How to Make a Reishi Mushroom Tincture: Home Remedies

Recently, while out foraging in the woods, I stumbled across some Reishi mushrooms. They are the so-called “mushroom of immortality.” One of the most popular ways to use this incredible mushroom is to make a Reishi mushroom tincture. It’s surprisingly simple to do. It gives you a powerful, shelf-stable way to enjoy the medicinal benefits of Reishi every day.

What Is a Reishi Mushroom Tincture?

A tincture is just a liquid extract. It’s basically a way to draw out the good stuff from herbs or mushrooms. With Reishi, a double extraction method is needed to get the most from the mushroom.

And there’s good reason why:

Reishi contains alcohol-soluble components (like triterpenes) and water-soluble compounds (like beta-glucans).
A simple alcohol extraction won’t get it all. Neither will a plain hot water extraction.
So, we do both for a reishi tincture. They are then combined into a double-extracted tincture.

But no worries, friend! The double extraction method is easy. I will walk you through the simple steps.

How to Make a Reishi Mushroom Tincture

You don’t need to be running a fancy apothecary to make a Reishi Mushroom Tincture. With just a few tools, some dried organic Reishi mushrooms, Vodka, and a little patience, you can make a Reishi mushroom tincture.

Supplies for a Reishi Mushroom Tincture

Dried Reishi mushrooms (sliced or broken into small pieces)
Organic alcohol (like 80-100 proof vodka or cane alcohol)
Distilled water
A couple of glass jars with lids
A strainer or cheesecloth
Dark amber oz bottles with droppers

An Alcohol Extraction is Needed First

Fill a jar about 1/2 to 3/4 full with Reishi pieces.
Cover with alcohol, leaving an inch at the top.
Label the jar and let it sit for 4–6 weeks. Shake the jar every few days.

Next, You’ll do a Hot Water Extraction

Strain out the mushrooms from the alcohol and set the liquid aside.
Take the same mushroom pieces, cover with distilled water, and simmer on a low temperature for a few hours, until reduced by about half. If your water level gets low, just add more.
Strain and let it cool.

Bottle Up Your Reishi Mushroom Tincture

Mix your alcohol extract and hot water extract in about a 1:1 ratio. Funnel the Reishi mushroom extract into your amber colored dropper bottles.

And there you have it, you’ve got your very own, shelf-stable, organic Reishi mushroom tincture.

How to Use Your Reishi Mushroom Tincture

Most folks take 1–2 dropperfuls of Reishi extract daily. A full dropper under the tongue or in tea is a great way to start.

Some people combine Reishi with Lion’s Mane mushrooms, Turkey Tail mushrooms, or even some of their best herbs. This can add adaptogenic properties and overall health benefits.

Why Reishi Mushrooms?

Reishi mushrooms are scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum or sometimes Ganoderma tsugae. They have earned titles like the “queen of mushrooms” and the “mushroom of spiritual potency.”

They’re loaded with bioactive compounds that support the immune system, cognitive function, heart health, and even the nervous system.

Some studies also show reishi may help with immune response, stress response, blood sugar, high blood pressure, and cholesterol function. Simply put, Reishi mushrooms have a ton of health benefits.

The Research on Reishi Mushrooms

While there have been animal studies and several clinical trials, there is no FDA-approved research on using mushroom extracts. They are, however, conducting a phase II trial investigating reishi mushroom extract for fatigue and joint pain in breast cancer patients.

Ganoderma lucidum, the extract from Reishi mushrooms, is also used by physicians and naturopaths in Asia to treat cancer. In the laboratory, it has been shown to kill cancer cells.

Things to Keep in Mind

Even though Reishi and other mushroom tinctures are considered safe, there are possible complications to be aware of.

Reishi may lower blood pressure or affect platelet aggregation (blood clotting).
It could interact with medications that affect the kidneys, liver, lungs, or cardiac system.

Always do your own research and talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, already take medication, or have other health conditions.

Oh, and quality matters! Poorly sourced mushroom products can contain heavy metals or fillers. Stick with reputable suppliers. Better yet, take a walk through the woods and forage for your own Reishi mushrooms. You may be surprised how many you can find!

Reishi Mushroom Tinctures for the Home Apothecary

Making your own reishi mushroom tincture is a fun, empowering way to add one of the world’s most medicinal mushrooms to your wellness routine. Whether you’re interested in supporting your immune health, digestive system, energy levels, or just building a deeper connection with nature, reishi may be the way to go.

Just remember, like all herbal medicine, it works best with guidance from your herbalist or health care practitioner. So go ahead, grab some Reishi mushrooms, and craft your own double extraction tincture. You may find that it improves your overall health.

You may also enjoy reading: 31 Best Herbs For Tinctures and How to Safely Make Them

Happy Homesteading & Tincture Making!

Jenny @ The Grahamstead Family Farm

Jenny and her family have been homesteading for over 20 years. They are currently farming on their 10-acre Florida farm, which they built from the ground up 10 years ago. They grow 100% of their meat and some of their vegetables.

From their small herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle, pastured poultry, sheep, and seasonal pigs, they are able to raise enough meat for the family while selling extra to the community. They are dedicated to sustainable practices like making compost and seed saving. They process much of their garden and animal harvests at home. You can find Jenny wandering through her garden, making herbal tinctures, making bone broth, and one of Jenny’s favorite hobbies, tanning all types of hides!

Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5222619/#:~:text=1.1.&text=Cancer%20can%20be%20treated%20with,in%20people%20who%20have%20cancer.

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06028022