How to Make a Chaga Tincture

9/8/2013

A tincture is an alcoholic derivative of a plant, herb or mushroom. Tinctures are effective in extracting the medicinal compounds and preserving them for long periods of time. Tinctures are useful in that they are easy to use, they are quickly absorbed, and easily added to drinks, recipes etc. In this demonstration I am making a Chaga Tincture. If using herbs, skip the heating part and just store after straining.
Ingredients: Chaga & Vodka.
1. Fill a glass jar with ground chaga, any size will work depending on how much you want to make.
2. After adding chaga, fill the jar to the top with vodka.
3. Put the cap on and let sit for 3 weeks. Patience my friend.
4. Pour contents of jar into small saucepan. Add 2 times the amount of water as chaga/vodka mixture (2:1). Cook on medium low heat for 30 minutes.
5. Strain the chaga out of liquid. Repeat step 4. Add the water and cook another 30 minutes (yes, 2:1 again)
6. Cool, and store in glass or ceramic jar.
There you have it! A tincture. 1 tsp is plenty to add to a single 8 oz drink (coffee, tea or by taken by itself).
*Want to know more about Chaga? You can purchase from my country store tab (top) and read about it under the month of July 2013.
I also make Chaga into body care products. I (ModernRoots) am the first skin care developer with using Chaga! High in anti-oxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals...it would be a shame to exclude our skin! Chaga Eye cream/serum here, Northwoods Chaga Soap, Chaga face cream, luminescent eye serum, Bronzing Chaga Body Lotion, and chaga hand cream here are just a few of the many chaga products at ModernRoots. Try for yourself to experience the high antioxidants on your skin.

123 Comments

Audrey

9/14/2013 10:53:47 am

I met you today at the buffalo farmers market. We talked briefly of Chaga tincture & you gave me your card and told me of your recipe on your website to which i heartily thank you. You also showed me your ground Chaga. I am wondering which method you use to or how you grind the Chaga?

Meg!

9/14/2013 11:24:16 am

Hi Audrey :) I grind my Chaga using a commercial coffee grinder... the small grinders will work, however they burn out quick and don't do that great of a job. Hope that helps! It was nice meeting you --Meg

Audrey

9/14/2013 10:59:32 am

Continued about grinding Chaga
I wonder as it seems like more benefit can be extracted from using ground rather then larger chunks, for one more can fit into the jar. Am I wrong to think this? Is there a mechanical device that can handle the chunks with out wrecking the device? (I have a blendtec, will that work or do you know?). I appreciate any advice you may have & thank you very much! Do you sell tincture as well. Thank you. Audrey Miller

Audrey

9/14/2013 10:59:51 am

Audrey

9/14/2013 11:00:05 am

Meg! link

1/5/2014 07:52:58 am

Hi Audrey! I just saw these replies...not sure why but to answer you question- I would not use a blend tec for fear of ruining it. A small coffee grinder works and YES smaller the grind, the more displacement = more release of everything good. :)

Paula

11/2/2013 10:53:25 pm

Can you sweeten the tincture with anything when you make it? I know some tinctures are made with glycerine and they are not so strong.

Meg!

11/2/2013 11:25:22 pm

Yes, you can add Stevia, leaves or liquid you can purchase. Stevia is very sweet so don't do too much. You can also use this tincture to add to tea's that are sweetened with honey etc. It keeps the best as is but stevia shouldn't hurt it. This is an intense highly concentrated tincture - therefore a little goes a long way :)

Dan Bergsven

1/5/2014 11:59:37 am

Paula,
In step 5 you say to strain the chaga out of the liquid and repeat step 4. When you repeat the step are you adding the new water to the chaga or the liquid that was strained out?

Meg! link

1/23/2014 10:13:11 am

To the water- with the chaga out of it. That way you don't run the risk of burning the Chaga- not pleasant tasting- You can keep the grinds of chaga to make a couple batches of tea with or use it on your garden beds :)

Tom

5/3/2014 08:20:01 pm

I am trying to get this right. So if you start out with 1 cup of chaga/vodka, step 4 would require 2 cups of water bringing the total amount to 3 cups. When repeating step 4 would you add an additional 2 cups or would you add 6 because you now are doing a 2:1 with 3 cups or do you stay with the original 2:1 with 1 cup?

