In the areas of infection with the tinder, black growths appear over time, which have a tuberous surface with shallow cracks. Gradually, growths increase. The shape of the tinder is determined by the nature of the damage to the tree bark. The most common forms of fungi occur in the form of nodules 10-15 cm in thickness and 30-40 cm in length. The outlines of the growths are irregular. Ball-shaped growths are usually formed in the places of cut branches.
Often, growths on birch trunks leave on their hard surface the remains of birch bark. When cutting a mushroom, you can see three layers. The first layer is superficial, it has a black color, it feels solid to the touch, its thickness is about 1-2 mm. The second layer is medium, has a brownish-brown hue, dense. The third layer is internal, has a yellowish or brown color, the structure is loose. The inner layer extends deep into the wood in the form of rotten wood.
The appearance of the birch fungus differs from typical pungent mushrooms. Chaga does not form fruiting bodies that grow on dead trees or stumps. It also lacks a tubular layer that is common to all fungi of this type. The lifespan of chaga is 10 or more years, it should be noted that it forms substances that are not typical for plant tissues.
Chemical composition of birch chaga
In chaga contain chromogens, which are biologically active substances and are readily soluble in water. Also in the birch fungus contains various metal oxides, pterins, acids from the organic structure, sterols - inotodiol, ergostreol, lanosterol.
Chaga treatment
In modern medicine, this type of fungus is used to treat gastritis, peptic ulcer, malignant tumors. There are positive trends in the treatment of stomach cancer, as well as other organs. Such treatment is used, if not possible, by surgery.
Since ancient times, people knew that chaga has antitumor properties.
As early as the 17th century, there are references to the useful properties of birch fungus. But the fungus is not always used as a medicine. In the peoples of the Far North and Siberia, chaga is a drink, something like a substitute for black tea. "Tea" is brewed using this plant, restores strength, invigorates, increases the appetite of a person.
Infusion of Chaga is a kind of medicinal product. In treatment procedures using infusion, insist on a vegetable-milk diet. This drug infusion is categorically contraindicated, when combined with drugs of the penicillin group and with injections of glucose.
To prepare the infusion from the chaga, first it should be soaked in boiled water for 5 hours, while you need to make sure that the birch mushroom is completely immersed in water. Then chop the mushroom, rubbing it on a grater or letting it through a meat grinder. Then heat five parts of the water in which the chaga was soaked to 50 degrees Celsius. This mixture is infused for 3 days, then drain and wring out the mushroom. The resulting liquid is diluted with boiled water to the original volume. This fluid should be stored for no more than 3-4 days.
Chaga infusion is used for tumors, at the same time it is necessary to consume at least 3 glasses per day, previously dividing the infusion into equal parts. It is important to remember that there are contraindications in some diseases, so it is desirable to limit the intake of infusions from chaga. In diseases that hold water in the body, you should take only infusion, the other liquid is not desirable to drink.
At present, chaga is not so often found in pharmacies, but now there is an industrial production of birch mushroom, which offers a remedy called befungin. This drug, relieves pain, as well as tones the body.
Befungin is indicated for use in peptic ulcers of the stomach, various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and is also used as a symptomatic agent in certain oncological diseases. Before use Befungin should be shaken and diluted in boiled water in the proportions: 3 tsp per 150ml. water. Take in 1 tablespoon 30 minutes before meals, 3 times a day. Take this medication within 7-10 days.
Collection and storage
To preserve all the healing properties of birch bark, it is necessary to observe certain rules when preparing it. Of special fundamental importance is not, at what time of the year to collect chaga. Some experts recommend harvesting chaga, when the trees lack foliage. In this period, the fungus is clearly visible.
Birch fungus is separated from the trunk with the help of an ax, after which the loose interior should be thrown out, and also get rid of bark and wood on it. After that, dry the chaga at a temperature of no higher than 60 degrees Celsius, pre-chopping it into small pieces.
After complete drying, the fungus becomes dense and acquires an undefined shape with numerous cracks. The upper layer of the chaga is dark, and the inner dark brown with a pattern of small dark veins. Has a bitter taste, odorless.
Shelf life is not more than 2 years, as this fungus quickly begins to mold.