Description
Organic Chaga Mushroom Capsules: Standardized to 40% Polysaccharides (400mg) — Mycelium Powder
Product Overview
Organic Chaga Mushroom Capsules provide a dietary supplement featuring Organic Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Mushroom Mycelium Powder standardized to contain 40% polysaccharides (400 mg per serving). Chaga has been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine practices in Siberia, Northern Europe, and Russia for its immune-supporting, antioxidant, and overall wellness properties.*
This mushroom is rich in naturally occurring bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (beta-glucans), triterpenes (betulinic acid), melanin, and antioxidants (particularly superoxide dismutase, or SOD). Traditionally used to support immune function, overall vitality, and cellular health as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.*
Ingredients
Per Serving (2 Capsules):
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Organic Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Mushroom Mycelium Powder — [total amount not disclosed]
Standardized to 40% Polysaccharides — 400 mg
Other Ingredients: Organic Capsule (Pullulan, Water), Silica
Product Details
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Manufacturer's Country: USA
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Product Amount: 60 vegan capsules (30 servings)
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Gross Weight: 0.2 lb (90 g)
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Capsule Type: Vegan (Pullulan)
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Organic Certification: USDA Organic (implied by "Organic" labeling)
Suggested Use
As a dietary supplement, adults take two (2) capsules daily or as directed by a healthcare professional. Can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
Usage Tips:
- For best results, use consistently as part of a daily wellness routine
- Taking with food may minimize potential digestive upset (though Chaga is generally well-tolerated)
Important Warnings and Cautions
⚠️ DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE:
- Take only as directed. Do not exceed 2 capsules per day unless advised by a healthcare professional.
❌ DO NOT USE IF:
- You are pregnant or nursing (consult healthcare professional first — safety of Chaga supplementation during pregnancy/lactation is not well-established)
- You are under the age of 18 (consult healthcare professional first)
- You have a known medical condition (consult healthcare professional first)
- You have mushroom allergies or have experienced allergic reactions to fungi
- You have bleeding disorders or clotting issues (Chaga may have blood-thinning effects)
- You have autoimmune conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc.) — medicinal mushrooms can stimulate immune function, which may worsen autoimmune symptoms
- You have kidney disease or kidney stones (Chaga is high in oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stone formation and worsen kidney function)
🩺 CONSULT A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USE IF YOU:
- Are taking prescription medications (especially immunosuppressants, blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs, diabetes medications, blood pressure medications)
- Are taking immunosuppressant medications (after organ transplant, for autoimmune conditions, etc.) — medicinal mushrooms may interfere with immunosuppression
- Have autoimmune conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, Hashimoto's, etc.) — immune-stimulating mushrooms may worsen symptoms
- Have diabetes or blood sugar regulation issues (Chaga may lower blood sugar levels)
- Have bleeding disorders or are taking blood-thinning medications (Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel, etc.) — Chaga may have anticoagulant properties
- Have kidney disease, impaired kidney function, or a history of kidney stones (Chaga is high in oxalates and can worsen these conditions)
- Have liver disease or impaired liver function
- Are scheduled for surgery (discontinue at least 2 weeks prior — Chaga may affect blood clotting and blood sugar during surgery)
- Are taking other supplements containing medicinal mushrooms or adaptogens (to avoid excessive intake)
- Have a history of allergic reactions to mushrooms or fungi
⚠️ POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS:
Common Side Effects (generally mild and rare):
- Digestive upset, nausea, stomach discomfort (rare)
- Skin rash or itching (allergic reaction — rare)
Serious Side Effects (rare but possible):
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Allergic reactions (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing — discontinue immediately and seek emergency medical attention)
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Bleeding or bruising (due to anticoagulant effects)
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Blood sugar fluctuations (can cause hypoglycemia in diabetics taking medication)
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Worsening of autoimmune symptoms (in individuals with autoimmune conditions)
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Kidney damage or kidney stones (due to high oxalate content — particularly with long-term high-dose use in individuals with kidney disease or predisposition to kidney stones)
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Liver toxicity (very rare, but isolated case reports exist)
🚨 CRITICAL WARNING — KIDNEY DISEASE AND KIDNEY STONES:
Chaga contains HIGH LEVELS OF OXALATES. Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds that can bind to calcium and form crystals, leading to:
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Kidney stones (calcium oxalate stones are the most common type)
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Worsening of kidney function (especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease)
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Oxalate nephropathy (kidney damage from oxalate crystal deposits — rare but serious)
If you have kidney disease, impaired kidney function, or a history of kidney stones, DO NOT use this product without medical supervision from a nephrologist (kidney specialist).
