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
Everyone’s body is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all with mushroom tinctures. If you’re sensitive, you might feel benefits from as little as 1 mL a day; others may prefer the full 4 mL serving. We’ll walk you through finding your ideal dose 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?
If you’re new to mushrooms or their supplements, it’s smart to ease in. Begin with a smaller dose for the first week while your system adapts. If you already consume mushrooms regularly, your gut is likely familiar with them — you can start at a moderate dose.
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
With or without food? Either works. If you're sensitive to alcohol, take with food.
When should I take my tincture?
Anytime is fine. As a rule of thumb:
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Tinctures like Chaga, Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps and Maitake tend to be energizing.
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Tinctures like Reishi and Artist’s Conk tend to be calming.
Yes—you can mix into a drink. Just make sure that it's at a comfortable drinking temperature; higher heat may degrade some 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, start with just one. Use it for about a week (or more) to see how you respond. Then, when you’re ready, add another every week or two. This way you’ll learn how each one affects you.
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.
Where Should I Start?
Already Consuming Mushrooms
Start at 1-2mL per day, increase gradually to 4mL.
Working with Wellness Provider
Follow their guidance; they may recommend more than 4 mL per day under supervision.
What Are the Noticeable Benefits?
When & How to Adjust Your Routine
Not seeing the result you hoped for?
If you’ve used a tincture for 1-2 months without much effect, try increasing your daily dose by 1 mL and see how you respond.
Feeling overstimulated?
If you’re using an energizing tincture and feel wired or restless, scale back to ~1 mL/day for a week, then increase slowly.
Feeling drowsy or lethargic?
If you’re using a calming tincture and it’s making you too sleepy during the day, switch to taking it in the evening instead — or try adding an energizing tincture in the morning.
Experiencing unwanted effects?
Very rare — if you feel unwell, stop using the tincture(s) and reach out to us. We’re not medical professionals, but we’ll help you troubleshoot. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on certain meds, or have upcoming surgery, consult your healthcare provider before use. (Special caution for Chaga.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mushroom Tinctures
Do mushroom tinctures contain alcohol?
Yes — our tinctures use about 22% organic cane alcohol. The remaining liquid is a potent hot-water extraction. This “double extraction” method pulls out both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds.
Can I take all 7 mushroom tinctures daily?
Yes! You can take up to a full serving of each of our 7 Mushroom Tinctures per day.To learn how much alcohol that equates to, click here.
What do mushroom tinctures taste like?
No added flavoring agents. The tastes vary: Chaga is mild and slightly sweet; Reishi and Artist’s Conk are a bit bitter; Turkey Tail is umami-rich like broth; Lion’s Mane has a mushroom/sea-hint; Maitake is earthy. You can mix into beverages if you want to mask. the flavor.
Are mushroom tinctures gluten free?
All of our mushroom tinctures EXCEPT Cordyceps are gluten-free.
How should I store mushroom tinctures?
Store in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight. They’re shelf stable indefinitely, but we date them for use within 3 years for best freshness.
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. Children should only use with parental discretion or after consulting a professional.
Can dogs use mushroom tinctures?
Yes, dogs can safely use mushroom tinctures. Dogs 0-25 lbs: 1-2mL per dayDogs 25-50 lbs: 2-3mL per dayDogs 50-100 lbs: 3-4mL per dayDogs 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.
Do Birch Boys tinctures contain mycelium?
No, we intentionally use fruiting bodies and/or sclerotia and do not fill with myceliated grain. A tiny amount of natural mycelium may be present at the base of fruiting bodies though.