Medicinal mushroom products have seen a surge in popularity over the last decade. From mushroom coffee to mushroom chocolate, the options are plentiful. Another fantastic way to reap the health benefits of mushrooms is through a dual-extraction mushroom tincture!
Mushroom tinctures offer a convenient method to incorporate functional mushrooms into your daily routine. They can easily be added to smoothies, coffee, and other foods. Some medicinal mushrooms can be challenging to digest in powder form, making an extraction process essential for better bioavailability.
Tinctures are a common way to extract nutrients and flavors from herbs. By using alcohol, beneficial constituents are drawn out from the plant into the liquid. While vanilla extract and herbal tinctures are popular examples, glycerin (glycerites) and vinegar (herbal vinegars) can also be used for extraction, though they are not technically considered tinctures.
Water extraction is another method where compounds are extracted using plain water. Peppermint tea, marshmallow root infusion, and elderberry decoction (for making elderberry syrup) are examples of water-based extractions. Water extracts different nutrients compared to alcohol.
A dual extraction combines both water and alcohol extracts of the same plant. While typically one extraction method is chosen, mushrooms benefit from a dual extraction. Water extracts beta-glucans and polysaccharides, while alcohol extracts triterpenes.
How to Make a Mushroom Tincture
There are various methods for making a mushroom blend tincture, with preferences rather than evidence guiding the process. After exploring different variations, here is the method I have settled on for making mushroom extract.
Begin by placing finely chopped or powdered dry mushrooms into a clean jar. To ensure proper extraction, avoid large pieces that may not extract well. Fresh, wet mushrooms are more likely to spoil. While I used mushroom powder, dried foraged mushrooms can also be used.
Let the mushrooms steep in alcohol for 2-4 weeks. After straining, transfer the alcohol to a clean jar and set aside the mushrooms. Some individuals use the same mushrooms for water extraction, while others prefer new ones.
Next, simmer the mushrooms in water, strain them out, and combine the alcohol and water extracts.
Which Mushrooms to Use for a Mushroom Tincture
There is a wide range of mushroom options available. You can opt for a single type of mushroom or a blend of several. Shiitake mushrooms and maitake, for example, are great in soups and stir-fries, while others are better suited for mixing into foods or as tinctures. Many mushrooms also act as nootropics, benefiting brain health.
There is some debate on the best part of the mushroom to use. The fruiting body is the above-ground part, while the mycelium is underground. While mycelium shows benefits in certain mushrooms, it is often less potent.
Here are a few mushroom options and their health benefits:
- Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) – Supports the immune system, cognitive function, memory, mood, and reduces inflammation.
- Reishi (Ganoderma) – Modulates the immune system, aids in healing, potentially protective against cancer, and acts as an adaptogen.
- Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) – Rich in nutrients, supports the immune system, and improves metabolism, strength, and endurance.
- Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) – Supports the immune system, gut health, has antioxidants, and reduces inflammation.
- Cordyceps – Boosts energy, athletic performance, has anti-aging properties, supports immune health, blood sugar balance, and protects the liver and heart.
Even More Ways to Get Medicinal Mushrooms
If making your own mushroom tincture isn’t for you, several places offer high-quality options. Four Sigmatic is a favorite for mushroom supplements in pill or powder form. Additionally, they offer delicious coffee and cocoa products!
How to Make a Dual-Extraction Mushroom Tincture
This recipe combines water and alcohol for a potent mushroom tincture. Use any dried medicinal mushroom or a blend of varieties!
Yield: 16 ounces
- Âľ cup mushroom powder (or finely chopped mushrooms)
- 1 and ÂĽ cups 190 proof alcohol
- 4 cups filtered or distilled water (or more)
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Place the mushrooms in the glass jar and pour alcohol over the top. Put the lid on the jar.
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Let the mixture steep for 2-4 weeks, shaking daily.
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Strain the mushroom powder from the alcohol with a cheesecloth and set both aside. Pour the infused alcohol into a clean glass jar and put the mushrooms into a clean pot.
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Add the water to the pot and heat the mixture on the stove. Simmer gently for 2-4 hours, adding more water if necessary to prevent burning. You want the liquid to reduce by about half.
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Strain the mushrooms from the water and compost.
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You want to have equal parts of alcohol and water extractions. So if you ended up with 1 cup of alcohol tincture, then you’ll use 1 cup of water infusion. Add extra water or simmer the water until it’s the same amount as the alcohol mixture.
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Add the water mixture to a clean mason jar.
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Next, slowly add the alcohol mixture while stirring. This helps prevent the polysaccharides from separating out of the solution too much.
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Pour some of the mushroom tincture into a glass dropper bottle to use and refill with the mason jar as needed.
- Store your mushroom extract in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
- Take a dropperful in liquid once a day or as desired.
- If your mushrooms are in larger chunks, then put them and the alcohol in the blender after they’ve soaked for a few hours. This is an easier way to grind them up. Certain mushrooms, like chaga, are really hard and may not blend well.
Do you incorporate medicinal mushrooms into your daily routine? What are your preferred methods for using them?