Meg!

5/29/2014 11:42:29 am

Stick with the 2:1 ratio. I don't know what your measurements you are using but, just add the same amount of water you in step five as you did in step 4.

Alfred

5/28/2014 01:55:08 pm

I'm working with chaga I picked in the woods of northern Maine. Do I need to dry the chaga before adding alcohol? I grated the fresh mushroom rather than chunk it & grind it later. Thanks for your reply!

Meg!

5/29/2014 11:40:35 am

If you have the right mushroom- it feels dry from the get go. It looks and feels like a burnt, dry piece of wood. If you have the right one and it's wet? then it does not matter when you add it to the alcohol.

Alfred

5/29/2014 11:55:51 pm

Thanks, Meg. It's definitely Cinder Conk.The one I grated is big enough that I won't use it all right away. I'll probably store the unused powder in the freezer. If the first batch of tincture works, I'll process the rest.I had some chunks a couple of years ago that molded in a jar. It's important enough that I don't want to waste any!

Dennis

6/7/2014 03:48:54 pm

Hi, Meg! I'm confused about the order in which to make the extract. Some sites state that you must first make the decoction, as the heat is needed to break down the chitin and to allow the beneficial constituents to be extracted by the alcohol. Other sites, such as yours, suggest extracting with alcohol first. Could you clarify why you do it this way?

Meg link

6/7/2014 10:16:27 pm

Hi Dennis- by decoction you mean water first correct? I have done it this way too- except if left with water for 3 weeks, there is nothing to kill bad bacteria and mold can grow. You CAN place the chaga is a double broiler with water and cook it in the oven for 7-8 hours in the oven on 170 - 200 F. Keep covered so you don't loose much of the water- you will need to add back a bit of the water in this process so it doesn't go dry. THEN , strain and do the cooking with the vodka- Just add the same qty of vodka to the chaga mix and cook 30 minutes.
I do it the way I do in the recipe because it has always worked for me that way and I get a potent tincture. I also think that it is with herbs that you mention the other sites- when I do my herbs I often pour boiling water on them first, however, chaga is different and can sit for long periods with alcohol to extract. Even with the first boiling of chaga in this recipe will break down the chitin.

pat

7/8/2014 04:17:35 am

What I do is make a chaga tonic with just water boiling for about 20 minutes then strain and enjoy. I then strain the ground and keep in freezer until I have enough to fill a jar and fill with alcohol as meg published. I then cooked for 30 minutes only once though at a 1:1 ratio the chaga/vodka and water just to evaporate most of the alcohol. I dont see much difference in this method either than it may be less potent since its second use but I seem to drain all the nutrients from the chaga grounds.

Pam Johnson link

8/7/2014 06:12:04 pm

We just made our first batch of chaga tincture...it is so strong! We put the chaga with the vodka, left it in the dark, shook it every day...for a month! Then we started taking some...it is so strong...what are we doing wrong? Thank you! Pam

Meg! link

8/7/2014 10:26:26 pm

Hi Pam!!
Did you boil out the vodka and keep adding water like in my recipe? The tincture is a very strong version of a watered hot tea drink but as a tincture, alcohol is used to extract medicinal qualities.
You only need up to 2 tsp of it a day. Or one vile full.

Lula

8/10/2014 09:18:19 am

Hi Meg, Hopefully you will have some recomendations. I value using the concentrated herbal tinctures but I really, really, really dislike taking alcohol. I usually boil water separately and add it to the extract in attempt to evaporate the alcohol. The results are okay. I wondered if I am destroying the herbal benefits and if you have another idea for alcohol haters?

Meg

4/21/2015 05:30:36 am

you can just use water but then you need to refrigerate and store only for up to 1 month before it will mold.

Emily Michaud

5/3/2016 04:46:02 pm

Is there anything you can add to it like more alcohol or glycerine to preserve this?

Lula

8/12/2014 01:55:27 am

Hi Meg, Hopefully you will have some recomendations. I value using the concentrated herbal tinctures but I really, really, really dislike taking alcohol. I usually boil water separately and add it to the extract in attempt to evaporate the alcohol. This removes some of the alcohol. Do you have better suggestion for alcohol haters? Does this diminish the medicinal benefits too much?

