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How To Make Dual Extraction Reishi Tincture

This dual extraction reishi tincture allows you to get the best of both worlds – water soluble polysaccharides, alcohol soluble triterpenes and other valuable constituents. 
Prep Time 10 minutes
Simmering Time 2 hours
Servings 2 cups
Calories
Author Heather Dessinger

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Divide your dried reishi mushrooms into two jars. Set aside one of the jars for step two.

Alcohol Extraction Step

  • In your open jar with dried mushrooms inside, pour in high-proof alcohol until the mushrooms are approximately 75% submerged.
  • Add glycerin until they’re completely covered.
  • Place a piece parchment paper between the lid and the jar before you put it on, then shake the jar so that everything mixes together.
  • Let the mixture infuse for 4-6 weeks at room temperature in a dark cabinet. Shake daily, or at least every few days.
  • When the tincture is finished infusing, pour it through a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Lift the cheesecloth and give it a good squeeze to get as much liquid out as possible, then measure how much liquid you have.

Water Extraction Step

  • Grab your sealed jar of dried mushrooms (the ones you set aside the month before) and place them in a small pot.
  • Measure out double the amount of water that your alcohol extract yielded. So, if you got 1 cup or alcohol extract, measure out 2 cups of water.
  • Pour the water in the pot with the dried mushrooms. If the water doesn’t fully cover them, add a little more water.
  • Bring to a simmer.
  • Continue to simmer, uncovered, for at least two hours. By the end of two hours the liquid should reduce by about half. If it looks like too much is evaporating as you simmer, can add more water.
  • When the mushrooms have finished simmering, strain them out and measure the amount of liquid you have. It should equal the volume of the strained tincture. If you have too much of the water extraction, add the strained liquid back to your pot and continue to simmer until it matches the volume of the strained tincture.
  • Allow the decoction (water extraction) to cool completely.
  • Slowly pour the tincture into the water decoction while mixing with a whisk. It’s important to pour the alcohol extraction into the water extraction and not vice versa because it helps preserve the polysaccharide content.
  • According to Guido Masé, the final product should be about 35 percent alcohol by volume, which “keeps for years and is convenient to carry and administer.”
  • Store in a dark amber dropper bottle or a clear glass jar. If using a clear jar I recommend keeping it in a cabinet when you're not using it to protect the constituents from UV light.

To Use

  • Masé recommends using 30 drops 1-2 times per day for allergy support, or up to a full teaspoon 2-3 times per day for more robust immune, recovery or stress/emotional support. He adds that “the more you consume it, the less you’ll need,” so it may be helpful to taper down after an initial period.

Notes

Time estimate does not include 4-6 week tincture infusion period. 
This process is adapted from the method found in The Wild Medicine Solution by Guido Masé.