Written by Tyler DiGiovanni | BSBM
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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Mushroom supplements have exploded in popularity over the past decade. Once only associated with cooking and psychedelics in the West, mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicinal practices in the East. While some might be familiar with Lion's Mane and Turkey Tail mushrooms, Chaga mushrooms should be as well known.
We've done our research on the best Chaga mushroom supplements available and came up with a list of our top five favorite Chaga supplements.
SFS Pick
Longevity Botanicals Chaga
SFS Capsule Pick
Nootropics Depot Chaga
SFS Blend Pick
Longevity Botanicals Power Blend 15
5 Best Chaga Supplements
- Overall Best Chaga Supplement: Longevity Botanicals Chaga Mushroom Powder
- Best Chaga Capsules: Nootropics Depot Chaga Capsules
- Best Chaga Blend: Longevity Botanicals Power Blend 15
- Best Chaga Mushroom Tea: Buddha Teas Chaga Infusion
- Best Chaga Tincture: Naturealm Chaga Tincture
1. Overall Best Chaga Supplement: Longevity Botanicals Chaga Mushroom Powder
Our top pick for the best Chaga mushroom supplement goes to Longevity Botanicals Chaga Mushroom Powder. I have taken this Chaga mushroom powder supplement myself for the past month and have loved it! I started drinking it at night as a great way to help me unwind in the evening and relax.
Longevity Botanicals uses high-quality Chaga fruiting bodies rather than mycelium to get the most out of their supplement. Using a hot water extraction method, this supplement contains >10% beta-D-glucans, which is the active ingredient in Chaga mushrooms.
The pouch contains a generous 60 scoops per bag, giving you tremendous value for the money. You get a highly-effective dose of 1600mg of Chaga mushroom powder per serving.
Pros
- Made from fruiting bodies
- Hot water extracted
- Lab tested for purity and potency
Cons
- Some people may prefer a capsule form
Longevity Botanicals uses 100% Chaga fruiting bodies in thsi Chaga mushroom powder. Extracted using a hot water process, Longevity Botanicals delivers >10% beta-glucans...
2. Best Chaga Capsules: Nootropics Depot Chaga Capsules
Nootropics Depot Chaga Capsules provide 500mg of Chaga extract in every dose. Like our top pick, Nootropics Depot uses whole fruiting bodies instead of using the less potent mycelium.
Tested for purity and potency, these Chaga capsules contain a minimum of 8% Beta-Glucans content. While not as high as our top pick, the 500mg serving does meet the dosage guidelines, although on the lower end of the spectrum. If you're thinking of starting your Chaga supplement journey, this might be a good starting point for you.
Nootropics Depot puts all of its products through rigorous testing, with the lab results available directly on its website.
Pros
- Manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility
- Uses whole fruiting bodies
- Convenient capsule form
Cons
- Dose may be a bit low for some
Nootropics Depot provides 500mg of potent Chaga mushroom powder in every easy to swallow capsule. This fruiting body based supplement is produced in a cGMP-certified facility...
3. Best Chaga Blend: Longevity Botanicals Power Blend 15
Longevity Botanical's aptly named Power Blend 15 is made from fifteen medicinal mushrooms found throughout the world. Each ingredient is dosed at 106.6mg per serving, which may seem on the low end by itself. But at a total of 1600mg of mushroom supplements per serving, the synergistic effect of the mushrooms more than makes up for it.
Longevity Botanicals does use mycelium in this product in order to provide a larger range of mushrooms. That being said, this product measures out at a whopping 20% Beta-Glucans!
The medicinal mushrooms included in the Power Blend 15 are:
- Lion's Mane
- Lion's Mane (Organic Fruiting Body)
- Red Reishi mushroom
- Cordyceps
- Turkey Tail
- Turkey Tail (Organic Fruiting Body)
- Tremella
- Maitake
- Agaricus
- Chaga
- Shiitake
- Polyporus
- Oyster Mushroom
- Auricularia
- Poria
As you can see, that is quite a list of high-quality mushroom supplements. Although this is the only Chaga supplement on our list that uses Chaga mycelium, Longevity Botanicals uses a liquid-fermented mycelium, so there are no grains or fillers, just quality mushroom extract.
