5. Chaga
Have you ever seen a birch tree that appeared to be burned or to have charcoal growing off of its bark? In most cases, that’s not a burn mark at all; it’s chaga.
This mushroom may look gross, but it’s filled with medicinal benefits that make it well-worth harvesting.
Chaga is believed to be a superfood that boosts the immune system. There has also been some evidence that it helps relieve arthritis, contains antioxidants and helps promote better cardiovascular health, healthy blood sugar levels and a healthier liver.
Chaga is most commonly ingested as a tea, and people usually add honey or maple syrup to improve the flavor.
Photo by Charles de Mille-Isles
Verdict: Why Wait for a Crisis?
All five of these mushrooms will help you maintain a healthier body, and you can feel free to make tea from them or use their extracts right now.
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It’s also handy to use those that are applicable as a wrap for wounds. However, as with any food source, it is possible that you could be allergic to one or more of these mushrooms. Therefore, always start by ingesting a small amount and monitor yourself for any signs of trouble.
After the SHTF, each of these mushrooms has the very real potential to save your life. Whether you need help managing diabetes, bringing your cholesterol down or preventing cancerous tumors from forming, certain wild mushrooms offer many important medicinal benefits.