Chasing Chaga

It was September of 1991 when Otzi began to emerge from his time machine. Frozen in the Oztal Alps, between Austria and Italy, Otzi comes to us from a time where humans place was still intimately bound with the spirit of nature. About 5,200 years ago he breathed his last breath, his shoes stuffed with grasses, his bow made of yew in hand, but we’re here for what Otzi had in his pouch.

In his inconspicuous sack Otzi carried one of natures magical medicines, chaga. Chaga is commonly referred to as a mushroom, but it is actually a cork created by the mushroom that makes its home on birch trees in cold northern forests. The unique utility of this mushroom signifies that Otzi and his people had a deep knowledge of the plants and biology around them. Chaga can be used to start fires as well as for medicinal purposes in tinctures, teas, and other preparations.

While a common fungus found in Asia, Europe, and North America it is only now starting to take infuse the mainstream with its healing properties. One of my favorite studies on this mycological miracle is where mice were each given chaga water extract for 3 weeks to study chaga’s effects on tumor suppression. Their findings were incredible! The researchers stated, “in tumor-bearing mice, 60% tumor reduction was observed, while in metastatic mice, the number of nodules decreased by 25% compared to the control group.” (Read full article) .  If we can harness even a fraction of this healing potential we will be on a positive road towards a healthier world. 

Traditionally chaga has been taken by indigenous people all around the northern hemisphere for its healing properties in teas and tonics. At WZRD Pow we followed  the healing wisdom in nature to this wondrous fungus. Since fungi are closer related to humans than plants, they even inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, many of their biochemical responses to pathogenic attacks are effective defenses in our human bodies as well. One example, penicillin, the famous antibacterial is derived from the fungus molds Penicillium chrysogenum or Penicillium rubens. So even our western medicine isn't totally unaware of the magic in mushrooms.

WZRD Pow allows you to make the power of this polypore a daily part of your routine. From adding it to coffees and teas, to baked goods (we love adding it to pancakes), or even just adding it to quick snack like some toast with peanut butter and banana slices. With WZRD Pow you get the great vanilla undertones from chaga while adding a chocolatey-cinnamon taste to your favorite foods or beverages.

Head over to the WZRD SHOP to get the superspice blend that has this and 3 other medicinal mushroom along with some of the most trusted herbs and spices in natures pharmacopeia.