Birch fungus or chaga is a remedy which was widely used even in the ancient times. The famous physician Avicenna described it in his works. Then, it was popular in medieval Russia. There is a legend that Vladimir Monomakh cured lip cancer with the help of chaga. Moreover, this drug is recognized by official medicine. There are even medications based on this fungus which doctors widely use in oncology treatment. Chaga is a pathological excrescence on the tree, which occurs during infection of the bark by Inonotus obliquus. It grows up to 40 cm, and may be on a birch, maple, alder, mountain ash, and other trees. However, people use chaga which grows on birth only. Wholesome is chaga which shouldn't be confused with the tinder growing on the same tree. The latter has the shape of the hoof, a convex top and a flat velvety bottom. Chaga is usually deformed and its surface is rough and cracked.

Healing properties of chaga
Chaga contains many acids and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, iron, sodium, calcium, zinc, and others, as well as salts of these elements and fiber. What about healing properties, it has a tonic effect, improves the metabolism and strengthens the immune system, is widely used in traditional and folk medicine as a antimicrobial, antispasmodic, restorative, diuretic and laxative remedy. As a rule, people take chaga tea and chaga extract. It is able to normalize metabolic processes, reduces perspiration, has an analgesic effect and can be used for the treatment of digestive organs.

Infusion is one of the most widespread forms of chaga remedy. It should be taken orally to normalize blood sugar levels and the urine. Chaga is used as a medicine for diseases of the digestive tract, liver, and anemia (ulcer, gastritis, dyskinesia, polyps, etc.). It helps with periodontal disease, periodontitis, and stomatitis. Regular use of infusion will help to get rid of insomnia and calms the nervous system in chronic stress conditions. It should be noticed that the use of medicinal drink of birch fungus removes radionuclides and rejuvenates the body and normalizes the activity of the endocrine system. Chaga is used for treatment of acne and other skin diseases, burns and psoriasis.

Another important thing to say is that this fungus is a perfect means for prevention and treatment of carcinogenic diseases. It inhibits the development of malignant tumors and leads to their regression, restores the protective functions of the body and enhances the action of cancer drugs. In many cases, the chaga extract was the only means with which people managed to cure cancer completely.