New to Mushroom Tinctures? This guide will help you start, maintain, and/or adapt your tincture routine. Find quick answers in our Tincture FAQ
How to Start a Mushroom Tincture Routine
Before you get started...
Things to consider when starting a new mushroom
You are unique, and so is your body chemistry
At our core, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all regimens for our tinctures. Each person's body chemistry is unique, and responds differently to supplements. Those who are sensitive may find benefits with just 1mL per day, while many prefer the full 4mL serving. Plenty of people fall somewhere in between. Our approach is flexible to accommodate this spectrum of sensitivity. We'll guide you to your optimal dosage further below.
You are unique, and so is your body chemistry
At our core, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all regimens for our tinctures. Each person's body chemistry is unique, and responds differently to supplements. Those who are sensitive may find benefits with just 1mL per day, while many prefer the full 4mL serving. Plenty of people fall somewhere in between. Our approach is flexible to accommodate this spectrum of sensitivity. We'll guide you to your optimal dosage further below.
New food, who?
When introducing new nutrients like those found in mushrooms, it's wise to allow your gut some time to adapt. If you're new to mushrooms or mushroom supplements, start with a small serving size for about a week. If mushrooms are already part of your diet, your gut is likely already accustomed to them.
New food, who?
When introducing new nutrients like those found in mushrooms, it's wise to allow your gut some time to adapt. If you're new to mushrooms or mushroom supplements, start with a small serving size for about a week. If mushrooms are already part of your diet, your gut is likely already accustomed to them.
Mushroom Tincture Best Practices
Should I take tinctures with or without food? Either! But if you're sensitive to alcohol, take them with food.
When should I take my tincture? You can take your tincture anytime. In general Chaga, Turkey Tail, Lion's Mane and Maitake are stimulating while Reishi and Artist's Conk are calming.
Can I put my tincture in a drink? You can have your tincture in a beverage! Just make sure that it's at a comfortable drinking temperature, anything higher may degrade beneficial compounds.
Mushroom Tincture Best Practices
Should I take tinctures with or without food? Either! But if you're sensitive to alcohol, take them with food.
When should I take my tincture? You can take your tincture anytime. In general Chaga, Turkey Tail, Lion's Mane and Maitake are stimulating while Reishi and Artist's Conk are calming.
Can I put my tincture in a drink? You can have your tincture in a beverage! Just make sure that it's at a comfortable drinking temperature, anything higher may degrade beneficial compounds.
One by One
If you're new to tinctures, we suggest beginning with just one and gradually incorporating others into your routine over time. This is the easiest way to discover which ones work best for you. This allows you to assess the benefits of each tincture and understand how it affects your body's unique chemistry. We recommend starting with one tincture for 7 days or more before gradually adding others every week or two, or whenever you feel comfortable.
One by One
If you're new to tinctures, we suggest beginning with just one and gradually incorporating others into your routine over time. This is the easiest way to discover which ones work best for you. This allows you to assess the benefits of each tincture and understand how it affects your body's unique chemistry. We recommend starting with one tincture for 7 days or more before gradually adding others every week or two, or whenever you feel comfortable.
What Are The Noticeable Benefits of Mushroom Tinctures?
Our mushroom tinctures offer a range of benefits, some of which overlap. Most folks notice at least one benefit within 30-60 days, though some only notice the benefits after they've stopped using the tinctures and the benefits cease. Not everyone will feel every benefit, this is the nature of adaptogens and the unique chemistry of individual bodies. Use the tabs below to explore commonly noticed effects from our tinctures. This is not an exhaustive list, but it captures what many folks love about our mushroom tinctures!
Chaga Tincture Benefits
Our customer report:
- More physical energy and motivation
- Fewer instances of getting sick
- Healthy skin, hair and nails
Reishi Tincture Benefits
Our customer report:
- Feeling more calm and collected
- Deeper, more restful sleep
- Feeling less negatively affected by day to day stressors
Turkey Tail Tincture Benefits
Our customer report:
- Supported healthy gut function
- Fewer instances of illness
Lion's Mane Tincture Benefits
Our customer report:
- More mental energy
- Less brain fog
- Feeling more alert
- More instances of a positive mood
Maitake Tincture Benefits
Our customer report:
- Healthy cardiovascular and circulatory function
- Feeling that Maitake supported their weight loss journey
Artist's Conk Tincture Benefits
Our customer report:
- Easy breathing with less mucous
- Fewer or less severe aches and pains
- Feeling less negatively affected by day to day stressors
Fungi Five Tincture Benefits
While Fungi Five is best for general immune and gut support*, our customers report a wide range of benefits. If you are sensitive to supplements, you may experience benefits from the individual mushrooms included in the blend, but the dominant effect will be immune and gut support*. If you are looking to support a particular system, we recommend using a dedicated tincture at its full serving size. Fungi Five Tincture Reviews and Information.
How to Start your Tincture Routine
Find the situation that best describes you
I'm Completely New to Mushrooms
Welcome! Start with 1mL per day for a week. Then increase by 1mL/week, up to 4mL. Find your ideal serving size, and you're set! For more info, check the Maintenance & FAQ section below.
