Mushroom Oil

effective. They are also the few medicinal mushrooms with clinical studies that support their claims. The top five mushrooms include Chaga, Turkey Tail, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi 

At Flawless CBD, we feature a diverse collection of mushroom oils that feature almost all medicinal mushrooms. Some are stand-alone, and others unique fusions. 

What is a mushroom extract?

An extract is a useful substance previously part of raw material. The separation process is called extraction. In manufacturing mushroom oil, water and alcohol are the most commonly used extraction solvents. Besides oils and tinctures, manufacturers can also sell the extract in powder form.

With mushroom products, extraction is a must to get the most out of the fungus—It makes the compounds readily available for the body to digest and absorb.

Raw mushroom products have chitin cell walls (Chitin is the same tough substance that makes crustacean shells). Unfortunately, our bodies don't have the natural enzymes to digest this substance. It's the reason you don't get much from cooking and eating raw mushrooms. Most valuable ingredients get lost in the insoluble fibre that passes out as waste. Even though our guts benefit from the excess fibre, we lose out on critical mushroom nutrients with "superfood" effects.

Why not view our wide range of mushroom products? From Mushroom Capsules, Mushroom Tea, and Mushroom Oil to Mushroom Tinctures, Mushroom Gummies and more!

Types of Mushroom Extraction Processes

Most manufacturers employ either of two mushroom extraction processes. They include:

• Hot water extraction.
• Dual extraction.

Continue reading for more information on mushroom extracts and why this information is crucial to consumers.

Mushroom Hot Water Extraction

As the name suggests, it involves using hot water. "Hot Water Extraction" might sound like a complex technical process. However, we all consume a form of hot water extract daily. Common examples include coffee, tea, and broth. It usually involves heating powdered raw materials in hot water for a specific duration. Once the process is complete, you filter the insoluble solids to obtain the nutrient-dense liquid.

Not all mushroom oil manufacturers throw away the solid in-solubles. Some leave them in the liquid because they contain some nutritional value. They then pack the product as a tincture or precipitate the nutrients into powder form.

Note: Although the process sounds as easy as boiling powdered mushroom in a kettle, commercially manufactured mushroom extracts are more complex and effective—This is because it employs specific temperatures and pressures that allow for more nutrients to dissolve in water.

In medical mushrooms, polysaccharides like beta-glucans are the primary soluble nutrients. Studies suggest they have anti-cancer properties that can support cancer treatment.

Mushroom Dual Extraction

If you are conversant with supplement absorption, you should know "bioavailability." Bioavailability refers to how much of the substance makes it into your bloodstream and actively impacts your body.

Sublingual mushroom oils and tinctures have bioavailability ratings of about 40%. If you were to consume mushroom oil, only 40% of the nutrients would make it to your bloodstream.

Solubility and bioavailability are closely related. Insoluble nutrients generally have low bioavailability. That is why some manufacturers apply Dual Extract—It helps dissolve some of the mushrooms' insoluble nutrients, improving the extract's overall absorption rate.

Dual extraction involves submerging the insoluble mushroom raw materials (from hot water extraction) into an alcoholic solvent like ethanol. Once again, heat is applied, and the mixture is left to boil for a specific duration. The manufacturer then filters the remaining solid materials to obtain the nutrient-dense liquid (Added to the first hot water extract liquid). 

Is Dual Extraction necessary?

Dual extraction generally produces a "full-spectrum" mushroom extract. However, as experts discover more about mushrooms, they've started questioning if it's always beneficial.

For specific mushrooms like Reishi, dual extraction is almost compulsory because they possess insoluble nutritional triterpenes like ganoderic acid. Besides providing nutritional value, they also give Reishi its unique bitter taste. The bitterness is also an indicator of a high-quality Reishi supplement.

Dual extraction is also applicable in Chaga mushroom oil production. It helps isolate insoluble triterpenes and sterols.

Nonetheless, for mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Maitake, and Shiitake, Dual Extraction is redundant since they don't possess crucial insoluble nutrients. In some circumstances, the extraction process might harm the supplements' quality.

Note: "Dual Extraction" and "Hot Water Extraction" aren't reliable metrics for high-quality mushroom extracts. Instead, read the label to know the nutrient composition in each bottle. Specifically, be keen on beta-glucan content.

Disadvantages of Dual Mushroom Extraction

Several tests have consistently shown that dual extracts have lesser nutrient composition than their hot water counterparts. Even though the procedure helps obtain insoluble nutrients, it forgoes crucial insoluble ones like beta-glucans (Perhaps the most valuable nutrients). During Dual Extraction, most soluble polysaccharides precipitate out of the alcohol solvent and miss out on the final product.

For this reason, some Mushroom oil manufacturers have written off dual extraction. It's not worth sacrificing the most crucial nutrients for subsidiary ones. Besides Reishi and Chaga, almost all other mushroom tinctures are products of hot water extraction.