You get 60 servings of organic mushroom powder in every pouch for a fantastic value. This product is also available in capsule form.
Pros
- Huge assortment of medicinal mushrooms
- >20% Beta-Glucans
- Bio-enhanced hot water extraction
Cons
- Dosage of Chaga may be low for some
Longevity Botanicals Power Blend 15 combines an incredible 15 different types of mushroom to bring you one of the most well-rounded mushroom supplements on the market today. Using...
4. Best Chaga Mushroom Tea: Buddha Teas Chaga Infusion
Buddha Teas Chaga Infusion tea provides an easy and delicious way to get your Chaga fix. Each box of Chaga Infusion comes with 18 individual tea bags, with the manufacturer recommending you don't drink more than three cups per day. This is due to your body not being able to process more than that amount of Chaga before it just excretes it without any nutrient uptake.
Given that all effective Chaga supplements go through a hot water extraction process, Chaga tea just makes sense. Although there isn't any information on the beta-glucan content in each bag of tea, this medicinal mushroom has been consumed this way for centuries.
Buddha Teas suggest brewing this tea between 160°- 175°F and steeping for 4-6 minutes. They describe the taste as being a bit plant-like but without an overly mushroom taste. Chaga Infusion pairs well with your preferred sweeteners.
Pros
- Easy to prepare
- Certified Organic
- Bleach-free tea bags
Cons
- Dosage isn't clear
Buddha Teas Chaga Tea is medium bodied with a pleasant, earthy flavor. It has surprisingly little mushroom flavor as it harbors more of a mellow, plant like taste due to its growth on the Birch tree...
5. Best Chaga Tincture: Naturealm Chaga Tincture
Naturealm Chaga Tincture uses wild-harvested Chaga from the forests of Alaska. Naturealm uses sustainable harvesting methods to ensure that the birch trees the mushrooms grow on continue to produce quality Chaga supplements.
The tincture itself is made with an extraction rate of 360mg/2mL. While this amount of Chaga in every serving isn't breaking any records, it provides possibly the easiest way to consume a Chaga supplement on this list.
This supplement can be added to any beverage, put on top of food, or even dropped sublingually under the tongue.
The other ingredients in this tincture are cane sugar alcohol 50%, purified water, and organic vegetable glycerin.
Naturealm Chaga Tincture is produced in a 3rd party GMP-certified facility and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Convenient way to take Chaga
- Produced in a GMP-certified facility
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
This effective Chaga mushroom extract is full of immune protective properties that keep bacteria and viruses at bay. In addition to being a herbal adaptogen, its ability to boost...
What are Chaga mushrooms?
The Chaga mushroom, or Inonotus obliquus, grows on birch trees in far northern climates, such as Alaska, Canada, and Siberia, to name a few. Although its name, a Chaga mushroom, isn't actually a mushroom. Chaga is a conk that grows after a fungal mycelium parasite infects a hardwood tree. They have a distinctive black coloring that can easily be seen after leaves have dropped in the winter.
Chaga mushrooms have been found to have a high beta-glucan content, which are the beneficial compounds responsible for most of the positive effects Chaga is known for.
Chaga mushrooms have been used for centuries by groups native to colder northern areas as an effective anti-oxidant, as well as other health benefits we'll cover below.
Benefits of Chaga Mushrooms:
Chaga mushrooms have become increasingly popular due to increased research into all the potential health benefits associated with them. We'll look at some of the proven reasons to take Chaga, along with the science to back them up.
1. Reduces Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can lead to long-term issues such as heart disease, arthritis, and even depression. Chaga has been proven to be an effective way of battling acute inflammation.