I Already Consume Mushrooms
Already incorporating mushroom supplements, tea, or mushrooms into your routine? Your gut is probably accustomed to mushroom nutrients. Begin with 1-2mL, increasing to 4mL if desired.
I'm Working with a Wellness Provider
If you're working with an herbalist, acupuncturist or wellness provider, yield to their recommendation for tincture serving size. They may advise more than 4mL, which is safe under their guidance.When and How to Make Changes to Your Tincture Routine
Here are some reasons you may want to change your routine
I am not experiencing the desired results
If you've been using our tinctures for 1-2 months without seeing the desired results, try increasing your daily serving by 1mL per week, up to 4mL.
If you've already increased your serving size and still don't notice benefits, you might be less sensitive to the effects. However, this doesn't mean you're not benefiting; some people perceive changes more gradually. Some customers only realize the tinctures were effective after stopping briefly and noticing the absence of benefits.
You may responsibly experiment with surpassing the suggested 4mL serving size for all of our tinctures except Chaga.
Everyone responds differently, so while one tincture might greatly impact you, another may not. If you'd like recommendations for which tinctures you should try, give us a call.
I am feeling overstimulated or too energized
Our Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Maitake and Fungi Five tinctures are all energizing and stimulating. If you feel excessively energized or overstimulated, reduce your serving size to 1mL per day for a week. Then increase by 1mL per week (up to 4mL) until you reach your optimal energy levels.
I am feeling drowsy
Fungi in the Ganoderma genus (Reishi and Artist's Conk) have a calming effect. When taken during the day, most people notice a calm feeling rather than drowsiness. However, if you find it makes you drowsy, try it in the evening instead.
Alternatively, you could opt to add an energizing tincture or tea to your routine.
I am experiencing an unwanted effect
This is an incredibly rare instance.
If you are experiencing unwanted effects from Mushroom Tinctures, stop taking the tincture(s) and reach out to us for more information. We are not medical professionals and cannot dispense medical advice, but we will work with you to make the situation right.
If you are on certain medications, are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, or if you have an upcoming surgery, we recommend speaking with your medical provider before using chaga. Click here for more information on Chaga Warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mushroom Tinctures
Do mushroom tinctures contain alcohol?
Yes, Birch Boys Tinctures contain 22% Organic Cane Alcohol. The rest of the tincture is a potent hot water extraction. This method is called double extraction and allows for all of the benefits of the fungi to become bioavailable.
If you are in recovery or have an allergy to alcohol, opt for Mushroom Teas instead.
Can I take all 6 mushroom tinctures daily?
Yes!
You can take up to a full serving of each of our 6 Mushroom Tinctures per day.
To learn how much alcohol that equates to, click here.
Can I add tinctures to a beverage?
Yes, just ensure that your beverage is at a comfortable drinking temperature.
Temperatures over 178F may degrade beneficial compounds. Luckily, most people's comfortable drinking temperature hovers around 145F.
What do mushroom tinctures taste like?
Our tinctures are free from any flavoring agents, allowing the authentic taste of each mushroom to shine through. Each mushroom has its own flavor, you will also taste the alcohol.
- Chaga offers a mild, sweet taste that enhances coffee and cocoa.
- Reishi and Artist's Conk have a slightly bitter note which pairs well with floral and citrus flavors.
- Turkey Tail offers an umami-richness, like chicken broth.
- Lion’s Mane tastes strongly of mushroom with a hint of seafood.
- Maitake has an earthy flavor.
If you find the flavors too strong for your liking, mix them into your favorite beverage when it is at a comfortable drinking temperature.
Are mushroom tinctures gluten free?
Yes! Our Mushroom Tinctures are gluten-free.
Are mushroom tinctures vegan?
Yes! Our Mushroom Tinctures are vegan.
How should I store mushroom tinctures?
Birch Boys Mushroom Tinctures are shelf stable. Store them in a cool area that is out of direct sunlight.
Can children use mushroom tinctures?
There is no definitive research on this topic. There is also no indication that Mushroom Tinctures are unsafe for children. As a general rule, children under ten should not be given supplements without consulting a healthcare professional. Your child’s safety is of the utmost importance, use your parental discretion when introducing a supplement to your child’s diet.
Can dogs use mushroom tinctures?
Yes, dogs can safely use mushroom tinctures.
- Dogs 0-25 lbs: 1-2mL per day
- Dogs 25-50 lbs: 2-3mL per day
- Dogs 50-100 lbs: 3-4mL per day
- Dogs 100+ lbs: 4mL per day
Can cats use mushroom tinctures
No. Cats cannot tolerate any amount of alcohol.
Additionally, chaga in any form should not be served to cats in their senior years.
Do Birch Boys tinctures contain mycelium?
Birch Boys Mushroom Tinctures do not intentionally contain any mycelium/myceliated grain. However, a small amount of mycelium may be naturally present at the base of fruiting bodies.