Chaga Mushroom Tea
Chaga is a dear companion in my morning ritual. Everytime I prepare it I know I am creating a magic potion, a healing elixir, a gift from nature. As I open the blender I love watching chaga fairy dust dissipate into thin air. Having some kind of detoxifying beverage is always part of my morning ritual .
Wherever I wake, whether it be at Minimus Tiny House, on the beach, in a cave, under the trees, in my tent or in a friend’s home my day begins the same, with gratitude. As soon as I realize I am alive in my body for another day I give thanks to the energies that have made that possible. I then start a process of gently waking. I start by reversing the blood flow in my body, this usually entails hanging upside down off the side of the bed or simply lifting my legs and arm to occupy the space above my heart for a few moments. As I gradually awaken I continue with some simple stretches in bed. Eventually I ground into the souls of my feet and stand myself upright; making my bed, going potty, scraping my tongue, brushing my teeth, splashing my face, rinsing my eyes and drinking at least 8 ounces of water. Next it is time for me to return to my Yoga mat, which is often a patch of grass or soft sand. I kindly tend to my body in whatever way it asks me to, including asana (Yoga Postures) and pranayama (Breathing Techniques). When the movements feel complete I shift into a state of wakefull stillness aka meditation. I sit comfortably for 10-20 minutes depending on the day and allow myself an opportunity to settle into a state of trust, ease and connection with no need to think, do or try, simply nothing. As I come back to my body, I gently place my hands on my belly and state my morning prayer.
“With my belly, hands, heart, voice and mind I vow to practice mindfulness, to be honest and kind, to embody patience and gratitude, to honor life, to live love, to remain open and to be me. Great Spirit, I welcome you in to support and guide entrusting that you know best. May I be a vessel for love, a channel for peace, a beacon of light and a conduit for abundance. May a walk this life with right-perspective, knowing peace and spreading joy. May all being awakened to the peace, love and connection that resides within. Thank you for these blessings, opportunities and experiences. Thank you for this life. Namaste.”
Then it is time for that helpful, healing, beneficial beverage. If I do not have access to Chaga everyday here are a few other other options I find helpful:
Warm Lemon water
Apple Cider Vinegar Water
Matcha Green Tea
Aloe Vera Juice
Dandelion Tea
But, Chaga is my favorite. If you are not familiar with Chaga it is a medicinal mushroom that grows on birch trees in cold regions such as Siberia, Alaska and Canada. But I have been lucky enough to successfully harvest some in my 2nd home of Maine. Chaga has been used in medicine for centuries to deal with various health conditions. Traditionally, chaga is grated into a fine powder and brewed as an herbal tea, but nowadays it is also available in capsuled supplement and tinctures.
My personal favorite way to enjoy the benefits of Chaga is by making it into a warm nourishing latte and here is how I do it.
Chaga Latte-
Blend Chaga Chunks into a powder form or simply buy the powder (but then you miss out on the fairy dust situation...)
Mix 1 tsp. in hot water
Stir in Oat Milk
Add Cinnamon, Honey or Maple Syrup to taste
If I haven’t convinced you yet, here are 10 more reasons why Chaga is Magic
Antioxidant
Immune System Support
Anti-Inflammatory
Antiviral Abilities
Aids in Healthy Digestion
Promotes Healthy Skin
Impressive Nutritional facts:
Calories – 5
Fat – 0 grams
Carbohydrates – 0 grams
Sugar (Glucose) – 0 grams
Fiber – 5 grams
Protein – 1 gram
Nutrient-Dense:
Vitamin D
Vitamin B-complex
Potassium
Magnesium
Manganese
Copper
Zinc
Calcium
Iron
Selenium
Amino Acids
Cesium
Rubidium
It Tastes Great!
It is said to slow down the aging process... I’ll take it!
Not ready to start foraging for your own Chaga yet? Well here's a good source to get your own Chaga Chunks or Chaga Powder. Give it a try and let me know how you feel!
