In this review, we will take a look at the top 10 Reishi mushroom tinctures on the market and their potential benefits to your health and well being.
Thought to promote wellness and increase longevity, reishi mushrooms have been consumed since around 221 BC, where they were reserved for Chinese royalty. As a supplement, tinctures made from reishi contain compounds that may help you live a healthier lifestyle. In this article, we have listed some of the best reishi tinctures on the market. Following the review, we outline more about this incredible species, including its potential benefits and possible side effects. If you are looking to incorporate reishi mushrooms into your everyday routine, Keep reading to learn more.
1. North Spore Reishi Mushroom Extract
North Spore is committed to all-natural and high-quality mushroom products, foraging their own reishi mushrooms specifically from woodland areas in Maine. Their mushroom extract is meant to be taken up to three times a day, or whenever its specific health and wellness benefits are needed. They take pride in their tincture-making process, which involves soaking the reishi mushrooms in an alcohol bath for an entire month to extract as much of their beneficial properties as possible. Then, the double-extraction process is continued by using a hot water decoction method, which allows for the extraction of water-soluble as well as alcohol-soluble mushroom properties.
2. Life Cykel Reishi Mushroom with Australian Wild Harvested Kakadu Plum Liquid Extract
Life Cykel formulated this reishi mushroom extract specifically to aid in relaxation and stress relief. They grow their own mushrooms and produce the tincture from a farm in Byron Bay, Australia, and the company is committed to creating high-quality and safe products that are always vegan-friendly as well as non-GMO. Thanks to the addition of wild Kakadu plum in this tincture, the formulation includes essential antioxidants and high levels of vitamin C. Life Cykel recommends taking this supplement twice a day by adding 1ml drops into water, juice, smoothies, or other beverages.
3. Hawaii Pharm Reishi Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract
Hawaii Pharm’s reishi mushroom tincture is entirely alcohol-free, using a base of vegetable palm glycerin to carry the extract. The company uses only ethically-sourced and organic reishi mushrooms and other ingredients in their tinctures along with purified water. This tincture is highly concentrated, with a ratio of 1:3 dried mushroom to carrier liquid, allowing users to get a more potent dose of the mushrooms themselves. Hawaii Pharm suggests taking 20-30 drops of the tincture three times a day, either placed directly into the mouth or diluted in a beverage of choice to make the glycerin more palatable.
4. Host Defense Reishi Extract
Host Defense makes all-natural reishi mushroom tinctures that go directly from the forest to their farm, and then on to their customers. They only use certified organic mushrooms that have been grown and harvested sustainably in the United States. The beneficial properties of the reishi mushrooms are then extracted through an alcohol soaking process and diluted into tincture form. This tincture may promote cardiovascular health and aid in immunity when taken in 45 drop doses twice a day, as recommended by the company.
5. Uphoric Urth Reishi Mushroom Extract Tincture
Uphoric Urth created their reishi mushroom tincture to aid in immunity support, lower blood pressure, and relieve stress naturally and holistically. They use a double-extraction method when working with the mushrooms, creating a tincture that can be quickly and easily absorbed by the body in highly concentrated liquid form. The company produces all of its tinctures in small batches, paying close attention to detail throughout the process to deliver a product that has been formulated with care. All of the mushrooms used in this tincture are grown sustainably in upstate New York, and the tinctures themselves are vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Uphoric Urth suggests taking this supplement three times a day in full-dropper doses.
6. Dragon Herbs Wild Reishi Mushroom Super Potency Extract
Dragon Herbs creates their tinctures using only reishi mushrooms that have grown completely wild in the mountains and have never been interfered with. They seek to produce a completely pure, safe, and additive-free product, and their tinctures only include mountain-collected red reishi mushroom fruiting bodies, water, and grain alcohol. The company suggests taking 3-12 droppers of the tincture a day as desired for overall health and longevity benefits.
7. Harmonic Arts Reishi Mushroom Tincture
Harmonic Arts formulates their tincture using organic cane alcohol, distilled water, and reishi mushroom extracts, creating a pure product that is safe for consumption and daily supplementation. They use a dual-extraction method, first soaking the reishi mushrooms in the cane alcohol for extraction and then extracting remaining the mushroom properties through hot water. This creates a tincture that is incredibly easy for the body to absorb and use as a health and wellness supplement.
8. Woodland Essence Reishi Extract
Woodland Essence is committed to using minimal ingredients in their reishi mushroom tincture and always focuses on the highest quality raw materials. To create the best reishi mushroom tinctures, the company uses only dried reishi mushrooms, certified organic and non-GMO cane alcohol, and pure Adirondack water. The mushrooms are harvested during the early summer months from Eastern Hemlock tree groves, where they grow naturally and in abundance. The company then uses a double-extraction method (alcohol and water) to create the tincture. It can be taken in 20-30 drop doses twice a day or as needed.
