FINALLY !!!!!!!! After spending years watching videos that left me scratching my head about ratios and why they are important. Dosage amounts All my questions answered in one video . Excellent work you did . I had one unanswered question and you answered it in the comment section. I am a forager here in Maine, I prefer drying prior to extracting. You had an excellent answer on that topic as well. I am not only impressed by your knowledge . It is refreshing the straight forward approach you take in simple explanations rather than including "filler" information. Thank You Subscribed with only one thumbs up Lol
Why 30% or is that arbitrary? Off the shelf tinctures seem to sit anywhere between 20 and 30%. Is there a specific ratio of elements extracted using the water vs alcohol to achieve best medicinal effect? If not, it seems to be generally 50/50. In which case the maths whole not overly complicated seem to be unnecessary. Eg if my alcohol is anywhere between 60-70% I just go 1:1 and end up with a 30-35% tincture. Equally for those using lower potency alcohol say 47% OP rum on dried mushroom (so no excess water dilution) then going 1:1 will result in 20-23% tincture. I assume at this stage Alcohol percentages are more to do when the taste? Any thoughts on that are appreciated. If using plain alcohol I also add pure vanilla essence to the water before cooling while still just warm.
I have to say, you piqued my interest from the very first words that came out of your mouth. Clean, concise, non-filling words. You're truly a remarkable teacher and speaker. Thank you so much for what you have to contribute to the world!
Love to see your take on a Moringa extract. That stuffs got a lot of hype recently, for good reason! Definitely recommend you look into it. From what I've read it's 4x richer source of Potassium than Bananas. Amazing stuff!
Dehydrate it first, then grind it up in a coffee or herb grinder, then put in the alcohol solvent, and spend $80 on an ultrasonic cleaner, takes 90 minutes instead of two weeks.
I have watched this about 100 times, and am totally inspired! I own a small mushroom company in Texas and grow a boatload of Lion's Mane for market. I dehydrate any that I don't sell [which is rare] and have been waiting to find a easily explained way to move toward tincture making. I bought a press on-line and it totally made the job of pressing so much easier. I reserved the menstruum and simmered it down for about 4 hours. I tried to press, but never got any clear liquid as you did.{any idea why?} So, I used fresh LM to make the decoction. I thought that by doing this, I'd probably get a stronger water extraction. Thank you for the math lesson. Very grateful for you.
Thank you for posting. If you put your mushroom and water mix in a clean cotton bag you can tie it up and hang it over a bowl and leave it overnight. The water part will be left in the bowl in the morning. You dont need any mathematical equations to do this. Just keep adding the mushroom water mix to the alcohol mix until you read 30% with your hydrometer.
Wow this is absolutely amazing. I love how you broke the math down and made it so easy for us to make tinctures. These things are a crucial part of our Health due to what our corrupt government puts in our food. Thank you for the knowledge
This was such an amazing video!! It was inspiring, educational and it was understandable! You did a wonderful job with this! I can not wait to try it. Also, please give your hubby a BIG THANKS for the formula! What a game changer!
As a compounding pharmaceutical chemist I was very interested in this "dilution equation" and was rather disappointed to learn it didn't exist and you were simply balancing a normal solve for x. I could never teach others something that I know so little about, I would feel silly, like a fraud. You are very brave to do so.
If you are a Compounding Pharmaceutical Chemist, lend a hand here, what would an accurate "dilution equation" be for making the most effective tincture? Step up and help us all out please. We would love to hear some professionalism here. Ready, GO!!
umm this magical "dilution equation" is just year 8 mathematics, I think they call it solve for x. Like "if you know a/b = x/c , given a,b & c what is x?". im sure a primary school teacher explains solve for x better but there's my attempt since you asked@@tylersathern1076
I nearly passed you on when I saw the dum intro, so glad my hands were busy cooking! Fantastic, clear, precise video, absolutely perfect thank you! I've subscribed!
Thank you so much for this information. I have a couple pounds of dried lion's mane I've been saving. Now I can put it to use BTW, they are delicious fresh, fried in avocado oil with salt and pepper.
I love this video! Thank you so much! I just wish you had shown the first pressing. I don't understand how you would have put something so relatively liquid into a tray seemingly meant for fruits/solids. I've never used a presser before so maybe it would be more obvious once I have some experience.
Right, sorry about that! I usually run liquidy things like this through a fine mesh coffee filter before pressing the mass. Mr coffee makes one. I also have a pressing for infused oils that may offer some insight: th-cam.com/video/yMFpzzVbtFE/w-d-xo.html
Hot damn this is helpful! Without doubt the best explanation I've found for why each step is important in the process. Can I ask how you pressed the mushroom after the initial alcohol extraction?
haha, love your comment, thanks :) I use a hydraulic press. Sadly, the one I use is discontinued, but something like this could work: www.dhgate.com/product/12-22-36l-kitchen-grape-blueberry-mulberry/727711274.html?f=bm%7cGMC%7cpla%7c18242400154%7c%7c727711274%7c%7c019030007%7cUS%7clynn815%7cc%7c2%7c&GMC&gclid=CjwKCAiA3KefBhByEiwAi2LDHL8rerMqxi2TNY2PPUvVLokuzfe0Q-cAOICHB7dZ1qmW4uBnCvcGUxoCGB8QAvD_BwE
I started watching your tincture videos a month ago and I’m very grateful for all the information you shared with us. I ordered that awesome press you have for sell🤙
Awesome video! Recently, I started to develop this curiosity for herbalism and alchemy/chemistry and it is SoOo amazing that I don’t have to pay anything for such information that you provided! Amazing details… Subscribed & Liked and Stored! You’re a pretty beautiful women… lol
An investment in a sonicator would greatly reduce the time needed to make extractions as it breaks down the cell wall and allows the solvent to pull out more of the alkaloids/compounds in only an hour or less.
