Homemade Chaga Mushroom Extract Recipe using Food Grade Ethanol

The chaga mushroom, scientifically known as Inonotus obliquus, is a type of fungus that grows on birch trees in cold climates. It is commonly found in regions such as Northern Europe, Siberia, Russia, Korea, Northern Canada, and Alaska. Though its rough, charcoal-like appearance may not be visually appealing, chaga has been historically valued in various cultural traditions.

Chaga mushrooms contain naturally occurring compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenes, and melanin. It has been traditionally used in herbal preparations and is commonly brewed into teas or extracted into tinctures.

If you're interested in making a chaga extract at home, this guide provides a step-by-step process. The following recipe uses a decoction method combined with food-grade alcohol to extract both the water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds from chaga.

Recipe: Homemade Chaga Mushroom Extract

Ingredients:

• 25 grams of chaga mushroom (dried and cut into chunks)
• 4 fluid ounces of 200 proof food grade alcohol

Steps:

1. Ensure that your chaga mushrooms are dried thoroughly. If using fresh chaga, allow it to air-dry completely before use.
2. Place the dried chaga chunks into a glass jar and pour the food-grade alcohol over them, ensuring full submersion.
3. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for about four weeks, shaking occasionally.
4. After four weeks, strain the mixture and retain the alcohol extract.
5. To perform the water extraction, place the alcohol-soaked chaga chunks into a pot and add enough water to cover them.
6. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about two hours.
7. After simmering, strain the water extraction and discard the solid mushroom pieces.
8. Combine the alcohol extract with the water extract. This process creates a dual-extraction tincture, incorporating both the alcohol-soluble and water-soluble compounds from the chaga mushroom.

With this recipe, you can create your own chaga extract at home. The quality of your ingredients is essential for producing a well-prepared tincture. Using a 200 proof food grade alcohol ensures effective extraction of the natural compounds found in chaga.

Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only. No health claims are made in this guide. Please consult a qualified professional before preparing or using herbal tinctures.