Emily Johnson
Medicinal mushroom tinctures are becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous health benefits. They are easy to make and a great way to consume mushrooms on a daily basis. The process involves creating a concentrated liquid extract by soaking mushrooms in an alcohol-based solvent, which extracts the medicinal compounds. The tincture can then be ingested orally, added to beverages, or incorporated into soft foods. Making a mushroom tincture at home allows individuals to benefit from the bioavailable compounds present in mushrooms, without the chitin that may irritate the stomach. With a variety of techniques and mushroom species to choose from, creating a mushroom tincture is an exciting way to explore the potential health benefits of these fungi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Process | Relatively easy, does not need specialized equipment |
| Time | Approximately 6 weeks |
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, alcohol, water |
| Equipment | Glass jar, cheesecloth, coffee grinder, dropper bottles |
| Techniques | Double extraction, hot water extraction, alcohol extraction |
| Mushrooms | Lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, reishi, maitake, shiitake, etc. |
| Benefits | Boost immunity, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, enhance mental clarity |
| Taste | Earthy, slightly bitter |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of mushroom tinctures
Mushroom tinctures are a concentrated liquid extract created by soaking medicinal mushrooms in an alcohol-based solvent. The solvent extracts the medicinal compounds from the mushrooms, making them more readily available to the human body. The process is relatively easy and does not require specialized equipment.
Mushroom tinctures offer a wide range of health benefits. They are known for their immune system support, with some, like the Turkey Tail mushroom, showing promising cancer-fighting properties. The anti-inflammatory effects of Chaga mushroom tinctures are beneficial in chronic disease prevention. Mental health benefits are also significant, with Lion's Mane mushroom aiding in anxiety, depression, and cognitive function. These tinctures also contribute to skin health, providing anti-ageing and wound-healing properties and enhancing athletic performance by reducing fatigue.
Different types of mushrooms used in tinctures offer unique medicinal properties. For example, Reishi is known for its immune-boosting properties, while Shiitake and Maitake are good for digestion. Chaga and Reishi, some of the most potent medicinal mushrooms, require alcohol to extract non-water-soluble triterpenes and sterols.
The double extraction technique, which involves both water and alcohol, is often used to enhance the bioavailability of the active compounds in mushrooms. This method extracts a wider range of beneficial compounds, maximising the benefits of mushroom tinctures. The optimal timing and dosage for desired effects vary depending on the type of mushroom and the intended health benefit. Integrating these tinctures with diet and other supplements can also enhance their efficacy.
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Choosing the right mushroom
Medicinal mushrooms such as lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, reishi, maitake, shiitake, and turkey tail are popular choices due to their impressive health benefits. These mushrooms are known to contain bioactive nutrients like polysaccharides and triterpenes, which have immune-boosting, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The desired effect of the tincture will influence the type of mushroom chosen. For example, chaga and reishi require alcohol to extract non-water-soluble triterpenes and sterols, so these mushrooms would be a good choice for an alcohol-based tincture.
The texture and taste of the mushroom may also be a deciding factor. Many medicinal mushrooms are woody and tough, making them unpleasant to eat, so turning them into a tincture is a good alternative. Some mushrooms, like Reishi, have a slightly bitter aftertaste, which may be off-putting to some.
The availability of the mushroom is another consideration. Some mushrooms can be foraged, cultivated, or bought, while others may be more difficult to source. For example, cordyceps is a mushroom that is typically grown rather than foraged.
Lastly, the extraction technique and desired concentration of the tincture may influence the mushroom choice. Some mushrooms may work better with certain extraction techniques, like the double extraction method, which involves both hot water and alcohol. The desired concentration of mushroom compounds in the tincture may also play a role in the decision-making process, as some mushrooms may lend themselves better to creating a more concentrated tincture.
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Extraction techniques
Alcohol Extraction
Mushroom tinctures are a concentrated array of health-promoting mushroom compounds. To make a mushroom tincture, add the mushrooms to a glass jar, add food-grade alcohol (at least 80 proof), and let it sit for 6 weeks. The higher the alcohol proof, the better the extraction. After 6 weeks, filter the mushrooms out of the alcohol, and squeeze out the remaining alcohol from the mushroom material.