@@HerbNerdSchool depends on your budget there's many different brands and wattage and different probes to use. Look up some videos on youtube of ppl making herbal extracts using them.
@@blenderbenderguy it can do the same thing just the sound frequencies have to travel through another vessel inside the bath instead of the probe directly into the menstrum solution, might just take longer, sonication process on it's down does generate alot of heat
Fantastic video Colleen! After watching numerous videos that have left me confused as to exactly what I’m supposed to be doing you’ve simplified it beautifully. Thank you so much for the dilution equation. One thing that I did not quite catch is the amount of water used for the decoction. Can you please tell me how you determine the amount for water for the decoction part of the extraction?
This was literally one of the best videos I hav eever seen in terms of contents. For someone who is a beginner in the world of herbalism, this brings quite an impressive note of seriousness to the tincture making tutorials because they are usually the DIY homesteading videos (also cool of course) and this is showing you the science behind the process thus raising the credibility of the video. Thank you very much. I have a quick question though. I have browsed the comments and noticed that the same can be done if we use the powdered mushroom rather than the fresh fruiting body except the ratio would be 1:5 (mushroom:alcohol). Am I correct? Also, once we have created the double-extracted tincture, may we dilute it even more just for the sake of practicality if we will use the droppers. (I don't mind shaking them :) ). How do we figure out what the dosage would need to be though? Thanks in advance.
Hey, thanks for all of your kind words! You’re correct, dry herbs/fungus are all extracted typically at 1:5, although I’ve done them at 1:3 as well (more concentrated but better for bigger batches). Yes, if you keep it in the fridge you can dilute it further. Actually the more you dilute with your decoction, the more likely the polysaccharides will stay in solution, but keep it in the fridge and use it up as it will be more susceptible to mold.
@@logiclab1 you don’t have to store in the fridge, it contains alcohol and is shelf stable as long as your final etoh is 25% or higher. I use an organic cane alcohol for the organic alcohol company. It is 95% alcohol, and gets diluted down by the fresh mushroom and the decocted tea.
Hi! I am planning to try to grow Lions Mane and do the tincture for my MS. I have never done anything like that before and I have a question: I don't have one of that pressure-making-tool you have, what could I use? And also, is the final tincture you are showing ready to consume?
You can press by hand, or some people use a potato masher although I’ve never had much luck with those. And yes, the final extract is ready to consume!
Maybe it would be much easier to dehydrate lions mane for example in the oven for a while and we could skip hydrometer step? Also different levels of alcohol would be required for dried mushrooms because they lost most of the water? Correct me if im wrong. Preparing to make a tincture and trying to figure out the best way:)
don't throw it away while everything is done, make vinegar from it :just add cool bolied sweet water ( 4 tbsp for 1 liter of water), cover with clean cloth and tie (protect from insects), stir once daliy with clean wooden spoon for about two weeks, after 3 weeks it's ready to use, it can stand for a long time
I can see that everyone feels the same, after watching so many videos on herbs and tincture making you have finally made one that leaves no questions!! Very well done and I am excited to be a new subscriber to your channel and to see what else I can learn from you! I have one question, where can I find that hydraulic press you are using? Thanks again and keep up the great work!!
From all the videos I’ve watched must of them are first timers and really have no idea what they’re doing. I appreciate this woman’s knowledge and professionalism ❤
I purchase mine fresh from Whole Foods or Fresh Market where I live. But they have fresh lions mane on Etsy that is shipped. I use the store BristolMushrooms.
The hydraulic press I use is finally back in stock and can be purchased through my website! herbnerd.godaddysites.com/shop/ols/products/tincture-press I grew my own lions mane from a kit, but Ive also found it dried online.
Very nice instructional video. My only concern would be the pretty insignificant amount of mushroom material contained within the final product (pesky maths, dividing that original pound of mushrooms by 128oz, and again by the dropper volume). Bioavailability goes up through extraction, but I believe the clinical studies were also using extracted lions mane at a rate of several grams per day. If a dropper holds about 1/30th of an ounce, that’s effectively .1g of fruiting body per dose, thirty times less than in the studies. Which I believe is why most products have a final stage of significant concentration, lest the customer mostly be buying alcohol, water, and placebo. Anyhow, I’ll definitely be using some of your excellent methodology when I extract my mushrooms, although I’ll probably recapture the alcohol and concentrate down to a powder (pending further research). Thanks for the video!
I really appreciate this perspective, traditional herbal medicine making techniques can certainly benefit from more modern extraction equipment. If/when you find an affordable way to dehydrate tincture at home please keep me in the loop!
I've considered distilling the final tincture but have no clue if anything is lost in the process besides ethanol and water. So I'd be curious also as to what your pending research turns up. Thanks!
@@HerbNerdSchool can a 1:1 or 1:2 alcohol ratio be used on dried mushrooms and not a 1:5 on raw? this would probably 10x the concentration or is there a min alcohol concentration to use?
@@blenderbenderguy - You shouldn’t lose any of the heavier mushroom molecules. Plus, you get to recapture your alcohol if you’ve got a condenser hooked up, so it’s really a win win :)
So Brandon, I think I get what you are saying; If I, for example, was interested in taking 3g of mushroom per day I would need to take 8.4ml of the tincture. Seems like a more concentrated tincture would be more efficient or cost effective. Do you think an extraction starting with dry mushroom as suggested below would work, and if so, do you have suggestions on changes to the rest of the ingredient volumes?
Thank you so much! finally someone explaining the ratios and the a proper tek to extract! not like all the others "add this much and this much and is good" thank you to take the time to explain the quantity and the reasons behind it and really explain EVERYTHING that we need to know to make our own tinctures properly! :)
Hi I'm wondering if my tinctures can be salvaged. I just got my hydrometer and used it to test my products. Only to discover the alcohol by volume is way too low :(( also the tinctures were made over a year ago and I'm wondering if they are ruined!! Ughh,...I'm so discouraged 😞 this is probably a silly question but, can alcohol be added to bring up the ABV? Thx for your excellent videos.
