PART 3 - Why mushroom extraction is preferred method since ancient times.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long relied on mushroom extractions rather than raw powders. Historically, mushrooms such as Reishi (Lingzhi), Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail were primarily consumed as hot water extracts (teas or decoctions) to maximize their medicinal properties. This extraction process breaks down chitin, the tough cell wall component that humans struggle to digest, and releases beneficial compounds like beta-glucans, triterpenes, and polysaccharides into the water.

Why extracts were the preferred method in ancient times

1. Bioavailability – Traditional herbalists understood that simply drying and grinding mushrooms (raw powder) did not fully unlock their medicinal benefits. Extraction, particularly hot water decoctions, ensured that active compounds were released and absorbed by the body.
2. Traditional Use in TCM – For centuries, TCM practitioners prescribed mushrooms as part of complex herbal formulas, often in tea or extract form, to enhance their potency and efficacy.
3. Historical Records & Empirical Evidence – Ancient Chinese medical texts dating back thousands of years document the use of extracted mushrooms in healing and longevity.

Modern controversy over extracted powders

Today, some controversy exists around extracted mushroom powders, but this is mostly due to modern processing techniques, such as:

• Spray Drying with Carriers – Some companies re-dry liquid extracts into powders using fillers like maltodextrin, glucose, or starch, reducing purity.
• Solvent-Based Extraction – Some extractions use alcohol or harsh chemicals that may alter or degrade beneficial compounds.
• Marketing Confusion – Some brands market "extract powders" without clarity on extraction ratios, methods used, or whether they contain additional fillers.

Conclusion

Historically, mushroom extractions (teas and powders from extracts) were the gold standard in TCM for optimal absorption and effectiveness. The controversy today isn't about extraction itself, but rather how modern industrial processes have sometimes compromised purity. Choosing high-quality, properly extracted mushroom powders, like subcritical water-extracted powders (@OMG Mushrooms), ensures potency without unnecessary additives, aligning with traditional wisdom and modern science.