John Miller
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ling Zhi or spirit plant, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. To make a reishi mushroom tincture, you will need fresh or dried reishi mushrooms, alcohol (vodka or 80-proof alcohol are commonly used), a glass jar, a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, a pot, and water. The process involves two main steps: alcohol extraction and water extraction. For the alcohol extraction, fill a jar halfway to two-thirds with sliced or chopped reishi mushrooms, cover them with alcohol, and let the mixture extract for 4 to 6 weeks in a cool, dark place. Then, strain the alcohol infusion, set the mushrooms aside, and measure the amount of alcohol extract. For the water extraction, place the mushrooms in a pot, add water, and simmer for about 2 hours. Let the liquid cool, then strain the mushrooms, reserving the water extract. Finally, combine the water and alcohol extracts, and store your reishi mushroom tincture in a glass container in a cool, dark cabinet. Your tincture should last for about a year, and the recommended dosage is generally 1 dropperful per day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Mushroom | Reishi |
| Type of Extraction | Double Extraction |
| Extraction Ingredients | Alcohol, Water |
| Alcohol Type | Vodka, 80 proof alcohol |
| Alcohol Percentage | 20-35% |
| Extraction Time | 4-6 weeks |
| Storage | Cool, Dark Place |
| Dosage | 1 dropperful daily |
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What You'll Learn
Sourcing reishi mushrooms
Wild Foraging
Reishi mushrooms grow on decaying hardwood deciduous trees, particularly at their bases, and are native to China. They can also be found in North America, specifically in central Canada and the northeastern United States, as well as in warmer regions like Asia and the South Pacific. However, finding them in the wild is rare, and they have a short window of freshness after being harvested, making wild foraging an unpredictable option.
Local Herb Shops and Health Food Stores
Your local herb shop or health food store may carry reishi mushrooms. These specialty stores often cater to customers seeking natural remedies and superfoods, and reishi mushrooms fall into this category due to their reputed health benefits.
Online Specialty Stores
If you cannot find reishi mushrooms locally, consider purchasing them from online specialty stores. Websites like Starwest Botanicals offer whole organic reishi mushrooms, providing a convenient way to source this ingredient without leaving your home.
Cultivation and Grow Kits
Due to the high demand for reishi mushrooms, they are now being cultivated in Japan, China, and the United States. You may be able to purchase grow kits or even grow your own at home with the right conditions and knowledge. This option may require some research and investment but could provide a long-term source of reishi mushrooms.
Dried Mushroom Suppliers
Reishi mushrooms are often used in dried form for teas and extracts, so seeking suppliers that specialize in dried mushrooms and herbs may be a good option. Look for companies that offer a variety of dried mushrooms, as they are more likely to carry reishi alongside other medicinal varieties.
Remember that reishi mushrooms have a distinctive appearance, with a white outer ring and a glossy reddish cap and stem, making identification easier when sourcing from various suppliers and purveyors.
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Chopping and slicing
Reishi mushrooms are known for their medicinal properties and can be used to make tinctures. The process of creating a tincture involves extracting the beneficial compounds from the mushrooms using alcohol, vinegar, or glycerine. A double extraction method is often used to make a Reishi mushroom tincture, as it captures both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble constituents.
When preparing Reishi mushrooms for a tincture, it is important to chop and slice them into small pieces to maximise the surface area for extraction. Here is a step-by-step guide to chopping and slicing Reishi mushrooms for a tincture:
- Start with dried or fresh Reishi mushrooms: Dried mushrooms are easier to work with and can be broken down into smaller pieces with your hands. If using fresh mushrooms, thinly slice them to maximise the surface area for extraction. Reishi mushrooms can be tough, so a sharp knife is recommended.
- Chop the mushrooms into small pieces: Aim for quarter-sized or smaller pieces. If you have trouble cutting the mushrooms with a knife, you can try breaking them up with your hands or using a grinder or blender. Be careful when handling the mushrooms, as some people may be sensitive or allergic to them.
