No. Medicinal mushrooms have a rather ‘functional’ purpose as opposed to catering to our taste buds. The name ‘functional mushrooms’ and ‘medicinal mushrooms’ is used interchangeably.

Medicinal mushrooms have a rather earthy and bitter taste. Some are more bitter than others. Typically, the stronger the earthy and bitter taste, the better is the quality.

Anyone who wants to be healthier overall. It is great for many different facets of the immune system, oxidation and anti-aging. However, if a medical condition is present, a qualified health care practitioner needs to be consulted before taking medicinal mushroom supplements.

Most of our medicinal mushroom extract have no stimulating effects. The only exception is our cordyceps extract, which is considered a mild stimulant, however, it does not contain caffeine.

Yes, we do! We have compiled many studies indicating the potent medicinal effects medicinal mushrooms can have.

Please visit our Mushroom Science page for more info.

Since the quality of mushroom products offered in the US can vary greatly, it is important to know what you got! Here are the most important signs to watch out for:

• Tested levels of active compounds, e.g. beta-D-glucans
• Tested for heavy metals
• Extract made from fruiting body, not from mycelium
• Grown on trees and tree logs, not on grains
• No added fillers, binders, or other questionable ingredients

For more info read here.

Yes, they are USDA organic certified.

We don’t test specifically for polysaccharides because this is a large category of different things.

Many companies talk about the high polysaccharide levels of their products. Why? Because mushrooms can have medicinal compounds that are polysaccharides, such as beta-D-glucans, PSK (polysaccharide krestin) and PSP (polysaccharide peptide). However, a high polysaccharide level does not necessarily translate to high levels of the aforementioned medicinal compounds. Polysaccharides can also be found in grains and vegetables – starch and cellulose are polysaccharides, as well.

In order to ensure high potency of your mushroom product, look for the (1-3, 1-6) beta-D-glucan, not for polysaccharides.

The optimal (1-3, 1-6) beta-D-glucan level is anywhere between 15% and 40% depending on the medicinal mushroom variety. Typically, the higher the better.

To learn more about our mushrooms (1-3, 1-6) beta-D-glucan levels go to the FAQ section of the respective mushroom.

All our medicinal mushroom extracts are tested by a third party lab (Megazyme) for their beta-D-glucan levels to ensure high potency. More specifically, we test for the (1-3, 1-6) beta-D-glucans, which are the sought after medicinal compounds in most medicinal mushrooms.

Yes. As we, the Sacred Source Botanicals team, are also consuming our products on a daily basis, we are always concerned about the health and safety of our products.

We get our medicinal mushrooms consistently tested by third party laboratories. All of our product specifications follow the following industry established limits:

• Lead: <2ppm*
• Arsenic: <2ppm*
• Cadmium: <2ppm*
• Mercury: <0.1ppm*

*ppm = parts per million

If you are after the highly praised properties of medicinal mushrooms, you have to make sure you get an extract. The extraction process makes the beneficial active compounds bio-available.

Eating raw whole mushrooms is not as effective as ingesting an extract because their cell walls are made of chitin. The human body does not break down chitin well. We miss out on the valuable active compounds because we can’t unlock the cell walls they are hiding in.

Our mushroom extracts are made through hot water extraction. This is in our experience the most effective extraction method.

Our mushrooms are grown on the following mediums:

• Chaga: wild-harvested from birch trees
• Turkey Tail: wild-harvested from trees
• Reishi: duanwood
• Lion’s Mane: wood and cotton seed hull
• Cordyceps: organic rice

Note: Usually, our mushrooms are grown on trees or wood mediums to ensure superior quality. The reason our cordyceps mushrooms are grown on rice is because this growing practice has resulted in the highest amount of medicinal compounds.

It is important to note, that unlike many other cordyceps products, the rice is not included in the final product. We only use fruiting bodies in our extracts.

No. Due to our high quality commitment, our mushroom extracts are made from fruiting bodies only. There are numerous other suppliers in the market who make their mushroom extract from mycelium grown on grain, which typically tests for significantly lower medicinal value.

Mycelium is an integral part of a mushroom. It is the vegetative state, in a way its rooting system. With the right conditions, it will give rise to a fruiting body, what is commonly known as the mushroom cap.

It is the fruiting bodies which contain the medicinal compounds that medicinal mushrooms are famous for, however, not the mycelium. This is important to understand since most mushroom supplements on the US market are made mainly from mycelium and are typically not their money’s worth.

In addition, most mycelium products are cultivated on grains like oats or rice. In such cases the grains end up making the bulk of your ‘mushroom’ product. So you are basically getting ground inoculated grains. It’s pretty close to tempeh. It has some health benefits, however, it does not compare to the sought after medicinal compounds in mushroom fruiting bodies.

