Mushroom Capsules vs. Powders vs. Tinctures: How To Choose?

There is so much to say when it comes to mushrooms, there is much to learn, and so many varieties, applications, and uses.

So this week, I’m going to start by asking you, our loyal readers, a few questions.

What are functional mushrooms? Gold star, if you do. 🌟 

Then a follow-up question would be, do you know the best way to consume them as a supplement?

What is the difference between capsules, powders, and tinctures? 

Which is best for you and why?

In this article, I will unpack all of these points and hope to bring some extra clarity.  

Ready? Let’s go.

What are functional mushrooms?

Functional mushrooms are non-psychoactive mushrooms, sometimes edible, that are often used as supplements.

Generally speaking, functional mushrooms can boost focus, mental clarity, energy, and immunity, and even improve sleep.

There are many more functional mushrooms out there, and this article will focus only on these four functional mushrooms: Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps. 

Types of Mushroom Extracts

Functional Mushroom Powder

Mushroom powders are great due to their versatility. 

If you are like me and like to get creative in the kitchen, mushroom powder extracts are great to include in meals, snacks, hot drinks, and smoothies.

Mushroom powders are also typically more potent. 

Because powders have less packaging (i.e. capsules), mushroom powers are likely to be more cost-effective too.

Recap, functional mushroom powders are:

• Versatile 
• Potent
• Cost Effective

The Benefits of Mushroom Powder

Mushroom powders are easy to source, store, and dose.

You can decide which functional mushroom powder to use in which recipe, basically a whole new set of cooking ingredients.

Using raw mushroom powders makes it easy to ensure that nothing else is in your powder except functional mushrooms.

No sugars, fillers, preservatives, or funny business, just mushrooms.

Recap:

• Easy to source, store, and dose
• Use as a food ingredient
• Product purity
• Preservative and filler-free

The Drawbacks of Mushroom Powder

One potential drawback of mushroom powder is that some may not enjoy the earthy flavor of functional mushroom powders.

Using bulk powders means that these must be weighed and dosed accordingly.

If you are getting a combination of powdered functional mushrooms in one blend, be sure to read all the ingredients carefully.

Sometimes, mushroom powder blends could include extra flavour-enhancing ingredients that may conflict with your current diet.

Recap:

• Different flavor preferences
• Must be weighed and dosed 
• Blended mushroom powders may contain other ingredients

Functional Mushroom Capsules

Capsules are the most common way of taking supplements, including functional mushrooms.

Functional mushrooms in capsule form are ubiquitous on the market and readily available.

Functional mushroom capsules are:

• Easy to source
• Pre-dosed
• No mess, no fuss, no prep

The Benefits of Mushroom Capsules

Mushroom capsules are excellent when on the go and traveling.

Capsules come in different sizes and your functional mushrooms are no different.

Knowing the capsule size of your functional mushrooms makes it easy to consistently dose the same amount, every time.

The dosage is precise and won’t need to be weighed with a scale.

No need to worry about flavor, using functional mushroom capsules avoids ever having to taste the natural earthiness of mushrooms.

Put a few in a container, and you have your supply on hand wherever you go.

Recap:

• Convenient
• Consistent
• Tasteless

The Drawbacks of Mushroom Capsules

For some, swallowing several functional mushroom capsules may not be an enjoyable daily experience.

Depending on the supplier chosen, extracts found within functional mushroom capsules may be less potent than both powders and tinctures

Mushroom capsules are made of hard shell gelatin or vegan casing, both of which are extra ingredients for the body to digest and process, for some people.

Unvetted suppliers of mushroom capsules may include additional preservatives within the capsules themselves.

The process of encapsulating functional mushroom extracts may potentially be less cost-effective than on a per-dose basis.

Recap:

• Harder to swallow
• Potentially less potent
• Additives and fillers
• Pricing

**We at Human Pro make it our business to source the most bio-available, easily digestible, and cost-effective products possible.

The points raised above are important considerations if using different brands, and are an invitation to implement due diligence and practice thorough research. 

Functional Mushroom Tinctures

Functional mushroom tinctures are liquid extracts often preserved in alcohol.