The anti-oxidant effects of Chaga help keep cells healthy and avoid the development of chronic inflammation. Researchers believe that Chaga increases immune function and helps prevent the production of cytokines which are a cause of inflammation.¹
2. May have anti-cancer properties
An exciting development in the research surrounding Chaga is the fact that these medicinal mushrooms may help slow cancer if not completely prevent it. The mushrooms are believed to help stop cancer due to them preventing cell damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.² Researchers also believe that Chaga might be effective in stopping tumor growth as well.³
3. Lowers Blood pressure
Researchers have found a link between increased inflammation and hypertension. The increased levels of cytokines can play a role in high blood pressure.⁴ With Chaga's anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and the ability to prevent cytokine production, it stands to reason that Chaga intake may help lower the risk of blood pressure issues.
4. Lowers Cholesterol levels
Recent studies have found that Chaga promotes the reverse transport and metabolism of cholesterol, thereby reducing overall cholesterol levels.⁵ As many of us know, lower cholesterol levels can lead to increased heart health benefits and a reduction in the likelihood of cardiovascular-related death.
5. Anti-aging properties
There are a couple of ways that Chaga demonstrates anti-aging benefits. The first is that beta-glucans may help slow skin aging. In a study conducted with 50 people, Chaga-infused lotions helped reduce redness and swelling and improved the moisture and smoothness of the skin.⁶
Another way Chaga may help slow aging is through its adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are able to regulate the body's ability to respond to stressors. Some of the compounds in Chaga are able to help regulate the response to the stress-causing hormone cortisol.⁷ Chronic stress can lead to accelerated aging, as well as an increase in inflammation which can lead to disease.⁸
Side Effects of Chaga Supplements
The two main side effects of Chaga people should be cautious about are its ability to lower blood sugar levels and reduce clotting. Anyone taking medications for blood sugar or clotting should consult with a healthcare professional before starting a Chaga supplement.
What to look for when buying a Chaga supplement:
Not all Chaga mushroom supplements are the same. There are some key aspects to look for as you begin the search for your ideal Chaga supplement.
1. Ingredients
Probably the most important to look out for is that you're getting Chaga in your Chaga product. In almost every circumstance, Chaga should be the number one ingredient on the label. Also, be wary of any products that contain Chaga in a proprietary blend without a clear indication of which part of the mushroom they used.
2. Beta Glucan Content
Beta-Glucans are the main active ingredient in Chaga, so it's extremely important that you're getting an effective enough dose. Anything under >8% beta-glucans is low, and don't accept anything that only lists the polysaccharide content with no mention of beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are polysaccharides, but all polysaccharides are not beta-glucans!
3. Sourcing
Wild Chaga has proven to be richer in the compounds that make it more effective than cultivated Chaga. Also, due to how it grows, you want to make sure you are getting organic Chaga because it can absorb pollutants from its growing environment.
4. Form
As we can see from our list above, Chaga products come in many different forms. Chaga powdered extracts are probably the most common and can easily be mixed into your beverage of choice. If you have the time, Chaga tea might be a relaxing way for you to wind down the day, but if you're on the go, a couple of drops of tincture might be more appropriate for you. Some people may not like the earthy taste of Chaga and may opt for a capsule form.
5. Dosage
This is where it gets a little tricky. There are no official dosage guidelines on how much Chaga you should take every day. Most supplements will range between 300mg-1500mg, which is a very wide gap. If you're not an experienced Chaga consumer, it's always better to start with a lower amount to get an idea of your sensitivity level for the therapeutic benefits.
6. Price
Just like dosages, prices vary wildly. While one may think that pricier means better, that's not always the case. Many companies are trying to cash in on the Chaga market, hoping that people with mistake a high price tag for high-quality mushroom supplements. It should also be noted that some products, such as tinctures, tend to be more expensive than less processed forms.
