Our extraction includes 3 ingredients: Chaga conks, non-GMO organic cane alcohol, and pure Catskill mountain water. We mindfully create an alcohol tincture, a cold water infusion, and a hot water decoction which are combined. This ensures that the concentrated health components of each chaga are of the highest quality and can be optimally absorbed by your body. We take pride in preparing our extracts from live birch chaga conks sustainably foraged on and around our family farm in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Our chaga conks are sun-dried to accumulate vitamin D and dehydrated before they are powdered and carefully prepared in small batches. Click here for more information and FAQ About Catskill Fungi Extracts.

Chaga is a fungus that grows as a parasite and heart-rot decomposer that causes the growth of a sterile conk on birch trees. It has a hard woody texture and looks black from the outside and amber brown on the inside. It is not a 'mushroom' as it does not produce spores but is a growth that hyperaccumulates betulin and other beneficial compounds from birch trees. 

The chaga used for our extracts is found among the fresh air and pure water of the Catskill Mountains. Harvesting chaga often requires the use of a hand saw because of its woody form. Ladders and climbing gear can be necessary if it is not growing close to the ground. Cutting chaga from the tree does not directly damage the tree or fungus if done properly. Responsible harvesting is important to us, as the conk may become more scarce with its growing popularity. This is why we always are sure to leave at least 75% of the chaga we find unharvested in the forest. As we hike we collect data on ratios of chaga conks to birch trees in the Catskills in hopes to understand its distribution over time.   

The name "chaga" comes from the indigenous people of Western Siberia, known as the Khanty. In this region, chaga has traditionally been used as a digestive aid for internal cleansing (detoxifying), to support healthy immune function, and for overall health. The Khanty people also smoked and used chaga ritualistically and have used it to create a disinfecting soap. The Woodland Cree and several other native tribes of Canada/North America used chaga to smolder and transport coals to make fire. Chaga tea has been used as a replacement for coffee in Eastern Europe, and is hailed as a household staple and healing remedy in Russia.