Chaga Double Extract Tincture - Alaskan

Ingredients: Wild Alaskan Chaga, Vegetable Glycerin, Distilled Water

Directions: Take 4–8 drops as needed.

Wild Alaskan Chaga
Matanuska Valley Harvest

Chaga is one of the most revered medicinal fungi of the northern forests, and ours is harvested by hand in the wild birch forests of the Matanuska Valley, Alaska.

We are Dennis and Gabrielle Bird, founders of Chai Medicinals, and for the past five years we have been harvesting chaga ourselves through the Alaskan winter. This is not a bulk commodity product for us—it is a direct relationship with the land, the trees, and the medicine.

Why Matanuska Valley Chaga

The Matanuska Valley offers a uniquely clean and potent growing environment. Ocean air currents move through the region, and the long, cold winters create conditions for slow, dense fungal growth. The birch forests here are expansive and relatively untouched, producing chaga that is both resilient and deeply concentrated.

We harvest exclusively in the winter months. With the leaves gone, the dark chaga conks are visible against the white landscape, and the frozen ground allows us to access areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Snowpack often gives us the elevation needed to reach higher growth on the trees.

Our Harvesting Practice

Chaga grows on birch trees, typically where the tree has experienced stress or damage. Over time, the fungus and the tree form a complex relationship. Traditionally, chaga has been understood as a protective growth—something that emerges in response to imbalance within the tree.

We harvest carefully and with intention. A portion of each conk is always left intact on the cambium layer so that it can continue to grow. This ensures both regeneration and long-term sustainability of the resource.

We also pay attention to size and timing—overgrown chaga can become less desirable in texture and quality. Our approach is to harvest at a point that preserves both potency and integrity.

Traditional Use + Functional Qualities

Chaga has a long history of use across northern and boreal cultures, where it has been consumed as a tea or decoction to support overall vitality and resilience.*

It is widely recognized for its high antioxidant content and has traditionally been used to support:

• Immune system function*
• Healthy inflammatory response*
• Liver and cellular health*
• Skin health and overall vitality*

Chaga contains naturally occurring compounds such as betulin and betulinic acid (derived from the birch tree), as well as polysaccharides and melanin. It has also been traditionally associated with supporting balance in the body's natural rhythms.*

In Alaska and other northern regions, there is a rich body of anecdotal use and local knowledge surrounding chaga. While these stories are part of the cultural landscape of this medicine, we present our products within a framework of traditional use and modern compliance.

Freshness + Processing

We go through a large volume of chaga and maintain a consistently fresh supply. After harvest, the chaga is carefully dried and processed depending on its final use.

For our ground chaga, the process is intensive. Chaga is extremely dense and must first be broken into smaller pieces before being milled. We use specialized equipment and closely monitor the process to achieve a fine, consistent powder without overheating or damaging the material.

We offer chaga in several forms:

• Whole chunks (ideal for decoctions)
• Finely ground powder
• Ultrasonic-extracted tinctures
• Formulations including mushroom coffee and chai blends

Our formulations are built around meaningful inclusion rates—not just trace amounts—so that the chaga is actually doing something in the blend.

Preparation

Chaga is most commonly prepared as a tea:

• Quick method: Add hot water to a small amount of powder and steep
• Traditional method: Simmer gently for a longer extraction (especially with chunks)
• Optional: Strain or consume with the fiber intact

The flavor is earthy, grounding, and slightly bitter. It pairs well with coffee, spices, or can be taken on its own.

Some people choose to consume the whole preparation, including the fiber, which can support digestive movement.*

Working with Chaga

Chaga is a strong and deeply active natural substance. We encourage starting with small amounts and building a relationship with it over time.

As with many traditional medicines, respect for the potency and origin of the plant or fungus is part of the experience.

Caution: If you have a medical condition, or take medical drugs, please consult with your doctor before use. Keep out of the reach of children.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.