Meg!

10/5/2014 09:36:13 am

Yes, you can just use water and boil it for about 6 hours, adding water back in as it evaporates. Strain, jar and put in fridge. Use within 2 months.

Allison

9/6/2014 12:07:27 pm

I've read in some places heating over 125 kills the medicinal properties

Meg

11/6/2015 12:59:53 pm

getting a good extraction under 125 is hard, but true- it should not be boiled hard. Very light simmer to just warming is sufficient.
Really under 170 is best.

jody foster

3/1/2022 10:20:37 am

Hello Meg, I've been doing the dual extraction method to make tinctures. But.,now wonder if I'm doing it wrong. So on step 4 rather than adding water reducing the alcohol/chaga mixture. I separate the two first, then add my double amount of H2O to the chaga only. Reduce till I have equal parts alcohol to water. Then I strain the chaga from the water and combine the two liquids. Is this correct? Thank you so darn much for sharing your time and knowledge to help others. God bless you #MushroomFantasies

Tony

9/14/2014 12:54:01 am

I made the tincture described above and it worked great...thank you. However, I ended up with a large supply, and I am currently storing it in mason jars. Long term does the tincture need to be refrigerated or frozen?

Thank you. Tony Gray

Meg!

10/5/2014 09:37:42 am

Hi Tony- No, I have had a couple of mine on the shelf for over a year. However, If you feel like it will last longer, the freezer is a great option.
Cheers

Robin

9/17/2014 03:31:11 am

I was advised to use Everclear or grain alcohol (higher alcohol content) as opposed to vodka, which is only 40% alcohol when making my tincture. Am I right to reduce the water in this recipe to take into consideration that the vodka already has 60% water in it?

Meg

11/6/2015 12:58:50 pm

yep, reduce the water if you are using only 40%- You will do less simmering too. Everclear is great to use, just not available in every state.

Kelly

9/23/2014 10:25:42 pm

Just wondering in the first step when you say "fill" the jar with Chaga, does that mean fill to the top? Also I have some chaga that we picked 8 month ago, we have not used it all, is it still good to ground up or does it go bad? Thanks!

Meg!

10/5/2014 09:39:38 am

Yes, fill to the top- It should be fine 8 months old. If it starts to smell mildewy, it isn't good anymore. Next time, grind all of it and throw in the freezer or the large pieces put into the freezer - take out as needed to make tinctures, tea etc.

Cheryl Petersen

7/10/2017 02:14:02 pm

Wouldn't putting the Chaga in the freezer cause it to become moist and cause it to mildew? I'm wondering if I should put it in zip locks or mason jars?

john

10/2/2014 05:58:35 am

I need to clarify the first 2 steps. So say I use a full level cup of loose ground chaga, then add vodka to the same jar until the vodka just covers the chaga. Is that correct?

john

10/3/2014 04:48:59 am

Or do you use 1 part ground chaga to 2 parts vodka for the alcohol extraction??

Meg!

10/5/2014 09:44:23 am

Whatever size jar you have- fill that 1 " from the top of the jar with ground chaga. THEN fill the jar with vodka.
Then 2:1 comes in after your let it sit. THEN, depending on the amount of chaga/vodka mixture you have (say 1 pint total = 2 cups) times that by 2 (2x2=4). So add 4 cups of water - follow on with the rest of step 4 and so on.

Meg!

10/5/2014 09:40:08 am

Yes

john

10/6/2014 01:43:08 am

Thanks for the reply. I came across a interesting read that talked about freezing the chaga-water mixture after the first boil, (not strained). Freezing supposedly breaks down the cell structure that releases beneficial properties that does not happen with alcohol or boiling. Any input on this?? Thanks

Cheryl

11/6/2014 12:41:17 am

Does it have to be vodka? Can another alcohol (whiskey?), be substituted??

meg

12/8/2014 09:45:40 am

70 proof or higher

Meg

1/26/2015 02:49:57 am

vodka is a higher proof which extracts better has no taste and generally is used for all tinctures to not vary the true value.

