Extracting water-soluble compounds from lion's mane mushroom involves a few basic steps, which are as follows:
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Choose Fresh Lion's Mane Mushroom: Select fresh lion's mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, as it is the best for extraction. Look for firm and intact mushroom without any damage or discoloration.
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Clean and Chop the Mushroom: Clean the mushroom with a brush or damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Then, cut the mushroom into small pieces, about 1-2 inches in size.
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Boil the Mushroom: Add the chopped lion's mane mushroom to a pot with enough water to cover it completely. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the mushroom simmer for 30-60 minutes. The longer the mushroom is simmered, the more concentrated the extract will be.
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Strain the Mushroom: After simmering, remove the pot from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, strain the mushroom pieces through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove any solid pieces.
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Store the Extract: Transfer the extracted liquid to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be used within a week or frozen for later use.
The extracted liquid will contain various water-soluble compounds, including polysaccharides and beta-glucans, which are believed to have potential health benefits such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Mycobrain contains an evaporated form of this liquid and will last at least 18 months in the container if stored correctly. No chemicals are used in the entire process.