chaga tincture

[randyt]

made up some chaga tincture. Too a mason jar and filled it 2/3rds full of ground chaga, then topped it off with vodka. I give it a shake dailey for 6 weeks or so then it'll be done. Some claim that it takes a alcohol extraction to get the full benefit from chaga. I don't know but I'll figured to give it a try.


here's the start

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh227/randytlee/007_zps14753e8c.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/randytlee/media/007_zps14753e8c.jpg.html)

[edr730]

I found it interesting that that 5,000 year old frozen man they found a while back had a couple pieces of changa in his pouch.
I've been reading some about birch bark lately and came upon this.
http://www.megachaga.com/documents/betulin_displayarticle.pdf

[phreshayr]

To get the full medicinal benefits you might want to do a dual extraction. Do an alcohol extraction like you are doing and a water extraction (decoction). Combine the two for the finished product. Alcohol extracts some of the medicinals but not all. By using a water extract as well, you can maximize the medicinal properties available.

[randyt]

can you tell me more about the water extraction? I usually make tea in a crock pot on simmer.

[hunter63]

There is a guy we see pretty regular at a farmers market that has "chaga tea".

I'm still trying to get some to catch a spark......and just find some "true chaga" for that matter.

Now spiking it with vodka....can't be all bad ...Right?

[Rick]

He's using the Russian recipe. You soak it in vodka, toss the chaga and drink the liquid.

[phreshayr]

can you tell me more about the water extraction? I usually make tea in a crock pot on simmer.

Rather than me try to explain it, perhaps it would be better if I just give you a web site where it is explained better than I could. BTW I am in no way connected to this site or the owner, just liked the info.
https://theshakingleaf.wordpress.com/2012/11/18/chaga-tincture/
I don't wait a day between each time of adding water but just add the water directly and keep it going in one continuous segment until done.