We believe the highest quality is all that matters. We chose spagyric herbal extract methods to maximize the energetic and nutrient potential of each mushroom. We are proud of our extracts line and wanted to describe the process of how they are made. We feel they are pretty fantastic and think you will too!

Spagyric tinctures are really triple-phase extracts—the first is water extraction. The second is alcohol extraction, and the third is trace mineral extraction.

Spagyric elixirs contain all of the water-soluble and essential oil phytonutrients, enhanced with naturally occurring purified trace minerals. This maintains the energetic signatures that are native to each mushroom while maximizing the bioactive and bioavailable properties.*

NOT MAGIC, JUST SCIENCE

The spagyric methodology of producing herbal tinctures dates back almost 500 years. Traditionally used for herbal preparations, the spagyric application is relatively new and unique to the world of medicinal mushrooms.

As mentioned above, spagyric refers to a method of extraction where a mushroom or herb undergoes removal of the water-soluble, fat-soluble (essential oil), and purified trace minerals native to the plant. These three materials are then re-combined to form an innately balanced, pure, and potent liquid extract.

The spagyric method optimally prepares the mushroom to remove the functional bioactive phytonutrients efficiently and effectively. Medicinal mushrooms contain many bioactive compounds that vary depending on the species. The most common ones are water-soluble polysaccharides (beta-d-glucans) and fat-soluble terpenes (monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, and triterpenoids). [1,2]

During water extraction, the dried mushroom fruiting bodies are placed in water to form a thick and dense mushroom tea. The liquid is heated to dissolve the fibrous, non-absorbable mushroom backbone named chitin. In fresh mushrooms, chitin makes up the framework that gives mushrooms their shape and the ability to stand upright and exist in nature. Chitin is bound strongly to beta-d-glucan, preventing it from being absorbed through digestion when eaten. Heating dissolves this bond, increasing the bioavailability of free beta-d-glucan that now exists in the "mushroom tea." [2] Fermentation occurs at this step as well, further exposing the water-soluble nutrients.

Next, the "mushroom tea" is strained, and the fruiting bodies are pressed to remove any final water-soluble nutrients. The fruiting bodies are now moved and placed in a container for alcohol extraction. Alcohol extraction and distillation create the perfect environment to pull-out the fat-soluble, essential oil terpenes of which medicinal mushrooms are known.

Once this phase is complete, the spent fruiting bodies are calcined into crystallized and purified trace minerals. The crystalized trace minerals are the electrolytes of the liquid extract.

Additionally, the extractor we use lets us capture all of the subtle volatiles that typically escapes in steam vapor during an open extraction process. For example, when making tea, the aroma that occurs is directly related to volatile aroma compounds exiting the solution due to heating and steeping. The ability to capture and reincorporate volatiles contributes to a full-spectrum and vital tincture.

The final product is the spagyric elixir, the essence of the naturally occurring acids, oils, enzymes, and minerals innately composed while maintaining a nutritional and energetic balance. 

BALANCED, POTENT & TRANSFORMATIVE 

The world of mushroom supplements includes a vast array of quality, from the raw material being used to how it is processed, ultimately affecting its bioavailability.

Mushroom supplements can be made using mushroom fruiting bodies, mycelium, spores, primordia, extracellular compounds, or a mixture of the above during a mushroom's life cycle.

The lifecycle of a mushroom, as most people know it, starts and ends with spores. Spores are the "seeds" of the mushroom. At the end of the lifecycle, spores are released before the fruiting body's death to further the fungi's life. Once liberated from the gills of the fruiting body, the spores will float throughout their environment. Eventually, finding a spot to land. If the growing medium is ideal, then inoculation and germination will occur.

The mycelium will start to form, which is essentially the "root system" of the mushroom. The mycelium network can be extensive and produce many fruiting bodies, all interconnected, like trees' roots in vast forests. Hyphal knots and primordia eventually lead to the formation of the fruiting body and the mushroom's growth above ground. As the mycelia network expands, new fruiting bodies will sprout.

