Chaga tea is a dark, earthy brew made from chaga, a powerful fungus that grows on birch trees in cold northern forests. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine across Siberia, Russia, the Baltics, Scandinavia and Finland, and it's one of the most antioxidant-rich natural remedies there is. Here's what makes chaga special, how to make chaga tea, and an easier way to get it every day.
What is chaga?
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) grows on birch trees in cold climates. On the outside it looks like burnt charcoal; inside, it's a rich, rusty orange. It's packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which is why traditional healers have prized it for generations.
A long folk tradition
- Siberia: the Khanty people of western Siberia appear to be among the first to drink chaga, as an infusion for digestion (Russian Life).
- Northern and Eastern Europe: in Russia, Poland, the Baltics and Scandinavia, chaga has long been a folk remedy.
- Finland in World War II: when coffee was rationed, Finns brewed chaga instead and called it tikka tea, after the Finnish word for woodpecker (Atlas Obscura).
Chaga benefits
1. Immune support
Chaga is rich in beta-glucans, natural polysaccharides that help your immune system stay strong and ready.
2. A healthy inflammatory response
Chaga's antioxidants, including triterpenes and polyphenols, support a healthy inflammatory response and help your body handle everyday oxidative stress.
3. Liver support
Chaga has a long reputation for supporting healthy liver function, one of the reasons it's a staple in traditional cleansing routines.
4. Healthy skin
Chaga's antioxidants help protect skin from oxidative stress and support healthy collagen, for a natural glow from the inside out.
Much of chaga's reputation comes from centuries of traditional use, and modern research is still catching up. But its long history as a natural remedy is exactly why so many people drink it daily.
How to make chaga tea
- Use chunks or coarse pieces, about a tablespoon per 4 cups of water.
- Simmer gently for 1 to 3 hours. Longer means darker and stronger.
- Strain and drink it plain or with a splash of milk, raw honey or maple syrup. It tastes earthy, smooth and slightly vanilla-like.
- Reuse the chunks once or twice.
Choose quality chaga
Source chaga from reputable suppliers who test for purity, since it grows wild and can absorb what's around it. Chaga is naturally high in oxalates, so enjoy it in sensible amounts, and check with your healthcare provider first if you have kidney concerns, a history of kidney stones, or take medication.
An easier way: chaga in your coffee
No time to simmer a pot for hours? Our Signature Mushroom Coffee Blend includes 8:1 chaga extract in every scoop, alongside lion's mane, cordyceps and tremella, built on organic Arabica coffee with Alpha-GPC, L-theanine, organic ginkgo, organic cacao and a full gram of organic Irish sea moss. About 90mg of caffeine, no sweeteners or fillers, and every batch is third-party tested for mold, mycotoxins, glyphosate and heavy metals.
Shop the Signature Mushroom Coffee Blend → Subscribe and save 25% for life, plus a free gift with your first subscription.
Frequently asked questions
What is chaga tea good for?
Chaga is rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans and is traditionally used to support immunity, a healthy inflammatory response, liver function and healthy skin.
What does chaga tea taste like?
Earthy and smooth, with a mild vanilla note, and less bitter than coffee.
Does chaga tea have caffeine?
No. That's why Finns used it as a coffee substitute in World War II.
How often can you drink chaga tea?
Many people enjoy a cup a day. Because chaga is high in oxalates, moderation matters, especially if you have kidney concerns.
Where does chaga grow?
On birch trees in cold northern forests, including Siberia, Scandinavia, Canada and the northern U.S.