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You can make mushroom extract oil at home with just a few ingredients and a little patience.
The process is simpler than you might think, and the result is a potent, flavorful oil that’s perfect for cooking, skincare, or even homemade remedies.
If you’ve been wondering how to make mushroom extract oil, this guide will walk you through everything from choosing the right mushrooms to storing your final product.
In this post, we’ll cover the best mushrooms to use, the double-extraction method, and a quick stovetop version that gets you a quality oil fast.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of mushroom extract oil and get you started.
Why You Should Make Mushroom Extract Oil
When you make mushroom extract oil, you’re pulling the fat-soluble compounds out of the mushrooms and into a carrier oil.
This is a game-changer because many of the beneficial nutrients in mushrooms aren’t water-soluble, meaning they need oil to be properly absorbed by your body.
Mushroom extract oil also lasts much longer than fresh mushrooms, so you can enjoy their benefits all year round.
Plus, the oil takes on a deep, earthy flavor that elevates sauces, dressings, and roasted vegetables.
Whether you want to use mushroom extract oil for its health perks or simply to add umami to your meals, making it yourself guarantees a fresh, pure product without any additives.
Mushroom Extract Oil vs. Mushroom Tincture
It’s helpful to know the difference before you start.
A mushroom tincture uses alcohol to extract compounds, while mushroom extract oil uses a carrier oil like olive or coconut.
Both have their uses, but oil is more versatile for cooking and topical application.
You can even do a dual extraction where you first use alcohol, then combine that with oil to get both water and fat-soluble goodness.
But for this guide, we’re focusing purely on the oil method, which is perfect for beginners.
Best Mushrooms for Mushroom Extract Oil
Not all mushrooms are created equal when it comes to making mushroom extract oil.
You want varieties that are rich in fat-soluble compounds like triterpenes, ergosterol, and coenzyme Q10.
Here are the top choices that work beautifully.
1. Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are a fantastic starting point for mushroom extract oil.
They’re packed with lentinan, a compound known for its immune-boosting properties, and they have a naturally high fat content that makes extraction efficient.
Their smoky, savory flavor also translates wonderfully into the oil.
When you make mushroom extract oil with shiitake, you get a rich, brown oil that smells like a forest after rain.
2. Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi is the classic medicinal mushroom, prized for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects.
Reishi mushroom extract oil is especially popular for skincare because of its high concentration of triterpenes.
The downside is that reishi is bitter, so if you plan to use your oil for cooking, you might want to mix it with a milder mushroom.
For topical use, however, reishi oil is absolutely stellar.
3. Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane is famous for its potential cognitive benefits, and making lion’s mane mushroom extract oil preserves those precious nerve-growth factors.
This mushroom has a milder, seafood-like flavor that’s lovely in light dressings.
It’s also one of the easiest mushrooms to work with because it’s not as woody as reishi.
If you’re new to making mushroom extract oil, lion’s mane is a gentle introduction that yields a golden, slightly sweet oil.
4. Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Turkey tail is another powerhouse for mushroom extract oil, loaded with polysaccharide-K (PSK) and other antioxidants.
It’s a tough, woody mushroom, so it requires a longer extraction time than softer varieties.
The resulting oil from turkey tail has a subtle, earthy profile and is often used to support digestive health.
Feel free to blend any of these mushrooms to create a custom mushroom extract oil that suits your needs.
How to Make Mushroom Extract Oil: Step-by-Step
Here’s the core process that answers your question on how to make mushroom extract oil.
This method uses heat and time to gently coax the beneficial compounds out of the mushroom matter.
You’ll need dried mushrooms, a good carrier oil, a slow cooker or double boiler, and a cheesecloth.
What You’ll Need
Your ingredients are simple: 1 cup of dried mushroom powder or finely chopped dried mushrooms, and 2 cups of carrier oil.
Great carrier oil choices include olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil.
Avoid light oils like grapeseed as they don’t hold up well to low heat for extended periods.
You’ll also need a glass jar with a tight lid for the final product.
1. Prepare the Mushrooms
Start by grinding your dried mushrooms into a coarse powder using a coffee grinder or blender.
The smaller the pieces, the more surface area the oil can touch, which means a more thorough extraction.
If you don’t have dried mushrooms, you can dehydrate fresh ones in the oven at 150°F (65°C) for several hours until they’re brittle.
2. Combine and Heat
Place the mushroom powder and your carrier oil into your slow cooker or double boiler.
Set the heat to the lowest possible setting, aiming for a temperature between 100°F and 140°F (38°C to 60°C).
If the oil gets too hot, you’ll destroy the delicate compounds you’re trying to extract.
Let this mixture steep for 4 to 12 hours, stirring occasionally.
A slow cooker on the “warm” setting is perfect for this.
3. The Double Extraction Method
For a more potent mushroom extract oil, many herbalists recommend the double extraction.
First, simmer the mushrooms in water for 2 hours, then strain and discard the water.
Next, combine the water-cooked mushrooms with your oil and heat gently as described above.
This two-step process ensures you get both the water-soluble polysaccharides and the fat-soluble triterpenes.
The result is a mushroom extract oil that’s far more comprehensive in its benefits.
4. Strain the Oil
Once your extraction time is up, it’s time to separate the oil from the spent mushroom material.
Lay a piece of cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer over a glass bowl and slowly pour the oil through.
Let it drip naturally without pressing on the solids to avoid cloudy oil.
Squeeze the cheesecloth gently at the very end to get every last drop of mushroom extract oil.
5. Store Properly
Transfer your finished mushroom extract oil into a clean, dry glass jar with a tight lid.
Store it in a cool, dark place like your pantry or refrigerator.
If you use a carrier oil like olive oil, your mushroom extract oil can last up to a month in the fridge.
Coconut oil will solidify when cold, so just let it warm up to room temperature before using.
Tips for a Quick Mushroom Extract Oil
If you’re short on time, you can make a quick mushroom extract oil on your stovetop.
Just combine mushroom powder and oil in a saucepan and heat on the lowest setting for 30 to 45 minutes.
It won’t be as potent as the long-steep method, but it’s perfect when you need mushroom extract oil for dinner tonight.
You can also use a mason jar and a warm water bath for a gentle, no-fuss infusion.
So, How to Make Mushroom Extract Oil?
You can make mushroom extract oil by combining dried mushrooms with a carrier oil and applying low, steady heat over several hours.
The process is straightforward, requires minimal special equipment, and rewards you with a versatile product that’s far better than anything you’d buy in a store.
All you need is some dried shiitake, reishi, or lion’s mane, a bit of olive oil, and a slow cooker.
Follow the double extraction method if you want maximum benefits, and always store your final mushroom extract oil in a dark glass jar.
Now you’re fully equipped to make your own batch of mushroom extract oil at home.
Enjoy the earthy aroma and all the goodness that comes with your homemade creation.
Happy infusing!