Even individuals with healthy kidneys should avoid long-term high-dose Chaga supplementation due to oxalate accumulation risk.
🚨 CRITICAL WARNING — AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS:
Medicinal mushrooms, including Chaga, can stimulate immune function. While this may be beneficial for supporting general immune health in healthy individuals, it can worsen symptoms in people with autoimmune conditions, where the immune system is already overactive.
If you have lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or any other autoimmune condition, DO NOT use this product without medical supervision.
🚨 CRITICAL WARNING — IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT MEDICATIONS:
If you are taking immunosuppressant medications (after organ transplant, for autoimmune conditions, or for other reasons), medicinal mushrooms may interfere with your treatment by stimulating immune function that your medication is trying to suppress.
DO NOT use this product if you are taking:
- Organ transplant anti-rejection drugs (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus, etc.)
- Corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone, etc.)
- Biologics for autoimmune conditions (infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, etc.)
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Other immunosuppressants
🚨 CRITICAL WARNING — BLEEDING DISORDERS AND BLOOD THINNERS:
Chaga may have anticoagulant (blood-thinning) effects. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medications (Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Heparin, etc.), do NOT use this product without medical supervision.
If you are scheduled for surgery, discontinue this product at least 2 weeks prior to reduce bleeding risk during and after the procedure.
🚨 CRITICAL WARNING — DIABETES MEDICATION INTERACTION:
Chaga may lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or take medications that affect blood sugar (insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, etc.), do NOT use this product without medical supervision.
Signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia):
- Shakiness, dizziness, confusion
- Rapid heartbeat, sweating
- Extreme hunger, irritability
- Blurred vision, weakness
If you experience these symptoms, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.
Storage
Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if the safety seal is damaged or missing. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light.
Understanding Chaga Mushroom Supplementation
What is Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)?
Chaga is a parasitic fungus that grows primarily on birch trees in cold climates (Siberia, Northern Europe, Canada, Northern United States). Unlike typical mushrooms with caps and stems, Chaga forms a dark, cracked, charcoal-like mass (called a "conk" or "sclerotium") on the exterior of the tree. The interior is orange-brown and has been harvested for centuries for medicinal use.
Traditional Use:
Chaga has been used in traditional folk medicine in:
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Siberia and Russia — brewed as a tea for overall health, vitality, and longevity
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Northern Europe — used for immune support and digestive health
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Traditional Chinese Medicine — occasionally used for various wellness purposes
What Makes Chaga Special?
Chaga is rich in bioactive compounds, including:
1. Polysaccharides (Beta-Glucans):
Immune-supporting compounds that may modulate immune cell activity and support healthy immune function.*
2. Betulinic Acid (Triterpene):
A compound derived from birch bark that accumulates in Chaga. Preliminary research suggests potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, though human evidence is limited.*
3. Melanin:
Chaga contains high levels of melanin (the pigment responsible for its dark color), which has antioxidant properties and may support skin health and stress resilience.*
4. Antioxidants (especially Superoxide Dismutase, or SOD):
Chaga is one of the most antioxidant-rich natural substances, with an extremely high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and support cellular health.*
Important Considerations:
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Most research is preliminary — While Chaga has promising preclinical research (cells and animals), human clinical trials are extremely limited.
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This product uses mycelium, not sclerotium (wild-harvested Chaga) — Traditional use and most research involve wild-harvested Chaga sclerotium (the hard exterior mass). This product uses cultivated mycelium (root-like structure), which may have a different nutrient profile.
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Oxalate content is a serious concern — Chaga's high oxalate content makes it risky for individuals with kidney disease or a history of kidney stones.
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Long-term safety data is limited — While traditional use suggests safety, long-term high-dose supplementation has not been extensively studied in humans.