9. Tonic Tinctures Reishi Mushroom Tincture
Tonic Tinctures creates an alcohol-based reishi mushroom tincture that has been formulated to reduce stress, boost mood, and aid in overall health and immunity. The company commits itself to creating tinctures that are highly-concentrated so that users can absorb as much of the benefits from the mushrooms as possible, and they take pride in the potency of their product. This tincture should be taken in 1-3 droppers full up to three times a day, as recommended by the manufacturer.
10. Earth’s Cure Reishi Mushroom Tincture (Stress + Sleep)
Earth’s Cure has formulated their reishi mushroom tincture specifically to aid in stress reduction, insomnia, and other mood and sleep-related issues. They take special care in creating each batch of their product, which undergoes a 100-day process. The tincture uses completely wild-grown and certified organic reishi mushrooms in USP-grade cane alcohol. Earth’s Cure suggests using this product by placing one dropper directly under the tongue or diluting it in a beverage of choice either before bed or upon waking up.
More Information About Reiki Mushrooms
Scientific Name: Ganoderma lucidum
Other Names: lingzhi mushroom, queen of mushrooms, mushroom of immortality
Culinary or medicinal: Medicinal
Where They Grow: Reiki mushrooms grow at the base of deciduous trees, particularly that of maple. However, it is rare to find them in their natural form, and only one out of 10,000 aged trees will have Reiki growth. To make Reiki products for the marketplace, the spores are cultivated on wood chips, sawdust, or hardwood logs.
What Are the Potential Health Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms?
Reishi contains two important compounds: polysaccharides and triterpenes.
Polysaccharides
These are complex sugars that store energy, send signals between cells, and provide cellular support.
Beta-D-Glucans is a specific type of polysaccharide that is thought to stimulate immunity and potentially fight cancer. A study on patients with advanced-stage cancer showed that this compound significantly increased specific white blood cells called natural killer cells, which help fight infection and disease.
Interestingly, in Japan, the government lists reishi as a cancer treatment. However, in the US, it is not approved as such, and more human trials are necessary.
Another study conducted on breast cancer patients experiencing fatigue demonstrated significant improvements in both fatigue and overall well-being. Many patients even reported a marked decrease in depression and anxiety and a better quality of life.
Interestingly, in Japan, the government lists reishi as a cancer treatment. However, in the US, it is not approved as such, and more human trials are necessary.
Triterpenes
Triterpenes are chemical compounds comprised of three terpenes together. Reishi mushrooms produce a unique group of triterpenes called ganoderic acids that act similar to steroid hormones. They have anti-inflammatory properties, inhibit the release of histamine, and have been shown to prevent liver damage.
What Do People Use Reishi Mushrooms For?
The traditional medical systems of Japan, China, Korea, and other Asian countries use Reishi mushrooms for many health conditions. Anecdotally, western consumers take them for a variety of ailments including:
• Cancer and leukemia
• Allergies
• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Flu Prevention
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• HIV/AIDS
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Inflammation
• Diabetes
• Insomnia
• Hepatitis
• Candida
It is important to note that while many of the scientific studies conducted on reishi mushrooms show strong evidence of its therapeutic benefits, much of the research is still inconclusive. Additional trials are needed.
Are There Any Side Effects of Taking Reishi Mushroom Supplements?
Everything you consume (including everyday foods and beverages) can have adverse effects. If you decide to try reishi mushroom supplements, keep in mind that there may be side effects such as dry mouth, stomach upset, itching, loose stools, and other minor issues.
However, reishi can also increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, if you are taking blood thinners like warfarin, you should not take reishi supplements. Since reishi is thought to lower blood pressure, you should also not take it if you are on blood pressure medications without consulting your doctor. Additionally, if you are undergoing chemotherapy or have other serious health conditions, you should speak with a healthcare practitioner before taking reishi preparations.
Finally, If you are allergic to mushrooms, you should never take any mushroom-sourced supplements.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
All content at Best Choice Reviews concerning mushrooms or other health related matters are for informational purposes only and are not to be considered as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If a reader has further questions about the use of these products, we encourage them to consult with a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider. The information included here is for informational purposes only and Best Choice Reviews is not responsible for inappropriate use of these products.
Related:
Top 10 Best Cordyceps Mushroom Tinctures
Top 10 Best Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tinctures
March 2020
By BCR Staff
