Frequently Asked Questions
Although the fungal kingdom is generally the least understood when compared to flora and fauna, there is a huge body of scientific literature outlining the incredible power of mushrooms, eaten fresh and in tincture / extracted forms. You can find a selection of peer-reviewed journal papers here. Available literature is growing all the time and although we haven’t yet learned everything there is about the properties of mushrooms, from what we do know we are confident we are growing and selling high quality products for a healthy body, mind and spirit.
Fruiting bodies refer to the part of a fungus that produces spores. Commonly what people refer to as ‘mushrooms’ – think the boletus popping it’s head out in the forest or the button mushroom you find in the supermarket – as are the fruiting bodies. So technically a mushroom as you probably think of it is a fruiting body.
Mycelium on the other hand is the part of the mushroom structure not commonly seen or considered by most people. It is a vast and densely packed network of incredibly thin (and often white) strings that expand under the substrate (or soil/wood in the wild) that is the precursor to the development of the fruiting body.
As a way of analogy, think of a tree: the roots of the tree are under the ground, expanding and nourishing the tree. We wouldn’t normally think of the roots as we don’t see them, but they are there as an integral part of the tree. It’s the same with mycelium: you won’t commonly see it, but it is there as an inseparable part of the mushroom. The fruiting body cannot exist without the mycelium.
- All of Love Mushrooms tinctures are made from 100% fruit bodies. This means that we only use the fruiting bodies in the production of the tinctures and no mycelium. Theoretically including mycelium in the product makes sense as mycelium and fruiting bodies contain different and often complementary properties, however, the problem is mycelium is impossible to disentangle from the substrate used to grow the mushroom. This is a problem as even though all Love Mushrooms fungi are grown organically, if we used the mycelium we would bring other ingredients into the tinctures such as organic brown rice or organic hardwood which we use as substrate.
- “Of the mushroom polysaccharides reported to have immunological activity 77.5% are from mushroom fruiting body, 20.8% from mycelium and 2.0% from culture filtrate (broth).” Excerpt From: Martin Powell. “Medicinal Mushrooms–A Clinical Guide.”
The O in L’o’ve represents organic: all of Love Mushroom capsules and tinctures are organic and will always be. We are organically certified by the Soil Association. All of our mushrooms are grown using organic substrate and grain at each stage of the process (cultures, spawn, fruiting) and the ethanol we use for stage one of the extraction process is also organic.
Solvent Selection:
- Glycerin vs. Ethanol: Both organic glycerin and ethanol are commonly used solvents for herbal and mushroom extractions. However, glycerin is a non-toxic, food-grade substance, making it a safer option for those who prefer alcohol-free products.
Ultrasonic Extraction:
- Enhanced Extraction: Ultrasonic extraction is a powerful technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to break down cell walls and facilitate the release of bioactive compounds from mushrooms. This method is highly efficient and can significantly increase the extraction yield compared to traditional methods.
Preservation of Heat-Sensitive Compounds:
- Glycerin’s Lower Temperature: Glycerin has a lower boiling point than ethanol. This means that during ultrasonic extraction, glycerin generates less heat. Heat can degrade or destroy heat-sensitive compounds in mushrooms, such as certain enzymes and antioxidants. Glycerin’s lower temperature helps preserve these compounds.
Improved Flavor and Taste:
- Glycerin’s Sweet Taste: Glycerin has a naturally sweet taste, which can make the final extract more palatable, especially in products like tinctures and gummies. Ethanol, on the other hand, has a strong and bitter taste that can be less desirable for some consumers.
Safe for Alcohol-Sensitive Individuals:
- Alcohol-Free Option: Some individuals prefer alcohol-free products due to personal or health reasons. Organic glycerin provides a suitable alternative, making the product more accessible to a wider customer base.
Longer Shelf Life:
- Glycerin’s Preservative Properties: Glycerin acts as a natural preservative, extending the shelf life of the final product. This can be particularly beneficial for mushroom tinctures, capsules, and gummies, which may be stored for extended periods.
Organic glycerin can effectively replace ethanol for extracting functional compounds from mushrooms when combined with ultrasonic extraction. It offers advantages such as safety, preservation of heat-sensitive compounds, and improved taste. This combination allows us to create high-quality mushroom extracts.
This refers to the type of extraction process used to ensure the full spectrum of nutritional benefits are extracted from the mushrooms and end up in our tinctures.
