Equipment Needed:

• 2 Pint size mason jar with lid

• Cheesecloth or fine cotton bag (such as a nut milk bag)

• Pot

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Ingredients:

• ¾ cup mushroom powder (or finely chopped mushrooms)

• 1 and ¼ cups 190 proof alcohol

• 4 cups filtered or distilled water (or more)

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Instructions:

1. Place the mushrooms in the glass jar and pour alcohol over the top. Put the lid on the jar.

2. Let the mixture steep for 2-4 weeks, shaking daily.

3. Strain the mushroom powder from the alcohol with a cheesecloth and set both aside. Pour the infused alcohol into a clean glass jar and put the mushrooms into a clean pot.

4. Add the water to the pot and heat the mixture on the stove. Simmer gently for 2-4 hours, adding more water if necessary to prevent burning. You want the liquid to reduce by about half.

5. Strain the mushrooms from the water and compost.

6. You want to have equal parts of alcohol and water extractions. So if you ended up with 1 cup of alcohol tincture, then you’ll use 1 cup of water infusion. Add extra water or simmer the water until it’s the same amount as the alcohol mixture.

7. Add the water mixture to a clean mason jar.

8. Next, slowly add the alcohol mixture while stirring. This helps prevent the polysaccharides from separating out of the solution too much.

9. Pour some of the mushroom tincture into a glass dropper bottle to use and refill with the mason jar as needed.

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Notes:

• Store your mushroom extract in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.

• Take a dropperful in liquid once a day or as desired. 

• If your mushrooms are in larger chunks, then put them and the alcohol in the blender after they’ve soaked for a few hours. This is an easier way to grind them up. Certain mushrooms, like chaga, are really hard and may not blend well. 

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Which Mushrooms?

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• Lion’s mane (Hericium Erinaceus) – Supports the immune system and cognitive function. Also high in antioxidants, improves memory and mood, and reduces inflammation.

• Reishi (Ganoderma) – Reishi mushroom has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It helps modulate the immune system, increases healing time, and may have a protective effect against cancer. It’s an adaptogen that helps protect the heart, liver, brain, and more.

• Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) – Very high in nutrients, supports the immune system and improves metabolism, strength, and endurance.

• Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) – Supports the immune system, helps with gut health, has antioxidants, and helps reduce inflammation.

• Cordyceps – Boosts energy and athletic performance and has anti-aging and immune-boosting properties. They also support healthy blood sugar balance and protect the liver and heart.