When you purchase a medicinal mushroom extract, read your labels. Look for terms such as:
– mycelium
– myceliated brown rice
– mycelial biomass
– full spectrum
– whole lifecycle

Above terms are indicators of mycelium grown on grain. Most products made in the US may be of this type.

No, it is just pure mushroom extract powder. No added fillers, starch, binders or any other additives.

It is a powder.

Yes, our processing facility is HACCP certified.

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. This is a preventative food safety system in which every step in the manufacture, storage and distribution of a food product is scientifically analyzed for microbiological, physical and chemical hazards.

When it comes to sourcing our mushrooms, quality and safety are of foremost concern. In order to yield the quality and medicinal potency medicinal mushrooms are famous for we turned to the place where growing and extraction methods have been continuously refined for the past centuries: China.

Our mushrooms are traditionally and organically grown on an USDA organic certified farm in an eco-village in China. As it stands, China is the best place to get the actual mushroom fruiting bodies, rather than mycelium on grain, which is mostly found in US grown medicinal mushroom products.

We regularly test for the potency of our mushrooms. In addition we test for any traces of heavy metals or other contaminants. This ensures quality and safety of our mushroom extracts.

Our mushroom extracts dissolve in both cold and hot water. Sometimes it clumps a little bit, but if stirred this will dissolve completely, especially if added to hot water.

With our extract you’ll just add the dose ½ tsp to hot water and stir. See our recipe section for more inspiration.

Please see FAQ section for mushroom of interest.

You can take our mushroom extracts at any time on an empty stomach as well as before, with or after meals.

Cordyceps can have a mildly stimulating effect, so it is best taken in the morning or during the day.

Most of our customers like to take their reishi extract at night as a sleep aid due to its calming effect. However, it is not sedative and you can take reishi extract at any time of the day.

Medicinal mushroom extracts can be taken even if one does not show any symptoms of compromised health. The aim of medicinal mushrooms is to support your body when you are healthy so you don’t get sick in the first place.

It varies from person to person. Some of our customers have reported to feel immediate effects such as increased alertness and clarity, more energy, sleeping better at night, better digestion, etc.

Whether one can feel immediate effects or not, the true mushroom power lies in taking it consistently. Most people report improvements in their overall health and well-being after taking mushroom extracts for several months.

Because there isn’t enough scientific data to back up safety in young children, it is best for young children to avoid medicinal mushroom extracts. If you nevertheless would like to give your child our mushroom extract, please consult a pediatrician or qualified healthcare practitioner before taking the supplement.

Because there isn’t enough scientific studies involving pregnant or breastfeeding women, it is best for nursing or expecting women to avoid medicinal mushrooms. If you nevertheless would like to take medicinal mushroom extracts, it is very important to consult a qualified health care practitioner before taking a supplement.

Yes, absolutely. However, if your pet has a medical condition, please consult a veterinarian first.

Anyone who has a medical condition, needs to consult a qualified health care practitioner before taking medicinal mushroom supplements.

In addition, because it is untested as such children, pregnant or breastfeeding women may want to avoid medicinal mushrooms.

Chaga is a fungus and also goes by its Latin name ‘Inonotus obliquus’. Due to its extraordinary health properties this medicinal mushroom has been called ‘King of Mushrooms’ for thousands of years by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.

Chaga mushroom extract has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to support healthy inflammatory response, detoxification, anti-aging, balance blood sugar, boost metabolism, support healthy cardiovascular and respiratory systems, healthy blood pressure and improve energy levels. It is also known as an antioxidant and adaptogen.

Modern science is slowly catching up with studies supporting that which our Chinese elders have known for millennia. We will publish a post summarizing the different scientific studies soon.

Some of the beneficial compounds found inside are beta-D-glucans, triterpenoids, SOD, inotodiol, other phytosterols and triterpenes, betulin, betulinic acid, melanin and more. This is in addition to vitamins and many trace minerals.

We test for beta-D-glucans (20%) and triterpenoids (4%).

Yes. However, unlike most mushrooms, the conk is not a fruiting body, but what is called a sclerotia, or mass of mycelium. It looks similar to burnt charcoal.

Typically, we use the fruiting body of our medicinal mushrooms. However, when it comes to chaga, it is different.

In order to answer the question, you have to understand the unique make-up of the chaga mushroom. Chaga doesn’t have a fruiting body (mushroom cap) as we know it. It’s main part is a conk, which is called the sclerotia. And that is where all the medicinal compounds are found.

When growing wild it prefers to grow on birch trees. However, it can also be cultivated on other mediums such as grains.

Note: the medicinal value of chaga mushrooms typically decreases significantly when grown on grain.

Our chaga is wildcrafted from birch trees.

