Spiced Chaga Mushroom Latte (Recipe + Health Benefits)
This matcha lovin’ gal decided to branch out and make a cozy new concoction! I’ve been whipping up this Spiced Chaga Latte in the afternoon and it is delicious. So, let’s dive into what chaga is, the potential health benefits, and how exactly I make mine.
What is Chaga?
Chaga is a nutrient-dense mushroom that grows on birch trees in the Northern Hemisphere. Chaga has the highest ORAC score (the measure of antioxidant potency) of any superfood on earth, and has been traditionally used by shamanic healers in Asia, Russia, and other Northern European countries to treat everything from viruses, high blood pressure, certain cancers, heart disease, and diabetes (source). It is traditionally harvested and grated into a fine powder to be mixed into hot or cold liquid.
What are the potential health benefits?
With a quick Google search you’ll find a lot of research and studies about the potential health benefits of chaga mushrooms, as well as mushrooms and adaptogens as a whole category. I went down quite a rabbit hole, but here’s a simple bulleted list of what research has found:
Reduces inflammation (source)
Fights viruses & boosts immune system (source)
Prevents & fights cancer (this was a very interesting study - read it here)
Helps inflammatory bowel disease (source)
Loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and minerals (source)
As with any wellness product, you should always do your own research and decide whether it’s right for you. I personally love how I feel when I’ve consistently incorporated mushroom adaptogens into my routine. I am even sending some chaga to my family members, since they all have high blood pressure. I will continue to incorporate chaga, as well as my other favorite nutrient-dense mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Ashwagandha.
My Spiced Chaga Mushroom Latte Recipe
3/4 cup Filtered Water heated to 175 degrees
1/3 cup Nut Milk heated (Related: How to Make Homemade Cashew Mylk)
2 tsps Chaga Mushroom Powder (I currently love Om Mushrooms + Wild Remedies )
1/2 tsp Raw Cacao Powder
1/2 tsp Pure Maple Syrup
1 Tbsp Coconut Butter
2 Scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Sprinkle in Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves!
Blend it all up in a high-speed quality blender like Vitamix for one minute! Enjoy, babes!