Hot Water Extraction
Hot water extraction uses hot water as a solvent to break down the chitin cell walls of fungi and dissolve water-soluble polysaccharides like beta-glucans. If you want to access the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of a mushroom’s water-soluble compounds, you’ll need to use hot water extraction. Depending on who you ask, hot water extraction involves simmering the mushrooms over low heat anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of days. Hot water-based extractions alone are technically teas and infusions, not tinctures.
Dual Extraction
A dual extraction involves both hot water and alcohol extraction to create a mushroom tincture. A dual extraction ensures that both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble mushroom compounds will be contained within a tincture. For a dual extraction, some recommend dehydrating the mushroom fruiting bodies and soaking them in 200 proof alcohol for one month. Then, the fruiting bodies are separated from the alcohol solution and decocted in hot water. After the decoction, the fruiting bodies are disposed of, and the alcohol and water solutions are combined to reach a final alcohol content of 30%.
Spagyric Technique
The Spagyric technique involves burning the solid remains of the soak and adding the ash back into the tincture.
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How to make a tincture
Making a mushroom tincture is a great way to access the health benefits of mushrooms. Tinctures are a concentrated solution of bioavailable compounds present in mushrooms without the chitin that makes up the bulk of the mushroom. Chitin can be unpleasant to eat, so tinctures are a great alternative way to consume mushrooms.
To make a mushroom tincture, you will need a glass jar, food-grade alcohol that is at least 80 proof, and mushrooms. Some recipes recommend using dried and powdered mushrooms, while others suggest using fresh mushrooms. You can powder your dried mushrooms using a coffee grinder. The type of mushroom you use is also important, with popular options including lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, and reishi.
Once you have gathered your ingredients and equipment, the process is simple. Add your mushrooms to the jar and cover them with alcohol. You may need to break down the mushrooms to ensure they are adequately covered by the alcohol. Leave the mushrooms to soak for anywhere from two weeks to one month. During this time, the beneficial compounds will be extracted from the mushrooms and into the alcohol.
After the mushrooms have finished soaking, filter them out of the alcohol. You can use a cheesecloth to squeeze out any remaining alcohol from the mushrooms. The resulting alcohol will be a concentrated tincture containing the beneficial compounds from the mushrooms. You can then store your tincture in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry, and use it as needed.
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Storing tinctures
Storing mushroom tinctures is a simple task. The key is to keep them in a cool, dry, dark place, like a pantry, food cupboard, or refrigerator, that is free from moisture and potential contaminants. Exposure to heat, freezing temperatures, sunlight, and oxygen can cause degradation and reduce the shelf life of tinctures, so it is important to use airtight containers or vacuum-sealing techniques to minimize oxygen exposure.
When stored in optimal conditions, mushroom tinctures can last for about a year or more. It is recommended to use dropper-style bottles to allow for easy consumption and accurate dosing. The bottles should be made of dark glass to protect the tincture from light. Additionally, it is important to shake the tincture bottle before use as some sediment may settle at the bottom over time.
For long-term storage, drying the mushrooms thoroughly before making the tincture can further extend the shelf life. Freezing dried mushrooms before making the tincture can also be an option to preserve their potency. However, freezing fresh mushrooms is generally not recommended as it can damage their structure and reduce the potency of the active compounds.
Proper storage of mushroom tinctures is essential to maintain their quality and effectiveness over time. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your tinctures remain in perfect condition and provide the intended benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
A mushroom tincture is a concentrated liquid extract created by soaking medicinal mushrooms in an alcohol-based solvent.
Medicinal mushrooms are full of proteins and beneficial compounds like polysaccharides, terpenoids and triterpenes. Tinctures are also a great way to consume mushrooms if you find them unpleasant to eat.
There are over 700 species of medicinal mushrooms known to contain bioactive compounds. Popular ones include lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, reishi, shiitake, and turkey tail.
The process takes about six weeks, but it can take longer if you are growing your own mushrooms.
You don't need any specialised equipment. You can use a mason jar, a coffee grinder, and a cheesecloth.
