Reishi and chaga mushrooms are two of the most popular and studied medicinal mushrooms in the world. Both have a long history of use among indigenous people, and both grow primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. They are even superficially similar in their appearance, both being dark brown with red veins. However, they have very different properties, benefits, and uses. Let’s take a closer look at these two amazing superfoods to see how they differ.

Reishi vs Chaga Mushroom

Reishi and chaga mushrooms both grow on trees as parasites. The trees they grow upon are not harmed by the mushrooms; rather, they actually protect the trees and help them grow healthier. Reishi is a bracket fungus that grows on the dead trees in the forests of China and Japan. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) grows on birch trees in the Northern Hemisphere. Both mushrooms have been used for thousands of years as medicinal food, tonics, and folk medicines. They are even mentioned in ancient Chinese scrolls as health foods.

What’s the difference?

The most basic difference between the two is that chaga is a tree-growing mushroom, whereas reishi is a bracket fungus that grows on the dead trees in the forests of China and Japan. Chaga is a parasitic fungus that grows on birch trees and imparts some of its benefits to the trees as well as the people who consume it. It has a deep brown outer layer (called the sclerotium) that is dried and ground into a medicinal powder. Reishi is also a parasitic fungus, but it grows on the dead trees in the forests of China and Japan. It has a red resin that is dried, ground, and mixed into a medicinal powder. Chaga is a very hardy fungus, growing in the cold forests of the North, whereas reishi is a very delicate bracket fungus that needs warmer conditions to grow.

Benefits of Reishi and Chaga mushrooms

Reishi is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for thousands of years as a health tonic. It has been used to promote health and longevity, boost immune function, reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and protect the liver. Chaga is a medicinal mushroom that has also been used for thousands of years as a health tonic. It has likewise been used to promote health and longevity, boost immune function, reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and protect the liver.

Where to buy them?

You can buy reishi mushrooms in a variety of forms, including dried, powdered, or in tinctures. Chaga is usually sold as a dried powder or a tincture. Both are readily available online.

Dosage and safety tips

Like most medicinal herbs, the suggested dosage will vary between different people. However, most people use reishi in the range of 3-10g daily. Chaga is usually taken in doses of 500-2000mg daily. Don’t exceed the recommended dosage as they can have some side effects and be unsafe if taken in high doses. Reishi should be taken with food to enhance its absorption. Chaga is best taken on an empty stomach. Both reishi and chaga can interact with other medications, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking them if you are on other medication.

Final words

Reishi and chaga mushrooms are two of the most popular and studied medicinal mushrooms in the world. Both have a long history of use among indigenous people, and both grow primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. They are even superficially similar in their appearance, both being dark brown with red veins. However, they have very different properties, benefits, and uses. If you are looking to boost your health and protect against disease, you may want to try reishi or chaga mushrooms – two of the most popular medicinal mushrooms in the world. To learn more, please visit EastWestHerbal.com