Hi. My headphones don't work on this tablet. I know you're making sense, but can you explain another question? What is a midi-meter? Cheesecloth vs sweatshirt? Heckler vs Interested party to share in your knowledge? Oh, congratulations in developing new life! :)
QUESTION; Why did you add the alcohol to the 2nd blender of Lions Mane? Instead, blend the Lions Mane, strain all the water out of the blended Lions Mane. Get rid of the water. Then weigh the Lions Mane again, this starts you out correctly measuring the mushroom weight, then add times 2 alcohol milliliters. ??? Shake for 2 weeks, there's your first extract. Correct???
I probably missed it. But what was your calculation for amount of water to use when beginning the hotwater decocktion? Great video overall, very well articulated! Beautiful control of the English language.
I absolutely love your teaching style. I read all the comments hoping to find my answer. Is it better to use fresh marc for the decoction and tincture? Also, I couldn't figure out where you got the 800+ ML of liquid that you measured and added to your decoction. The liquid in the hydrometer? Where did it come from? (29.02 minutes) then you put the whole decoction into your tincture. I am lost. How do you know if you simmer enough of the water away when making your decoction. Thanks for this amazing video.
What is the recommended daily dosage? I make Turkey Tail tea and started the alcohol extraction for a tincture. Is 30% alcohol recommended for for all dual extraction tinctures? Appreciate the precise information.
2-3 mls (droppers full) 3 times a day. I’d say go as low as you can, we usually don’t like to go below 25%, but the more decoction, the more likely your polysaccharides will stay in solution 👍🏽
Would love to see someone make a real 1:5 double extraction. Everyone adds the decoction to get the final alcohol percentage right (25-35%) but doesn’t take in account the final ratio. Been trying to make a 1:5, 30% tincture but the problem is always the same: not enough alcohol to cover the plant material …
How do you determine a good daily dosage of the final product? Does the final mixture of alcohol and water extract offer the optimal amounts of both methods? What about keeping both extracts separate, then adding alcohol to just the water based as a preservative so you can dose it individually?
Lovely, informative video! I am curious, for this tincture why must the alcohol extraction take place first? Or is it fine to start with the water extraction? Either way, I am able to understand your process in this video. Can't wait to extract some mushrooms!
Very clear and descriptive! It's interesting to hear that the polysaccharides aren't lost in a dual extraction where the alcohol % is too high, I've been struggling to find an answer to that. Just wondering what can you do to use the leftover mushroom solids at the end of the process?
Yes, double extracts are the secret to capturing those polysaccharides! Once you’re done with the double extract, the mushroom material is void of nutrients so it’s pretty much compost...OR Here’s an fun article on making mushroom paper with your left over pulp: namyco.org/paper_from_fungi_basics.php
Hey, Brilliant video, well explained, very clear and easy to follow! Thank you for this! You are the first one I found in loong time! I have 2 questions, there is so much confusion out there about this, and I trust you can bring light on this. 1. Fresh or dried? 2. 95% or less is enough? What exactly are we extracting with the alcohol?' 3. What is the equision then for double extraction Using fresh lion´s mane I understand it is essential to use 95% alcohol or else it will be like trying to extract the components in beer. Btw, what are those chemical we are juicing out? Is it possible to use dried lion´s mane (does it still have all the goodness?) and extract it in vodka (is it strong enough to extract those chemicals?)? Let´s say it is possible. How do I get to a double extraction? Using the same equision? I assume, the % will go down to 35 already during the 2 weeks. How do I have space then to introduce water extract into my tincture? Is it possible at all? Thanks a lot! This will solve the last bit of the mushroom-riddle! :)
Very nice video. I hate to be picky, but I think you were supposed to add 875 ml of pure water to the 750 of decoction. You want to more than half the alcohol %. The volume of diluent should be more than the original decoction/menstruum/effluent. That is why your final hydrometer reading is at 35%, not 30%. Sorry, I used to be a Chemistry teacher. :)
This is a wonderful tutorial! Can you do this method using dehydrated lion's mane instead of fresh? I'm growing some and I want to use a larger quantity but I'm waiting for my next flush and I think the ones I have will perish by then. I was planning to do a hot water extraction before but I found out you don't get the cognitive benefits from it so rookie mistake
YES, absolutely! The only difference when using dried plant or fungi material is that the ratio changes, as the dry mushroom contains virtually no water. So, instead of the 1:2 (mushroom to menstruum) ratio, you do anywhere from a 1:3 to a 1:5, 1:3 being more concentrated but giving you less yield. Hope this helps, reach out with any more questions and happy medicine making 🤓🧪❤️
Great video! One question -- wouldn't the alcohol basically just destroy the b-glucan? So hericenones, erinacenes and whatever other alcohol soluble compounds would be available but not the water soluble. Also, doesn't the lions mane have to be grown on wood?
I love this video but your second part on “pressing and getting pancake mushrooms”…. You need to show that step. It was super confusing. Im still confused on to how you got that…
So what if you do not have a press? Did I miss something? not sure how we could do this without a press? Can you help me understand how we could do this? The video was very well done in the overall explanation but I just wanted clarity on whether is this even possible without a press. thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks for the amazing video, super helpful! I was wondering if you have sent the tinctures to get lab tested just to see how potent the extract is? Cheers!
I did some research on this since you aren’t the first person to ask, and no it doesn’t denature the polysaccharides. But, you can always do the steps in reverse order, decoct the lions mane first then extract with alcohol (store the mushroom tea in the freezer while you do the alcohol extract).
I've seen other videos where they use a machine that heats up and reclaims the alcohol - taking it out of the mixture completely - just wondering what affect that has on the final tincture? Good / Bad - Indifferent? Great Video by the way. I really like the press option!
