Chaga
Also known as: Inonotus obliquus, chaga mushroom, birch conk
Chaga is a dark, charcoal-like growth that forms on birch trees in cold northern forests. Traditionally brewed as a tea in Russia and Scandinavia, it's marketed today as an antioxidant and immune supplement. Most of the evidence is still from lab and animal studies rather than human trials, and there's one real safety caveat around the kidneys.
What it is
Inonotus obliquus is unusually rich in antioxidant compounds — polyphenols, the pigment melanin, triterpenoids (including betulin/betulinic acid concentrated from its birch host), and polysaccharides/beta-glucans. Review articles credit it with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating activity in preclinical models, with additional in-vitro signals for anti-cancer and anti-viral effects.12
Commonly used for
Antioxidant support: its dense mix of polyphenols, melanin, and triterpenoids underlies the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity reported in laboratory and animal studies.1
Immune modulation: beta-glucans and related polysaccharides modulate immune activity in preclinical models. Human clinical trials are scarce, so there is no well-established human dose or proven clinical benefit yet — the enthusiasm runs ahead of the human data.2
Typical dosing
No established clinical dose. Traditional use is as a tea; commercial extracts are commonly taken at gram-level daily amounts. Given the oxalate/kidney concern, conservative, intermittent use and provider input are sensible — this is not one to megadose.
Route of administration
Oral, as tea, powder, capsules, or dual-extracted concentrates.
Storage & handling
Store at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.
Common considerations
A genuine safety note: chaga is high in oxalates, and there are case reports linking heavy, prolonged intake to kidney injury (oxalate nephropathy). People with kidney disease, a history of kidney stones, or on certain medications should be especially cautious and discuss use with their provider.
References
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs, contraindications, and responses to supplementation vary, and decisions about starting, stopping, or modifying any supplement or medication should be made in consultation with a physician, pharmacist, or other appropriate professional. References are provided to authoritative sources; STACK Tracker does not endorse any specific product or brand.