Fruiting bodies are the above-ground components of the mushroom, also what you may think of when picturing a mushroom in your mind and buying a bunch from the grocery store. They contain concentrated phytonutrients (e.g., polysaccharides and terpenes), which are the beneficial compounds associated with functional mushrooms and typically the reason they are highly sought after. [1,2]

We chose to use fruiting bodies in our spagyric preparations due to this concentration. Historically the fruiting body is the preferred plant part for use in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  

Polysaccharides and terpenes are the two major bioactive compounds contained in medicinal mushrooms. Their concentration can vary significantly from one mushroom species to the next. [2]

POLYSACCHARIDE: BETA-D-GLUCAN

Polysaccharides are water-soluble molecules contained in the fruiting body of medicinal mushrooms. After undergoing a water extraction phase, the liquid now has free beta-d-glucan, which is the most researched polysaccharide regarding medicinal mushrooms. Another polysaccharide, alpha-glucan, is commonly found in mycelium-based mushroom products due to grain in the final product. The grain is a medium used to grow mycelium. The higher the alpha-glucan level, the higher the starch or grain sugar concentration of the mushroom supplement. Grain sugar is not native to mushroom fruiting bodies. Mycelium on grain (MOG) typically contains large amounts of alpha-glucans. It is used in cheaper to produce medicinal mushroom products. Many mushroom products are made using MOG as the majority material of their supplement. These products are also not allowed to be considered gluten-free.

Water extraction is always the first phase of medicinal mushroom processing. Many companies stop here, yielding a product that can be sold for much cheaper. However, skipping the alcohol extraction step misses the potential to add terpenes or purified trace minerals to the final product. 

TERPENES: MONO, DI, & TRI, OH MY...

Terpenes are the oil-based molecules native to medicinal mushroom fruiting bodies (monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, and triterpenoids). [1,2] As discussed above, they are not extractable using water. Alcohol extraction is a required step to create a bioavailable terpene concentration of any extract. A mushroom supplement described as a "dual-extract" would have gone through alcohol extraction.

The individual terpene concentration of each medicinal mushroom can differ significantly. For example, it is estimated that Reishi contains over 130 different triterpenoid compounds, primarily composed of Ganoderic and Lucidenic acids. [4] Lion's Mane mushroom has 20 out of 24 known diterpenoids, of which Erinacines and Hericenones are the two leading families of compounds. [5-6] Turkey Tail is known for its proteoglycan concentration of polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK). [7] The list goes on: Chaga boasts Betulinic acid derivatives and Melano-glucan complexes [8], Maitake mushroom contains D-fraction and MD-fraction [9], Shiitake mushrooms are a source of Lentinan and Eritadenine [10], and Cordyceps has the nucleoside derivative Cordycepin. [11] Dual-extracts require more time and effort to produce and are, in turn, more expensive than single-extracts. They also lack the presence of purified trace minerals that spagyric extracts contain. 

Making an extract with a spagyric preparation takes more time and effort than most methods. We believe that the end result is well worth the expense required to yield a high-quality liquid bioavailable mineral-rich triple-extract. We think you will agree.

RENEW, RESTORE & RECHARGE WITH CHAGA*

Best Health Co CHAGA is made from a spagyric extraction of the sclerotium of Inonotus obliquus isolated from birch trees in the Northern Midwest and Alaska. Start your daily routine with balance, combat the effects of stress, and support overall wellness.*

Chaga is a natural adaptogen that supports healthy cellular aging, regeneration, and metabolic vibrance.* Chaga promotes natural and healthy inflammation response, immune function and supports healthy enzymatic antioxidant pathways.*

Known phytonutrients of Inonotus obliquus: Betulinic Acid, Melanoglucan Complexes, and Trametenolic Acid. [8]

POWER-UP WITH CORDYCEPS*

CORDYCEPS is a spagyric preparation of 100% Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies. Cordyceps is classified as a metabolic health superfood that supports healthy energy, endurance, and athletic recovery.*

Cordyceps promotes and supports healthy oxygenation of tissues, sugar metabolism, insulin levels, and cellular regeneration.* Historically, Cordyceps has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to nourish the lungs, kidney, liver, heart, pancreas, and adrenal glands.*

Start your day with a boost for your fast-paced, adventurous lifestyle.*

Known phytonutrients of Cordyceps militaris: Cordycepin, Ergosterol, and Adenosine. [11]

LOVE YOUR BRAIN WITH LION'S MANE*

Our LION'S MANE spagyric extract is made from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus, yielding a concentrated and potent neuro-supportive formulation. 100% Lion's Mane, 0% Lion...Look to Lion's Mane for those days when you need to rely on clarity and focus.* Brilliant!

