Easy Mushroom Latte

This chaga mushroom latte is made with, chaga powder, plant milk, a bit of cinnamon, coconut butter, honey and water. The bioactive compounds in the chaga mushroom latte work wonders to keep us healthy especially during flu season. It’s just what our body needs in the morning to get started and give our immunity a boost. A great coffee replacement.

What are Chaga Mushrooms?

Chaga has one of the most powerful natural remedies ever discovered in the Western world. It has health benefits, such as anti-bacterial, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities giving your immune system what it needs to keep you healthy! 

It has been used for centuries by healers in Russia and Northern Europe because of its ability to enhance overall wellness. Known as the “King of the Medicinal Mushrooms” and in some areas, it’s even been called the “gift from God.” And rightly so.

The chaga mushroom grows on birch trees throughout the northern hemisphere and is often mistaken for burnt wood due to its dark crusty appearance.

Chaga is harvested and either dried or ground into a powder for tea. This is how we are using it. The powder can also be stirred into your morning coffee or other beverage.

Sometimes it’s made into an extract, or tincture, and can be taken as a dietary supplement in the form of a capsule.

Health Benefits of Chaga

Chaga mushrooms are packed with bioactive compounds that support detoxification, digestion, immune function, skin and liver health.

Chaga is referred to as an immunomodulator, meaning it adapts to the needs of the immune system, similar to an adaptogenic herb. It contains compounds to help balance the immune system by calming an overactive system or stimulating a slow one. 

Chaga is a rich source of antioxidants making it a powerful healer. Antioxidants are vital for repelling free radicals – the things that make us sick. They protect liver cells, and support detoxification.

Chaga works by stimulating the activity of our white blood cells, giving them the strength they need to target viruses and other infections.

Chaga significantly enhances digestive health. It contains polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans, which maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, vital for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.

Ingredients and Substitutions

There are only 5 ingredients to make a chaga mushroom latte. This is what you need and a few substitutions.

• chaga mushroom powder – I like the plain chaga powder but you can also get a powdered mushroom blend.
• almond milk – I find almond milk has the best taste and makes the most amount of froth but you can use any nut-milk you like. If you’re nut free use coconut milk. Here is a recipe to make almond milk at home.
• cinnamon – nutmeg or cardamom also have a nice flavor.
• coconut butter – adds a rich, creamy texture and subtle coconut flavor making the latte taste smoother and more delicious. It provides a boost of healthy fats from medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Virgin unrefined coconut oil can be substituted.
• honey – maple syrup can also be used.
• hot water

How To Make

This is a very easy recipe, here is how you do it:

• heat the water
• put everything into a blender
• blend until smooth and frothy
• Pour into a mug and top with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

No blender, no problem. Instead of blending you can use a frother or whisk. Put all the ingredients into the pot with the hot water. Submerge the frother head into the liquid and tilt at an angle. Turn on frother and whip until nice and frothy.