This is a good question. Typically, it is the fruiting body that harbors the most medicinal compounds. However, when it comes to chaga, it is the sclerotia that contains all the compounds we are after. Sclerotia is a hardened mass of mycelium.

Note: it is very important to understand that our high quality chaga extracts are made from chaga grown on birch trees. Many other chaga supplement suppliers make their extract from mycelium grown on grain, which typically tests for significantly lower medicinal value.

Our chaga extract is made through hot water extraction. This is in our experience the most effective extraction method. The extraction ratio for our chaga extract is 8:1.

The main active medicinal compounds in chaga are generally considered beta-D-glucans and triterpenoids. In addition, there are numerous other beneficial phytochemicals.

Our chaga regularly tests at 20% or higher.

Our chaga regularly tests at 4% or higher.

Yes. It is the melanin that gives chaga its dark color.

Our recommended dose is 1,000mg 1-3 times per day. 1,000mg is equal to ½ teaspoon of extract powder. For some a  larger dosage is safe, as well.

In any event, if you have a medical condition or are pregnant, please consult a qualified health care practitioner before taking chaga supplements.

Cordyceps is a fungus. The most commonly known varieties are cordyceps militaris and cordyceps militaris.

Cordyceps sinensis is the cordyceps variety that naturally grows on caterpillars. Since the cultivation of cordyceps sinensis fruiting bodies is very difficult, authentic cordyceps sinensis mushroom extracts made from fruiting bodies are extremely expensive: the market price is $40,000/kg or more.

Cordyceps militaris is another variety, which can be cultivated more easily. Extracts made from its fruiting bodies have a comparable medicinal and nutritional profile compared to extracts made from cordyceps sinensis.

The ideal growing medium for cordyceps militaris has proven to be grains. All our other mushrooms are grown on trees or wood, however, cordyceps militaris is an exception due to the above reasons.

Note of caution: most cordyceps sinensis extracts in the US market are most likely made from mycelium, not from fruiting bodies and therefore are of inferior quality and medicinal value. Similar with cordyceps militaris: if extract is made from mycelium grown on grain, it will have less medicinal value than extracts made from fruiting bodies.

Our cordyceps militaris mushroom extract is made from fruiting bodies only, no exception.

Our cordyceps militaris mushroom extract is vegan. No insects or caterpillars were involved in the growing process.

Cordyceps mushroom extract has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine for regulating a healthy immune response, promoting cardiovascular health, improving healthy stamina and endurance levels, support lung and kidney function and healthy joints.

In addition it is known to reduce stress and prevent fatigue and may support oxygen absorption by up to 40%. It is also known as a strong antioxidant and adaptogen.

Cordyceps militaris mushroom extract is ideal for athletes seeking to improve their performance. However, it is also supportive for anyone who wants to have more energy and be healthier overall. If a medical condition is present, a qualified health care practitioner needs to be consulted before taking cordyceps supplements.

Our cordyceps is grown on rice. Usually, all our mushrooms are grown on trees or wood mediums to ensure superior quality. The reason our cordyceps mushrooms are grown on rice is because this growing practice has resulted in the highest amount of medicinal compounds.

It is important to note, that unlike many other cordyceps products, the rice is not included in the final product. We only use fruiting bodies in our extracts.

Our cordyceps extract is made through hot water extraction. This is in our experience the most effective extraction method. The extraction ratio for our cordyceps extract is 8:1.

The main active medicinal compounds in cordyceps are generally considered beta-D-glucans and cordycepin. In addition, there are numerous other beneficial phytochemicals.

Our cordyceps regularly tests at 20% or higher.

Our cordyceps extracts regularly tests at 0.3% or higher.

Our recommended dose is 1,000mg 1-3 times daily. 1,000mg is equal to ½ teaspoon of extract powder. For some a larger dosage is safe, as well. In any event,, if you have a medical condition or are pregnant, please consult a qualified health care practitioner before taking cordyceps supplements.

It is a mild stimulant, however, it does not contain caffeine.

Most of our customers like to take their cordyceps mushroom extract in the morning to boost their energy for the day. Generally speaking, you can take cordyceps extract at any time of the day on an empty stomach as well as before, during or after meals. However, if you react sensitively to (mild) stimulants, it is better to avoid taking it at night.

The hair of a lion : )

Well, lion’s mane is also a fungus and goes by its latin name Hericium erinaceus.

Lion’s mane mushroom extract has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine for regulating a healthy immune response, improving memory, focus, and concentration, supporting and regenerating the nervous system, promoting cardiovascular health, supporting gut health, balancing moods and increasing energy.

In addition, modern day science has found that lion’s mane extract may support healthy cell growth and death (apoptosis), increase Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and alleviate symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alheimer’s disease and dementia. It may also help with Parkinson’s disease, muscle cramps and spasms, Multiple sclerosis, stroke recovery and seizures and seizure-like post-stroke episodes.

