Chaga Mushrooms: What the Research Says About Cancer Therapy

The appearance of a chaga mushroom is anything but inviting. It looks like an insidious growth that has the power to swallow your soul. Or something Voldemort would use in an attempt to murder Harry Potter. All I'm trying to say is that it’s rather unappealing.

However, don't let its daunting appearance repel you. The chaga mushroom has quite a few alleged health benefits, but in this blog post we’re going to focus on its most immaculate one…

Its ability to potentially suppress cancer progression.

Chaga Mushroom and Cancer Research

Cancer is sick. Disgusting. One of the worst things to ever exist. It’s one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, so, of course effective cancer treatments are constantly in demand.

A study conducted by researchers in Japan suggests that the extract of the chaga mushroom demonstrates significant anti-tumor characteristics. Additionally, it has been used in several countries to help enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer. 

The study, which was conducted on mice, found that tumor-bearing mice experienced a 60% tumor reduction when treated with chaga mushroom extract for 3 weeks. That’s an insane percentage. 

It was also observed that the extract reduces the formation of blood vessels in tumors, potentially slowing the progression of cancer. Not to mention, its anti-inflammatory effects and metabolic regulation, both of which are important aspects of anti-cancer activity.

Further Benefits of Chaga Mushroom

If there’s one thing I trust, it’s traditional medicine! Chaga mushrooms have been used traditionally for hundreds of years, they must be good for something. They’ve been notably used in Northern European countries and Russia to treat ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, and gastrointestinal cancer. 

Here are some additional benefits of chaga mushrooms:

Chaga for the Immune System

In animal studies, it has been demonstrated that chaga mushrooms increase the production of immune cells. These cells regulate the immune system and ensure that your body is fighting bacteria and viruses.

Antiviral Properties

A study published in 2015 found that chaga extract exhibited antiviral effects on HIV type 1. 

In animal studies, researchers found that chaga extract decreased the infective properties of hepatitis C.

Chaga for Reducing Inflammation

Animal and test-tube studies exhibit that chaga mushrooms reduce inflammation through increasing white blood cells. White blood cells are the body's first defense against bacteria and viruses, so that’s cool!

What We’ve Learned 

Does this mean don’t go to the doctor if you have cancer? No, of course not. This information is simply for educational purposes only! 

Chaga mushrooms offer an interesting avenue for advancing cancer care. The evidence suggesting that chaga can affect tumor growth and reduce cancer-related inflammation is compelling and promising (to say the least). 

All I’m saying is, it’s not a bad idea to integrate a chaga supplement into your holistic health regimen to take advantage of its healing powers. 

Drop a comment to let me know what you think or what you’d like to read more about!