Wonderful tutorial! Like others have said, I didn't even realize it was a half hour long. Went by so quick and smoothly! Question! Since their is water in the mixture, what are the proper storing methods? Shelf life, ect? Can you just put it in a Mason jar and leave on a shelf, taking a spoonful here and there? Can tinctures spoil?
Pretty much all tinctures have some amount of water content. As long as the final etoh is 25% or higher it is shelf stable and will last years without refrigeration.
Yes! It’s a great and really affordable press that you can get new or used on eBay: www.google.com/shopping/product/5601763238339590572?q=welles.juice+press&client=safari&hl=en-us&biw=414&bih=697&tbs=vw:l,ss:44&prmd=msivn&sxsrf=ALeKk02Eyy2SOBHJDS1XLsvhOnfadxPQ9Q:1623550763204&prds=eto:9700170661720461118_0,cdl:1,prmr:1,cs:1 I also discuss using the press a lot in my infused oil video: th-cam.com/video/yMFpzzVbtFE/w-d-xo.html
I loved this, I have just started studying herbal medicine and making tinctures and have been growing lionsmane for a while, so this was perfect for me...one question though - how did you press the alcohol to make the pancakes?
Great question! I’ll hopefully be making them available on my website in the next couple of months but I use the Welles juice press, it’s awesome, and the cheapest thing out there if it’s kind Welles or Peoples Juice Press www.amazon.com/dp/B001ACDLX0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MR30FY12KY3RNF68M7SG
Thanks for the video and detailed explanation. One question that came up was, why do you do the alcohol extract first, rather than the hot water extraction? I read that hot water extraction should come first to break the chitin walls, which the alcohol cannot break. Thanks!
Thank you for the awesome feedback! Yes, I work with powders a lot. They’re harder to press out though. They are also great for the percolation method.
Great video, but the alcohol reading will be out, the alcohol hydrometer is only good for pure distilled spirits, having other components in the liquid will give a incorrect reading, secondly when you take a reading you need to take a temperature reading of the liquid and adjust according to the temperature
Hey Colleen! Great video. My question is for dried fruit. I’m assuming the ratio would be different for the tincture. Do you happen to know what that might be? thanks again for the great content.
Hey Scott! Thanks for the feedback, and yes, typically herbalists do dried herbs/fruits/mushrooms etc at anywhere in the range of 1:3 to 1:5, 1:3 being more concentrated but giving you less yield. Just out of curiosity, what dried fruits are you wanting to extract using this method?
She speaks clearly. She gets straight to the point. Take notes TH-camrs : THIS is how you do an instructional video!!!
@@kennetharmbruster awe thank you!!!!☺️ I have get a lot of negative comments so this is very well received 🤙🏼💐
Now this is how you make a video ! Right to the point, very informative , and well explained .
Thank you! I appreciate that!
FINALLY !!!!!!!! After spending years watching videos that left me scratching my head about ratios and why they are important. Dosage amounts All my questions answered in one video . Excellent work you did . I had one unanswered question and you answered it in the comment section. I am a forager here in Maine, I prefer drying prior to extracting. You had an excellent answer on that topic as well. I am not only impressed by your knowledge . It is refreshing the straight forward approach you take in simple explanations rather than including "filler" information. Thank You
Subscribed with only one thumbs up Lol
I just want you to know that even though I never commented on this, I come back to it time and time again for motivation! Thanks for your kind words 🥰
Why 30% or is that arbitrary? Off the shelf tinctures seem to sit anywhere between 20 and 30%. Is there a specific ratio of elements extracted using the water vs alcohol to achieve best medicinal effect?
If not, it seems to be generally 50/50.
In which case the maths whole not overly complicated seem to be unnecessary. Eg if my alcohol is anywhere between 60-70% I just go 1:1 and end up with a 30-35% tincture. Equally for those using lower potency alcohol say 47% OP rum on dried mushroom (so no excess water dilution) then going 1:1 will result in 20-23% tincture.
I assume at this stage Alcohol percentages are more to do when the taste?
Any thoughts on that are appreciated.
If using plain alcohol I also add pure vanilla essence to the water before cooling while still just warm.
@@HerbNerdSchool ⚗🧪🧫
@Titanium Quarrion If the alcohol % drops below 25% it will go bad.
You are great!!! Thank you so much all the questions popping in my head answered! Strait and clear thank you❤❤❤
I have to say, you piqued my interest from the very first words that came out of your mouth. Clean, concise, non-filling words. You're truly a remarkable teacher and speaker. Thank you so much for what you have to contribute to the world!
Wow, your comment MADE MY DAY!! Thanks for taking the time to share this with me, it means a lot 💓
@@HerbNerdSchool My goodness I can’t believe I’m just now seeing this after revisiting your video! You’re welcome and thank you!
it " peaked. "
@@HerbNerdSchoolBeauty, how to extract love hormones from ergot
@@HerbNerdSchoolWhere are the Lion's Mane Mushroom fungal spores and how to extract the fungal spore species value?
Love to see your take on a Moringa extract. That stuffs got a lot of hype recently, for good reason! Definitely recommend you look into it. From what I've read it's 4x richer source of Potassium than Bananas. Amazing stuff!
Dehydrate it first, then grind it up in a coffee or herb grinder, then put in the alcohol solvent, and spend $80 on an ultrasonic cleaner, takes 90 minutes instead of two weeks.
I have watched this about 100 times, and am totally inspired! I own a small mushroom company in Texas and grow a boatload of Lion's Mane for market. I dehydrate any that I don't sell [which is rare] and have been waiting to find a easily explained way to move toward tincture making. I bought a press on-line and it totally made the job of pressing so much easier. I reserved the menstruum and simmered it down for about 4 hours. I tried to press, but never got any clear liquid as you did.{any idea why?} So, I used fresh LM to make the decoction. I thought that by doing this, I'd probably get a stronger water extraction. Thank you for the math lesson. Very grateful for you.