7. Reviews
Just like any product, it's always good to see what other people think of what product you're considering. Checking websites like Reddit and Amazon can give a good idea of what people think of a product. It is important to remember to check the negative reviews to see what people didn't like about the product too.
Chaga Supplement FAQs
What is Chaga good for?
Chaga is great for the immune system, as well as an anti-inflammatory and an adaptogen. There's also some research that it can help with blood pressure and may even support athletic performance.
Is it safe to take Chaga every day?
Yes, Chaga is safe to drink every day, in moderation. Those who take blood sugar medication or blood thinners should consult with their doctor before starting Chaga supplementation.
How does Chaga make you feel?
There are some conflicting reports on how people have felt taking Chaga. Personally, it relaxes me, which is why I have a cup in the evening before bed. There are also reports of people feeling more alert and focused after taking Chaga.
Does Chaga help with weight loss?
Possibly. Chaga contains betulinic acid, which may help reduce fat stores in the body and also has appetite-suppressing effects. That being said, a healthy diet and regular exercise routine are the best ways to accomplish weight loss.
Where is Chaga grown?
Chaga grows wild in northern climates, found most commonly on birch trees. There are also cultivated Chaga mushrooms grown in an organic oat-growth medium, but they do not contain the same amount of beneficial compounds as wild-harvested Chaga.
Summary
If you are interested in trying out mushroom supplements, Chaga is a great place to start. Not only does it have anti-inflammatory properties, but it also can bolster your immune system, help your skin (if used as a topical), and help lower stress. There's a reason that it has been taken for hundreds of years! Our favorite Chaga supplement comes from Longevity Botanicals and can be purchased directly from their site below.
Longevity Botanicals uses 100% Chaga fruiting bodies in thsi Chaga mushroom powder. Extracted using a hot water process, Longevity Botanicals delivers >10% beta-glucans...
Interested in other mushroom supplements? Check out our articles on the Best Cordyceps Supplements and Best Lion's Mane Supplements.
References
- Alhallaf, Weaam, and Lewis B. Perkins. "The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Chaga Extracts Obtained by Different Extraction Methods against LPS-Induced RAW 264.7." Molecules, vol. 27, no. 13, 30 June 2022, p. 4207
- Lu, Yangpeng, et al. "Recent Developments in Inonotus Obliquus (Chaga Mushroom) Polysaccharides: Isolation, Structural Characteristics, Biological Activities and Application." Polymers, vol. 13, no. 9, 29 Apr. 2021, p. 1441
- Lu, Yangpeng, et al. "Recent Developments in Inonotus Obliquus (Chaga Mushroom) Polysaccharides: Isolation, Structural Characteristics, Biological Activities and Application." Polymers, vol. 13, no. 9, 29 Apr. 2021, p. 1441
- Miguel, Carmen De, et al. "Inflammation and Hypertension: New Understandings and Potential Therapeutic Targets." Current Hypertension Reports, vol. 17, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2015, p. 507
- Lu, Yangpeng, et al. "Recent Developments in Inonotus Obliquus (Chaga Mushroom) Polysaccharides: Isolation, Structural Characteristics, Biological Activities and Application." Polymers, vol. 13, no. 9, 29 Apr. 2021, p. 1441
- Dosychev, E. A., & Bystrova, V. N. (1973). Lechenie psoriaza preparatami griba "Chaga" [Treatment o psoriasis using "Chaga" fungus preparations]. Vestnik dermatologii i venerologii, 47(5), 79–83
- Panossian, Alexander, and Georg Wikman. "Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress—Protective Activity." Pharmaceuticals, vol. 3, no. 1, 19 Jan. 2010, pp. 188–224
- Yegorov, Yegor E., et al. "The Link between Chronic Stress and Accelerated Aging." Biomedicines, vol. 8, no. 7, 1 July 2020, p. 198
Tyler DiGiovanni
Author