Background

Chaga is a fungus that grows on tree trunks, especially birch trees. It produces a woody growth, called a conk, which absorbs nutrients from the wood.

Chaga might stimulate the immune system. It contains some chemicals that have antioxidant effects, and might lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

People use chaga for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using chaga for COVID-19.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chaga is safe or what the side effects might be. It contains a chemical called oxalate which can damage the kidneys when taken in high doses for a long time.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chaga is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

"Auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Chaga might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using chaga.

Bleeding disorders: Chaga might increase the risk of bleeding. Don't use chaga if you have a bleeding disorder.

Surgery: Chaga might affect blood sugar control or increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using chaga at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of chaga might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Chaga might lower blood sugar levels. Taking chaga along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Chaga can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking chaga along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Chaga might slow blood clotting. Taking chaga along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Chaga might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Chaga might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.