Lion's Mane is classified as a brain health superfood that supports healthy brain, nerve, and eye function.* A wellness boost for healthy memory, creativity, and productivity flow states.*

Historically, Lion's Mane has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to nourish the mind, brain, eyes, peripheral nerves, and stomach.*

Known phytonutrients of Hericium erinaceus: Erinacines, Hericenones, and Ergosterol. [6]

FIND YOUR ZEN WITH REISHI*

This REISHI Blend formulation is a spagyric extract of three different reishi mushroom species: Red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), White Reishi (Ganoderma applanatum) & Oregon Reishi (Ganoderma oregonense).

Reishi mushroom is a full-spectrum adaptogen that promotes a healthy stress response and is supportive of our natural immune processes.* Nourish your way to stress relief.* Unwind, chill, and find your zen with Reishi.*

Historically, Reishi has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to nourish the lung, prostate, breast, heart, liver, and digestive system.*

Known phytonutrients of Ganoderma lucidum: Ganoderic Acid, Lucidenic acid, Ganoderenic Acid, and Beta-d-glucans. [13]

Known phytonutrients of Ganoderma applanatum: Ganoderic Acid, Lanostanic triterpenoids, Meroterpenoids, and Applanoxidic Acids. [14]

Known phytonutrients of Ganoderma oregonense: Ganoderic Acids and various glycans. [14]

VIBRANCE & VITALITY WITH TAKÉ

Dance for joy with this synergetic blend of TAKÉ mushrooms geared to support a healthy metabolism, optimal wellness, and vibrant vitality.

Best Health Co TAKÉ Blend is a spagyric extract blend of Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and Maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushroom fruiting bodies. This blend is formulated to support healthy blood sugar, insulin, and cholesterol levels.* Shiitake and Maitake mushrooms are two of the most extensively researched medicinal mushrooms on the market. 

Historically, Shiitake & Maitake mushrooms have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to nourish the stomach, pancreas, liver, lungs, bladder, and digestive system.*

Known phytonutrients of Shiitake: Beta-d-glucans, Lentinan, Eritadenine, Ergosterol, and Ergocalciferol. [10]

Known phytonutrients of Maitake: D-Fraction, MD-Fraction, and Ergosterol as well as Beta-d-glucans. [9]

SOOTHE, RESET, & THRIVE WITH TIAGA*

Our TIAGA blend is a spagyric extract of the Red-Belted Polypore (Fomitopsis pinicola) native to the Pacific Northwest. Tiaga is a calming adaptogen that brings balance and optimal wellness to the entire system while promoting a healthy inflammation response, cellular regeneration, and optimal digestive function.*

Historically, Tiaga (Red-Belted Polypore) mushrooms have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to nourish the immune system, digestive tract, and the body's natural antioxidant processes.*

Known phytonutrients of Fomitopsis pinicola: Fomitopinic Acid A, Trametenolic Acid, Polyporenic Acid C, Lanosterol, Inotodiol, and Ergosterol. [12]

FORTIFY WITH TURKEY TAIL*

Best Health Co TURKEY TAIL is a spagyric extract of Trametes versicolor mushroom fruiting bodies. Turkey tail is described as a full-spectrum defense adaptogen that supports natural immune function and healthy cellular regeneration.* Take your wellness routine to the next level and fortify with Turkey Tail.*

Historically, Turkey Tail mushrooms have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to nourish the lung, liver, urinary tract, and immune system.*

Known phytonutrients of Trametes versicolor: Beta-d-glucans, Polysaccharopeptide (PSP), Polysaccharide-K (PSK), and Ergosterol. [7]

*Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice.

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