Chaga mushroom has been treasured for centuries for its remarkable health benefits and rich, earthy flavor. If you’re looking to harness its power in a convenient and potent form, making a chaga tincture is an excellent choice.
This concentrated extract allows you to enjoy the immune-boosting and antioxidant properties of chaga in just a few drops a day. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for mixing into teas, smoothies, or even just water.
Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or a curious beginner, this detailed chaga tincture recipe will guide you through each step to create a high-quality, shelf-stable elixir.
Ready to dive into the world of medicinal mushrooms? Grab your ingredients, and let’s make a tincture that’s as powerful as it is simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chaga tincture recipe is designed for maximum potency and ease. It combines the time-tested method of alcohol extraction with hot water infusion to pull out a broad spectrum of beneficial compounds from the chaga mushroom.
The result is a robust, flavorful tincture that supports immune health, reduces inflammation, and provides a natural energy boost without caffeine.
Unlike powders or capsules, tinctures absorb quickly into your bloodstream, making them an efficient way to get your daily dose of chaga. Plus, this recipe uses only a few simple ingredients and everyday kitchen tools, so you don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find supplies.
Whether you’re making your first batch or looking to perfect your process, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chaga chunks (preferably wild-harvested or sustainably sourced)
- 2 cups vodka (at least 80 proof, for alcohol extraction)
- 2 cups water (filtered or spring water, for hot water extraction)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried ginger root (adds warmth and supports digestion)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness, added after tincture is strained)
Equipment
- Glass mason jar with lid (at least 1-quart size, for the alcohol extraction)
- Small saucepan (for hot water extraction)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (to strain the tincture)
- Dark glass dropper bottles (for storing the finished tincture)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Funnel (optional, for easy pouring)
Instructions
- Prepare the chaga: Break your dried chaga chunks into small pieces if needed. Smaller pieces increase surface area and improve extraction efficiency.
- Alcohol extraction: Place the chaga chunks in a clean glass mason jar. Pour in the vodka until the chaga is fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and shake gently.
- Infuse for 4-6 weeks: Store the jar in a cool, dark place. Shake the mixture every few days to redistribute the chaga and alcohol. This slow extraction pulls out alcohol-soluble compounds like betulinic acid and other antioxidants.
- Hot water extraction: After the alcohol infusion period, strain the chaga chunks from the vodka using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Reserve the alcohol tincture in a separate container.
- Place the strained chaga chunks in a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a simmer and let cook gently for about 1 hour. This step extracts water-soluble polysaccharides and other beneficial compounds.
- Strain and combine: Strain the hot water infusion to remove all solids. Allow the liquid to cool slightly before combining it with the alcohol tincture.
- Mix and store: Combine the alcohol and water extracts in a clean jar or bottle. If desired, stir in honey or maple syrup to taste. Transfer the finished tincture into dark glass dropper bottles for storage. Label with the date and contents.
- Usage: Take 1-2 ml (about 30-60 drops) daily, either straight under the tongue or diluted in tea or water.
Tips & Variations
“For a stronger tincture, consider using a higher proof alcohol such as 100 proof vodka or grain alcohol, but always dilute before consumption.”
If you want to experiment, try adding other immune-supportive herbs like dried elderberries or astragalus during the alcohol extraction phase. These can enhance the flavor and therapeutic benefits of your tincture.
Make sure your chaga is thoroughly dried and free from mold or contaminants. Wild-harvested chaga is preferred for potency, but always source responsibly to protect the environment.
Patience is key—the longer your alcohol extraction period (up to 8 weeks), the more potent your tincture will be. However, 4-6 weeks is a good balance between time and strength.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 ml tincture) |
---|---|
Calories | 2-3 kcal |
Alcohol | Approximately 15-20% by volume |
Polysaccharides | Trace amounts (varies by extraction) |
Antioxidants (betulinic acid, superoxide dismutase) | Present in small amounts |
Other bioactive compounds | Variable |
Note: Nutritional content varies depending on chaga quality, alcohol concentration, and infusion time.
Serving Suggestions
Chaga tincture is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to add it to your daily routine:
- Add a few drops to hot herbal tea or coffee for an earthy boost.
- Stir into smoothies or fresh juices for an immune-enhancing twist.
- Take directly under the tongue for quick absorption.
- Mix with warm water and a squeeze of lemon for a soothing morning tonic.
- Combine with honey or maple syrup to create a natural cough syrup.
Because tinctures are concentrated, start with a small dose and increase gradually as you assess how your body responds.
Conclusion
Making your own chaga tincture at home is a rewarding way to enjoy the many benefits of this remarkable mushroom. This recipe balances traditional methods with practical steps to create a potent, versatile, and shelf-stable herbal extract.
With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a powerful immune booster ready to support your health through the seasons.
Whether you’re new to herbalism or a seasoned enthusiast, crafting your own tinctures allows you to connect with nature’s healing gifts in a personal way. Remember to source your chaga responsibly, follow the steps carefully, and enjoy the process as much as the final product.
Cheers to your health and happy tincture-making!
📖 Recipe Card: Chaga Tincture Recipe
Description: A potent herbal tincture made from chaga mushroom to support overall wellness. This recipe uses alcohol extraction for maximum benefits.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0S
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 1 cup tincture
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chaga chunks
- 2 cups vodka (at least 80 proof)
- 1 glass jar with lid
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer
- Dark glass dropper bottle for storage
- Label for dating tincture
Instructions
- Place dried chaga chunks into the glass jar.
- Pour vodka over chaga until fully submerged.
- Seal jar tightly and shake gently.
- Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking weekly.
- Strain liquid through cheesecloth into a clean container.
- Transfer tincture to a dark glass dropper bottle and label.
Nutrition: Calories: 50 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
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