Note: Hot water mushroom extracts aren't nutrient deficient. Most high-quality manufacturers don't filter out powdered insoluble raw materials. Therefore, their nutrients are still present. The only issue is that they won't be as easily absorbed as their soluble counterparts.

Chaga Mushroom Oils: For immune support and healthy skin

The Chaga Mushroom species, also known as Inonotus obliquus, traces its origin in 16th-century Russia. Among the people, it was the go-to remedy for stomach health. Chaga mushroom helped treat and prevent gut conditions. 

Modern science reveals that the Chaga mushroom has the highest antioxidant concentration of all naturally occurring substances. The high antioxidant content helps the body fight against free radicals and chronic inflammation. Chaga mushroom also has anti-microbial properties that support digestion and improve gut health. These factors significantly boost the body's immune system (Gut health and the immune system are closely tied together).

Turkey Tail Mushroom Oils: For improved gut health and immune support

Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes Versicolor) is the world's most popular mushroom species. It can grow in almost all regions. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) unlocked its healing abilities. Like Chaga, traditional practitioners hailed the Turkey Tail mushroom because of its impact on the human digestive system.

Nonetheless, modern science has revealed stimulating information about Turkey Tail's health benefits. According to lab reports, the fungus has rich beta-glucan reserves—Unique polysaccharides that boost the immune system and possess anti-cancer properties. Specifically, Turkey Tail mushrooms contain protein-bound polysaccharides PSK and PSP that are scientifically proven to have the ability to support cancer treatment.

As far as the immune system is concerned, Turkey Tail mushrooms boost T-cells and cytokine production (Natural killer cells that attack disease-causing organisms).

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Oils: For improved brain health and neuro-regeneration

As the name suggests, Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceous) has a beautiful shaggy appearance that resembles a lion’s mane. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, they refer to it as Hou Tou Gu. Practitioners prescribed Lion’s Mane mushroom extract to patients suffering from digestive and stress-related conditions. It also worked in those who lacked vital energy (qi deficiency).

In Japan, they call it Yamabushitake. According to cultural references, the name relates to the Buddhist monks who discovered the mushroom’s benefits. It was their favourite because they believed it helped boost focus and concentration in meditation.

Recent studies on Lion's Mane mushroom extract agree with Asian traditional medicine. According to research, the fungus is rich in neuroprotective phytonutrients. Compounds like hericenones and erinacines have the potential to stimulate the Nerve Growth Factor that promotes nerve cell synthesis. Complementary studies also found that aged people suffering from memory problems significantly improved their mental health relative to those who took placebos. Scientists even believe Lion's Mane mushroom might support neurogenesis.

Cordyceps Mushroom Oils: For performance, endurance, and sexual energy boost

Unlike the others, "Cordyceps" doesn't stand for one fungus. It's a collective name for several parasitic mushroom species. Nonetheless, they all share similar benefits treasured in Chinese and Tibetan medicine.

According to cultural studies, the mushrooms created powerful tonics that boosted energy, endurance, stamina, and appetite. Cordyceps mushrooms helped fight fatigue, exhaustion, and stress. Some accounts even state that the fungus could boost libido.

Under the modern microscope, all these allegations appear to hold some truth. Studies reveal that Cordyceps mushrooms boost energy by stimulating ATP production. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) molecules are responsible for carrying energy to cells and muscle fibres. It's why the fungi are so effective before and after an exercise session.

Most recently, scientists have unravelled that Cordyceps mushrooms might have hormone regulatory properties that could increase libido in women and improve sperm health in men.

Reishi Mushroom Oils: For a calm mind, deep sleep, and immune support

Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi) is among the most cherished superior herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2000-year-old texts reveal that the mushroom was exclusive to Chinese royals. According to the ancient texts, the mushroom had "immortal" effects. It created anti-ageing tonics that boosted qi and relieved stress. 

Like other medicinal mushrooms, Reishi possesses polysaccharides that boost the immune system. On top of that, it has a calming effect on the human brain and body. A dose of Reishi mushroom after a long day can reduce stress, calm the mind, and support deep sleep. Moreover, it can also help balance blood sugar levels.

Benefits and Uses of Mushroom Oil

Due to the multiple bioactive compounds present in mushrooms, you can use the oil for a wide range of needs. Here are some key applications of mushroom oil:

Skin Health and Beauty

Mushroom oil is popular for its moisturising properties that make it essential for skincare routines. These products help hydrate the skin and ensure it remains supple and moisturised, contributing to a smoother and youthful skin complexion. The natural properties of mushroom oil can also reduce flakiness and help improve the overall skin texture.

Mushroom oils also contain antioxidant content that helps protect the skin from free radicals that can cause premature ageing. Among the different antioxidants present in these products are polysaccharides and other phenolic compounds.

