaga Extract (Inonotus obliquus), no fillers or additives. Keep tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from light.

Common questions

• How much Chaga Extract should I take at first? Start with a small measure and wait, since a concentrate needs far less than raw powder.
• Can I take chaga extract straight with water? Yes, it can be taken directly with water as well as stirred into tea, coffee or smoothies.
• Is Chaga Extract stronger than chaga chunks? Yes, it is a concentrated form of the same wild harvested chaga.

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.