How to Make Reishi Extract

Reishi extract is made from the Japanese reishi mushroom. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is ranked number one on the ancient Chinese list of superior medicines. These mushrooms have been used for thousands of years and are believed to give eternal youth. Reishi mushrooms are available fresh or dried or in capsule, pill or extract form. Extracts are generally the most effective way to use an herb, have the highest potency and the longest shelf life. Extracting this herb by using both hot water and alcohol provides the optimal amount of health benefits.

Things You'll Need

• Reishi mushroom powder
• 80 or 100 proof vodka
• Jar or bottle with lid

Instructions

1. Fill a bottle halfway with dried reishi powder.

2. Fill the rest of the bottle or jar with the vodka.

3. Close and store this container for 2 weeks.

4. Strain the mixture through 2 layers of cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter. This is now a "single extraction."

5. Take the leftover single extracted marc (mash) and boil in water for 2 hours.

6. Take half of the liquid and add it to your first extraction. You now have a more potent "double extraction."

References

• "Prescription for Nutritional Healing;" Phyllis A. Balch, 2006
• Reishi Extract & Cordyceps: Reishi Water vs. Alcohol
• Mushroom-Collecting.com

Resources

• Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing, & Culture: Hobbs, Chris