Is Chaga Mushroom Psychedelic? Know the Fact

Looking to try some unique fungi without taking a trip? Chaga mushrooms aren't psychedelic, but that doesn't make them any less magical! We'll explore the unique effects and potential benefits of functional mushrooms (and recommend a legal psychedelic if that's what you're after).

Key Takeaways

• Chaga is a functional mushroom, meaning it has plenty of health benefits but isn't psychedelic.
• Possible health benefits of chaga include immune support, lowering cholesterol, reducing blood sugar, and more.
• You can find chaga mushroom in the northern hemisphere, where it's been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.
• An easier and safer way to find chaga mushrooms is by ordering them online or going to a supplement store or dispensary.
• One common method of chaga preparation is brewing chaga tea, which leaves you with a rich drink not dissimilar to coffee.
• Other functional mushrooms include lion's mane, reishi, and cordyceps. 
• If you're specifically looking for a legal psychedelic mushroom, consider Amanita muscaria, which is legal in the US and sold online.

See Related: What Does Lions Mane Do For Your Body?

What Are Chaga Mushrooms?

The chaga mushroom, scientific name Inonotus obliquus, is a parasitic fungus. Chaga grows on birch trees across the northern hemisphere.

Chaga isn't your everyday mushroom. It looks sort of like charcoal or dirt, so it can make birch trees appear burned or even diseased. That's why it's also sometimes called birch canker or black mass.

Usually, the mycelium of mushrooms is hidden. But the opposite is true for chaga. That black mass you see sticking out of a birch tree is actually the mushroom's mycelium.

The unfortunate birch tree is a source of nutrition and water for its chaga mushroom host, enabling the sly shroom to grow up to 16 inches across. That's fortunate for us humans, though, because that mushroom contains numerous health benefits.

Health Benefits of Chaga Mushroom

You might be wondering which person was brave (or foolish) enough to give this mysterious black mushroom a taste. Humans have used many parts of the birch tree for thousands of years, so perhaps adding this birch parasite to the menu wasn't quite so strange an idea.

Whoever first made the leap did so long before written records began. One mummy called Otzi the Iceman was carrying chaga when he died over 5,000 years ago.

In northern parts of Russia, where birch forests stretch farther than the eye can see, people have long used chaga mushrooms. In fact, the very name "chaga" comes from an old Russian word.

Over the years, chaga mushrooms have been associated with all kinds of potential health benefits. Many of these have since been confirmed or supported by scientific research. More than 1,500 scientific papers have investigated this medicinal mushroom.

That makes chaga an adaptogenic mushroom, or a functional mushroom that is thought to help with well-being.

Let's discuss several of chaga's wellness benefits.

Antioxidant Properties

Chaga mushroom is packed full of antioxidants. This high antioxidant content could therefore contribute to lower oxidative stress.

Reducing Cancer Risk

Oxidative stress refers to the inability of the body to prevent cell damage by certain compounds. By helping to block this damage and lower oxidative stress levels, chaga might reduce the risk of cancer.

Bonus: Can You Freeze CBD Oil?

Lower Cholesterol

Chaga's antioxidants may also help lower cholesterol. Specifically, the mushroom might reduce the presence of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, which is more commonly known as the "bad" cholesterol. 

Meanwhile, chaga might also increase your levels of high-density lipoprotein. As you can probably guess, this is often called the "good" cholesterol. It's also thought to improve heart health.

Lower Blood Sugar Levels

One study found that chaga lowered blood sugar levels in diabetic mice by almost one-third. More research is needed to confirm if this is true for humans, too.

Immune System Support

Chaga contains beta glucans, a compound thought to help balance and regulate the immune system.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Cytokines are also anti-inflammatory, so taking chaga may also help to reduce inflammation.

Energy Boost

Chaga has been gaining popularity recently as a replacement for caffeine. Many people take it for brain health, mental clarity, and cognitive function. And you don't get the crash that often occurs after taking caffeine, either. 

Protecting the Liver

As one of the most important organs in the body, the liver is crucial to overall wellness. Chaga mushrooms contain polyphenols. Studies suggest these antioxidants can protect the liver from certain types of damage.

Helping the Digestive System

Chaga mushrooms are thought to contain substances that might prevent the growth of certain stomach ulcers.

How to Take Chaga Mushroom

We don't know how the first human decided to try chaga, but one of the methods passed down by traditional medicine is chaga tea.

Chaga tea is incredibly easy to make.

The first step, of course, is to get your hands on some chaga. If you're lucky enough to live in an area where chaga grows, you could venture out and collect some yourself. 

They're commonly found on birch trees, but might also grow on ash trees. You'll need to bring something like a chisel or knife to get the hard mushroom off the tree.