These compounds reduce wrinkles or the appearance of fine lines and help fight all sources of oxidative stress. These include creating balanced skin conditions, especially when exposed to external causes of ageing, such as UV radiation and pollution.

The skin also benefits highly from the calming effects and soothing properties of mushroom oils, especially when struggling with skin redness, irritation and sensitivity. Cordyceps and reishi mushroom oils are most common for these calming effects because they contain anti-inflammatory properties.

Because of these properties, the skin has a balanced complexion that relieves sensitive or reactive skin. The mushroom extracts will revitalise and help nourish your skin into a more radiant and admirable complexion.

Hair and Scalp Care

When applied to the hair, the mushroom oil affects its moisturising properties on the hair and scalp, helping reduce dryness and itchiness on the scalp.

Additionally, mushroom oil is key in reducing flakiness and dandruff because of the moisturising effects, creating a healthier scalp environment.  The anti-inflammatory effects may also help with stubborn scalp issues such as psoriasis or eczema. This also means reliable help for persons struggling with itching and redness on the scalp, supporting a convenient environment for hair growth.

However, a key fact is that individuals respond differently to hair and scalp treatment using mushroom oils. While others enjoy improved scalp conditions with stimulated blood circulation and overall hair growth, some may not see any visible results.

So, to ensure the product's results on your body, you should perform a patch test before applying the oils fully to your hair. This will also help to note any potential allergies from a sensitive scalp.

Massage and Body Care

Mushroom oils also make the best product for massages, as you can be sure of hydrated, soft, smooth and rejuvenated skin after using the oils. Moreover, the mushroom extracts will also help provide a sense of relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and reduce inflammation.

So the antioxidant properties in the mushroom oils help people struggling with sore muscles and general discomfort. The bioactive compounds are absorbed during the massage into the skin, supporting the healing process.

Usage and Application Tips

The best way to reap the full potential of mushroom oil is by incorporating it into your daily routine and ensuring consistent application.

Here are some tips to guide you:

Facial Skincare

Apply a few drops of the oil on clean and dry skin, then gently massage it into the skin upwards circularly. You can also add the oil to your regular moisturiser. This will help boost its nourishing properties.

Advisably you can also incorporate these oils into your nighttime skincare routine. The oil will have sufficient time to work with your skin because of little to no disturbances, such as UV rays at night.

Mushroom oils also work perfectly with homemade skincare recipes. Whether you are making body cream, face masks or serum, their infusion with the mushroom extracts has guaranteed benefits.

Scalp and Haircare

When using it on your scalp, gently massage the oil, then leave it to settle overnight or for a few hours before washing your hair. Feel free to add the oil to your shampoo and conditioners to enhance their hair-nourishing benefits.

Body Massage

Combine the mushroom with other massage oils, add small amounts to your hands and gently massage it into your body. You can use mushroom oils with sweet almond, coconut, or other massage oils for luxurious and hydrating body effects.

Dietary Supplementation

You can add extracts to your smoothies, beverages, or salads when using safe-to-consume mushroom oils. However, you must be keen to follow the manufacturer's instructions when adding these extracts to your diet.

Precautions to Consider When Using Mushroom Oil

Mushrooms extracts are generally safe and almost harmless for your body. However, because of different individual interactions with the mushroom bioactive compounds, it is important to follow certain procedures that guarantee positive experiences.

These include:

Perform Patch Tests

Before applying topical mushroom oils, you must perform patch tests on small areas of your skin to check for any negative reactions. To do the patch tests, apply small amounts of oil onto your wrist or forearm, then monitor the area for any reactions within at least 24 hours.

If you experience any negative reactions, avoid using the mushroom oil type.

Allergies Caution

People with sensitive and allergic skin should always be cautious when using mushroom oils. If you are aware of the allergy, it is best to consult with medical personnel. If you are unaware, the patch test above will help unearth any skin sensitivities.

Pre-use Preparation

Some mushroom oils come in highly concentrated solutions that require dilution and proper mixing before use. Check on the label and follow the correct procedures from the manufacturer on how to do the mixing.

Underlying Medical Conditions

If aware of any underlying medical conditions or when using any medication, consult with the experts before using the mushroom oils. This will help avoid any possible medical interactions that would reduce the potency of the mushroom oils.

Storage Instructions

Incorrect storage can affect the quality and effectiveness of mushroom oil. Store the products away beyond sunlight reach and away from moisture. You should also check the labels for any specific storage instructions, including the expiry date.

Mushroom Oil FAQs

 Can I use multiple mushroom oils?

Yes, you can use multiple mushroom oils separately or by mixing them. However, you must seek advice on the correct dosage instructions. It is also important that you patch the test final solution before using it on any large area of your skin.

Can mushroom oil be used during pregnancy or when breastfeeding?

Mushroom extracts have several bioactive compounds whose effects on pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are unclear. Therefore, You must consult with the experts on this before using them when pregnant.