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Birch Polypore Tincture

Birch Polypore Tincture

Ashley Adamant
Birch Polypore Tincture is a potent herbal remedy known for its antiviral, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Made through a double extraction method, it combines both alcohol and water infusions to capture the full range of beneficial compounds. This tincture can be used internally for infections or topically for wound care.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Infusion Time 42 days
Total Time 42 days 10 minutes
Course Tincture
Cuisine American
Servings 1 quart

Equipment

  • Spring or Filtered Water
  • Two 1-quart Mason Jars with Lids
  • 1-gallon Stockpot
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Cheesecloth
  • Small Tincture Funnel
  • Amber Glass Tincture Bottles (with droppers)

Ingredients
  

  • Birch Polypore dried or fresh, sliced
  • Alcohol 80 proof / 40% or higher, e.g., vodka, whiskey, or rum

Instructions
 

Prepare the Alcohol Extraction:

  • Fill one mason jar halfway with dried, sliced birch polypore.
  • Cover the mushrooms with alcohol, leaving about ½ inch of headspace.
  • Seal the jar and place it in a cool, dark place. Shake gently once a day.
  • Let the jar sit for one month.

Strain the Alcohol:

  • After one month, strain the alcohol through cheesecloth into a clean mason jar, discarding the birch polypore pieces.
  • Keep the alcohol extract for the next step.

Water Extraction:

  • In a stockpot, bring ½ gallon of filtered or spring water to a boil.
  • Add the birch polypore pieces from the previous step to the boiling water.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours, allowing the water to reduce to 8-16 ounces (¼ to ½ quarts). Add more water if necessary.
  • After simmering, strain the water through a fine mesh sieve and set aside.

Combine Alcohol and Water Extracts:

  • Combine the alcohol extract and the water extract into one jar and gently shake.
  • This creates your double-extracted birch polypore tincture.

Bottle and Label:

  • Pour the tincture into amber glass tincture bottles with droppers.
  • Label each bottle with the name, date, and dosage (1 to 2 droppers full, 2-3 times per day).

Storage:

  • Store the tincture in a cool, dark place. It will remain shelf-stable for months, maintaining between 25-35% alcohol.

Notes

Uses

  • Internally: Helps fight viral, parasitic, fungal, and bacterial infections. Can support the immune system and reduce inflammation.
  • Topically: Use for wound care, to reduce inflammation, and to cleanse open wounds.
  • May also be used for its potential anti-cancer properties and HIV treatment, though further research is needed.
Dosage
  • Consult a clinical herbalist for specific dosage, but in general, the dosage for this type of tincture is usually 1 to 2 droppers full (1-2 ml), 2-3 times per day for internal use.
  • Apply topically to minor injuries or inflammation with a clean cotton ball or cloth.

Additional Notes

  • Birch polypore is easy to forage in late spring and summer, typically on birch trees. Ensure you are 100% confident in your identification before harvesting.
  • Safety First: Consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or are using it for serious conditions such as cancer or HIV.
  • Shelf Life: The tincture will last for several months when stored properly.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Cloudy Tincture: It’s completely normal to see white clumps or flakes form in your tincture after combining the alcohol and water extracts. This happens because some compounds in plants, like those found in birch polypore, are not fully soluble in either water or alcohol. When these compounds come into contact with both solvents, they may precipitate out, appearing as tiny pieces or flakes.  These clumps are harmless and don't mean the tincture is bad or unsafe to use. To resolve this, simply strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any excess particles. The tincture will still retain all of its beneficial properties, just without the clumps. The cloudiness in the tincture is also normal, as both alcohol and water extracts can sometimes appear a bit murky. Once strained, the tincture will be clear and ready for use.
  • Fermentation: Ensure your jar is sealed tightly, and the alcohol percentage is high enough to prevent spoilage.
  • Alcohol Issues: Only use 80-proof alcohol or higher to extract compounds. Avoid isopropyl alcohol, as it is toxic.
Keyword Medicinal Mushroom Tincture
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