Thank you for posting. If you put your mushroom and water mix in a clean cotton bag you can tie it up and hang it over a bowl and leave it overnight. The water part will be left in the bowl in the morning.
You dont need any mathematical equations to do this. Just keep adding the mushroom water mix to the alcohol mix until you read 30% with your hydrometer.
I love your press! Great info, just grew my first batch of Lion's Mane his week (yes, they're tasty to eat as well!). Thanks for the share!
Wow this is absolutely amazing. I love how you broke the math down and made it so easy for us to make tinctures. These things are a crucial part of our Health due to what our corrupt government puts in our food. Thank you for the knowledge
This was such an amazing video!! It was inspiring, educational and it was understandable! You did a wonderful job with this! I can not wait to try it. Also, please give your hubby a BIG THANKS for the formula! What a game changer!
As a compounding pharmaceutical chemist I was very interested in this "dilution equation" and was rather disappointed to learn it didn't exist and you were simply balancing a normal solve for x.
I could never teach others something that I know so little about, I would feel silly, like a fraud. You are very brave to do so.
If you are a Compounding Pharmaceutical Chemist, lend a hand here, what would an accurate "dilution equation" be for making the most effective tincture? Step up and help us all out please. We would love to hear some professionalism here. Ready, GO!!
umm this magical "dilution equation" is just year 8 mathematics, I think they call it solve for x. Like "if you know a/b = x/c , given a,b & c what is x?".
im sure a primary school teacher explains solve for x better but there's my attempt since you asked@@tylersathern1076
You’re playing with semantics
thats ok, im not anti-semantic at all!@@ProfI-i8m
By far the best double extraction instruction video I've seen.
@@chrissavidge2062 you rock 🫶🏼
Excellent content--precise, thorough, and pleasantly delivered!
I just found your channel - it's wonderful, thank you for sharing so much valuable information!
@@DeborahSophia369 hi! Happy you found me, and welcome!!
Awesome demo! That's a really slick press too!
I nearly passed you on when I saw the dum intro, so glad my hands were busy cooking! Fantastic, clear, precise video, absolutely perfect thank you! I've subscribed!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great tutorial! Thanks so much. Been wondering for years about ABV, ratios and the math.
You have some very useful information and for that I thank you. The only thing I'm struggling with is how diluted your final product is.
Thank you so much for this information. I have a couple pounds of dried lion's mane I've been saving. Now I can put it to use
BTW, they are delicious fresh, fried in avocado oil with salt and pepper.
That’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. Great video.
Man this is exactly what I was looking for
I love this video! Thank you so much! I just wish you had shown the first pressing. I don't understand how you would have put something so relatively liquid into a tray seemingly meant for fruits/solids. I've never used a presser before so maybe it would be more obvious once I have some experience.
Right, sorry about that! I usually run liquidy things like this through a fine mesh coffee filter before pressing the mass. Mr coffee makes one. I also have a pressing for infused oils that may offer some insight:
th-cam.com/video/yMFpzzVbtFE/w-d-xo.html
You didnt show the pressing? Anyone know of a comlete video?
Hot damn this is helpful! Without doubt the best explanation I've found for why each step is important in the process. Can I ask how you pressed the mushroom after the initial alcohol extraction?
haha, love your comment, thanks :) I use a hydraulic press. Sadly, the one I use is discontinued, but something like this could work: www.dhgate.com/product/12-22-36l-kitchen-grape-blueberry-mulberry/727711274.html?f=bm%7cGMC%7cpla%7c18242400154%7c%7c727711274%7c%7c019030007%7cUS%7clynn815%7cc%7c2%7c&GMC&gclid=CjwKCAiA3KefBhByEiwAi2LDHL8rerMqxi2TNY2PPUvVLokuzfe0Q-cAOICHB7dZ1qmW4uBnCvcGUxoCGB8QAvD_BwE
Update, the hydraulic press is now back in stock and can be purchased through my website! herbnerd.godaddysites.com/shop/ols/products/tincture-press
I started watching your tincture videos a month ago and I’m very grateful for all the information you shared with us. I ordered that awesome press you have for sell🤙
Rad! I’m glad you’re liking my content 😊
Holy cow! You explained everything so well! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us 🙂
Thank you!!!
Awesome video! Recently, I started to develop this curiosity for herbalism and alchemy/chemistry and it is SoOo amazing that I don’t have to pay anything for such information that you provided! Amazing details…
Subscribed & Liked and Stored!
You’re a pretty beautiful women… lol
Herbalism is life changing! Welcome 🤗
@@HerbNerdSchool Thank you 🤗
Great presentation, very thorough. Thanks!
It was really easy to understand and the instructions were clean, thank you for the video.
Yay, thanks for saying so! 🙌🏽
An investment in a sonicator would greatly reduce the time needed to make extractions as it breaks down the cell wall and allows the solvent to pull out more of the alkaloids/compounds in only an hour or less.
Cool, never tried that! Thanks for the tip, do you have a supplier you recommend?
@@HerbNerdSchool depends on your budget there's many different brands and wattage and different probes to use. Look up some videos on youtube of ppl making herbal extracts using them.
@@vidlover07 I wonder if an ultrasonic cleaner, like what's used for cleaning jewelry might do the same.... they can be relatively inexpensive.
@@blenderbenderguy it can do the same thing just the sound frequencies have to travel through another vessel inside the bath instead of the probe directly into the menstrum solution, might just take longer, sonication process on it's down does generate alot of heat
Fantastic video Colleen! After watching numerous videos that have left me confused as to exactly what I’m supposed to be doing you’ve simplified it beautifully. Thank you so much for the dilution equation. One thing that I did not quite catch is the amount of water used for the decoction. Can you please tell me how you determine the amount for water for the decoction part of the extraction?
