Easy Dual-Extraction Reishi Mushroom Tincture Recipe

Known for its immune-boosting properties and ability to increase strength and stamina, reishi mushrooms make a potent tincture. This reishi mushroom tincture recipe is easy and perfect for beginners.

Reishi mushrooms (also known as Ganoderma lucidum and ling zhi), are typically found growing on decaying hardwood trees, such as oak, maple, and elm. Reishi tincture is a fantastic way to preserve the powerful benefits of these mushrooms.

Reishis are known as the “mushroom of immortality” due to their ability to boost the immune system, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. The mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years and they were believed to promote longevity and to treat a variety of ailments, from respiratory conditions to liver disorders.

Making your own Reishi tincture ensures you get a pure, potent product without unwanted additives – and it’s far more economical than buying Reishi tincture online! It’s also a great way to preserve small batches of wild Reishi mushrooms if you forage your own.

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Reishi mushroom benefits

Support immune health– Reishis contain beta-glucans, which can boost the immune system by improving the activity of white blood cells.

Stress support – Reishis are adaptogens, which help the body resist stress and improve cognitive function and energy levels.

Antioxidant properties – Rich in antioxidants, Reishis help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

Support liver health – When used in small amounts, studies suggest Reishis can protect the liver from damage and improve its function.

Heart health – More studies are needed, but Reishis may help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Anti-cancer properties – Some research indicates that Reishis may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and enhance the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments.

Dual-extraction method

When tincturing medicinal mushrooms and fungi (I also have recipes for Lion’s Mane tincture and Chaga tincture!), I like to use the dual-extraction method. This method uses both alcohol and water which helps to ensure that all of the fantastic biactive compounds in mushrooms are extracted and preserved in the tincture.

Reishi mushrooms’ water-soluble polysaccharides (which may help to support heart health)  are more effectively extracted by hot water than alcohol. Whereas the mushrooms’ triterpenes, which support the immune system and liver functions, are only extracted using alcohol. To access all of this goodness, we use the dual-extraction method!

Fresh or dried Reishis

I like to use dried Reishis to make this tincture. Fresh mushrooms have a lot of water content which can slow the extraction process. They also take up more space in a glass jar, which means you’ll have less plant material being extracted and a weaker final tincture. If you want to use foraged mushrooms, simply chop the Reishis into small pieces and allow them to dry. 

Mushroom powder

I prefer to use dried mushrooms rather than Reishi powder because the powder is very difficult to fully strain off. Because the water content is already high in this dual-extraction tincture, I like to be able to fully strain off the mushrooms to help the tincture last as long as possible.

Folk method

I like to use the folk method to make all of my tinctures which means that I do not weigh out my plant material or alcohol. I simply add the chopped herbs, mushrooms, or flowers to a glass jar and cover them in alcohol. If you’re making this tincture to sell, it would be best to weigh out your material so you can make sure that each batch has a similar level of beneficial compounds.

Reishi double extraction tincture recipe

Tools

An airtight container with a tight-fitting lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.

A small saucepan

Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops

A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter

A small funnel

A knife – for chopping up fresh Reishi mushrooms

A whisk

Supplies

Dried Reishi mushrooms

80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – You can use organic alcohol if you can find it (I just use what I have)

For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.

Instructions

The dual-extraction method requires first doing an alcohol extraction, followed by a hot water extraction, and we begin with the alcohol extraction. Then we combine the alcohol content and hot water to create the final tincture.

If you’re using fresh foraged Reishis, clean them and use a knife to chop the fruiting body into small pieces. Allow them to dry completely before making this tincture.

Add the dried and chopped Resishis into a clean glass jar. Fill the jar ⅓ of the way full.

Cover the mushrooms with alcohol. I usually use unflavoured vodka but you can use what you have on hand, as long as it’s 80-proof or over. The stronger the alcohol, the better the beneficial compounds will be extracted from your plant material, so you can consider using a strong alcohol like Everclear.

Add a lid to the jar and shake it vigorously so that everything is covered with alcohol.

Date and label the jar and set it in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks. After a day, top up the alcohol to make sure everything remains completely covered.

Aim to shake the jar every day or so to keep everything moving and covered.

After 8 weeks, use cheesecloth or a strainer to filter off the tincture. You can use a strainer to strain off the larger pieces, and then cheesecloth to strain off any smaller pieces.

Set the alcohol extraction aside in the fridge and add the same mushrooms into a small saucepan.

Add double the amount of water you want to end up with into the saucepan. For example, if you want to make 1 cup of tincture, use 2 cups of water. This is because half of your final tincture will come from the alcohol extraction, and the other half will come from the hot water extraction. So, if your glass jar is the size you want your final tincture to be, use enough water to fill the jar during the boiling process.

Warm the water to just before it simmers. Allow it to remain at this low heat for at least 4 hours until about half of the liquid has evaporated. You want to avoid a rolling boil because it can kill off some of the beneficial compounds. 

After half of the liquid has evaporated, turn off the heat and allow the mushrooms and liquid to come to room temperature. 

Use cheesecloth or a coffee filter to strain off the water. Do your best to completely strain off the plant material. Compost the mushrooms.

Use a whisk to combine the room-temperature water extraction with the alcohol extraction. 

Add the final tincture to a glass jar or amber glass dropper bottle (you can store the excess tincture in a glass jar and top up the dropper bottle when you need to). Make sure to label and date it so you know what it is. Store it in a cool place away from direct sunlight (like a pantry or cupboard).

How much Reishi tincture to take?

Taking Reishi powder in excess or for a prolonged amount of time has been shown to have negative effects. After speaking with your healthcare providers, you can use about 1 dropper full 1-2 times per day if you need a boost or during cold and flu season.

How long does Reishi tincture last?

Because this tincture has a large water content which can make it spoil more quickly, I like to use it within 1 year. 

Ways to consume Reishi tincture

Directly – For the fastest adsorption, you can add the dosage directly under your tongue. Leave it there for 30 seconds and then swallow.

In coffee or tea – You can add the dosage to your morning coffee or tea for an added boost. It’s also a great way to help dilute the taste.

Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your health care provider before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication. 

What to read next

Lion’s mane mushroom tincture recipe

How To Make Chaga Tincture (3 Simple Medicinal Recipes)

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