Adaptogen Profile: What is Chaga Mushroom?

Posted July 3, 2019

Updated September 08, 2025

Article written by Riley Webster

Chaga mushrooms are fungi naturally found on the outside of birch trees in cold climates. This includes Northern Europe, Siberia, Russia, Korea, Northern Canada and Alaska. As far back as the 16th century, botanical artisans began steeping chaga for therapeutic purposes. With a taste similar to coffee and the highest antioxidant potency of any superfood, the mushrooms were traditionally used in Russian folk medicine to promote immunity and overall wellness. It was also brewed during World War II as a replacement for coffee when there were strict rations. The mushrooms help to fight fatigue and reduce inflammation, bringing your body back to its natural, healthy state. Also great for anxiety, they produce a calming effect due to their adaptogenic qualities that help keep the body’s stress response at its best. Chaga

Here’s how they can help you on your path to wellness

1. Can reduce anxiety

Chaga mushrooms help your body adapt to stress and better handle challenges. It helps bring your body back into a state of balance and normalize its systems. Plus, the high antioxidant content in chaga mushrooms helps to reverse oxidative stress that can influence anxiety. They also support the adrenal glands to counteract the damaging effects of stress

2. Helps prevent cancer

Chaga mushrooms’ diversity of antioxidants can protect cells from damage, and may even inhibit cancer cells directly. By boosting the immune system, chaga helps protect us against pathogens like bacteria, viruses and parasites. Chaga’s key nutrients allow it to activate potent immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, which reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses like cancer. 3. Improves digestion Chaga mushrooms’ have anti-inflammatory properties, which can improve digestion, help increase nutrient absorption, stimulate the liver and break down foods. They may also stimulate bile flow which is essential for healthy elimination, as well as key digestive nutrients such as manganese, thiamin, digestive enzymes, and dietary fibre.

4. Reduces chance of getting viruses

Chaga mushrooms contain antibacterial and antiviral properties. This can help to boost the immune system and prevent viruses, such as colds and flus. 5. Boosts longevity Due to the mushrooms’ high antioxidant content that help prevent and reverse free radical damage, chaga mushrooms promote overall wellness and boost longevity. Additionally, their antioxidants support cellular regeneration and protect against genetic mutation.