The popularity of medicinal mushroom products has grown significantly over the past ten years. From mushroom coffee to mushroom chocolate, there are several options available. A dual-extraction mushroom tincture is another great way to receive the health benefits of mushrooms! Mushroom tinctures are a convenient method to incorporate functional mushrooms into your daily routine. It’s simple to add a dropperful to smoothies, coffee, and other foods. Some medicinal mushrooms are more difficult to digest in their pure powder form, making an extraction helpful in making them more bioavailable. Tinctures are a popular way to extract nutrients and flavors from herbs. While some use alcohol to extract beneficial constituents from the plant into a liquid, others use glycerin or vinegar as their menstruum. Water can also be used for extraction, with water extracting different nutrients than alcohol does.
A dual extraction combines both a water extract and an alcohol extract of the same plant together. Doing a double extraction for mushrooms provides the best of both worlds, pulling out beta-glucans and polysaccharides with water and triterpenes with alcohol.
There are various opinions on the best way to make a mushroom blend tincture. After researching different variations, it’s more down to personal preference. The process involves steeping finely chopped or powdered dry mushrooms in alcohol for 2-4 weeks. Then, the alcohol is strained and the mushrooms are simmered in water, which is also strained. Finally, the alcohol and water extracts are combined.
Several options for mushrooms can be used for a mushroom tincture, including Lion’s mane, Reishi, Chaga, Turkey tail, and Cordyceps. Each type provides unique health benefits and uses. If making a dual-extraction mushroom tincture, one can use any dried medicinal mushroom or a blend of several kinds.
For those who prefer not to make their own tinctures, there are several places that offer high-quality tinctures. Four Sigmatic is a great place to get mushroom supplements in pill or powder form.
To make a dual-extraction mushroom tincture at home, one can combine mushroom powder with alcohol and let it steep for a few weeks. After straining the infused alcohol, the mushrooms are simmered in water. The alcohol and water extractions are then combined, and the mushroom extract can be stored and used as needed.
Making medicinal mushrooms a part of your daily routine is a beneficial practice, and there are many ways to incorporate them into your diet.