Here are three different methods for how to make Chaga mushroom tincture. Chaga is packed full of health benefits that can boost your immune system and reduce stress and inflammation. With only a few ingredients, this tincture is simple to make and a great way to consume the beneficial properties.
What is Chaga?
Chaga (scientifically known as inonotus obliquus) is actually not a mushroom, but type of fungus that grows on the bark of white and yellow birch trees in cold climates, particularly in the northern hemisphere (like Siberia, Canada, Alaska, and some parts of the northern United States). It has a dark, crusty exterior and a golden-brown interior.
Chaga is a parasitic fungus, because it relies on living birch trees to survive, but it doesn’t cause significant harm to the tree’s overall health.
Health benefits of Chaga
Chaga has been called the king of medicinal mushrooms for the wide range of health benefits it offers.
High in antioxidants – Chaga is loaded with antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Contains betulinic acid – Chaga contains betulinic acid, which has been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties. It may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (cell death) in tumor cells.
Supports the immune system – Chaga is believed to support the immune system by stimulating the production of certain immune cells like lymphocytes and macrophages. This can help the body fight off infections and diseases more effectively.
Anti-inflammatory effects – Chaga has been traditionally used to alleviate inflammation and may help reduce symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Supports liver health – Some research suggests that Chaga may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and oxidative stress.
Lower blood sugar – Some studies have shown that Chaga can lower blood sugar.
Adaptogenic properties – Chaga is classified as an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body adapt to stressors and maintain balance. It can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
Watch the video
Chaga tincture recipe
There are three different methods for making Chaga tincture:
- Hot water extraction
- Alcohol extraction
- Dual extraction (which involves extraction using both hot water and alcohol)
Hot Water Extraction Method
Using hot water to extract the health benefits of Chaga won’t actually result in a tincture. Technically, tinctures are made using alcohol, so using the alcohol extraction or dual-extraction methods outlined below are the only way to make a real Chaga tincture. However, the hot water method will result in a Chaga tea that still has a range of benefits that can help with digestive health and to fight inflammation.
Tools
Medium saucepan
Glass jar or amber glass bottle for storage – I use these ones.
Strainer or cheesecloth
Supplies
Chaga chunks – Here’s a source for organic chaga powder
Water
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Sanitise your glass storage container and chop your Chaga into small chunks.
Bring water to boil in a small saucepan.
Add the Chaga chunks to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and allow the Chaga to steep for 1-2 hours.
After 1-2 hours, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes.
Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. The remaining liquid is Chaga tincture. Pour the liquid into your clean bottle.
Store the tincture in a cool, dark place or the fridge.
Pro tip: Make sure to label and date your bottle so you know what it is and when you made it!
Alcohol Extraction Method
Alcohol-based tinctures involve steeping plant material, such as wild-harvested Chaga, in alcohol for 6-8 weeks. The alcohol draws out the medicinal properties and those properties are preserved in the alcohol to create the Chaga extract.
Tools
Glass jar with lid for infusing the alcohol
Glass dropper bottles or jar for storing the tincture – I use these ones.
Strainer or cheesecloth
Supplies
Vodka – at least 80 proof or 40% alcohol
Chaga chunks
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Ensure your Chaga is chopped into small pieces and your glass storage container is fully sterilised.
Place the Chaga pieces into the glass jar or container and submerge them completely with alcohol.
Seal the glass jar and shake it so the alcohol covers the Chaga.
Leave the jar in a cool dark place for 8 weeks. Shake it occasionally (a few times a week) to ensure all parts of the Chaga remain covered in alcohol.
After 8 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a mesh strainer into your clean glass storage container.
The tincture should be stored in a cool, dark place. Make sure to label it so you don’t forget!
Dual Extraction Method
While this method takes the most time, it is most commonly used because it effectively extracts both the water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds present in the Chaga fungus. This method results in the most concentrated Chaga tincture.
Tools
Large saucepan
Glass jar (with lid) or glass dropper bottle for storage – I use these ones.
2 glass jars (with lids) for infusing the alcohol
Strainer or cheesecloth
Supplies
Vodka – at least 80 proof or 40% alcohol
Chaga chunks
Water
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Step 1 – alcohol extraction
Follow the alcohol extraction method above. After 8 weeks, strain off the Chaga chunks from the alcohol.
Place the Chaga into a large saucepan.
Pour the alcohol into a glass container and set aside.
Step 2 – hot water extraction
Pour twice the amount of water into the saucepan as the amount of alcohol you strained off from the alcohol extraction.
Bring the water to a boil and then turn the heat down to a simmer. Simmer until half of the water has evaporated.
Turn off the heat and place a cover over the saucepan. Allow it to sit until completely cool (I like to leave mine overnight).