A double extraction refers to ethanol and hot-water extraction, a triple extraction also includes cold water extraction.
- Purified cold water is used to extract extracellular metabolites
- Hot water is used to draw out polysaccharides like beta-glucans, glycoproteins, and other high-molecular weight compounds.
- Organic ethanol extraction providing terpenes, triterpenoids, inositols, ergosterols, sterols and flavonoids.
We recommend that you should speak to your doctor before taking any food supplement. All of the mushrooms we use are potent in strength and nutritional value. Particular;y if you’re not used to taking such supplements then start slow and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
If you want to know more about potential side-effects of any of the mushrooms used in our tinctures, then check out these links from webMD:
The best time to take mushroom supplements like Shiitake, Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane can depend on the specific benefits you’re seeking and how your body responds to them. However, here are some general guidelines:
Shiitake: Often taken with meals, Shiitake can be consumed any time of day. It’s known for supporting immune health and overall well-being.
Chaga: Consumed in the morning or early afternoon, it has a stimulating effect for some people, so taking it early can help avoid potential sleep disturbances.
Reishi: Known for its calming properties and is often taken in the evening or before bedtime to support relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Cordyceps: Best taken in the morning or before a workout. Cordyceps is known for its energy-boosting properties and can help improve physical performance.
Lion’s Mane: Can be taken any time of day. However, since it’s known for supporting cognitive function and mental clarity, taking it in the morning or early afternoon can maximize its benefits during your most mentally active hours.
Remember, individual responses can vary, so it’s important to listen to your body and adjust the timing accordingly. Also, consulting with a healthcare provider, especially if you have specific health conditions or are taking other medications, is always a good practice.
Research has shown that combining mushrooms can in fact bring highly beneficial results.
We grow mushrooms organically in our indoor farm near Forres, Scotland. We use the latest technology to ensure our grow rooms maintain specific temperature, humidity and light cycles to support flourishing, healthy mushrooms. We use waste hardwood woodchip and sawdust from a local joiner, most of the wood used is locally sourced from here. If we didn’t use this woodchip it would simply be incinerated!
We also use organic wheatbran to supplement our sawdust substrate.
At Love Mushrooms, quality is our top priority. We are passionate about providing you with only the best mushrooms. As we’ve grown we have formed partnerships with exceptional organic mushroom farms, and only use 100% mushroom fruiting bodies without any mycelium on grain.
We take quality control seriously, and we rigorously test and verify our partner farms with the help of third-party certifiers to ensure that you receive the highest quality mushrooms possible.
When you choose LOVE Mushrooms, you can trust that you’re getting mushrooms grown and harvested with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Due to a lack of research regarding the interactions between powerful, nutritious-rich mushroom supplements and breastfeeding and pregnancy, we recommend that you do not use our tinctures when nourishing your wee ones.
Whether children can take mushroom supplements depends on several factors, including the age of the child, the type of mushroom supplement, and the child’s overall health and medical history. Here are some points to consider:
Age Considerations: Supplements, including those derived from mushrooms, are typically formulated for adults. Children have different nutritional needs and tolerances, so what is safe for an adult may not be safe for a child.
Type of Mushroom: Some mushrooms may have compounds that are not suitable for children. It’s important to research each type of mushroom and consult with a healthcare provider.
Medical History: If the child has any underlying health conditions or allergies, it’s crucial to discuss with a healthcare provider before giving them any supplements.
Dosage: Even if a mushroom supplement is deemed safe for a child, the dosage would likely need to be adjusted based on the child’s size and weight.
Lack of Research: There is limited research on the effects of mushroom supplements on children. Most studies and safety profiles are based on adult populations.
Food as a Better Option: Often, it’s recommended for children to get their nutrients from whole foods rather than supplements. Introducing mushrooms as part of a balanced diet can be a safer way to provide their potential benefits.
It’s essential to consult with a pediatrician or a healthcare provider who specializes in children’s health before giving any type of supplement to a child. They can provide personalized advice and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the child.
If your order arrives damaged then we will ask for photographic evidence and then issue a replacement asap.
For refunds and returns please see our policy here.
While it’s generally safe to combine different forms, we recommend starting with one product to see how your body reacts. Always consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
- Capsules: Best for those who prefer a tasteless, odorless option and precise dosing.
- Tinctures: Ideal for quick absorption and those who want to adjust dosage easily.
- Gummies: Perfect for those who prefer a flavourful, chewable form.