What wins the mushroom tincture vs. powder comparison? We believe extract powder tops tincture, and we share why in this article. Find out now!
Today we are looking at a comparison of mushroom tincture vs powder.
Most quality mushroom liquid tinctures are a combination of hot water and alcohol. This is called a dual extraction because both water and alcohol are used, making it possible to extract constituents from the mushroom that are both alcohol-soluble and water-soluble.
However, the best mushroom powders go one step further. This is done by turning the liquid extract into a powder through a specific drying process that evaporates off the liquid. What remains is the powdered extract, which can be easily added to hot beverages, teas, coffee, smoothies, and so much more. Due to the extraction process, the healthful compounds can easily be absorbed into the body.
Furthermore, it is important to consider what is going into the extract itself. The tinctures and powders we provide use only mushroom fruiting bodies. This is in opposition to many mushroom supplement providers in the United States that sell mycelium on grain. You get significantly higher beta-glucan contents when you get mushroom supplements with 100% fruited bodies opposed to mycelium on grain. Not only is the beta glucan amounts higher, the fruited body extracts also have favorable amounts of polysaccharides. These constituents help with inflammation as discussed below.
Mushroom tincture vs powder: Why we choose extract powders over tinctures
A mushroom extract powder like the one mentioned above will have a complete range of constituents, which are readily available and absorbable by the body. We like this method for a few reasons, beyond the fact that it’s a comprehensive extract.
First, the mushroom powder extract is easier to use than tea or tincture, especially since mushroom tea is not the most palatable, depending on your tastes. For instance, reishi mushroom tea can be more earthy and bitter tasting than someone would desire. The powder is more palatable, plus it is easier to mix into other foods or beverages. I’m personally a big fan of reishi mushroom coffee, as the flavor is not too dissimilar, and it mixes really well.
Second, you can get this type of mushroom powder extract in capsules from us, making it even easier to take these supplements. If you are constantly on the go but you still want to get the benefits of functional mushrooms, then this is a great opportunity for you.
Next, our powders are great if you do not like consuming alcohol tinctures. I know many people who have trouble stomaching high abv liquor.
Finally, our mushroom powders can be used in an array of meals and beverages, so they are very user-friendly and versatile.
Mushroom tincture vs powder: Regardless of your choice (we think powder is the right choice), go with extracts made from fruiting bodies
Traditionally, the mushroom fruiting body has been the part of the fungus consumed for health benefits. We believe this practice should be continued, especially because the choice to use mycelium grown on grain for extracts isn't based on efficacy, but economics and it comes at a cost in quality.
When you make your own mushroom medicine or consume fresh mushrooms you know what you are getting is high quality mushroom fruiting bodies. This is why our mushroom powder extracts and capsules using the fruiting mushroom bodies and not myceliated grain.
Mushroom tincture vs powder: How to make your own
To make a hot water extract, simply steep the mushrooms in hot water, 125-145 degrees F for 8-12 hours.The low setting on a crock pot overnight works well for this process, and a great mushroom to try with this process is reishi.
Use this hot water extract to make rice, soup, or drink it straight. Be sure to save any extra by freezing it in quart containers to use when needed.
To make a tincture you would add alcohol to the mushroom tea, with the actual mushrooms, and let it sit for six weeks. When adding alcohol it is important to keep the overall alcohol percentage around 25-35%. Therefore, if you were adding 190 proof grain alcohol you would do 1/3 alcohol and 2/3 water. If you were doing 100 proof alcohol, you would add about half and half alcohol and water. Place a piece of wax paper below the cap and mix the tincture up so the alcohol doesn't just sit on the top. Let it sit for six weeks, strain out the mushrooms, and you have your very own liquid mushroom extract.
Unfortunately, turning this liquid extract into powder is a much more difficult process and often involves particular tools to do it right. This process can be expensive, which is why we sell our mushroom extract powders and capsules. This way our audience can get them from us without having to make a significant investment into the equipment.
Who wins the mushroom tincture vs. powder comparison? We think the consumers do when they choose high-quality mushroom extract powders made from organically grown mushroom fruiting bodies. Buy some from us today!