Introduction

Functional mushrooms, like Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane, are making big waves in culture right now, especially for people who want to sharpen their minds and help their bodies progress to the next level. Even so, mushrooms are missing from the diets of most people. Whether you're an athlete, runner, into yoga, or just someone who wants to use their mind and body better, mushroom could be the natural answer.

There is lots of evidence that mushrooms are worth adding to your diet. Have a look through our Functional Mushroom Playbook, if you want to learn more about them.

But this article is not about whether to add functional mushrooms to your diet — it's about how best to do it. 

There are lots of different forms of mushroom supplements, but let's specifically talk about mushroom tinctures here.

Mushroom tinctures are liquid extracts of mushrooms. They are popular for their potency and fast absorption into the body. They offer a concentrated dose of the benefits that functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps are best known for. Quick, easy, potent. What's not to like? 

In this guide, we’ll help you understand the different types of mushroom tinctures, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your goals.

What is a Mushroom Tincture?

A mushroom tincture is basically a liquid extract that packs all the benefits of mushrooms into an easy-to-use liquid. It's made by soaking dried mushrooms in alcohol or glycerin, which breaks down the super-tough cell walls (chitin), pulls out all the beneficial compounds in the mushrooms, and makes it easy for your body to absorb them.

Think of it as a faster way to get the health benefits of mushrooms, without having to deal with powders or capsules. Tinctures are quick, convenient, and potent. They’re super efficient and fit easily into a daily routine. You can drop them directly under your tongue for fast results or mix them into your coffee, tea, or smoothies.

 

Health Benefits of Mushroom Tinctures

There are millions of species of mushrooms out there, so it's really hard to generalize about the health benefits of mushroom tinctures. Each tincture will be somewhat different, depending on the mushroom used. 

Let's focus on the specific mushrooms that we know can support physical and mental performance — these are the mushrooms we call "functional mushrooms." 

At a high level, functional mushrooms can boost energy, enhance focus, improve endurance, aid in recovery, and even help with stress management. But each type of mushroom brings something different to the table, so choosing the right one depends on your personal goals—whether it's enhancing athletic performance, managing stress, or speeding up recovery.

Here are a few examples:

• A Cordyceps mushroom tincture can help increase oxygen utilization, energy, and stamina

• A Lion’s Mane mushroom tincture can boost cognitive function and mental clarity

• A Reishi mushroom tincture is often used for its calming effects, supporting the nervous system, stress relief, and better sleep

• A Turkey Tail mushroom tincture is known for promoting "second brain" gut health, which plays a huge role in overall immunity and even mental well-being

To read more about what each mushroom can do — and therefore, what each mushroom tincture can do — check out our Functional Mushroom Playbook. There is loads of good info in there. 

 
 
 
Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Mushroom Tincture

Choosing the right mushroom tincture really comes down to what you’re trying to get out of it. Are you looking for more energy? Better focus? Recovery after workouts? Or maybe just some stress relief?
Here are a few things that we think are useful to keep in mind when you're picking a tincture for yourself:

1. Your Goals

First, figure out which mushrooms will help with your personal goals. For a mental boost and sharper focus, for example, **Lion’s Mane** is your best bet. If you're all about energy and endurance, **Cordyceps** can help keep you going. Need help winding down after a tough day? Reach for **Reishi** to calm your mind and help you sleep better.

2. Highest-quality mushrooms

Make sure you’re getting mushroom tinctures made from fruiting bodies (the actual mushroom part) instead of mycelium (the root-like underground structure). Fruiting bodies pack in more of the beneficial compounds. And always look for organic mushrooms to avoid pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Using organic, fruiting-body mushroom tinctures ensures that you’re getting the cleanest, most potent product.

Our mushroom tinctures are organically grown, harvested, extracted, and made into potent tinctures on Mycolove Farms, which is owned by Umbo co-founder Jake Plummer, right here in Colorado. (The only exception here is that we wild harvest the Turkey Tail mushrooms for our tinctures.)

3. Type of tincture

Mushroom tinctures usually come in two types: alcohol-based or glycerin-based. Alcohol-based tinctures tend to have a strong, sharp taste. Glycerin-based ones are milder and slightly sweet, so if taste is a concern, go for glycerin.

Our triple-extracted mushroom tinctures are glycerin-based. We find that since mushrooms themselves can be fairly bitter — Reishi especially! — it helps to have a sweeter base for the tincture. That way, we actually look forward to taking these tinctures each day. After all, these mushrooms can't do you any good if you don't actually take them. 

4. Daily routine

You will likely see the best results if you are consistent with using the tincture over time. But how often and when you take your tincture depends on your schedule and goals. For energy, take it in the morning or before a workout. For relaxation or recovery, a dose before bed is a great choice. And yes, you can totally take tinctures daily—just follow the dosage on the label. 

5. How much to take

There are no "official" recommendations out there for how much mushroom tincture someone should take each day. But after careers as pro athletes, and after consulting lots of experts, we have a point of view. Read our intake guidelines for functional mushrooms here.

