What is the best way to take chaga? A comprehensive guide

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

In Siberia, traditional folk medicine has used chaga for centuries to support immunity and vitality. To reap the full benefits of this medicinal fungus, the best way to take chaga is through an extraction process, as its hard, woody exterior is indigestible in its raw state. This guide explores the different methods of consumption and preparation.

Quick Summary

A comparison of chaga consumption methods, including tea, extract, and powder. The guide discusses the preparation, benefits, and drawbacks of each form to help determine the most suitable option for integrating chaga into a diet.

Key Points

Extracts offer highest potency: Dual-extraction using hot water and alcohol captures the full spectrum of chaga's beneficial compounds for maximum potency and absorption.
Tea is traditional and reusable: A slow, long-simmered chaga tea (decoction) from reusable chunks is a traditional and cost-effective way to get water-soluble nutrients.
Powder provides convenience: For versatility and ease of use, an extracted chaga powder can be mixed into drinks, smoothies, and recipes.
Source high-quality products: Ensure you purchase chaga from reputable suppliers that practice sustainable harvesting and test for heavy metals, or forage responsibly from living birch trees.
Be mindful of risks: Chaga contains oxalates and may interfere with certain medications; consult a doctor before use, especially if you have kidney or bleeding disorders or diabetes.

Chaga, a nutrient-dense fungus, is renowned for its adaptogenic and antioxidant properties. Its health benefits, which range from immune support to fighting inflammation, are attributed to compounds locked within its tough, chitin-rich cell walls. Because these compounds are not readily absorbed when chaga is consumed raw, extraction is necessary. The optimal method of extraction depends on your health goals, lifestyle, and how much time you have for preparation.

Chaga tea vs. extract vs. powder: A comparison

The most common methods for taking chaga include tea (decoction), liquid extract (tincture), and powdered supplements. The table below outlines the key differences to help you decide.


Feature	Chaga Tea (Decoction)	Chaga Liquid Extract (Tincture)	Chaga Powder
Preparation	Involves simmering chaga chunks or powder in hot water for extended periods (at least 20-30 minutes). Chunks can be re-used multiple times.	Involves a dual-extraction process (alcohol and hot water) to capture both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds. Best purchased from a reputable source.	Dried and ground chaga, often made from hot-water extracted material. Can be mixed directly into liquids or food.
Potency	Effectively releases water-soluble compounds like beta-glucans and polysaccharides. Re-using chunks can result in slightly less potency per batch over time.	Higher concentration of both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds, such as triterpenes and betulinic acid. Generally the most potent option.	Potency depends heavily on the extraction method used by the manufacturer. May not be as potent as a dual-extract.
Convenience	Requires time for simmering and cooling, but less effort for multiple batches when using chunks.	Highly convenient; a few drops can be added to any beverage. No preparation time required.	The most versatile and easiest to use; simply stir into drinks, smoothies, or food.
Shelf Life	Brewed tea lasts for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.	Can last for several years when stored in a cool, dark place.	Long shelf life when stored in an airtight container away from light and heat.

Chaga tea: The traditional approach

Brewing chaga tea, a traditional method used in Siberian folk medicine, is one of the most popular ways to consume the mushroom. A decoction is the best way to extract the beneficial compounds from chaga's tough exterior.

To make chaga tea from chunks:

Add dried chaga chunks to water in a pot.
Bring the water to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Allow it to decoct for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor and color. Some herbalists simmer for several hours.
The tea should be dark brown, similar to black coffee.
Strain the chunks and store the tea in the fridge for up to two weeks.
The same chunks can be reused multiple times until the tea no longer produces a dark color.

To make chaga tea from powder:

Add chaga powder to a tea infuser or French press.
Pour hot water (below boiling) over the powder.
Steep for at least 5-10 minutes, though longer can create a deeper brew.
The tea can be enjoyed plain or with additions like honey, lemon, or other spices.

Chaga extract and powder: The modern convenience

For those seeking maximum potency and convenience, chaga extracts and powders offer a modern solution. A dual-extraction process using both hot water and alcohol is necessary to release all of chaga's beneficial compounds, including the fat-soluble triterpenes. High-quality liquid tinctures and powders are typically prepared this way by reputable companies.

Using chaga extract:

Add liquid extract to your coffee, tea, smoothies, or any beverage of your choice.
It can also be taken directly under the tongue for rapid absorption.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for use.

Using chaga powder:

Mix into smoothies for a nutritional boost.
Stir into soups, stews, or oatmeal for an earthy, mild flavor.
Add to baked goods or energy balls.

Potential side effects and precautions

While chaga is generally safe, it contains high levels of oxalates, which can cause kidney problems in some individuals. Those with a history of kidney stones or kidney disease should exercise caution. Chaga may also have a blood-thinning effect and could lower blood sugar, potentially interfering with diabetes medications or blood-thinning medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid chaga due to insufficient safety information. Always consult a doctor before adding chaga to your regimen, especially if you have an existing health condition or take other medications.

Sustainable and safe harvesting practices

If you choose to forage for chaga yourself, it is crucial to do so responsibly. Chaga harvested from living birch trees in cold climates is generally considered the most potent and safest. Harvesting from dead trees can result in a moldy and less effective product. Always leave a portion of the chaga on the tree to allow for regrowth, and follow local regulations for foraging. It is advisable to purchase from reputable suppliers who practice sustainable harvesting and provide information on their sourcing.

Conclusion

Deciding what is the best way to take chaga? depends on your priorities. For maximum potency and full-spectrum benefits, a professionally made dual-extract is the top choice. For a cost-effective and traditional approach, a long-simmered tea using chunks is an excellent option that offers the unique benefit of reusability. For pure convenience and versatility, an extracted powder is an easy way to incorporate chaga into your daily routine. Regardless of the method, choosing a high-quality, sustainably sourced product is essential to ensure you receive the maximum health benefits this powerful mushroom has to offer. Always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating chaga or any new supplement into your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, chaga chunks can be reused multiple times for tea. After brewing, store the chunks in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply add them to fresh water and simmer for a new batch until the brew no longer produces a dark, rich color.

Brewed chaga tea can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks. It can be reheated or enjoyed as an iced tea.

Chaga powder is ground chaga mushroom, but its potency depends on whether it has been extracted. A dual-extracted powder is potent and easily dissolvable. Liquid extract (tincture) is a concentrated liquid from a dual-extraction, offering maximum bioavailability.

For most healthy individuals, moderate, daily consumption of chaga is safe. However, due to its high oxalate content, long-term use should be discussed with a doctor, especially for those with a history of kidney issues.

Chaga has a mild, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor profile, with notes of vanilla. It is often described as smooth and pleasant, unlike most culinary mushrooms.

Foraging can be safe if you can properly identify chaga and harvest it sustainably from a living birch tree in a pollution-free area. Always leave a portion on the tree, and never eat raw chaga. If uncertain, it is safer to purchase from a reputable supplier.

Dried chaga chunks or powder should be stored in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture to maintain freshness and potency. Liquid extracts should be stored in a cool, dark place.