At Medshrum, our Chaga embodies centuries of Nordic tradition, crafted through collaboration with Sami harvesters. We blend ancestral knowledge with modern science to create a potent, Soil Association certified tincture that captures the untamed spirit of the North.
Photograph by Fanny Lindström | Atmos (atmos.earth) – “Meet the Sámi Land Defenders of Scandinavia”.
Sápmi stretches across the northern spine of Fennoscandia — a living landscape of tundra, mountains, forests, and mirrored lakes. Each place holds its own rhythm, carrying the songs and stories of generations who’ve lived in balance with the land.
The Sámi — Indigenous Finno-Ugric people of this region, spanning northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia’s Kola Peninsula — have harvested Chaga for centuries with deep respect for the birch and the forest ecosystem.
Through our trusted Nordic partners, Medshrum is proud to support a sustainable supply chain that works directly with Sámi harvesters in northern Finland. This collaboration helps ensure that traditional knowledge and ethical practices remain at the heart of modern forest stewardship:
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Selective harvesting: only mature Chaga conks (five years or older) are collected, leaving part of each growth to regenerate — sustaining both the birch–fungus relationship and long-term forest vitality.
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Seasonal balance: harvests take place in late autumn, in harmony with natural cycles that support biodiversity and forest health.
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Cultural respect: Sámi harvesting traditions continue to honour ancestral knowledge — keeping age-old methods alive within modern sustainable trade.
This approach embodies the Sámi principle of biraslašvuohta — living in balance with nature.
Sustainability and the Future of Nordic Forestry
During our time in the Nordic forests, we’ve seen Chaga growing naturally on birch trees — a reminder of how closely balance and patience shape the land.
The Sámi principle of biraslašvuohta — living in balance with nature — continues to guide sustainable harvesting in these regions. Selective collection leaves part of the conk to regrow, maintaining the relationship between birch and fungus while supporting long-term forest vitality.
Alongside these traditions, a new incentive model is emerging across northern Finland — encouraging forest owners to cultivate Chaga rather than clear-cut. By inoculating birch trees and entering long-term buy-back contracts, landowners gain an additional income stream while keeping forests intact and biodiverse.
This regenerative approach shows how tradition and innovation can work together — valuing forests not as resources to extract from, but as living systems to sustain.
Why Chaga Stands Out
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is not a typical mushroom — it’s a sclerotium that grows on living birch trees, concentrating nutrients from the Arctic environment over decades.
Our tincture contains:
- Beta-glucans: naturally occurring polysaccharides known to support immune balance.1
- Melanin: a pigment rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress, including DNA damage.2
- Betulin & betulinic acid: bioactive birch compounds linked to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.3
- Polyphenols & flavonoids: plant compounds that contribute to cellular protection and vitality, with potential anticancer and immunomodulatory effects.4,5
These compounds make Chaga a compelling functional fungus, with research highlighting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumour potential.6
Every batch is third-party tested by Eurofins Scientific, confirming potency, purity, and safety.
Sourced from the World’s Cleanest Air
Our Chaga grows in UNESCO-protected clean-air zones of northern Finland and Sápmi — regions consistently ranked among the world’s cleanest environments (World Health Organisation Air Quality Database, 2024).
According to the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Finland’s air quality averages under 5 µg/m³ PM2.5 — far below global norms. This supports a tincture that’s naturally pure and free from industrial contaminants, and rich in Arctic resilience, which may help protect against oxidative stress.2
Crafted with Precision
To unlock Chaga’s full potential, we use a triple-extraction process — hot water, organic ethanol, and ultrasonic assistance — supporting high bioavailability of key compounds.
- Soil Association certified organic
- Vegan and Non-GMO
- Free from myceliated grain
- Packaged in mycelium-based biodegradable materials
Each batch undergoes independent testing at ISO-accredited laboratories to verify purity and safety.
How to Use
Take 2 ml daily (around one full pipette) directly under the tongue or mix into warm drinks such as coffee, tea, or cacao.
Chaga’s earthy, slightly bitter flavour blends beautifully into morning rituals. For best results, use consistently as part of your daily routine.
UK Guidance & Safety
Medshrum Chaga Tincture is a food supplement, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your GP if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or managing a health condition.
Closing Reflection
Chaga is the heartbeat of the forest — slow, ancient, and deeply grounding. We harvest with care, extract with intention, and share it so you can feel the rhythm of the North in every drop.
Chaga FAQs
Is Medshrum Chaga organic and sustainably sourced?
Yes. It’s Soil Association certified organic, wild-harvested in partnership with Sami families, and tested by Eurofins Scientific.
Where does your Chaga come from?
From UNESCO-protected clean-air zones across northern Finland and Sápmi.
How do I take Chaga tincture?
Take 2 ml daily under the tongue or add to warm drinks such as coffee, cacao, or herbal tea.
What does Chaga taste like?
Earthy and woody with a subtle bitterness — grounding and perfect for morning or evening rituals.
Can I take Chaga every day?
Yes. It can be used daily as part of a balanced lifestyle. Consult your GP if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.
Can I combine Chaga with other mushrooms?
Absolutely — it pairs well with Reishi or Lion’s Mane tinctures for a complementary routine.
References
- Structure-Functional Activity Relationship of β-Glucans From the Perspective of Immunomodulation: A Mini-Review (2020). Frontiers in Immunology, 11, 658. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.00658 ↩︎
- Park, Y. K., et al. (2004). Chaga mushroom extract inhibits oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes as assessed by comet assay. BioFactors, 21(1-4), 109-112. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.552210120 ↩︎ ↩︎
- Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Betulinic Acid: A Review (2022). Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 883857. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.883857 ↩︎
- Antioxidants (2022): Polyphenols linked to reduced oxidative stress and cellular protection. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 806470. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.806470 ↩︎
- Camilleri, E., et al. (2024). A brief overview of the medicinal and nutraceutical importance of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) mushrooms. Heliyon, 10(16), e35638. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35638 ↩︎
- Fordjour, E., et al. (2023). Chaga mushroom: a super-fungus with countless facets and untapped potential. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, 1273786. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1273786 ↩︎
- Tee, P. Y. E., et al. (2023). Therapeutic properties of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom): A review. Mycology, 14(4), 2260408. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/21501203.2023.2260408
- Wang, J., et al. (2017). Anti-diabetic effects of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice and potential mechanism via PI3K-Akt signal pathway. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 95, 1669-1677. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.104
About the Author
Michelle Simpson, Founder of Medshrum Ltd
support@medshrum.com
First published: 18 October 2025 | Last reviewed: 18 October 2025