It is also known as a strong antioxidant and adaptogen.

Lion’s mane mushroom extract is ideal for anyone seeking to improve brain function and to support the nervous system. However, it is also supportive for anyone who wants to have more energy and be healthier overall.

If a medical condition is present, a qualified health care practitioner needs to be consulted before taking lion’s mane supplements.

Our lion’s mane mushrooms are grown on wood and cotton seed hull.

Our lion’s mane extract is made through hot water extraction. This is in our experience the most effective extraction method. The extraction ratio for our lion’s mane extract is 8:1.

The main active medicinal compounds in lion’s mane are generally considered beta-D-glucans as well as hericenones and erinacines, both of which are said to promote the production of nerve growth factor. In addition, there are numerous other beneficial phytochemicals.

Our lion’s mane regularly tests at 20% or higher.

We do not test for hericenones and erinacines levels at this time.

Our recommended dose is 1,000mg 1-3 times daily. 1,000mg is equal to ½ teaspoon of lion’s mane extract powder. For some a larger dosage is safe, as well.

In any event, if you have a medical condition or are pregnant, please consult a qualified health care practitioner before taking lion’s mane supplements.

Reishi is a fungus and also goes by its Latin name ‘Ganoderma lucidum’. Due to its extraordinary health properties this medicinal mushroom has been called ‘Mushroom of Immortality’ or ‘Queen of Mushrooms’’ for thousands of years by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.

Reishi mushroom extract has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine for regulating a healthy immune response, to combat certain viral infections, to help improve chronic lung conditions, to normalize high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and to reduce stress and prevent fatigue.

In addition it has been used to support liver function, digestion, healthy sleep patterns, cardio-vascular health and healthy inflammation response. It is also known as a strong antioxidant and adaptogen.

Reishi that is grown on wood (as opposed to grains) is best since that is the way it produces triterpenes. As for different species or varieties, it is hard to say if anyone is better than any others.

Reishi has a rather earthy taste and due its active compound triterpenoid can be quite bitter. If a reishi mushroom product is not bitter, it may indicate inferior quality.

Our reishi is grown on Duanwood.

Our reishi extract is made through hot water extraction. This is in our experience the most effective extraction method. The extraction ratio for our reishi extract is 15:1.

The main active medicinal compounds in reishi are generally considered beta-D-glucans and triterpenoids. In addition, there are numerous other beneficial phytochemicals.

Our reishi regularly tests at 20% or higher.

Our reishi regularly tests at 4% or higher.

Most of our customers like to take their reishi extract at night as a sleep aid due to its calming effect. However, it is not sedative and you can take reishi extract at any time of the day on an empty stomach as well as before, during or after meals.

Our recommended dose is 1,000mg 1-3 times daily. 1,000 is equal to ½ teaspoon of extract powder. For some a  larger dosage is safe, as well.

In any event, if you have a medical condition or are pregnant, please consult a qualified health care practitioner before taking reishi supplements.

Reishi may interact with anticoagulants and antihypertensives. If you are taking any medications, be sure to consult with your physician or qualified healthcare practitioner to discuss any adverse interactions.

Turkey tail is a fungus and also goes by its Latin name ‘Coriolus versicolor’. This mushroom is named after its distinctive striped fan that resembles the feather formation of a wild turkey, however, the exoticness does not stop here. The Ancient Egyptians called this power mushroom the ‘Sons of Gods’, sent to protect them from harm.

Turkey tail mushroom extract has been used for thousands of years in Chinese and Egyptian medicine for regulating a healthy immune response, to support digestion and metabolism, and to reduce stress and prevent fatigue.

In addition it has been used to combat certain viral infections, to support chemotherapy patients, to promote healthy cell growth and healthy cell death (apoptosis). It is also known as a strong antioxidant and adaptogen.

Yes, 100% vegan, no animal products involved. This mushroom is named after its distinctive striped fan that resembles the feather formation of a wild turkey.

Our turkey tail is wild harvested from trees.

Our turkey tail extract is made through hot water extraction. This is in our experience the most effective extraction method. The extraction ratio for our turkey tail extract is 12:1.

The main active medicinal compounds in turkey tail are generally considered beta-D-glucans, PSK (polysaccharide krestin) and PSP (polysaccharide peptide). In addition, there are numerous other beneficial phytochemicals.

Our turkey tail regularly tests at 20% or higher.

At this time we do not test for PSK and PSP levels.

Our recommended dose is 1,000mg 1-3 times daily. 1,000mg is equal to ½ teaspoon of extract powder. For some a larger dosage is safe, as well. In any event, if you have a medical condition or are pregnant, please consult a qualified health care practitioner before taking turkey tail supplements.