John

11/15/2014 02:52:49 am

How do you store the tincture? Is room temperature fine? Also, if adding lemon or licorice or something else to flavour the tincture does that impact how it must be stored?

john

11/19/2014 12:36:07 am

I store my main batch in a mason jar in the frig. Not sure if that is necessary or not. I fill a small 2oz glass brown dropper bottle that I carry or put on the shelf at work non- refrigerated. You can get the glass dropper bottles at a pharmacy

Gary

12/5/2014 01:41:13 pm

Regarding different grinding methods...I use an old Universal #1 meat grinder. They can be purchased new, but mine came from a thrift store for 5 bucks and included 4 different sized grind knives. You'll get some exercise with this method but also a very uniform product and a lot less dust. I keep my neighbor with MS supplied with tincture and she says it has changed her life.

john

12/5/2014 10:25:37 pm

I separate the alcohol extraction and run it through melitta coffee filters and set liquid to the side. Then add water to the solids and boil. My third step is to put the complete boiled mix, water and solids into freezer for a day or two. I've read that the freezing breaks the fibers down more and releases additional chemicals in the chaga, then boil again. After straining I mix all the cooled liquids together and filter through melitta coffee filters a few times. Triple extraction: alcohol, boil, freeze... I keep all the left over solids covered in water in the frig and mix into my morning smoothie. The chaga just keeps giving.

Rick

12/6/2014 09:00:53 pm

Hi Meg! I stumbled upon your site here and am planing to make your Tincture. I have an abundance of Chaga on my property that I have been using for making my tea. My question is when grinding the chaga for the Tincture do I grind the Black as well? When I make my tea brew I just break a piece of chaga off about the size of a ice cube, then boil it down. That's why I am wondering if I just break off a chunk and grind it to make the Tincture?
Thank you,
Rick

meg link

12/8/2014 09:44:11 am

Rick- many of the same questions have been answered in previous questions, looking through the thread is much faster than me responding to the same questions over and over again.
Yes, you can grind the chaga when it is in smaller pieces- someone else reposnds to how they grind it and I grind in a coffee grinder, food mill, or meat grinder.
The black on the chaga is the highest in antioxidants so I would certainly include that.
I monitor the site many times a day, but running a natural body store, three kids, a website, write for a magazine and take care of heritage animals....I find it a little redundant to answer questions that have already been asked. - your post was just posted yesterday mind you.

Rick

12/10/2014 04:48:44 am

Thanks for getting back to me. I did read the threads but I guess I might have missed that one. Hey sorry if I came off strongly but some sites never get answered and was hoping this was not a site like that. I appreciate the insites you are giving. With all the info you put on here it must take a lot of time and especially since you do have a life outside this site.
Keep up the good work and hope you don't hold it against me.
Merry Christmas ,
Rick

Russ link

12/9/2014 10:25:50 pm

Thanks for this great Chaga Tincture recipe Meg! It's tough to wait the 3 weeks but it's completely worth it!

meg link

12/10/2014 06:22:58 am

No worries! Don't hold it against you at all :)
Have a healthy Merry Christmas!

william shiner

12/13/2014 11:27:53 pm

I found out bout Chaga from friend who makes tea from it..he's been using for 18 months now..his BP is now very low(he had hypertension).. hasn't had any flu or colds since using..I'm 65..retired Letter Carrier..made tincture..using for 3 wks now..feel I have more stamina!..thank you..it(chaga) is Truly.. the gift of the Gods

Rick

12/27/2014 09:37:51 pm

Hi Meg! It has been 3 weeks today, I finished off making my tincture this morning. When all said and done using your recipe, I managed to get a full pint from what I ground and made on the stove top.
I am now wondering what is best for the left over grinds in the bottom of the pot? I am going to put in a separate jar and store in the fridge. I am guessing from past posts I can make a tea with it?
Again Thank you for all your knowledge and help for this Tincture recipe.

Meg! link

12/28/2014 11:46:02 am

I feed the leftovers to my animals (pigs, chickens, ducks, and turkeys). Most of the goods have been extracted with alcohol tinctures but yes, used grinds can be used for hot tea. In this case use 1 T of grounds to a coffee mug (8oz) boiling water, steep in a tea ball for a minimum of four minutes. Add your own tea mix (bag) to the water too or mint and honey is a favorite of mine.