Hi Gwen. Sorry I didn't cover that in the video. I would do a 1:5 to ensure you have enough volume to add back into the tincture.
You're just AMAZING!
Thank you for this video and for being so clear and concise 🙏
Awe…you’re amazing 😻
This was literally one of the best videos I hav eever seen in terms of contents. For someone who is a beginner in the world of herbalism, this brings quite an impressive note of seriousness to the tincture making tutorials because they are usually the DIY homesteading videos (also cool of course) and this is showing you the science behind the process thus raising the credibility of the video.
Thank you very much.
I have a quick question though.
I have browsed the comments and noticed that the same can be done if we use the powdered mushroom rather than the fresh fruiting body except the ratio would be 1:5 (mushroom:alcohol). Am I correct?
Also, once we have created the double-extracted tincture, may we dilute it even more just for the sake of practicality if we will use the droppers. (I don't mind shaking them :) ). How do we figure out what the dosage would need to be though?
Thanks in advance.
Hey, thanks for all of your kind words!
You’re correct, dry herbs/fungus are all extracted typically at 1:5, although I’ve done them at 1:3 as well (more concentrated but better for bigger batches).
Yes, if you keep it in the fridge you can dilute it further. Actually the more you dilute with your decoction, the more likely the polysaccharides will stay in solution, but keep it in the fridge and use it up as it will be more susceptible to mold.
Great video.
How long can the final product be stored in the fridge!
Do you use Everclear or vodka or ...
Thanks!
@@logiclab1 you don’t have to store in the fridge, it contains alcohol and is shelf stable as long as your final etoh is 25% or higher. I use an organic cane alcohol for the organic alcohol company. It is 95% alcohol, and gets diluted down by the fresh mushroom and the decocted tea.
Thank you so much for this beautiful video, I enjoyed very much, and can see what it is that I needed to learn to make better tincture of Lions mane.
Thank you for clarifying. Great video, it was very informative and well put together.
Thanks for the feedback 🙏🏻❤️
Hi! I am planning to try to grow Lions Mane and do the tincture for my MS. I have never done anything like that before and I have a question: I don't have one of that pressure-making-tool you have, what could I use? And also, is the final tincture you are showing ready to consume?
You can press by hand, or some people use a potato masher although I’ve never had much luck with those. And yes, the final extract is ready to consume!
Loved your video. Please make more of these type videos
Amazing video, so informative and you are a fantastic teacher! 💚🌿
Thank you so much!
That was really owesome.
I need a press like that or bigger for my cosmetic extracts
Awesome video 🙌
When using a filter wet it first with alcohol to strain. The good stuff won’t stick to the filter if wet with alcohol first
Amazing info Colleen!!! You are a brilliant teacher
Thank you Emma!!
Maybe it would be much easier to dehydrate lions mane for example in the oven for a while and we could skip hydrometer step? Also different levels of alcohol would be required for dried mushrooms because they lost most of the water? Correct me if im wrong. Preparing to make a tincture and trying to figure out the best way:)
Thank you so much for this video. I’m in the process of making a lions mane tincture using freeze dried mushrooms and I didn’t know how to do the math
Fantastic presentation great teacher 👏😁
don't throw it away while everything is done, make vinegar from it :just add cool bolied sweet water ( 4 tbsp for 1 liter of water), cover with clean cloth and tie (protect from insects), stir once daliy with clean wooden spoon for about two weeks, after 3 weeks it's ready to use, it can stand for a long time
I can see that everyone feels the same, after watching so many videos on herbs and tincture making you have finally made one that leaves no questions!! Very well done and I am excited to be a new subscriber to your channel and to see what else I can learn from you!
I have one question, where can I find that hydraulic press you are using? Thanks again and keep up the great work!!
HI, thanks for your kind words
From all the videos I’ve watched must of them are first timers and really have no idea what they’re doing. I appreciate this woman’s knowledge and professionalism ❤
Thanks, very helpful vid. I learned the dilution equation! Awesome! Thanks for doing this.
Curious to learn which hydraulic press you use and what is a good place to purchase lion's mane mushroom.
I purchase mine fresh from Whole Foods or Fresh Market where I live. But they have fresh lions mane on Etsy that is shipped. I use the store BristolMushrooms.
The hydraulic press I use is finally back in stock and can be purchased through my website! herbnerd.godaddysites.com/shop/ols/products/tincture-press
I grew my own lions mane from a kit, but Ive also found it dried online.
Very nice instructional video. My only concern would be the pretty insignificant amount of mushroom material contained within the final product (pesky maths, dividing that original pound of mushrooms by 128oz, and again by the dropper volume). Bioavailability goes up through extraction, but I believe the clinical studies were also using extracted lions mane at a rate of several grams per day. If a dropper holds about 1/30th of an ounce, that’s effectively .1g of fruiting body per dose, thirty times less than in the studies. Which I believe is why most products have a final stage of significant concentration, lest the customer mostly be buying alcohol, water, and placebo. Anyhow, I’ll definitely be using some of your excellent methodology when I extract my mushrooms, although I’ll probably recapture the alcohol and concentrate down to a powder (pending further research). Thanks for the video!
I really appreciate this perspective, traditional herbal medicine making techniques can certainly benefit from more modern extraction equipment. If/when you find an affordable way to dehydrate tincture at home please keep me in the loop!
I've considered distilling the final tincture but have no clue if anything is lost in the process besides ethanol and water. So I'd be curious also as to what your pending research turns up. Thanks!
@@HerbNerdSchool can a 1:1 or 1:2 alcohol ratio be used on dried mushrooms and not a 1:5 on raw? this would probably 10x the concentration
or is there a min alcohol concentration to use?