The production of functional mushroom tincture products can require sophisticated machinery to produce potentially affecting the overall cost.

Currently, functional mushroom tinctures are less ubiquitous on the market than both functional mushroom powders and capsules.

• Liquid product
• Sophisticated processing
• Least prevalent in the current market

The Benefits of Mushroom Tinctures

Functional mushroom tinctures are easily digested and fast-acting.

If you have a strong tongue and can hold the mushroom tincture under your tongue for a minute then the beneficial compounds are immediately and directly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Functional mushroom tinctures can also be quickly added to any drink, just a few drops and you’re good to go.

They are easy to dose. Just count how many drops you need and you’re ready to go.

Mushroom tinctures are also easy to store and maintain a long shelf life.

No need to worry about moisture issues when using mushroom tinctures. Kept away from the sun, tinctures will last for a long time.

Recap:

• Fast absorption
• Easy dosage
• Long shelf life

A good example would be a few drops of Cordyceps mushroom tincture just before the gym. 

Try it out and see how different your workout feels.

The Drawbacks of Mushroom Tinctures

Mushroom tinctures can include alcohol as a substance of preservation, and this may not be ideal for some.

By definition, tinctures have alcohol as the main ingredient and the taste may be unpleasant for some.

Traveling with little mushroom tincture bottles may be tricky as the bottles can burst and are also heavier than little zip locks of capsules/powders.

• Alcohol is used as a base ingredient
• Sharp bitter taste if taken under the tongue
• Less ideal for travel

Mushroom Extraction Process

Whether you prefer functional mushroom powder, capsules, or tinctures, it’s important to know about extraction.

I wrote a whole article on the importance of double extraction when it comes to functional mushrooms.

Beneficial compounds found within functional mushrooms are not digestible by humans, and can only be accessed when processed in very specific ways.

A cellular coating called chitin locks away the benefits of functional mushrooms and so, dual extraction is everything.

More specifically, the two types of extraction we are looking for are hot water (aqueous) and alcohol (ethanol).

Once the chitin has been unlocked, all the goodies found within the mushrooms are available for us to absorb they are now fully bioavailable.

Properly extracted functional mushrooms may be more expensive, but they will not contain any fillers and will deliver the stated benefits.

Also, worth keeping in mind, any supplier that is committed to a high quality, dually extracted product, will have a third-party COA (Certificate of Analysis) available upon demand. 

Don’t be shy to ask for it.

What type of functional mushroom product is most effective?

The type of functional mushroom extract to use is largely a matter of personal preference and lifestyle habits.

Here are some suggestions you might want to consider:

• Lion’s Mane first thing in the morning (powder, capsules, or tincture)
• Cordyceps before or after a workout (tincture for fast acting)
• Chaga and Reishi tea as part of your evening routine (powder)

When it comes to functional mushroom products, feel free to experiment and find out what you like best.

Be sure to read the list of ingredients thoroughly and ask your supplier for their COA, and then you are good to go.

Can I combine mushroom products?

Sure thing, combining mushroom products is not a problem. 

Depending on the functional mushroom used, there are some optimal dosage times to keep in mind.

When taking Lion’s Mane, many prefer it early in the morning as a way to improve focus.

Considering Cordyceps, this functional mushroom is best before or after a workout and less ideal right before bedtime.

Reishi is ideal as part of an evening wind-down routine.

Chaga is great, all day, every day, and most especially when we feel the flu creeping in.

Our Mushroom Essentials Complex includes all four of these functional mushrooms. 

Like the four legs of a table, a great way to support overall well-being on all fronts, and in one go.

When it comes to functional mushrooms, be sure to do your research ahead of time.

As always, if you are currently on any kind of medication like blood pressure, blood thinner, or the like, please get the okay from your doctor first.

What are your favorite functional mushrooms, and how do you enjoy taking them? Tell me in the comments below.

Keep me posted!

As always, 

Shine bright. Do good. Flow strong.

Asha ✨

Resources

Links to used articles and studies:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4320875/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10384337/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7826851/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34943001/ ed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34943001/