By making a Chaga tincture using dual extraction, both from alcohol and water, you will gain a better formula with constituents that vary depending on the extraction method. To make a Chaga tincture using a dual extraction method, follow these detailed steps to ensure you capture a wide range of the mushroom’s medicinal properties:
Ingredients and Materials:
- Dried Chaga mushroom, Inonotus obliquus (100 grams)
- High-proof alcohol (vodka or grain alcohol, at least 80 proof)
- Water
- Glass jars with lids
- Strainer or cheesecloth
- Dark glass dropper bottles for storage
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chaga
- Break the Chaga: If the Chaga is in large chunks, break it into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for extraction.
- Grind the Chaga: Grind the Chaga into a coarse powder using a coffee grinder or a blender.
Step 2: Alcohol Extraction
- Fill a Jar: Place the ground chaga into a glass jar, filling it about halfway.
- Add Alcohol: Pour the high-proof alcohol over the Chaga until fully submerged, maintaining a 1:2 ratio of Chaga to alcohol.
- Seal and Store: Seal the jar with a lid and store it in a cool, dark place, shaking it gently every day.
- Steep Time: Allow the Chaga to steep in the alcohol for at least 4-6 weeks.
Step 3: Water Extraction
- Boil Water: After the alcohol extraction period, strain the chaga and set the alcohol aside. Place the chaga material in a pot and add water (about 3-4 times the volume of the chaga).
- Simmer: Simmer the chaga in water for 2-3 hours, ensuring it does not boil dry. Add more water if necessary.
- Cool and Strain: Let the mixture cool, then strain the liquid using a strainer or cheesecloth.
Step 4: Combine the Extracts
- Mix: Combine the alcohol and water extract in a 1:1 ratio.
- Bottle: Pour the combined extracts into dark glass dropper bottles for storage.
Storage and Use:
- Store: Keep the tincture in a cool, dark place. It should last for several years due to the preservative nature of the alcohol.
- Dosage: A common dosage is 1-3 full droppers (about 20-60 drops) daily.
Additional Tips:
- Quality Chaga: Ensure you use high-quality, wild-harvested chaga.
- Label Your Tincture: Always label your tincture with the ingredients and the date it was made.
This dual-extraction method is preferred because it captures both the alcohol-soluble and water-soluble compounds, maximizing the medicinal benefits of chaga.