At Nootroholic, we know the power of natural remedies. Our favorite is medical mushroom tinctures. A century-old traditional medicine around the globe.
Today, we talk about medical mushroom tinctures. How they work. How to make the best ones to preserve all the benefits. And everything else necessary for you to know.
What are Medicinal Mushroom Tinctures?
Medical mushroom tinctures are highly concentrated extracts from the fruiting body or mycelium (the underground part) of species with proven medical qualities.
The most common mushrooms made into tinctures are:
- Reishi
- Chaga
- Lion’s Mane
- Cordyceps
- Turkey Tail
- Shiitake
A mushroom tincture is made when a shroom is dried and ground into powder and then soaked in solvents such as alcohol or glycerin for weeks.
This will get all the medicinal juice out in high concentration.
How do Medicinal Mushroom Tinctures Work?
Medical mushroom tinctures are filled with bioactive compounds to give you many health benefits:
- Beta-glucans
- Polysaccharides
- Triterpenes
- Ergothioneine
- Reicium
- Ernaceus
These molecules are proven to improve immune function, reduce inflammation, combat oxidative stress, and support brain function and nerve growth.
When you take a mushroom extract—your body absorbs the bioactive substances into the bloodstream and distributed them throughout your body.
A mushroom tincture provides higher doses of medicinal juices than if you were to eat the mushroom.
How to Make a Mushroom Tincture
it’s actually easy to make a mushroom tincture at home. All you need is a few ingredients and time.
Step 1: Choose Your Mushroom
The obvious first step is to choose the mushroom you would like to extract the juices. Different mushroom has their own set of medicinal benefits.
The most common ones are Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s mane, and Cordyceps. Aim for one of these because they have the most scientific backup and the best medicinal qualities.
Step 2: Gather Materials
Get your materials when you know what mushroom you want. This is what you need:
- Dried mushrooms
- High-proof alcohol (such as vodka or Everclear)
- A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Cheesecloth or a coffee filter
Step 3: Prepare Your Mushrooms
Chop them into small pieces and put them in a glass jar.
Step 4: Add Alcohol
When you’ve prepared your mushrooms—add alcohol inside the jar. The ratio should be 1:5.
For example:
If you have 1 ounce of mushrooms, you need 5 ounces of alcohol.
Step 5: Let it Steep for Weeks
When you added alcohol to the jar—let it steep for several weeks, le longer your wait the stronger the tincture.
Shake the jar daily.
Step 6: Strain & Store
After several weeks, it is time to make your tincture. Use cheesecloth or a coffee filter to strain the liquid.
Squeeze out as much juice as you can. When you strained, pour the liquid into a clean tincture glass and store it in a cool, dark place.
Benefits of Mushroom Tinctures
There are many reasons why you should use a mushroom tincture in your daily life.
- Immune support: Medicinal mushrooms have immunomodulatory effects—they help balance and enhance your immune system. Great during times of stress or when you’re at risk of getting sick.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Chronic inflammation is a factor that can lead to many health conditions, from arthritis to cancer. A medicinal mushroom tincture can reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant protection: Free radicals damage cells and lead to aging and disease. Medicinal mushrooms can help your body to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage.
- Brain and nerve support: Some mushrooms—Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps—have neuroprotective effects and can support your brain function and nerve growth. Good if you want to improve cognitive function, and reduce anxiety and depression.
How to Use Medicinal Mushroom Tinctures
Medicinal mushroom tinctures are usually taken orally. You can take it alone or add it to a beverage like tea or coffee.
How much you should take depends on the type of mushroom, age, weight, and health status. Also depends on who made the tincture. Read the manufactures instructions.
FAQs about Mushroom Tincture
A mushroom tincture is safe for most people. Some might experience mild side effects such as stomach upset or allergic reactions. This is why it is important to get tinctures from a trusted brand.
Yes, you can with dried or fresh mushrooms and alcohol or another solvent. You can get kits to make tinctures at home. Always use high-quality shrooms to make sure you get potent and safe tinctures.
Orally by placing a few drops under your tongue or mix it with water or juice. The dosage depends on the mushrooms and the individual’s needs.
Some mushrooms may interact with certain medications. Important to speak with a healthcare professional before you use any tinctures if you are on medications.
It is not advisable to use mushroom tincture during pregnancy or breastfeeding without a healthcare specialist’s consultation.
How to Choose Medicinal Mushroom Tinctures
Look for high-quality products made from organic or wild mushrooms tested for purity and potency.
You can also consider the extraction methods.
Medicinal mushrooms as a source of antitumor and immunomodulating polysaccharides” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4998208/
“The pharmacological potential of mushrooms” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4018438/
“Immunomodulatory activities of mushroom polysaccharides: a review” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618583/
“Bioactive compounds and medicinal properties of mushroom fruiting bodies and mycelia” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6273273/
Over the course of 20 years, I’ve dedicated myself to master herbal remedies and natural medicine. It is fueled by a genuine passion and I’m always in the mood to explore the latest in this field to always expand my expertise.