Emma Wilson
Reishi mushrooms, also known as the 'mushroom of immortality', have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to promote longevity and vitality, boost the immune system, improve sleep, and relieve stress. To extract the health benefits of reishi mushrooms, a double extraction method is often used, involving both alcohol and water to extract different properties. This process will be outlined in this text, along with other methods of extraction, such as tea infusions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Extraction Methods | Alcohol, vinegar, glycerin, water |
| Double Extraction | Using both alcohol and water to extract different properties |
| Water-Soluble Properties | Beta-glucans |
| Alcohol-Soluble Properties | Triterpenes |
| Alcohol Percentage | Between 25% and 40% |
| Storage | Glass container in a dark cabinet |
| Shelf Life | 1 year |
| Dosage | A dropperful daily |
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Double extraction
The double extraction method is a great way to extract the medicinal benefits of reishi mushrooms. This process involves using both alcohol and water to extract different properties. Some beneficial properties in mushrooms, called beta-glucans, are water-soluble, while other properties, called triterpenes, are alcohol-soluble.
Firstly, you will need to prepare your reishi mushrooms. If they are fresh, you may need to dry them out first. You can then chop them into small pieces, about quarter-sized. Place these pieces into a glass jar, filling it about halfway.
Next, you will need to fill the jar with alcohol. Ensure the mushrooms are mostly covered, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. You can use vodka or another high-proof alcohol. Cover the jar with a piece of parchment paper and then screw on the lid. This will prevent the alcohol from corroding the lid.
Let the jar sit on the counter for about a month, shaking it daily. When ready, strain the mushroom-infused alcohol into another jar using a cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Set aside the alcohol extract, and keep the mushrooms for the next step.
For the second part of the extraction, bring a pot of water to a simmer. Add the mushrooms from the alcohol extraction to the water. Let this simmer for a while, then turn off the heat and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, strain the water using a cheesecloth, squeezing out the liquid from the mushrooms.
Finally, combine the water extract with the alcohol extract. Your double extraction is now complete! Store your mushroom extract in a glass container in a dark cabinet. It will keep in a cool, dark place for about a year.
You can take a dropperful of this extract daily for immune support. It is not a quick fix but rather something to take small amounts of every day to help prevent sickness.
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Alcohol extraction
To begin the alcohol extraction process, you will need to fill a jar halfway or three-quarters full with chopped or ground reishi mushrooms. You can use either store-bought or forest-foraged reishi mushrooms. If you are creating a medicinal mushroom extract to address a specific health condition, you can tailor the type and mix of mushrooms used. Cover the mushrooms with vodka or 40% alcohol by about 10mm. Seal the jar and store it in a dark place for a month, shaking the jar daily. After a month, you will notice that the liquid has changed colour.
Next, pour the solution through a filter fabric, such as cheesecloth, into a measuring jug to separate the liquids from the solids. Squeeze the fabric to extract as much liquid as possible. Measure the amount of alcohol in your measuring jug, then transfer it into a dark jar or bottle and seal it.
At this point, you can choose to continue with the water extraction process to create a dual extraction tincture. To do this, refill the measuring jug with an equal amount of hot water as the alcohol you just decanted. Once the water solution has cooled, add it to the alcohol solution. You may notice some cloudy mass in the liquid; these are chains of polysaccharides, which are beneficial compounds. Shake before using to disperse the polysaccharides.
Your reishi mushroom tincture will last for up to a year if stored in the fridge or a cool, dark place. The recommended dosage is 5ml each morning in water or a dropperful daily.
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Hot water extraction
To perform a hot water extraction, begin by chopping your dried Reishi mushrooms into small pieces. Place the chopped pieces into a glass jar. Next, fill the jar with hot water, about three-quarters of the way up. Simmer the mushrooms in hot water over low heat for around 30 minutes to a couple of days. Some recommend simmering the mushrooms for two hours. Once the liquid has cooled, strain the Reishi mushrooms using a cheesecloth, squeezing out the liquid from the mushrooms. Compost the Reishi and keep the strained water.
It is important to note that some beneficial compounds in Reishi mushrooms, such as triterpenes, are not water-soluble and require alcohol extraction. Therefore, a dual extraction method that utilizes both hot water and alcohol may be preferable to extract the full range of beneficial compounds from Reishi mushrooms.
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Health benefits
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, are a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. They have been used in Chinese traditional medicine for centuries and are believed to have various health benefits.
One of the most widely recognised potential health benefits of reishi mushrooms is their ability to boost the immune system. Test-tube studies have shown that reishi can affect the genes in white blood cells, which are critical parts of the immune system. Reishi mushrooms are also thought to have anti-cancer properties. Some research has investigated whether reishi could be beneficial for prostate and colorectal cancer due to its effects on inflammation and certain signalling pathways involved in cancer development. A 2016 review indicated that the mushroom could benefit people with cancer when used alongside traditional treatment by increasing the activity of white blood cells and improving their quality of life.
Reishi mushrooms are also believed to have other health benefits, including controlling blood glucose levels, hepatoprotection, and bacteriostasis. Some studies have found that reishi mushrooms may help decrease blood sugar and triglyceride levels, as well as increase HDL "good" cholesterol. However, other studies have found no effect of reishi supplementation on fasting blood sugar or long-term blood sugar management.
In addition to the potential health benefits, it is important to consider the risks and side effects associated with taking reishi mushrooms. Reishi mushrooms can cause allergic reactions and may be unsafe for people taking certain medications, such as anticoagulants or immunosuppressants. They may also be harmful to people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is always recommended to speak to a healthcare professional before taking reishi mushrooms to ensure they are safe for you and to determine the appropriate dosage.
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Storage
Storing fresh reishi mushrooms for a longer period of time is possible by keeping them in the refrigerator in a paper bag. They will keep for up to a week this way. However, it is recommended to process freshly harvested reishi mushrooms as soon after harvest as possible.
Freezing reishi mushrooms is an option, and a 2018 study in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that freezing reishi at ultra-low temperatures (-120 degrees C) for three months did not damage its active components. However, freezing can make the mushrooms mushy and difficult to slice, which can affect the drying process and the final texture.
Dried reishi mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. They will last for a year or more. To extend their shelf life even further, a desiccant or oxygen absorber can be added to the container to remove any residual moisture.
Reishi mushroom tea can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, or it can be frozen in ice trays for longer-term storage.
Reishi mushroom tinctures, on the other hand, can be stored in a cool, dark place.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to extract reishi mushrooms is through a double extraction, which involves using both alcohol and water to extract different properties.
First, fill a quart-sized glass jar halfway with dried reishi mushrooms. Then, fill the jar with alcohol, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. Cover the jar with parchment paper and let it sit for a month, shaking it daily. After a month, strain the alcohol into another jar to create your alcohol extract. Next, bring a pot of water to a simmer and add the mushrooms from the alcohol extract. Let the mushrooms simmer in the water and then strain the water into a separate container. Finally, combine the water extract with the alcohol extract, and your reishi mushroom double extract is ready!
A double extraction ensures that you capture all the beneficial constituents of the reishi mushrooms, including both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds. Water-soluble compounds in reishi mushrooms include beta-glucans, which have immune-boosting properties, while alcohol-soluble compounds include triterpenes.
It is important to note that polysaccharides in reishi mushrooms are sensitive to alcohol concentrations above 40%. Therefore, the alcohol percentage in your final extract should be between 25% and 35%. Additionally, remember to shake your alcohol extract jar daily to maximize extraction.