However, foraging for mushrooms can be risky. It might also be illegal, depending on where you live. The safer option is to forage in a health food store or order your chaga products online. 

If you want to brew chaga, your best bet is to buy some chaga powder. There are plenty of chaga recipes online, but most have the same basic formula: chaga powder and boiling water.

Brewing chaga tea leaves you with a drink similar to coffee. It should have an earthy taste. 

This earthy flavor is one reason chaga extract is such a popular coffee replacement. If it's not your cup of tea (pun intended), look for a recipe that adds other flavorings.

The nutritional profile of your chaga tea will depend on how long you leave it to steep. Leaving the chaga extract longer might increase its potency. 

So, if you're looking for immune support, to protect cells from damage, or any of the other health properties, consider brewing your tea overnight. 

However, shorter extractions are still fine. And if you're using chaga chunks, you might be able to reuse them multiple times. Shorter brewing is also more efficient for those adding chaga to their daily lives.

You can also take chaga extract in capsule form. Alternatively, let your inner chef go wild and experiment with chaga ice cream, smoothies, and whatever else your heart (or stomach) desires!

How to Store Chaga Mushroom

If you've collected your own chaga mushroom, you'll need to clean it thoroughly and then dry it. Then, cut it into small pieces or blend it for storage.

The key is to keep your chaga cool and dry. A paper bag kept in a dark closet at room temperature is a great option. 

The thing to avoid is mold. Dampness, sunlight, and high temperatures might all contribute to mold growing on, and therefore ruining, your precious magic mushrooms.

If stored properly, dried chaga mushrooms can last for years. Up to five years, in fact.

You can also store chaga tea. In the fridge, it should last for a couple of weeks. It lasts longer in the freezer, but then you have to defrost it before consumption.

Are Chaga Mushrooms Legal?

Yes! Chaga mushrooms are legal basically everywhere, though you should check your local laws and regulations to make sure.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has a long list of banned and regulated substances. Chaga mushroom is not on that list.

Are Chaga Mushrooms Psychedelic?

Chaga is a functional mushroom. That's distinct from psychedelic mushrooms, which are illegal in many parts of the world. 

Many banned psychedelic mushrooms contain psilocybin. These psilocybin mushrooms are what most people refer to when they use the term "magic mushrooms."

Psychedelic mushrooms include Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, and Psilocybe azurescens. Psilocybin interacts with the chemical receptors in the brain, causing various effects. 

These mind-altering effects are commonly referred to as a psychedelic "trip." 

Psychedelic mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular. That's partially because research suggests they can help with many mental health conditions, including depression. 

The legal status of these mushrooms varies. In the US, various forms of psychedelic mushrooms are illegal. 

But that doesn't mean you can't trip without breaking the law.

Legal Psychedelic Mushrooms

Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric mushrooms, are another shroom that have made the transition from traditional medicine to modern practice.

They're thought to help promote sleep, along with other health benefits.

But they also contain chemicals that can induce pleasant emotions, from tranquility to euphoria. 

And the best part? They're totally legal! (At least in the US.) 

You can buy them online and have them shipped straight to your door. Some manufacturers combine them with THC, sometimes in a tasty chocolate bar or drink mix, to enhance the psychedelic effect.

Chaga Mushrooms in Ohio

As a state in the northern hemisphere, Ohio is home to the trees that chaga mushrooms rely on. 

If you happen to live in Ohio, you can search for this magical mushroom yourself. Chaga mushrooms may not be present in birch forests near you, though.

Alternatively, head over to the Clean Remedies dispensary in Avon, Ohio. We carry a variety of functional mushroom products, as well as an assortment of THC and CBD solutions.

You can also stock up on Amanita muscaria drink mixes, chocolate bars, or gummies if you want to take a trip. THC products are also available for similar purposes.

Other Mushrooms - Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lion's Mane Mushroom Psychedelic?

Lion's mane has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is not psychedelic.

Are Cordyceps Psychedelic?

Cordyceps mushrooms are thought to have immune-boosting properties. It may boost immunity by stimulating certain chemicals and cells involved in the immune system.

Like lion's mane, cordyceps has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Is Turkey Tail Mushroom Psychedelic?

Turkey tail mushroom is generally considered a functional mushroom. Its potential health benefits include supporting the immune system, fighting fatigue, and more.

However, these health benefits aren't supported by a significant amount of scientific evidence.

Is Reishi Mushroom Psychedelic?

Reishi mushroom is yet another functional mushroom with no psychedelic properties. It's a great dietary supplement, packed with crucial vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

Chaga mushroom, Inonotus obliquus, birch canker — whatever you want to call it, this shroom is nothing short of magical. Just not in the psychedelic sense. 

Keep Reading: Can You Grow Weed in the Winter? Everything You Need to Know

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