The Importance of Mushroom Extract Powders: 

Unlocking Nature's Pharmacy


Mushrooms have held a revered place in traditional medicine for centuries, prized for their rich nutritional profile and healing properties. Today, these natural powerhouses are gaining recognition in the scientific community for their potential in supporting human health and well-being. In this context, mushroom extract powders have emerged as a significant avenue for harnessing the potent benefits of these remarkable fungi.

Why Mushroom Extract Powders?


The answer lies in the unique cellular structure of mushrooms. They possess tough cell walls, which our digestive system struggles to break down, making it difficult for us to absorb the array of nutrients they contain. Therefore, simply consuming mushrooms in their raw form or as non-extracted supplements doesn't fully deliver their potential benefits.
This is where mushroom extract powders come into play. They undergo a process that involves heat, which breaks down the cell walls and makes the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and proteins within the mushrooms bioavailable - that is, readily absorbable by our bodies. Thus, by consuming extracted mushroom powders, we can access a concentrated form of the mushroom's health benefits.

Nutrient Powerhouses


Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, such as riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which help support the health of the nervous system. They also contain a potent antioxidant called selenium, which supports the immune system and prevents damage to cells and tissues. Moreover, certain types of mushrooms are a good source of Vitamin D, a nutrient many individuals are deficient in.

But the benefits don't stop at vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms also contain unique compounds not found in most other plants. For instance, they are rich in beta-glucans, a type of soluble dietary fiber known for its potent immune-enhancing properties. Certain mushrooms, like reishi and cordyceps, also contain compounds that support stress resilience and energy levels.

Unlocking the Mushroom's Full Potential


Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, such as riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which help support the health of the nervous system. They also contain a potent antioxidant called selenium, which supports the immune system and prevents damage to cells and tissues. Moreover, certain types of mushrooms are a good source of Vitamin D, a nutrient many individuals are deficient in.

But the benefits don't stop at vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms also contain unique compounds not found in most other plants. For instance, they are rich in beta-glucans, a type of soluble dietary fiber known for its potent immune-enhancing properties. Certain mushrooms, like reishi and cordyceps, also contain compounds that support stress resilience and energy levels.

Suitable Types of Mushrooms for Extraction

This list isn't exhaustive; rather, it merely presents the most commonly encountered species and their uses.

Reishi mushroom

Reishi 

(Ganoderma lucidum):

Known as the "mushroom of immortality" in traditional Chinese medicine, reishi is a top choice for many who choose to grow mushrooms at home. Prized for its immune-supporting properties, the benefits of reishi become more accessible when extracted into a powder form.
Fresh Lions Mane Mushroom

Lion's Mane 

(Hericium erinaceus):

Lion's mane is a popular choice for home mushroom cultivation due to its potential neuroprotective benefits. Often used for cognitive support, lion's mane grow kits are a great way to have a continuous supply of this remarkable mushroom. The extract powder can potentially improve memory and focus.
Dried Cordyceps militaris mushroom

Cordyceps 

(Cordyceps militaris):

Cordyceps is renowned for its energy-boosting properties. It has been traditionally used by athletes for enhancing physical performance. The mushroom contains a special compound called cordycepin, which may have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. Cordyceps extract powder can be a great addition to a pre-workout shake.
Turkey Tail growing on log in forest

Turkey Tail 

(Trametes versicolor)

Turkey tail is one of the most well-researched mushrooms, known for its powerful immune-boosting properties. Grow mushrooms like turkey tail at home to support your general wellness and immune health with the aid of its extract powder.
Birch tree with parasitic mushroom chaga growing on it

Chaga 

(Inonotus obliquus)

Chaga is rich in antioxidants and can support the body's ability to fight inflammation. It's also known for its potential to support skin health due to its high melanin content. Chaga extract powder can be a useful addition to skincare routines.
(Chaga is a parasitic fungus that grows on Birch trees, it can not be cultivated at home, so dont ask, lol)
Dried Shiitake mushrooms in bowl

Shiitake 

(Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake is not only a popular culinary mushroom but also a potent medicinal one. It's rich in compounds that can support heart health, boost the immune system, and may even have anti-cancer properties. Shiitake extract powder can be a versatile addition to any wellness regimen.

How to Make a Mushroom Extract Powder

The process of creating mushroom extract at home may seem complex, but in fact, it's a straightforward and rewarding process that allows you to harness the unique health benefits of various mushroom species right from your kitchen. This technique can be employed with a variety of mushrooms, including but not limited to reishi, lion's mane, cordyceps, turkey tail, chaga, shiitake, and maitake.


Before you start, there are a few essential tools you'll need to have on hand:

- pressure cooker

- dehydrator

- blender

Step 1 - Prepare your mushrooms

Begin by sourcing your mushrooms. You have several options here: you can grow your own mushrooms at home using mushroom grow kits, or you can purchase fresh mushrooms from farmers markets or specialty stores. Regardless of the source, remember that fresh mushrooms will need to be dehydrated first. Alternatively, Asian grocers often carry a wide variety of dehydrated mushrooms at affordable prices.

Dried Lion's Mane Mushroom

step 2 - cooking your mushrooms

In order to extract the beneficial compounds from the mushrooms, you need to cook them. But rather than immersing the mushrooms directly in water, which can cause nutrient loss, place them in a steel or temperature-safe glass bowl.

Set up your pressure cooker by placing a trivet inside and adding about 500 ml of water. Then put the bowl of mushrooms on the trivet. This setup allows the mushrooms to cook without rehydrating, which would make the next step of the process take longer.

Put the lid on your pressure cooker and cook under pressure for 30 minutes. If you're using a glass bowl, add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.

Dried Lion's Mane mushrooms in a pressure cooker

step 3 - Dehydrating Your Mushrooms (again)

After cooking, your mushrooms will likely be slightly damp. It's important to dehydrate them once more to ensure they are dry enough to powderize. Carefully remove them from the pressure cooker, making sure not to squeeze them and lose any liquid they might be holding.

Place the mushrooms in a dehydrator and dry them until they are completely dry – you're aiming for a "cracker dry" texture. By allowing the mushrooms to dehydrate in this way, you ensure that no valuable nutrients are lost.

Lion's Mane mushrooms drying in a dehydrator

step 4 - Powderizing Your Mushrooms

Now comes the final step: turning your mushrooms into powder. Place the dried mushrooms in a blender and blitz until they're fully powdered. While larger chunks can still be used, a fine powder makes it easier to pack into capsules if that's your end goal.

Blender full of dried mushroom

finished extract powder


You've now created a full-spectrum 1:1 mushroom extract powder. This powder contains both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble nutrients in their natural ratio, but in a form that's bioavailable, meaning it's easy for your body to absorb and use.

You can use this mushroom extract powder in a variety of ways. It can be brewed into a tea, mixed into foods, or packed into capsules for easy daily supplementation. Whether you've chosen to work with lion's mane, reishi, or another variety, you now have a potent, homemade supplement to support your health and well-being.

Powderized mushroom extract in a container