In short, we think you probably need somewhere between 300-1,000 mg of a given mushroom each day. One dropper of our triple-extracted mushroom tinctures is about 1,000 mg — but that may be different, if you're using tinctures from another manufacturer. Some may want to use more, and there are cases where that makes sense, but we recommend that you start with this recommended amount and see how your body feels before increasing the dosage. 

Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for your body and lifestyle. Consult with your doctor, a dietician, or other healthcare professional. Try different tinctures, pay attention to how you feel, and go from there.

How to Take Mushroom Tinctures 

Tinctures are super versatile. There is no wrong way to take them. You can...

Drop them right into your mouth

This is the quickest and easiest way to take mushroom tinctures. If you do, though, consider using a glycerin-based tincture, because it helps mask the bitterness of the mushrooms.

Mix them into your morning coffee

We find that mushroom powders, or even those mushroom coffees that are all over the internet these days, often don't make for a delicious drinking experience. Mushrooms just aren't very soluble. Using a tincture is a great way to include mushrooms in your coffee, without having to use a frother or having to deal with mushroom powder that won't dissolve.

Blend them into your smoothie

Especially if you're using a glycerin-based tincture, it'll just add a little sweetness and earthiness to it. You not likely to taste any bitterness at all. The same goes for putting a mushroom tincture into your soup. Or salad dressing. Or cocktail. Or any other food, for that matter. 

 

When to Take Mushroom Tinctures for Maximum Effectiveness

Timing can help you get the most out of your mushroom tinctures. Whether you're looking for an energy boost, mental clarity, or stress relief, knowing when to take your tincture can make some difference.

1. Morning Boost

If you're looking to start your day with energy and focus, take mushrooms like Cordyceps or Lion’s Mane in the morning. They can help with sustained energy and mental sharpness throughout the day. In fact, we made a single tincture for exactly this everyday morning-time routine, Charge Pro Performance mushroom tincture, which has a blend of Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, and Chaga. 

2. Pre-Workout Power

Need an extra push before hitting the gym? Those same three tinctures are perfect to take 30-60 minutes before your workout. Take note about how you feel for that workout! 

3. Post-Workout Recovery

After a tough workout, take Reishi to reduce inflammation and help your body bounce back quicker. Or Turkey Tail boosts your "second brain" gut health, which drives your immune system and mental stability. These tinctures can also help with soreness and recovery so you're ready for your next session.

4. Wind Down in the Evening

To help you relax and recover after a long day, reach for **Reishi** in the evening. Known as the “Queen of Mushrooms,” Reishi is great for stress relief and promoting deep, restful sleep. As Jake Plummer says in the Playbook, “Reishi is like a warm blanket for your nervous system.”

We also made a mushroom blend called Recharge Pro Recovery mushroom tincture, which is a blend of Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Tremella. It's a great way to get the recovery mushrooms you need every day. 

At the end of the day, consistency is key. For the best results, work these tinctures into your routine and give them time to do their thing. As the Functional Mushroom Playbook advises, "The most significant and lasting benefits come with consistent use over time.”

 

Storage and Care for Your Mushroom Tinctures

Taking care of your mushroom tinctures is easy, but a few tips can help you keep them fresh and potent for as long as possible.

No fridge needed

Good news—most mushroom tinctures don’t need to be refrigerated. Just store them in a cool, dark place like a kitchen cabinet or pantry. Heat and direct sunlight can mess with the quality of the tincture, so keep them out of the sun and away from heat sources.

Check the label

Some tinctures might have special storage instructions, so always check the label. If a tincture contains more sensitive ingredients, it might need a bit more care.

Cap it tight

Make sure to keep the bottle sealed tightly when you’re not using it. This helps prevent any unwanted air from sneaking in and keeps the tincture fresh.

Use it consistently

While tinctures have a decent shelf life, using them regularly ensures you're getting the most benefits while they’re at their best potency. Plus, the sooner you work them into your daily routine, the faster you’ll feel the results.

That’s it. Simple and low-maintenance! Keep your tinctures in the right spot, use them regularly, and you’ll be good to go. 

 

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Mushroom Tincture 

At the end of the day, choosing the right mushroom tincture is all about what works best for you. Whether you’re looking for that extra energy boost, sharper focus, or a way to relax and recover, there’s probably a mushroom out there that can help — whether we here at Umbo make the mushroom tincture or not. 

Start by figuring out your goals—are you looking to level up your workouts, get your mind in gear, or just wind down after a long day? Then, pick the tincture that fits your needs. Try Lion’s Mane if you need a mental edge, Cordyceps for energy, or Reishi when it’s time to recover and relax.

And don’t forget to make sure you’re getting high-quality, organic, fruiting-body mushrooms for the best results.

Consistency is key—make these tinctures part of your routine, and give them time to work their magic. And if you want to dive deeper into the world of functional mushrooms, the Umbo Functional Mushroom Playbook is a great place to learn more and find the right fit for your lifestyle.

So go ahead, explore, experiment, and find the perfect tincture to support your mind and body on your journey.

Let us know how it goes!