With Thanksgiving in our midst, it’s only natural to fantasize about endless plates of mashed potatoes, turkey, and gravy paired with an onslaught of pies and pastries. Perhaps you’ve already attended a few Friendsgivings or company parties, and you can’t help but wonder how to maintain your health when slices of pumpkin pie and turkey are constantly calling your name. Or maybe it seems like there is no amount of burpees and situps you can do that will make up for the bountiful portions of holiday goodies.
Amid the blend of navigating stressful travel plans, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying up late Black Friday shopping, consider relying on this superherb: chaga. Maybe you’ve seen it served at local coffee shops or you’ve heard the buzz about it from your favorite health and fitness podcasters. Nonetheless, chaga has garnered attention among health-conscious individuals—and for good reason!
WHAT IS CHAGA
Coined the “King of Herbs” or “Gift from God,” this medicinal mushroom resembles a dark, lava-like clump of dirt which grows primarily on birch trees in cold climates throughout the northern hemisphere (in places like Northern Europe, Siberia, Russia, Korea, Northern Canada and Alaska). As a powerful adaptogen, chaga helps create balance in your body. Overall, it boosts the immune system and helps the body detox. Rich in antioxidants, it also provides focus without the jitters.
Don’t be fooled. Though chaga, other medicinal mushrooms, and “mushroom coffee” drinks have grown especially popular in the last few years, chaga itself has been used in Siberia and other northern Asian regions for centuries and was traditionally grated finely to be used as an herbal tea. The first historic use of chaga dates back between the 12th and 13th century, where the Khanty people of Siberia used it for skin soothing purposes, digestion, and pregnancy recovery.
More recently, the Finnish people used chaga as a substitute during World War II since coffee and sugar had to be rationed. Who knew the idea of mushroom coffee dated this far back? Needless to say, people of diverse cultures and backgrounds have claimed the benefits of chaga for quite some time.
WHY YOU NEED IT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
For many, the time period leading up to Thanksgiving all the way through Christmas produces much stress. Whether you’re preparing a big meal for a family gathering, pulling all nighters to study for finals, or ensuring you leave no item on the Christmas wish list behind, stress is inevitable.
This is where chaga comes in! As stated before, chaga is an adaptogen, which helps your body adapt (the hint is in the name!) and adjust depending on your environment. For instance, in environments of stress, chaga can calm your body; and in environments of drowsiness or stagnation, it can boost your energy.
In the fall and winter months, it’s also important to increase your antioxidant intake because it’s typically when your body lacks vitamin D, sunlight, and environmental exposure as a result of being cooped up indoors. Additionally, it’s the time where viruses start to replicate and spread. So, if you are a regular chaga drinker, you’re not only creating balance within your body, but you’re helping it fight viruses as well.
Thanks to our fungal friend, you can prepare well for these upcoming weeks. If you find yourself in the heart of holiday chaos or if you’re striving to maintain healthy habits, worry no more and savor a cup of chaga-infused tea or coffee. It might just be what you need after a hearty Thanksgiving meal or before you tackle a busy day of holiday festivities. Here’s to reducing stress this holiday season—one cup at a time!