@@blenderbenderguy - You shouldn’t lose any of the heavier mushroom molecules. Plus, you get to recapture your alcohol if you’ve got a condenser hooked up, so it’s really a win win :)
So Brandon, I think I get what you are saying; If I, for example, was interested in taking 3g of mushroom per day I would need to take 8.4ml of the tincture. Seems like a more concentrated tincture would be more efficient or cost effective. Do you think an extraction starting with dry mushroom as suggested below would work, and if so, do you have suggestions on changes to the rest of the ingredient volumes?
I am ur subscriber now...crystal clear extraction process...
yay!! welcome to the fam :)
Did you measure the polysaccharides, how did you find out that they really came out of the chitin?
I used this same process for making my Reishi extract thank you so much
thank you for such a clear video!
Thank you for an amazing instructional video!!!
Thanks for saying so 🥰
Thank you so much! finally someone explaining the ratios and the a proper tek to extract! not like all the others "add this much and this much and is good" thank you to take the time to explain the quantity and the reasons behind it and really explain EVERYTHING that we need to know to make our own tinctures properly! :)
you are welcome! Its what I love to do ;)
Hi I'm wondering if my tinctures can be salvaged. I just got my hydrometer and used it to test my products. Only to discover the alcohol by volume is way too low :(( also the tinctures were made over a year ago and I'm wondering if they are ruined!! Ughh,...I'm so discouraged 😞 this is probably a silly question but, can alcohol be added to bring up the ABV? Thx for your excellent videos.
Hi. My headphones don't work on this tablet. I know you're making sense, but can you explain another question? What is a midi-meter? Cheesecloth vs sweatshirt? Heckler vs Interested party to share in your knowledge? Oh, congratulations in developing new life! :)
QUESTION;
Why did you add the alcohol to the 2nd blender of Lions Mane? Instead, blend the Lions Mane, strain all the water out of the blended Lions Mane. Get rid of the water. Then weigh the Lions Mane again, this starts you out correctly measuring the mushroom weight, then add times 2 alcohol milliliters. ???
Shake for 2 weeks, there's your first extract. Correct???
Impressive thank you very much for this video
I am amazed you have not contaminated your work.
Wauw this is such a powerful and well explained instruction video. Thank you so much for this share of knowledge. Absolutely appreciate it :-))
thanks for saying so :) Glad it was helpful!
You are a wonderful teacher. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Hi Colleen great video thank you. Quick question where can I buy that press? Thank you
Hi! Sadly the press has been out of stock since 2020 😞
@@HerbNerdSchool ah no that sucks thank you
@@jaapvandermerwe I know where you can get it from 👉 BENJIDELICS. Dunno if you've heard about em before
I probably missed it. But what was your calculation for amount of water to use when beginning the hotwater decocktion? Great video overall, very well articulated! Beautiful control of the English language.
I get this question a lot so I added this info into the description
I absolutely love your teaching style. I read all the comments hoping to find my answer. Is it better to use fresh marc for the decoction and tincture? Also, I couldn't figure out where you got the 800+ ML of liquid that you measured and added to your decoction. The liquid in the hydrometer? Where did it come from? (29.02 minutes) then you put the whole decoction into your tincture. I am lost. How do you know if you simmer enough of the water away when making your decoction. Thanks for this amazing video.
What is the recommended daily dosage? I make Turkey Tail tea and started the alcohol extraction for a tincture. Is 30% alcohol recommended for for all dual extraction tinctures? Appreciate the precise information.
2-3 mls (droppers full) 3 times a day. I’d say go as low as you can, we usually don’t like to go below 25%, but the more decoction, the more likely your polysaccharides will stay in solution 👍🏽
Would love to see someone make a real 1:5 double extraction. Everyone adds the decoction to get the final alcohol percentage right (25-35%) but doesn’t take in account the final ratio.
Been trying to make a 1:5, 30% tincture but the problem is always the same: not enough alcohol to cover the plant material …
Could you share the make and model of the press? Thank you - LOVED this video
Would love to know how working with a dried product would be different
How do you determine a good daily dosage of the final product? Does the final mixture of alcohol and water extract offer the optimal amounts of both methods? What about keeping both extracts separate, then adding alcohol to just the water based as a preservative so you can dose it individually?
2-3 mls two times a day. Yes, you could separate out the two, but I made this video to explain the process for making a double extract tincture.
Amazing! Thank you
Lovely, informative video!
I am curious, for this tincture why must the alcohol extraction take place first? Or is it fine to start with the water extraction? Either way, I am able to understand your process in this video. Can't wait to extract some mushrooms!
Thanks so much ❤
Very clear and descriptive! It's interesting to hear that the polysaccharides aren't lost in a dual extraction where the alcohol % is too high, I've been struggling to find an answer to that. Just wondering what can you do to use the leftover mushroom solids at the end of the process?
Yes, double extracts are the secret to capturing those polysaccharides!
Once you’re done with the double extract, the mushroom material is void of nutrients so it’s pretty much compost...OR Here’s an fun article on making mushroom paper with your left over pulp:
namyco.org/paper_from_fungi_basics.php
@MushroomHobby Could you please share those readings with me? I'm very interested in this. Thanks!!
Which brand of hydrometer do you recommend? Thank you for the sharing your knowledge and the video!
Hey,
Brilliant video, well explained, very clear and easy to follow! Thank you for this! You are the first one I found in loong time!
I have 2 questions, there is so much confusion out there about this, and I trust you can bring light on this.
1. Fresh or dried?
2. 95% or less is enough? What exactly are we extracting with the alcohol?'
3. What is the equision then for double extraction
Using fresh lion´s mane I understand it is essential to use 95% alcohol or else it will be like trying to extract the components in beer.
Btw, what are those chemical we are juicing out?
Is it possible to use dried lion´s mane (does it still have all the goodness?) and extract it in vodka (is it strong enough to extract those chemicals?)?
