Chaga is a medicinal mushroom packed with antioxidants. It’s also believed to help lower cholesterol, manage type 2 diabetes, and even help prevent cancer. For all of these reasons, many people have started incorporating a Chaga supplement into their daily routine.
One of the most popular ways of taking Chaga is by making delicious Chaga tea. But, before you start brewing your first batch, it’s important to know how much Chaga you can drink in a day.
When you start drinking Chaga tea it’s a good idea to drink no more than one cup a day. This allows your body to get used to the mushroom rather than overpowering your system. Once a few weeks have passed, you can increase your Chaga tea consumption according to how often you feel the need for it.
There isn’t really a set rule when it comes to how much Chaga you can drink in a day. Just start slowly and, once your body is used to it, you can start experimenting.
Discovering what works best for you will be personal. So, while a friend may find that they need 2-3 cups of Chaga tea a day, you may find that one a day is enough.
There isn’t much of a benefit to drinking more than three cups of Chaga per day, though. You’ll end up with a surplus of the vitamins and minerals Chaga feeds your body with, so, rather than absorbing and using them, they will just be removed as waste.
CONTENTS
- Can I Drink Too Much Chaga Tea?
- Can You Drink Chaga Tea Every Day?
- Does Chaga Tea Contain Caffeine?
- How Do You Drink Chaga Tea?
- How Long Does Chaga Tea Last?
- What Does Chaga Taste Like?
- Conclusion
Can I Drink Too Much Chaga Tea?
When it comes to drinking Chaga tea, there is such a thing as “too much of a good thing”. Chaga is a health supplement and, as such, it needs to be taken seriously. Think of it as a prescription medicine and stick to a set dosage for your personal needs.
As we’ve explained above, it’s also important to slowly introduce your body to Chaga tea. This is because drinking too much at first can shock your system. This may result in increased awareness and, ultimately, you’ll find yourself feeling overly energetic instead of getting that manageable extra boost.
It’s also very important to note that there are several instances when you shouldn’t drink Chaga tea at all. For the most part, it has very few side effects. But if you suffer from any of the issues listed below it’s best to avoid taking Chaga.
- Auto-Immune Diseases: As Chaga contains so many powerful antioxidants, people that suffer from an auto-immune disease may find that drinking Chaga tea exacerbates the problem rather than helping.
- Blood Disorders: If you suffer from haemophilia or you’re on blood-thinning medication, you should refrain from taking Chaga tea altogether as it may prevent blood clotting.
- Kidney Disorders: People suffering from kidney stones or kidney disease should avoid Chaga as it contains a substance called oxalate. This is one of the contributing factors to the formation of kidney stones.
It’s also worth noting that, while Chaga tea may help lower blood sugar levels, anybody that has been diagnosed with diabetes should approach Chaga with caution. If in doubt, it’s always best to check with your doctor first.
Can You Drink Chaga Tea Every Day?
Yes, you can absolutely drink Chaga tea every day. In fact, as long as you’re not drinking too much and you don’t suffer from any of the health issues listed above, there are lots of health benefits that come from enjoying a daily cup of Chaga tea.
However, the amount of Chaga tea you drink on a daily basis will ultimately depend on your personal needs. When you first start, don’t drink more than one cup a day. This will give your body time to get accustomed to the influx of vitamins and minerals you’re feeding it with.
You can increase the amount of Chaga tea you drink every day over time, but it’s best to drink no more than three cups a day. The reason for this is simply because there is no need to, and your body will just process the excess vitamins and minerals as waste.
Of course, you don’t have to drink Chaga tea every day. You might find it more beneficial to drink it only under certain circumstances, such as:
- Drinking Chaga tea when you need energy: Most people drink Chaga tea as a way of getting an extra boost of energy without having to worry about the eventual crash. With this in mind, you might find it more beneficial to drink Chaga tea at a time of day that you start feeling your energy levels falling, such as mid-afternoon. It’s also a good alternative to your regular morning coffee to get you up and moving first thing!
- Drinking Chaga tea when you’re ill: Chaga tea contains a high level of antioxidants. This makes it ideal for boosting your immune system and, in turn, you may find that you’re able to heal faster. It’s may also help reduce sinus inflammation, so it could help you breathe more easily if you’re suffering from the flu.
- Drinking Chaga tea during the winter: As well as being able to heal sickness, the high level of antioxidants contained in Chaga tea may help you prevent catching certain illnesses in the first place by strengthening your immune system. This is particularly useful during winter when the flu is at its highest level of circulation.
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Does Chaga Tea Contain Caffeine?
