Inflammation is a key factor in a number of illness and discomforts. When it becomes a chronic issue, the quality of life is quickly affected. While some side effects and symptoms could result in frequent use of NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, consuming Chaga has been shown to reduce levels of inflammation in the body, thus reducing pain levels.

How Does Inflammation Occur?

In order to understand how Chaga could help reduce pain and inflammation, it’s a good idea to have a general idea how inflammation occurs in the body. In a basic explanation, chemicals from white blood cells are released into the body through the blood or various tissues in order to protect it from a virus or other foreign entity.

These chemicals, which are now in the body, then increase the amount of blood that flows to a certain area of the body, which then creates that sensation of warmth or the sudden redness. Chemicals that leak into the surrounding tissue cause swelling – this abundance of fluid and irritation then stimulates nerve endings, which cause the associated pain. Over time, this inflammation wears down aspects of the body – whether it’s an intestinal lining or the cartilage between joints.

Which types of diseases or disorders are associated with inflammation? Many of them you’ve already heard about, including:

Chaga and Pain Relief

So where does Chaga come in? Properties of the mushroom help lower certain binding components in the body, which then helps to block enzymes from areas of inflammation. By keeping these components down, the levels of pain are reduced and healing can begin in the irritated spots.

Studies[1] have shown that Chaga reduces pain reaction in animals, and holds promise for those who want to try using the mushroom as a way to reduce pain while also reducing overall inflammation in the body. It’s important to note that if you suffer from chronic inflammation and require medication, you should always talk to your doctor about the benefits of Chaga before making a switch. In some cases, Chaga is an ideal supplement, but should not replace medication without a doctor’s approval.

Though there have been studies done on the properties and benefits of Chaga, further studies must be completed on humans for a full understanding of just how the active ingredients in the mushrooms work. Early studies do show a reduction of pain levels, so it’s simple enough to consume Chaga tea daily to help minor aches and pains – as well as reduce inflammation throughout the body.

In addition to its effects on pain relief, Chaga has also been shown to have a positive effect on the immune system, which is also related to inflammatory reactions. Chaga has the ability to nourish the healthy cells and strengthen the overall system without causing it to become overbearing – which has an entirely different set of potential complications.

 

 

[1] Chung, Mi Ja, Cha-Kwon Chung, Yoonhwa Jeong, and Seung-Shi Ham. "Anticancer activity of subfractions containing pure compounds of Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) extract in human cancer cells and in Balbc/c mice bearing Sarcoma-180 cells." Nutrition Research and Practice. June 2010. Accessed October 28, 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2895696/.