Setting Realistic Expectations
✅ What This Supplement IS:
- An organic Chaga mushroom supplement standardized to 40% polysaccharides (400 mg per serving)
- A source of naturally occurring antioxidants, beta-glucans, betulinic acid, and melanin
- Traditionally used to support immune function, antioxidant defenses, and overall wellness*
- A vegan supplement with minimal additives
- Suitable for adults seeking natural immune and antioxidant support as part of a balanced lifestyle
❌ What This Supplement is NOT:
- NOT a treatment for cancer, infections, immune disorders, or any medical condition (despite traditional use for various ailments, Chaga is not proven to treat disease)
- NOT a guaranteed immune booster (and may be dangerous for individuals with autoimmune conditions or taking immunosuppressants)
- NOT safe for individuals with kidney disease or a history of kidney stones (high oxalate content)
- NOT a substitute for a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
- NOT appropriate for pregnant/nursing women, children, or individuals with autoimmune conditions, bleeding disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, or those taking certain medications without professional guidance
Understanding "Phytochemicals" and "Cellular Health" Claims
⚠️ IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION:
While this product is marketed for "phytochemicals necessary for optimum functioning" and "cellular-level nutrient absorption," these claims are vague and not supported by specific evidence.
What the research actually shows:
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Antioxidant activity: Chaga has extremely high antioxidant content (measured by ORAC score), which may support cellular health by neutralizing free radicals. However, consuming high-ORAC foods/supplements does not necessarily translate to measurable health benefits in humans (the body regulates antioxidant activity through complex systems).
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Immune support: Preliminary research (mostly in cells and animals) suggests Chaga's beta-glucans may modulate immune function, but human evidence is extremely limited.
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Anti-inflammatory effects: Some preclinical research suggests potential anti-inflammatory properties, but human evidence is lacking.
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"Gut microbiome support": There is no substantial research linking Chaga supplementation to improved gut microbiome balance in humans.
Bottom line: Chaga is a traditional wellness supplement with promising preliminary research for antioxidant and immune support, but it is not a "superfood" that provides "optimum functioning" or significantly enhances "nutrient absorption at the cellular level." If you want comprehensive health benefits:
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Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats
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Prioritize sleep (7-9 hours per night)
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Exercise regularly (150 minutes moderate-intensity exercise per week)
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Manage stress (chronic stress impairs immune function and cellular health)
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
Chaga may provide modest additional antioxidant and immune support, but it's not a substitute for foundational healthy behaviors.
Research Summary: What Do Human Studies Show?
Extremely limited human research:
Unlike some other medicinal mushrooms (Reishi, Turkey Tail), Chaga has very few human clinical trials. Most research is in cells (in vitro) or animals, which cannot be directly extrapolated to humans.
Promising preclinical research includes:
- Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity
- Immune-modulating effects (beta-glucans)
- Potential anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential anti-cancer effects (in cells and animals — NOT proven in humans)
Conclusion: Chaga shows promising preliminary research, but much more human research is needed to confirm effectiveness, optimal dosing, and long-term safety.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Seek professional medical advice if you:
- Have kidney disease, impaired kidney function, or a history of kidney stones (Chaga is contraindicated due to high oxalate content)
- Have autoimmune conditions and are considering immune-modulating supplements
- Are taking immunosuppressant medications (organ transplant anti-rejection drugs, biologics, corticosteroids, etc.)
- Have bleeding disorders or are taking blood-thinning medications
- Have diabetes or blood sugar regulation issues
- Are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant
- Are scheduled for surgery (discontinue at least 2 weeks prior)
- Experience unusual symptoms (allergic reactions, bleeding, blood sugar fluctuations, kidney pain, changes in urination) after using this product (discontinue immediately and seek medical attention)
- Want personalized guidance on immune support, antioxidant supplementation, or mushroom supplementation based on your individual health status
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary significantly. Chaga mushroom contains high levels of oxalates and can interact with medications — individuals with kidney disease, kidney stones, autoimmune disorders, bleeding disorders, diabetes, or those taking immunosuppressants, blood thinners, or other medications must consult a healthcare professional before use. Supplements are not substitutes for a balanced diet, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, or professional medical care. Discontinue use at least 2 weeks before surgery. Pregnant or nursing women should not use this product without medical supervision.
