Miscellaneous Syndromes

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Miscellaneous Syndromes

The Chaga mushroom, Inonotus obliquus, is used as a folk remedy for heart disease, diabetes, stomach and intestinal cancer, liver disease, tuberculosis, plus other conditions. It is found on birch and other trees in cooler climates. To date no clinical trials have been conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of this fungus for any of the diseases mentioned above. The fungus is high in oxalates and may cause kidney problems in some individuals. It has also been shown that ingestion of the fungus increases the risk of bleeding in those individuals on anticoagulants such as Warfarin as well as possible severe hypoglycemia in individuals with diabetes.
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) on a birch tree