Meg

1/26/2015 02:48:46 am

I feed it to my pigs and chickens, but the remainder has some left in it, you can steep 1 T to 8 oz boiling water, flavor with honey or mint or any tea you like.

Karen

1/5/2015 12:14:14 pm

Hey, I finished off making this tincture a couple days ago, and the jar unfortunately already has mold growing in it. I wonder if the alcohol content after all the reducing and adding water wasn't enough to inhibit bacterial growth? what are your thoughts?

Travis Fischer

1/10/2015 07:44:21 am

Hi Meg,
I'm just learning about Chaga. My mom is very ill and I'm hoping Chaga might help, since the "wonders" of modern medicine have proven unhelpful. I walked out in the woods yesterday in an effort to find some Chaga,.. and in 20 minutes I had some!! I ground the chaga in an icecream pale and the butt end of a 20 oz. hammer, then boiled for several hours, froze, and boiled again down to a concentrated level, then strained, and finally loaded the concentrate into a couple ice cube trays to produce individual cubes of concentrate. My idea is to keep it simple for my mom. She can melt a cube and add it to whatever she wants, whenever she wants, and I'm guessing it will keep well in a frozen state. What are your thoughts on this method?? I tried the boiling method first in an effort to get some in her asap. My next step is to use your recipe for a tincture to extract all the good stuff I can from the mushroom. Thanks for posting your recipe!! It seems like an amazing elixorI hope it helps!!!!!!! : )

Meg

1/26/2015 02:47:23 am

Yes, that way is perfectly fine. As long as it goes through thte heat cycle to extract the medicinal properties, you're good. The tincture is truly the easiest way to consume but more timely in creation.

Len

1/21/2015 10:20:31 am

Travis. From what I have read a number of times. Boiling the chaga is is not recommended. That it destroys some of the beneficial nutrients.

johnny

1/31/2015 11:01:46 pm

Hi Meg- I made a tincture following your instruction. It was good. I made a 2nd one following again your instruction except the chaga stayed in the vodka for 6 weeks. When I finished letting the tincture heat for 30 minutes it turned brown instead of black like the 1st one however it tastes the same. Have you had this happen before? Thanks for you site and the work you do

meg

2/13/2015 10:58:23 pm

That depends on the quality of the chaga. Some chaga contains more black/anti oxidants while others contain more tan, vitamins, polyphenols and flavanoids. Color does not matter.

Sherri link

2/13/2015 10:21:04 pm

Hi, quick question. After straining do you use the ration from that liquid or do you use the same amount of liquid from step 4?

Meg

2/13/2015 10:59:46 pm

Please see previous comments

juan estopera

2/24/2015 01:56:24 am

Should it be stored in the shade? Or in sunlight?

Meg

4/21/2015 05:40:37 am

No tincture should be in sunlight. UVA UVB destroys it's attributes.

Tony

3/12/2015 06:26:12 pm

I love what you're doing. I've only had chaga steeped in water and it was fantastic. It's great to live where it grows on white birch. Can hardly wait to try your recipe. Thanks : )

Ashley

3/28/2015 06:26:33 am

I have some 100 proof moonshine in my stores (a housewarming gift that we will probably never drink) will this work as good as the vodka. I also have some 80 proof vodka but I'd rather use the moonshine if it will work.

Meg !

3/28/2015 06:32:42 am

Use the moonshine !

stephan

4/19/2015 07:36:10 am

Thanks Meg, Question. If I use the everclear 151 do I need to add water at all? Thanks so much for what you do

Meg

4/21/2015 05:31:58 am

Yes you need water, its part of the extraction. You can technically use just the vodka and leave the chaga in there and use it as you want. But part of extracting is heating with water.

david bell

3/31/2015 03:23:17 am

Will chaga grown in areas of air pollution be suspect? Well done on description of process.
Have you published yet? Will visit often.

Meg

4/21/2015 05:29:51 am

In my opinion, yes. Since chaga travels by spores, living and breathing/sucking up it's surroundings, yes. the chaga mushrooms where air pollution is, I would not consume.

david bell

4/2/2015 11:18:08 pm

Can chaga be used like matcha green tea? Where
the whole leaf is consumed during cooking and
digestion. Is tannin % a nutritional consideration
with the use of chaga? Thank you for your insight.

