The alcohol solvent is imperative for extracting some of the most important and medicinal compounds. These are typically the the compounds that produce targeted and specific healing effects. Examples include Polysaccharide Krestin (PSK) in Turkey Tail that penetrates abnormal cell growth, and the Erinacines in Lions Mane that contributes to Nerve Growth Factor. These compounds cannot be extracted in a water or decoction alone (brewed mushroom tea).

Water soluble compounds tend to be the type that boost overall immunity, and help support the body’s natural processes. I find the double extract method, using water and alcohol to be the most comprehensive and effective mushroom medicine.

I understand that alcohol is a difficult solvent for many of us to sit with. This is why I take the extra step to reduce excess alcohol to the minimum percentage for maintaining a shelf stable product. These medicines are 20-25% alcohol, making them more potent and easier to consume.

Alcohol Type

I use two types of alcohol- Organic Cane, and Honeyshine. You can think of these as two different shelf qualities of alcohol. (This is reflected in the pricing.)

Organic Cane is my standard high quality high proof alcohol solvent used for most of the medicines.

Honeyshine is also a high quality, high proof alcohol. The main difference is that it is distilled from Honey instead of Cane, and that it is a Benjamin Pixie product- made with that special and unique Pixie magic that is imbued in all of his work.
I find that the Honeyshine pairs particularly well with the medicine profile of Cordyceps in flavor and effect.