Page 270 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Medicinal Use: Chaga must be collected blood sugars in the past or if you
from birch trees, as the relation- are taking medications to con-
ship between the birch and the trol blood sugar levels.
parasitic chaga helps form Ulcers, Ulcerative Coli-
some of the medicinal com-
pounds found in chaga, like tis, and the Gastrointes-
the terpenes betulin and bet- tinal Tract: Chaga protects
ulinic acid. Chaga is best the gastrointestinal tract and
taken as a double-extracted stops the formation of ul-
tincture to access all of its me- cers. Its anti-inflammatory
dicinal compounds (see page effects work well for people
39 or page 268 for the recipe). with ulcerative colitis.
Protects the Liver and Hepa-
Cancer Treatment: Chaga
mushrooms treat cancers of all types, including Hodg- titis C: Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-ox-
kin’s Disease. Chaga helps prevent and treat cancer idant properties, chaga is beneficial for most body or-
through increased antioxidant activity, by slowing or gans, however it is especially protective of the liver. It
stopping the growth of the cancerous tissue and metas- helps the body get rid of toxins, prevents hardening
tasis to other parts of the body, by killing off existing and scarring in the liver, and inhibits the production of
cancerous cells and reducing tumors, through boosting chemicals that cause inflammation in the liver.
the immune system, and by helping eliminate cancer It is also effective against Hepatitis C. One of the ways
cells from the body. chaga boosts the immune system is by protecting the

Powerful Adaptogen: Adaptogens help the body liver and activating the white blood cells to destroy for-
adapt to changing conditions, increased work, and eign substances in the body.
stress in general. Chaga is a powerful adaptogen that Reduces Fatigue and Increases Physical
helps reduce the effects of these stressors on the body Endurance: Chaga helps reduce fatigue in people
and improves overall body health. Chaga also has anti- who have low energy levels. It may also boost endur-
oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. ance by lowering lactic acid levels and boosting glyco-

Boosts the Immune System and Anti-in- gen stores.
flammatory: Chaga mushroom stimulates the im- Harvesting: The chaga mushroom takes a long time
mune system and helps the body heal itself. It has anti- to grow to maturity, so only harvest large mushrooms
inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce (it grows up to 16 inches (40 cm) in size). Do not har-
chronic inflammation in the body and help prevent vest any mushroom that is less than 6 inches (15 cm)
further damage. It is valuable for patients with im- across and always leave enough of the mushroom on
mune system dysfunction and weak immune systems, the tree to cover the opening on the tree where the
but it is still unclear if people with autoimmune disor- chaga is growing.
ders should use it due to the way it boosts the immune
system. Until more research is done, best to use the Take care not to damage the birch tree when collecting
adaptogenic Reishi mushroom instead. chaga and only harvest from living trees in a very envi-
ronmentally clean area. It may be collected year-
Anti-Viral, HIV, Herpes, and Flu: Chaga is an round, but it is more potent in the autumn. Using a saw
excellent anti-viral. It has demonstrated efficacy or hatchet, remove the mushroom from the tree and
against Influenza A and B, HSV (Herpes Simplex Vi- break it into small pieces to dry.
rus), and inhibits HIV protease.
Make sure that there are no tree parts still attached to
Reduces the Blood Sugar: Chaga helps lower the mushroom. If you find tree bark or wood, cut it
blood sugar levels significantly and quickly. This can away before drying. Use a dehydrator on its lowest set-
be helpful for people with diabetes, but it can also ting, or dry them in a warm, dry place in your house.
cause problems. Monitor blood sugars carefully when Store in a sealed container placed in a cool, dry place.
taking chaga, especially if you have had problems with

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