Meg

4/21/2015 05:28:04 am

Yes, you can eat chaga. It's like eating or chewing on coffee grounds though :/

david bell

4/3/2015 12:12:09 am

Turkeytail is an alternate to chaga but be careful
There are look a likes that are not edible. Improper
harvesting of mycelium portions of fungus will
make it unable to reproduce, making your harvesting unsustainable. Over harvesting of popular fungus is already a huge problem. Humans
are not the only foragers. Sustainable harvesting
is the only answer. Need your insight. Thank you.

Meg

11/6/2015 12:55:41 pm

Sustainability is critical to chaga! It irritate the crap out of me when I see a birch grove completely stripped of the chaga. Most likely they don't know what they are doing with it or how to process it and I see it as an enormous waste.

jolene

4/21/2015 04:42:33 am

If i fill the jar with ground chaga (mine is very very finely ground) or fill to 1 from top of jar (as you suggusted in follow up comments) this doesnt leave for much vodka- correct? Can you give an example of what your measurements are in vodka? I amtrying to see if Im doing this right- just doesnt seem like enough vodka at all.
thanks.

Meg

4/21/2015 05:43:38 am

Take a jar, fill it full of sand. Then pour water over the sand. You will be amazed by how much water fits into the jar. The ratio is easiest done when you fill the jar (mine is always finely ground) with your ground chaga then fill with vodka, submersing the chaga. You don't need to PACK the chaga in. Just pour it in.
Due to distribution, it is best when you follow this.

Jeremy

5/20/2015 12:07:15 pm

Hello these are excellent comments on this blog. I am a strong believer in Chana's benefits. I have been using it for two years. I use two methods: hot water steeped and alcohol. I chop it into tiny chunks and add it to a pot of water (6 cups) at about 140F I turn off the heat and cover it leaving it on the stove overnight , in the morning I take a cup out and reheat it and drink it, I add a cup of water back to the pot and reheat it to 140F , turn off the heat and cover it. I keep doing this for about two weeks or so until I notice the colour lightens up. I throw out the chucks and start over.. For the alcohol I use new chunks in a mason jar filled most of the way (750ml)and fill with vodka. Same as before as I use the chaga vodka i replace with fresh. My original alcohol extraction sat for about a year, I removed the chunks and filtered it and bottled it. I soaked a second batch for about six months and filtered it and then added it to my original batch which was down to about one cup left. Sometimes at night a brew a tea and and a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of the chaga vodka. I also will brew my two week pot with a cinnamon stick and /or a few drops of vanilla.

Please comment and I hope some will find this helpful

Meg

11/6/2015 12:57:33 pm

I love it with cinnamon, cloves, fresh squeezed orange and a little mint with a tsp of raw honey, (steep, strain) put in the blender while its hot, add 1/8 cup of coconut oil and WOW> so amazing - glad you enjoy :)

Teresa

12/12/2015 11:41:05 am

The brewed chunks can be used as Firestarter and are good for your garden soil (especially if you grind them for the garden)

Gary

9/20/2015 10:08:28 am

Thank you Meg for your wonderful site. I hope I haven't totally destroyed my tincture.
I started mine in Vodka in a dark green 1/2 gallon jug and put this in the hot sun for 5 weeks. Have I ruined this batch? I thought the Dark glass would protect it! What do you think? Thank you
for all the good advice. Gary

Meg

11/6/2015 12:54:24 pm

Dark amber is really great to store tinctures in. I scored some amazing old pharmaceutical amber glass tincture jars at a garage sale that I keep several in.

Gina

10/2/2015 07:07:31 am

I am new to chaga and just received a rather large chunk. If I am reading the posts correctly, I need to grind it all and freeze it to keep it, is that correct? I know I placed it in a zip lock bag when I got it, and within minutes, moisture was accumulating on the inside of the bag, so I took it out and it is just in a bowl out in my kitchen.

Meg link

11/6/2015 12:53:30 pm

Yes, freezing it will keep it longer, however when you thaw it it needs to have good ventilation or it will mold from the condensation build up.