- Consistency is key: Try to maintain a consistent size for the mushroom pieces to ensure even extraction. Smaller pieces will provide more surface area for the tincture to work on.
- Prepare the jar: Once you have chopped or sliced the Reishi mushrooms, place them in a clean, sterilised jar. Fill the jar about halfway to two-thirds full, as the mushrooms will expand during the extraction process.
- Add the liquid solvent: After adding the mushrooms, cover them with your chosen solvent. This is typically 80-proof alcohol, such as vodka, but you can also use other solvents like glycerine or vinegar. Fill the jar almost to the top, leaving about an inch of space.
- Seal and store: Secure the lid on the jar tightly. Store the jar in a cool, dark location, such as a pantry, for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake the jar daily, if possible, to maximise the extraction of compounds from the mushrooms into the solvent.
By following these steps for chopping and slicing Reishi mushrooms, you will be well on your way to creating a potent and effective Reishi mushroom tincture. Remember to wear gloves and protective gear when handling the mushrooms, and always consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions about using Reishi mushrooms for medicinal purposes.
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Alcohol extraction
Reishi mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and western science is now starting to explore their many uses. The red reishi mushroom, in particular, is considered the most medicinal.
To make a reishi mushroom tincture using alcohol extraction, you will need:
- Reishi mushrooms
- Alcohol (vodka or 80-proof alcohol)
- Glass jar (mason jar)
- Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer
- Glass container for storage
Firstly, chop your dried reishi mushrooms into small pieces. If you are using fresh mushrooms, slice them thinly to maximise the surface area for tincture-making. Place the chopped mushrooms in a glass jar, filling it about halfway up. If using fresh mushrooms, fill the jar about two-thirds full as they will expand when soaked.
Next, cover the mushrooms with alcohol, filling the jar almost to the top. You can use vodka or 80-proof alcohol. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the jar.
Let the mixture extract for 4 to 6 weeks. Keep the jar in a cool, dark location like a pantry. Shake the jar daily to maximise extraction.
After the alcohol extraction is complete, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Set the alcohol extract aside and measure the amount.
Now you have your reishi-infused alcohol! You can choose to evaporate the alcohol to make a "powdered extract" for long-term storage. Alternatively, you can proceed to the water extraction stage for a double extraction tincture, which is recommended to maximise the medicinal benefits of reishi mushrooms.
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Water extraction
Reishi mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to boost immunity and agility as one ages. To extract the health benefits of this mushroom, a tincture can be made using water extraction.
After boiling, let the liquid cool. Then, strain the reishi using a cheesecloth, squeezing out the liquid from the mushrooms. Compost the reishi and keep the strained water. This is your water extract. It is important to keep the temperature between 130 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit because research indicates that the water-soluble medicinal components can degrade at higher temperatures.
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Storing the tincture
For storage, it is recommended to use a glass container and keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or a dark cabinet. The tincture will remain stable and effective for about a year when stored in this manner. The tincture should ideally be stored in amber tincture bottles.
To maximise the extraction, it is a good idea to shake the jar as often as possible, with daily shaking being ideal. You can also label your tincture with the ingredients and the date it was made.
Additionally, the tincture can be added to coffee to mask the taste, as some people may not enjoy the flavour. It is also possible to evaporate the alcohol before consumption if desired.
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Frequently asked questions
A tincture is an extraction method using alcohol, vinegar, or glycerine.
The process for tincturing reishi mushrooms involves two steps: an alcohol extraction and a water extraction. First, fill a jar halfway to two-thirds with dried reishi mushrooms and cover them with 80-proof alcohol. Let the mixture extract for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dark location. Then, strain the alcohol-infused mushrooms and set the liquid aside. Next, simmer the mushrooms in water for 2 hours and let the water reduce. Finally, combine the water and alcohol extracts and store the tincture in a glass container in a dark cabinet.
The dosage for reishi tincture is typically one full dropper per day, but this may vary depending on individual circumstances. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming reishi tincture to ensure it is suitable for your specific needs.
