A few years ago, I read about the life and work of Hildegard von Bingen (c. 1098 - 1179), a German nun and scientific/medical writer. She began using the herbs grown in her monastery garden to aid those she cared for in the infirmary. Overtime she blended what she learned in practice with what she learned from her research in the monastery's library. She was visionary for her work on the inter-balance of the four humors and is a highly regarded early practitioner of functional medicine.
I've thought of her while observing the dramatic growth in use of medical marijuana and CBD. More recently, upon learning about the use of Changa for medicinal purposes, I wondered if this was something she too was familiar. Changa, from the Russian word for "mushroom", is instead a parasitic fungus, found primarily growing on birch trees in harsh cold climates, like those in Canada, Siberia, Scandinavia, and some parts of the United States. It has long been valued for its health benefits and antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. And, has been found to support a strong immune system, provide anti-inflammatory benefits, support heart health, promote good digestion, and potentially play a role in cancer prevention.
My curiosity, especially with regard to its benefits to the immune system, lead to me trying Changa. I found incorporating it into my morning routine and cup of coffee to be the easiest. It is available from Forage Hyperfoods in tinctures (which can be added to your favorite brand of coffee/tea), powder and other forms. There is an enjoyable earthiness to the taste; which brings my thoughts back to Hildegard, her healing plants and work helping people bring their four humors into balance.
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