John Haegeman

10/27/2015 02:26:03 pm

I live in Prime Chaga country . If there is one thing I notice about tinctures is that most people know little about them .. I let mine sit for 2 months or more in glass jars . I like to use 75 % Vodka or Alcohol and am now using 95 % alcohol . I noticed that the tincture sold in a health food store was made with the 95 % . I do 2 decotions and find I have a great tincture. My wife and I and many friends are on it .

Teresa

12/8/2015 08:06:03 pm

You have a picture of Vodka 40% alcohol on your Chaga info. When reading the comments, you say it is best to use Everclear 100% alcohol. Which is best?

Kevin link

12/12/2015 01:20:16 am

Do you mean to cook away all the alcohol ? Or should we strain away the alcohol and cook the Chaga in water 2 times?
Thx

Tim Stammers

1/15/2016 12:39:15 pm

Hi Meg. I'm new to Chaga and just found your site. I've been doing lots of research, online, about correctly harvesting it and then using it.
But, there seems to be a lot of different ways of getting the best benefits from it, without destroying any of the goodies from the chaga.
I'm thinking that it makes the best sense to first make tea (I use a crockpot that keeps it at 123°).
Then, after using the same chaga for tea a few times, where the tea starts getting too light, I will then add some water to the chaga chunks and boil it for about 15 minutes, to get out other goodies that can't be gotten by just steeping the chaga.
From there, I'll strain it and add that to the original tea.
From there, I'll then use alcohol to make a tincture from the chaga chunks (this weekend's project).
Does this sound right doing it in this order, to get the best benefits?

Meg!

1/15/2016 01:45:07 pm

Hi- yes that sounds like it will work for extracting the benefits. You are right, too hot will destroy the quality.

Anthony

4/9/2016 08:37:03 pm

I made an extract, following similar procedures to your article. Only differences were; A. I used Everclear (99.89% Ethanol) B. I let it sit for 14 months. C. I used a 100% alcohol extraction (no water) for 8 months with weekly shaking. The proceeding months I diluted the extract with distilled water to double the volume (100 proof, or 50% alc. / 50% h2o). The results have proven to be much more effective than anticipated, makes my face flush after just a sip, but extremely and noticibly effective, with same benefits as one would receive and expect from chaga. However, I am very impressed with this method and welcome anyone who's got the patience to give it a go. Also, a couple mL in a jar with virgin coconut oil, avacado oil, a splash of water, and small amount your favorite moisturizer and/or fragrences (not necessary), has very surprising effects on skin and hair, not to mention it'll give you a very tan glow!. You will be impressed and you will be proud to find within you the patience to accomplish such. Good day.
-A

Joseph Valenti

1/31/2017 12:24:38 pm

Is there any way you can make it without any alcohol? on can I cook out the alcohol?

Modern Roots Homestead - Meg DiMercurio

3/1/2022 10:45:25 am

yes, by using glycerin. I use this method for my children.

Joseph Valenti

1/31/2017 12:25:36 pm

Is there any way you can make it without any alcohol? on can I cook out the alcohol? I'm allergic to alcohol.....

Modern Roots Homestead - Meg DiMercurio

1/31/2017 12:28:56 pm

you can cook out some of the alcohol, but not all because that's the preservative.
In your case, I would drink as a tea not a tincture.

Modern Roots Homestead - Meg DiMercurio

3/1/2022 11:03:25 am

yes, scroll through the comments for my glycerin recipe.

Karen

7/31/2016 04:55:38 pm

A friend gave me a quart bag filled with chunks of chaga that are about 2" X 2" in size. Is it best to store the bag of Chaga in the refrigerator or freezer? How many of the chunks should I use per quart of water to make tea in a crock pot? I have read that I can use the same chunks to make 2-3 batches of tea. Thank you in advance for your response.

Modern Roots Homestead - Meg DiMercurio

3/1/2022 11:05:40 am

We grind our chaga to a near powder. It has better displacement.
I cannot speak on behalf of what you received.

Karen

7/31/2016 04:57:01 pm

When I submitted a question I forgot to check the box below to be notified of new comments to the post so I'm doing that now. Thank you.

Jill

8/10/2016 09:04:06 am

Hello,

I am wondering if I can reuse the ground chaga for another tincture? My apologies if you have already answered this question above.