Repeat this process twice more: top up the water to double the volume of the alcohol you have set aside, simmer it down to half, and allow it to cool completely.
After you’ve decocted the mixture three times, strain off the liquid. Then pour the Chaga-infused water into the alcohol you had set aside. Store in a cool, dark place.
How much Chaga tincture to take daily
Check with your doctor before consuming Chaga and start with small doses. The most common recommendation is to add 1 teaspoon of the tincture to a cup of coffee or smoothie per day.
How to incorporate Chaga tincture to your routine
Added to coffee or tea – it tastes nice with maple syrup or honey
Added to your favourite smoothie
Taken directly – the flavour isn’t overpowering
What does Chaga taste like?
Chaga has an earthy and slightly bitter flavour, that is a bit woody or reminiscent of coffee. To me, Chaga tastes similar cacao nib tea.
How long does Chaga tincture last?
Most tinctures will last two years if stored in a clean glass bottle in a cool, dark place.
A note about over-harvesting of Chaga
I had planned to write this blog post a month ago and purchased my Chaga from a local shop. However, since then, I have learned that Chaga is being over-harvested, which can lead to the species going extinct.
I do not want to put something harmful out into the world. There are many alternative mushrooms that you can source which provide the same benefits as Chaga that are not at risk of being over-harvested. I’ve listed those below.
Because I had already purchased the Chaga, I decided to share this post so I could show you how to make mushroom tea using a mushroom similar to Chaga. I also wanted to be able to use my YouTube channel to highlight the overharvesting of the mushroom and provide alternatives to Chaga.
Here are some alternatives (thanks to Grass Roots Remedies for this information)
- Turkey Tail
- Birch Polypore
What to read next
Easy Dual-Extraction Reishi Mushroom Tincture Recipe
Garlic Tincture (Homemade Herbal Medicine)
How To Make Violet Tincture Using Viola Leaf and Flowers
How To Make A Simple Blueberry Tincture
Simple DIY Rosemary Tincture Recipe
How To Make Elderberry Tincture
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How To Make Chaga Tincture
Here are three different methods for how to make Chaga tincture. Chaga is packed full of health benefits that can boost your immune system and reduce stress and inflammation. With only a few ingredients, this tincture is simple to make.
Materials
- Vodka (at least 80 proof or 40% alcohol) – enough to fill your small glass jar
- Chaga chunks - enough to fill 1/2 of your glass jar
- Water
Tools
- Glass jar with lid for infusing the alcohol
- Glass dropper bottle or jar for storing the tincture
- Strainer or cheesecloth
- Medium/large saucepan
Instructions
Hot Water Extraction Method
- Sanitise your glass storage container and chop your Chaga into small chunks.
- Bring water to boil in a small saucepan.
- Add the Chaga chunks to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and allow the Chaga to steep for 1-2 hours.
- After 1-2 hours, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. The remaining liquid is Chaga decoction. Pour the liquid into your clean bottle.
- Store the tincture in a cool, dark place or the fridge.
Alcohol Extraction Method
- Ensure your Chaga is chopped into small pieces and your glass storage container is fully sterilised.
- Place the Chaga pieces into the glass jar or container and submerge them completely with alcohol.
- Seal the glass jar and shake it so the alcohol covers the Chaga.
- Leave the jar in a cool dark place for 8 weeks. Shake it occasionally (a few times a week) to ensure all parts of the Chaga remain covered in alcohol.
- After 8 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a mesh strainer into your clean glass storage container.
- The tincture should be stored in a cool, dark place.
Dual Extraction Method
Step 1 – alcohol extraction
- Follow the alcohol extraction method above. After 8 weeks, strain off the Chaga chunks from the alcohol.
- Place the Chaga into a large saucepan.
- Pour the alcohol into a glass container and set aside.
Step 2 – hot water extraction
- Pour twice the amount of water into the saucepan as the amount of alcohol you strained off from the alcohol extraction.
- Bring the water to a boil and then turn the heat down to a simmer. Simmer until half of the water has evaporated.
- Turn off the heat and place a cover over the saucepan. Allow it to sit until completely cool (I like to leave mine overnight).
- Repeat this process twice more: top up the water to double the volume of the alcohol you have set aside, simmer it down to half, and allow it to cool completely.
- After you’ve decocted the mixture three times, strain off the liquid. Then pour the Chaga-infused water into the alcohol you had set aside. Store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- While the dual extraction method takes the most time, it is most commonly used because it effectively extracts both the water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds present in Chaga fungi.
- The most common recommendation is to add 1 teaspoon of the tincture to a cup of coffee or smoothie per day.
- Most tinctures will last two years if stored in a clean glass bottle in a cool, dark place.
I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. As always, do your own research and speak to your doctor or paediatricians.
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