1 lb dried chunked Vermont and New Hampshire Chaga. I harvest my chaga only from live paper/white and yellow birch trees (approx 95% from yellow birches, 5% from white birches), split it into small chunks and naturally air dry it for several days. Use for making tea, tinctures, incense, tinder, etc. ***Please note that the picture is a stock photo. You will receive 1 lb of chaga, but the pieces will not be the exact shape and size as the ones shown.****

 The Top ORAC fruits and vegetables per 100 - Tufts University.

Food ORAC value

Chaga 365,570

Acai berry freeze dried 41,000 +

Cacao, unprocessed 26,000

Tibetan Goji berries 25,310

Acai berries fresh 18,500

Dark Chocolate 13,000

Prunes 5,890

Purple Cabbage 4,200

Pomegranates 3,370

We are not qualified to give medical advice, but there is a lot of information available about the benefits of Chaga.  You can research online and find even more than what I've added below:

Inonotus obliquus Description and History of Use Chaga, Inonotus obliquus is a polypore fungus ( Aphyllophorales) which grows on birch (Betula spp.) The fungus produces a black perennial woody growth called a conk and is a member of the Basidiomycetes (true mushrooms). It is harvested in the wild in Russia and commonly used for the treatment of a number of conditions including abnormal cells, gastritis and ulcers. Pharmacology and phytochemistry An Inonotus extract showed strong antivral effects with influenza virus A and B (1). Two phenolic compounds, hispidin and hispolon were found to be the active principles. One report from Russia suggests the cytotoxic effects of Chaga extract against HeLa cells (2). In other reports, related Polyporaceae show potent anti-abnromal cell growth effects and the active principles have been identified as ? (1 -> 3)-D glucopyrans and ? (1 -> 6)-D-glucosyl branches with molecular weight of 500-2000 kDa (3).

These polysaccharides have promising activity against a number of abnormal cell lines. This is clearly a traditional medicine with potent biological activities. The very compound that makes the birch ?shine bright white? has been tentatively linked to treatment for such devastating human ailments as abnormal cells, several forms of herpes and even for AIDS. Betulin, a powdery substance in the outer bark of the birch tree, has been shown to help wounds heal faster and cut inflammation. Many cosmetic companies, touting it as a skin toner and restorer, add birch bark extract to various products. And a birch bark compound, betulinic acid, is being tested as a treatment for melanoma and other serious diseases.

References: N.A. Awadh et al. 2003 Fitotherapis 74: 483-5 J. Rzymoska 1998. Boll Chim Farm. 137:13-5. J. Zjawlony 2004 J.Nat. Prod. 67:300-310 Summary prepared by Thor. Arnason Professor of Biology University of Ottawa

Like shiitake, chaga is a medicinal mushroom often used to rev up the immune system and fend off illness. Many proponents even suggest that taking chaga supplements--or drinking chaga tea--can increase the body's defense against abnormal cell growth. Although there is currently a lack of scientific support for this claim, some preliminary research shows that chaga can slow  the growth of abnormal cells. What's more, a number of studies indicate that chaga can combat oxidative stress (a destructive biological process thought to be linked to the development of abnormal cells).

 The Chaga mushroom has been rated as the most powerful herb on the planet and was called "the mushroom from God" by the Russians. It has been part of northern cultures for over 5000 years and is revered for its many cleansing capabilities. Chaga was discovered with the Otzi Ice Man who had been mummified in the ice of the Italian Alpine Mountains for over 5000 years. Scientists believe Otzi used the Chaga to light fires, but knowing that many ancient European indigenous mountain people also used Chaga as a healing tea, I believe he may have used the mushroom for more than one purpose. Chaga has also been documented in Chinese folklore for nearly 4600 years and was used as medicinal herb to prolong life, maintain youthful appearance and increase vitality. Chaga has a long documented history of being used in northern cultures for numerous reasons. Chaga has been scientifically tested to show that it has components of its complex makeup which can actually reduce the size of abnormal cell growths.

Unlike other mushrooms, Chaga has no real flavor other than a slight hint of vanilla. You can drink it cold or hot. It does not matter how long you steep the tea as it only becomes darker, just be careful not to overheat it. Chaga contains no caffine. Many people notice that with drinking the tea, their breathing becomes improved, energy levels increase and they have more mental clarity. With long term use (more than 2 weeks) you will experience improvement in your bowel movements and may notice softer skin.

People drinking Chaga tea do not sun burn as they normally would because of the high levels of Melanin in the tea. Chaga has been proven to lower blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol levels, have anti-parasitic capabilities and is an adaptogenic drink which means if your auto-immune system is out of whack it will bring it back to proper levels.

I prepare my chaga by simmering it in a crock pot on low for about 6 hours or until the water becomes a dark brown color. Then I strain it and enjoy! You may choose to flavor your chaga "tea" by adding maple syrup, vanilla, honey, mint, etc... I can personally testify that I drink one 8 oz glass of Chaga tea a day and I have not suffered from a cold or the flu for the 2 years I've been taking it! I've also enjoyed the mental clarity mentioned above, and I am not nearly as exhausted as I used to be. I love this stuff!