Modern Roots Homestead - Meg DiMercurio

3/1/2022 11:06:16 am

yes, it will not be ask strong in antioxidants though

Bill Gertz

10/15/2016 09:14:22 am

I used a band saw to slice the chaga into 1/4" slices, dried it in a simple food dryer/ dehydrator, at that stage it can be broken up by hand. My Ninga blender is then partly filled turned on it's side so the blades don't lock up when I start it and slowly stood up to add the chunks gently. 15 seconds is all it takes to powder it.

Francois

10/27/2016 08:32:39 am

Hi, can i make Chaga tincture from my already cooked Chaga (in hot water at 125 F for 3 hours)? I kept all my used Chaga and dried it. Thanks.

gary

10/28/2016 04:41:21 pm

How can I buy some change from you

Meg link

10/28/2016 05:07:02 pm

http://www.modernroots.org/store/p2/Ground_Chaga_1_oz..html
Right here :) 1 ounce, 4 ounce or 8 ounce

Mark

2/3/2017 04:49:50 pm

How fine does the chaga tea need to be strained for use? I ran it through a tea strainer but wonder if I should pass the second batch through a coffee filter before storage? Is a coffee filter too fine?

Modern Roots Homestead - Meg DiMercurio

3/1/2022 11:03:02 am

have you bought chaga from ModernRoots?

Bill Moore

6/3/2017 06:21:39 pm

I put the tincture into eye dropper bottles, is there a shelf life when stored this way. I use the eye dropper bottles as a convent way to add a few drops to coffee or tea. I use the Everclear instead of vodka

Anna Thompson

8/21/2017 03:39:29 pm

Is it possible to make the chaga tincture with glycerin instead of alcohol? I'd like to make one for the kiddos. Sorry if you'd already answered this, and thank you!

Modern Roots Homestead - Meg DiMercurio

3/1/2022 10:52:32 am

yes, please scroll the other comments :)

Chris

10/22/2017 07:53:44 pm

Hey I was just wondering after you make a chaga alcohol extraction how long can that last for? And also does it need to be refrigerated?

Modern Roots Homestead - Meg DiMercurio

3/1/2022 10:52:06 am

if done correctly with alcohol still left, it lasts for many years.

Veronika Morgan

12/3/2017 01:16:42 pm

Hello Meg, can apple cider vinegar be used instead of the alcohol? Thank you

Modern Roots Homestead - Meg DiMercurio

3/1/2022 10:50:58 am

no, it cannot.

Kathy

1/6/2018 07:44:06 am

I'm wondering how to make tincture with glycerin. I've made it with vodka but I want to try something different.

Modern Roots Homestead - Meg DiMercurio

3/1/2022 10:50:39 am

in a quart jar: 1 cup ground chaga like we have on the modernroots store, 1 cup clean water, fill rest of jar with veg glycerin. leave for 3 months before use. shake weekly. check to ensure no mold will grow. don't use more than 1 cup water to a quart.

Deb Banda

1/20/2018 02:31:32 pm

Does the tincture have a bitter taste.

Mike Gerber

11/1/2021 12:12:00 pm

Hi Meg:
I was preparing my first batch of Chaga Tincture and all of the alcohol evaporated during the soaking cycle. I removed the soaked Chaga and placed it into some smaller air tight jars. Can I add Alcohol again and repeat the soaking process?
Thanks so much.
Mike

Modern Roots Homestead - Meg DiMercurio

11/1/2021 12:52:24 pm

Hi!
you definitely want to add alcohol back, if you don't you will grow mold. I always leave a little alcohol when heating.
Meg

Robert Forte link

12/12/2021 06:45:45 pm

I've just been introduced to Chaga so I found your website. Are you still here? I've just harvested some here in Southern Vermont, found a couple football size pieces and one as big as a basketball i may harvest tomorrow. Do you have all you need? I could send you some and trade for some extract or tincture? Thanks, Robert

Modern Roots Homestead - Meg DiMercurio link

3/1/2022 11:00:47 am

hi! yes, I'm here :) very busy making organic, wholesome products for customers. I currently do not need any chaga, we forage for our own presently. but thank you!

Vernon Altiman link

12/16/2021 09:22:55 pm

How long can you leave chaga in alcohol? Will it still be good after a year or longer?
Thanks

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How to Make a Chaga Tincture

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