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Chaga tea prepared from chaga chunks, tea-cut chaga, and chaga powder beside a cup of brewed chaga mushroom tea

Chaga Tea: How to Prepare Chaga Mushroom Tea (Step-by-Step Guide)

Chaga tea is a dark, earthy beverage made by slowly extracting chaga mushroom in hot water. It is the most common way chaga is prepared and consumed.

Unlike typical teas, chaga tea is made from a dense, woody fungal growth rather than leaves.

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) grows on birch trees in northern forests and has been used historically as a tea in these regions.

Today, chaga tea is prepared using chunks, powder, or tea-cut forms, with brewing methods varying depending on the material.

This step-by-step guide explains how to prepare chaga mushroom tea using low-temperature methods, and how different forms of chaga affect the process.

What is Chaga Tea?

Chaga tea is a traditional hot water extract made by slowly heating chaga mushroom below boiling, typically around 80 °C / 176 °F. This gradual extraction produces a dark, earthy liquid with a mild, slightly bitter taste.

This method has long been used in northern forest regions where chaga grows naturally on birch trees.

Chaga tea is most commonly prepared using chunks, tea-cut pieces, or powdered chaga, with preparation time varying depending on the format. The resulting tea can be consumed hot or cooled, and the chaga material is often reused multiple times.

Watch our video on how to prepare chaga tea

Chaga Tea Recipe

What You Need

  • Dried chaga (chunks, tea-cut, or powder)
  • Fresh filtered water
  • Optional: ginger, maple syrup, lemon

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon chaga tea-cut or powder
  • 4 cups (1 litre) filtered water

Method

  1. Add chaga to water.
  2. Heat to approximately 80°C (176°F).
  3. Simmer gently for 20-30 minutes.
  4. Strain before serving.
  5. Refrigerate unused tea for later use.

Optional Additions

  • Maple syrup
  • Ginger
  • Lemon
  • Cinnamon



Yield: Makes approximately 4 cups (1 litre) of brewed chaga tea.

Brewing time and tea strength may be adjusted depending on the type of chaga used and personal preference.

This basic chaga mushroom tea recipe works well with chaga tea-cut and chaga powder. If using larger chaga chunks, longer simmering times are typically recommended.

Chaga chunks are often reused multiple times until the brewed tea becomes noticeably lighter in colour.

For more detailed brewing instructions, see these guides:

How to Brew Chaga Tea (Temperature and Method)

Chaga tea is brewed using gentle heat below boiling, typically around 80 °C / 176 °F. This allows the material to extract gradually over time.

Excessive heat may alter the extraction process, which is why slow simmering or steeping has long been preferred.

How Long to Brew Chaga Tea (Steeping and Simmering Time)

Brewing time depends on the form of chaga used.

  • Powder or tea-cut: typically 10–30 minutes
  • Chunks: often simmered for several hours

Longer brewing allows for gradual extraction, while shorter steeping is suited to finer formats.

Brewing Chaga Tea from Chunks, Powder, and Tea-Cut

Chaga tea can be prepared using chunks, tea-cut pieces, or powder. If you're unsure which format is best, see our chaga grind selector.

Chaga Tea-Cut (Standard Grind)

The most popular format for everyday preparation.

  • Best for teapots, stovetop brewing, or infusers
  • Brewing time: 20 minutes to several hours
  • Reusable multiple times

Chaga Chunks

One of the most traditional preparation methods.

  • Best for stovetop simmering or slow cookers
  • Brewing time: 1–12 hours or longer
  • Reusable multiple times

For a detailed breakdown of preparation methods, see our guide to chaga chunks and how to use them.

Chaga Powder

A quick, modern preparation option.

  • Best for single servings or cup brewing
  • Brewing time: 5–20 minutes
  • Limited reusability

For more on quick preparation methods, see our guide to using chaga powder.

If you're looking for whole pieces, you can explore our chaga chunks and tea formats.

For an overview of how chaga is used across different formats, see our guide on how to use chaga mushrooms.

How Strong Should Chaga Tea Be?

Chaga tea strength depends on brewing time, material size, and quantity used.

Longer simmering produces a darker, more concentrated tea, while shorter steeping results in a lighter brew. Strength can also be adjusted by dilution.

How Long Does Chaga Tea Last?

Brewed chaga tea can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 days when kept in a sealed container. For longer storage, chaga tea may be frozen and reheated gently when needed.

How to Drink Chaga Tea

Chaga tea may be consumed hot or cooled.

  • Drink as a daily beverage
  • Dilute stronger brews
  • Pair with herbs or natural flavourings

Chaga tea is naturally caffeine-free and does not produce stimulant effects, making it suitable for any time of day.

For more guidance on frequency and daily use, see our guide to how chaga is used.

In addition to its use as a beverage, chaga has also been explored in traditional contexts beyond tea preparation, including external and topical applications.

Chaga Tea vs Chaga Tincture

Chaga tea is prepared through hot water extraction and consumed as a beverage.

Chaga tinctures are liquid extracts prepared using different methods and are typically taken in smaller quantities.  Learn more in our chaga tincture guide.

Chaga has also been explored in other traditional uses, including topical and external applications.

 

Additional Brewing Tips

  • Use a tea ball or bag for easier reuse
  • Strong tea can be diluted
  • Tea may be reheated gently
  • Can be enjoyed hot or chilled

Related Reading

Chaga Tea - FAQ

Chaga tea is a hot water extract made from chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus). It is traditionally prepared by slowly heating chaga below boiling to create a dark, earthy beverage.

Chaga tea is typically made by adding chaga powder, tea-cut pieces, or chunks to water, heating to approximately 80°C (176°F), and simmering or steeping depending on the format used. The liquid is then strained before drinking.

Chaga tea is generally brewed using gentle heat below boiling. Powder and tea-cut chaga are often steeped or simmered for shorter periods, while larger chaga chunks may be simmered for several hours.

Brewing time varies depending on the form used. Chaga powder or tea-cut preparations are typically brewed for 10-30 minutes, while chunks are often simmered for several hours.

Chaga tea is commonly brewed at approximately 80°C (176°F), which is below boiling and allows for gradual extraction over time.

Yes. Chaga chunks and tea-cut preparations are often reused multiple times until the brewed liquid becomes noticeably lighter in colour.

No. Chaga tea is naturally caffeine-free and does not contain caffeine.

Learn More - Does Chaga Tea Have Caffeine?

Chaga tea is made from the chaga mushroom, a birch-growing fungus, typically in chunk, tea-cut, or powder form, extracted slowly in hot water.

Chaga tea has a mild earthy flavour with subtle woody notes and a slight natural bitterness. Brewing time and strength may influence the taste.

Learn More: What Does Chaga Tea Taste Like?

Many people choose to enjoy chaga tea as a daily beverage. If you have questions about personal use, medications, or health considerations, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.

Updated: August 2026

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