Even though traditional healers have used medicinal mushrooms to treat medical conditions for thousands of years, scientists are still learning more about them every day.
There are plenty of animal studies to back up medicinal mushroom health claims, but, to date, only a few studies have used human subjects.
However, we do know medicinal mushrooms are full of potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help boost immune systems and slow aging.
And what’s more you can make medicinal mushroom extracts at home. The process is relatively easy and does not need specialized equipment.
Of course you can also buy extracts, or tinctures, off the shelf and benefit in that way. If you’re in the UK I’d love for you to check out our MycoTonics range of extracts.
To make mushroom medicine, you need to extract the mushrooms’ bioactive compounds. One of the best ways to do this is by making mushroom tincture.
In this article, you’ll discover what a mushroom tincture is and why you should make one.
You’ll also find the different methods and types of mushrooms you can use. And we’ll show you how to make a mushroom tincture step by step.
Turkey tail mushroom, known scientifically as Trametes versicolor, has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its powerful medicinal properties. This mushroom contains polysaccharides and other compounds that studies have shown can boost immune function and have anti-tumor effects. Making a tincture is an easy and effective way to harness the benefits of turkey tail. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the entire process of making a high-quality turkey tail tincture at home.
An Overview of Turkey Tail and Its Benefits
Before diving into the tincture making process, let’s first take a quick look at why turkey tail is worth tincturing in the first place.
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Turkey tail is an edible mushroom that grows abundantly on dead logs and stumps. It gets its name from the colorful concentric bands on its cap that resemble the tail feathers of a turkey.
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It has been used medicinally for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine. More recently, it has also been studied by modern science for its health benefits
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Turkey tail contains polysaccharides such as PSK and PSP that enhance immune system function. Multiple studies have shown turkey tail to improve immune response in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
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In addition to immunomodulating effects, turkey tail also exhibits anti-tumor properties. Research indicates turkey tail polysaccharides can inhibit tumor growth and even induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.
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Other beneficial bioactive compounds found in turkey tail include antioxidants sterols, and triterpenoids.
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Turkey tail is also prebiotic and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Supplies Needed
Making turkey tail tincture at home is easy. You only need a few basic supplies:
- Dried turkey tail mushrooms
- Glass mason jars with lids
- 80-100 proof vodka or other high-proof alcohol
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Glass dropper bottles
- Labeling tape
Step 1 – Prepare the Mushrooms
You’ll want to start with high-quality dried turkey tail mushrooms. Make sure they are cracker dry. Break or cut them into smaller pieces to increase the surface area. This will help the alcohol extract more of the bioactive compounds.
Use a coffee grinder or blender to powder the turkey tail pieces. Aim for a coarse powder texture. The smaller the particle size, the better the extraction.
Fill your mason jar about halfway with the dried powdered turkey tail. Don’t pack it too tightly.
Step 2 – Cover with Alcohol
The next step is to cover the turkey tail mushroom powder with 80-100 proof vodka or another high-proof alcohol. Stay away from isopropyl alcohol, which is toxic.
We recommend using vodka that is 80-100 proof (40-50% alcohol by volume). The higher the alcohol percentage, the better it can extract compounds from the mushrooms.
Fill the jar with alcohol until all of the powder is submerged and covered. Leave at least an inch at the top.
Screw the lid on tightly and give the jar a good shake to disperse the powder evenly throughout the liquid.
Step 3 – Let It Sit
Now comes the waiting game. Tinctures require time for the alcohol to thoroughly extract the medicinal compounds from the turkey tail.
Place your jar in a cool dark place away from direct light. Let it sit for 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar each day. Shaking helps everything mix and infuse together.
Over time, you’ll notice the alcohol turning a dark reddish-brown color as it pulls more substances from the mushroom powder.
Step 4 – Strain and Store
After 4-6 weeks, it’s time to strain out the mushroom solids from the liquid tincture.
Place a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer over a large bowl. Carefully pour the contents of the mason jar through the strainer.
Gather up the corners of the cheesecloth and squeeze out any remaining liquid from the mushroom solids. Compost the strained powder.
Pour the finished tincture liquid into dark glass dropper bottles for storage. Make sure to label each bottle with the contents and date.
Store the turkey tail tincture bottles away from light and heat to preserve potency. The alcohol preserves it for many years.
How to Take Turkey Tail Tincture
Turkey tail tincture is best taken directly by mouth. Shake the bottle before use to disperse the sediment.
The standard dosage is 1 mL (about 30 drops) taken 1-3 times per day. Place the drops under your tongue and hold for 30 seconds before swallowing.
To enhance absorption, take turkey tail tincture in the morning on an empty stomach. You can also add drops to water or smoothies.
Be consistent, and take turkey tail tincture daily to maintain high levels of immune-enhancing compounds in your system.
Tips for Making the Best Turkey Tail Tincture
Follow these tips to get the most medicinal value from your homemade turkey tail tincture:
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Use freshly dried turkey tail mushrooms if possible. This ensures potency.
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Grind mushrooms into a fine powder to increase extraction surface area.
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Soak mushrooms for 5-6 weeks. More time = more extraction.
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Shake the jar daily to keep things well mixed.
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Use a 100 proof or higher alcohol like vodka for optimal solubility.
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Take 1 mL 1-3x daily. Consistency is key.
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Store in dark glass bottles away from heat, air, and light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of alcohol to use?
Vodka or grain alcohol between 80-100 proof works best. Avoid lower proof alcohols like wine or beer. Also avoid isopropyl alcohol.
How long does turkey tail tincture last for?
Properly stored in a cool dark place, turkey tail tincture can last for many years without losing potency. The alcohol acts as a preservative.
Can I use fresh instead of dried turkey tail?
You can, but dried works much better. Drying concentrates the medicinal compounds. Fresh mushrooms are 90% water.
Should I take turkey tail tincture on an empty stomach?
Yes, taking the tincture on an empty stomach aids absorption. You can also add drops to water or smoothies though.
Are there any side effects or interactions to be aware of?
Turkey tail is very safe for most people. However, it can interact with immunosuppressant drugs. Talk to your doctor before using if on medications.
Conclusion
Making your own turkey tail tincture is simple and cost effective. This medicinal mushroom can provide a major boost to immune function when taken consistently. Follow the steps outlined above to extract turkey tail’s powerful polysaccharides and other bioactive compounds into an easy-to-use tincture. Take daily as an immunoprotective supplement.
Step 3: Strain the Alcohol
After two weeks, you can filter or strain the mushroom material out of the alcohol extract using cheesecloth or muslin cloth.
We use a cloth to filter the alcohol as it allows you to squeeze the mushroom material and extract as much alcohol as possible.
You will end up with around half a liter of mushroom-enriched alcohol.
If you’re using mushroom powder to make your tincture, we recommend straining the mixture through a fine muslin cloth folded over a few times, as this will capture more of the powder.
We use a funnel to pour the mushroom enriched alcohol back into the vodka bottle, but any glass bottle or container will do.
Once you have squeezed out as much of the alcohol as you can, add the mushroom material to your pyrex bowl together with 1.5 liters of water.
Now you are ready to move on to the next stage of your dual extraction.
Step 5: Strain the Water
Allow the mushroom and water mixture to cool down before filtering or straining it using cheesecloth or muslin cloth.
Squeeze as much of the water out of the mushroom material as you can, and you should end up with around half a liter of mushroom-infused water.