One of the best things about Chaga tea (aside from its numerous health benefits) is the fact that it contains absolutely no caffeine. Despite being caffeine-free, Chaga is still capable of boosting your energy levels. In fact, it may even be a better alternative to coffee and tea as you won’t feel the ‘caffeine crash’ a few hours later. Instead, you’ll get a steady release of energy that is much more manageable on the rise and the fall.
Some pre-made Chaga teas, however, do contain caffeine. In these instances, the caffeine will have been added to it separately. This is done by mixing the Chaga with artificial caffeine or with a caffeine-rich tea (such as black, green, white, or oolong).
If you’d rather avoid caffeine altogether, it’s best to make Chaga tea yourself or look for a pre-made tea that doesn’t contain any caffeine.
While Chaga doesn’t contain caffeine, you should still avoid taking it in the hours leading up to your bedtime. This is because you’ll still get that energy hit and, as such, you may find yourself unable to drift off to sleep as easily.
How Do You Drink Chaga Tea?
There are a few different ways that you can enjoy a delicious cup of Chaga tea. It can even be served cold, which is particularly refreshing on a hot summer day!
To show you how versatile Chaga tea is, we’ve listed three different ways you can drink Chaga tea below:
1. Single-Cup Method
This is the easiest and most popular way to drink Chaga tea. Simply mix it straight in your cup and you’re all set!
- Take a ball strainer and place 1-2 teaspoons of ground Chaga inside.
- Pop the strainer in your cup and fill the cup with boiling water.
- Allow the tea to steep for around 5 minutes, taking care not to surpass the 10-minute mark.
- Remove the strainer and enjoy your Chaga tea
2. Saucepan Method
This is the best method if you prefer to use dried Chaga rather than ground Chaga. It’s also ideal if you’re making more than one cup.
- Grab a wide-based saucepan and place your dried Chaga chunks inside. If you have any pieces that are larger than 1-inch, it’s best to break them into smaller pieces.
- Fill the saucepan with water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes have passed, remove the pan from the heat and leave it to steep for a few minutes.
- Strain the Chaga-infused water into a teapot or directly into cups and enjoy!
3. Iced Chaga Tea
This method is a little more involved, but once you’ve mastered it you’ll be able to enjoy a refreshing glass of iced Chaga tea on a hot day.
- Brew your Chaga tea using either of the methods above.
- Allow it to cool completely then pour the tea into a mason jar or pitcher.
- Place the tea in your refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Add a few lemon slices to the pitcher or jar along with some ice cubes. You can also add some honey or maple syrup if you’d like to sweeten it.
- Serve and enjoy!
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How Long Does Chaga Tea Last?
Generally speaking, Chaga tea has a shelf life of 1-2 years. However, the length of time that your Chaga tea will last ultimately depends on how you store it.
Take note of any expiration dates that are on the packaging, as this will give you a better idea of how long it will last.
To keep your Chaga tea fresh for as long as possible, it should be stored in a cool, dry place. You should also store it out of direct sunlight. Sunlight and moisture accelerate mushroom decay. So, the more your Chaga tea is subjected to light, heat, and moisture, the faster it will go bad.
If you make Chaga tea using dried Chaga chunks, keep them in an airtight container. If you use powdered Chaga, it can be kept in its original container as long as it is airtight. This will keep your Chaga tea fresh and, in turn, you can expect it to last up to two years.
What Does Chaga Taste Like?
While Chaga mushrooms don’t look particularly appetizing, they make a really delicious tea when brewed with hot water.
Chaga tea has an “umami” flavour. This means it has an earthy, savoury taste. It also has a hint of bitterness, but not so bitter that it’s hard to drink.
As with all teas, however, the taste of Chaga tea intensifies the longer you brew it. With this in mind, you can achieve a milder taste by leaving it to brew for 3-5 minutes.
If you like a tea with a stronger flavour, leave it to brew for up to 10 minutes. Or, for ultimate strength, use the pot-brewing method that we’ve detailed above.
You can also make Chaga tea taste a little sweeter by adding lemon, honey, or maple syrup.
Conclusion
Mild caution should be exercised when it comes to drinking Chaga. Don’t dive straight in and make Chaga tea every time you need a drink! It’s all about finding what works best for you.
You also don’t have to drink Chaga tea every day. Instead, you can use it to give yourself an extra boost of energy on a morning where you’re finding it particularly hard to wake up. It’s also believed to be a great natural remedy when you’re feeling ill.
However, there are instances where drinking Chaga tea should be avoided entirely. This includes two weeks before surgery, if you’re suffering from an auto-immune disease, or if you have developed a kidney disorder.
And in case you’re wondering, you can mix Chaga with coffee as well. Read more about that here!