Let´s say it is possible. How do I get to a double extraction? Using the same equision? I assume, the % will go down to 35 already during the 2 weeks. How do I have space then to introduce water extract into my tincture? Is it possible at all?
Thanks a lot! This will solve the last bit of the mushroom-riddle! :)
Hi..thank you for the video.
I have a question. How did you decide the volume of water for the decoction for dissolving the pressed mushroom?
I usually do a 1:10 (pressed weight to water) to start, you loose a LOT of water and want to be sure you have enough for the final extract.
@@HerbNerdSchool Thank you. Kindly let me know how to contact you for further help in the process
Very nice video.
I hate to be picky, but I think you were supposed to add 875 ml of pure water to the 750 of decoction. You want to more than half the alcohol %. The volume of diluent should be more than the original decoction/menstruum/effluent. That is why your final hydrometer reading is at 35%, not 30%. Sorry, I used to be a Chemistry teacher. :)
wished you showed how you pressed mushroom mixture
This is a wonderful tutorial! Can you do this method using dehydrated lion's mane instead of fresh? I'm growing some and I want to use a larger quantity but I'm waiting for my next flush and I think the ones I have will perish by then. I was planning to do a hot water extraction before but I found out you don't get the cognitive benefits from it so rookie mistake
YES, absolutely! The only difference when using dried plant or fungi material is that the ratio changes, as the dry mushroom contains virtually no water. So, instead of the 1:2 (mushroom to menstruum) ratio, you do anywhere from a 1:3 to a 1:5, 1:3 being more concentrated but giving you less yield. Hope this helps, reach out with any more questions and happy medicine making 🤓🧪❤️
Great video! One question -- wouldn't the alcohol basically just destroy the b-glucan? So hericenones, erinacenes and whatever other alcohol soluble compounds would be available but not the water soluble. Also, doesn't the lions mane have to be grown on wood?
I love this video but your second part on “pressing and getting pancake mushrooms”…. You need to show that step. It was super confusing. Im still confused on to how you got that…
So what if you do not have a press? Did I miss something? not sure how we could do this without a press? Can you help me understand how we could do this? The video was very well done in the overall explanation but I just wanted clarity on whether is this even possible without a press. thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks for the amazing video, super helpful! I was wondering if you have sent the tinctures to get lab tested just to see how potent the extract is? Cheers!
I have not, but would be interested to see!
Thank you very much for the video. I have a question though, doesn’t the high concentration of alcohol ruin the polysaccharides in the mushroom?
I did some research on this since you aren’t the first person to ask, and no it doesn’t denature the polysaccharides. But, you can always do the steps in reverse order, decoct the lions mane first then extract with alcohol (store the mushroom tea in the freezer while you do the alcohol extract).
@@HerbNerdSchool thank you, i really appreciate it.
I've seen other videos where they use a machine that heats up and reclaims the alcohol - taking it out of the mixture completely - just wondering what affect that has on the final tincture? Good / Bad - Indifferent? Great Video by the way. I really like the press option!
Thank you. Very helpful video =)
Wonderful tutorial! Like others have said, I didn't even realize it was a half hour long. Went by so quick and smoothly! Question! Since their is water in the mixture, what are the proper storing methods? Shelf life, ect? Can you just put it in a Mason jar and leave on a shelf, taking a spoonful here and there? Can tinctures spoil?
Pretty much all tinctures have some amount of water content. As long as the final etoh is 25% or higher it is shelf stable and will last years without refrigeration.
You skipped how you pressed the LM out of the alcohol. Did you use the same press you used with the water decoction?
Yes! It’s a great and really affordable press that you can get new or used on eBay:
www.google.com/shopping/product/5601763238339590572?q=welles.juice+press&client=safari&hl=en-us&biw=414&bih=697&tbs=vw:l,ss:44&prmd=msivn&sxsrf=ALeKk02Eyy2SOBHJDS1XLsvhOnfadxPQ9Q:1623550763204&prds=eto:9700170661720461118_0,cdl:1,prmr:1,cs:1
I also discuss using the press a lot in my infused oil video: th-cam.com/video/yMFpzzVbtFE/w-d-xo.html
so what was the "pressing part"???
Thank you!
I loved this, I have just started studying herbal medicine and making tinctures and have been growing lionsmane for a while, so this was perfect for me...one question though - how did you press the alcohol to make the pancakes?
Great question! I’ll hopefully be making them available on my website in the next couple of months but I use the Welles juice press, it’s awesome, and the cheapest thing out there if it’s kind Welles or Peoples Juice Press www.amazon.com/dp/B001ACDLX0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MR30FY12KY3RNF68M7SG
Inspirational!
Thanks for the video and detailed explanation. One question that came up was, why do you do the alcohol extract first, rather than the hot water extraction? I read that hot water extraction should come first to break the chitin walls, which the alcohol cannot break. Thanks!
Yes you can absolutely do it in the reverse order
You did an amazing job breaking this down!!! Thank you so very much! I did have a few questions. Can you do this method with powders?
Thank you for the awesome feedback! Yes, I work with powders a lot. They’re harder to press out though. They are also great for the percolation method.
Great video, but the alcohol reading will be out, the alcohol hydrometer is only good for pure distilled spirits, having other components in the liquid will give a incorrect reading, secondly when you take a reading you need to take a temperature reading of the liquid and adjust according to the temperature
Helpful video.
Hey Colleen! Great video. My question is for dried fruit. I’m assuming the ratio would be different for the tincture. Do you happen to know what that might be? thanks again for the great content.
Hey Scott! Thanks for the feedback, and yes, typically herbalists do dried herbs/fruits/mushrooms etc at anywhere in the range of 1:3 to 1:5, 1:3 being more concentrated but giving you less yield. Just out of curiosity, what dried fruits are you wanting to extract using this method?