FAQ
How do I take my mushroom and tonic herb extracts?
To keep your medicinal mushrooms fresh always be sure to use a clean, dry spoon. Moderation is key. Between 1-4 grams per day has shown to be the basis of independent studies. A teaspoon is equal to 4 grams. Begin with ¼ to ½ teaspoon stirred or blended into coffee, tea, smoothies, juice, or meals.
Where do I start? Why are there 6 different medicinal mushrooms?
Although all mushrooms extracts are high in antioxidants and boost the immune system, they each have unique and specific properties which benefit us in different ways. Find out which works best for you and start from there. A combination of two or more mushroom extracts is always more effective. Our range of mushroom blends are made precisely for that reason. If you're still unsure, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to help!
Why are mushroom specifications important?
Simply put, it's about stating the quality and potency of mushroom extract products. Product specifications are supplied on a COA-Certificate of Analysis. To understand the specifications, means you're totally aware of the processes and quality of the product you're buying. At Self Help Natural Australia we’re committed to absolute transparency and provide a Certificate of Analysis for all of our mushroom and herb extracts.
What is a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and why is it important?
Think of a Certificate of Analysis (COA) as a mushroom or tonic herb extract’s birth certificate. The certificate provides the botanical name, date of manufacture, part of mushroom or herb used, type of extraction and percentages of organic compounds. The COA also proves the product free of biological and heavy metals contaminants.
Why do we highlight, “More Beta D Glucans?”
A high percentage of Beta D Glucans is the key indicator of a high quality product. At 30% plus Beta D Glucans, Self Help Natural Australia mushroom extracts boast the highest levels available. Beta D Glucans are easily damaged through the extraction process which is why a COA is so important for quality control.
What does 100% fruiting bodies mean?
It refers to the mushroom body. At Self Help Natural Australia we use 100% pure mushroom (fruiting bodies) in all our extracts. There are no added binders, fillers, starch, grain or mycelium in any of our products.
What does Di Dao Source mean?
Di Dao is a concept from Daoist tonic herbalism that refers to sourcing mushrooms and tonic herbs from their authentic true source or spiritual homeland from which they gained their reputation over thousands of years.
It recognises that mushrooms and tonic herbs growing in one geographical region will differ greatly from mushrooms and tonic herbs grown in another region. Not only in taste, but in efficacy and potency as well. Everything from the soil to the climate, humidity, light and even microorganisms influence the make-up of a mushrooms and herbs. Herbs that are grown in their spiritual homeland benefit from both the optimal geographic and environmental conditions.
For example, Qinling mountain range is home to countless botanicals, of which around 3,000 have so far been documented. In the Qinling mountain range Reishi and Lion’s Mane are considered the highest of quality compared to those from other regions.
Why is Di Dao Sourced Important?
Di Dao mushrooms are cleaner, richer in nutrients and far more potent. Unlike farmed and laboratory grown alternatives, they’ve had to battle the elements, fight off predators and earn their place on this earth. The bioactive compounds and phytochemicals they produce not only help them survive, but to thrive in nature.
By sourcing from the Di Dao location, you will not only acquire the highest in quality, but also the highest in potency.
Why dual extract processing over whole mushrooms ground into powder?
Drying out organic mushrooms and grinding them into powdered form is simply consuming a substance which cannot be properly absorbed by the human body. The reason for mushroom extraction is to make the natural compounds more readily available to our bodies.
The fungal cell wall is made up of chitin, our bodies typically lack the chitinase enzyme to digest chitin so much of the mushrooms we eat as food end up as insoluble fibre, which is great for gut health but the compounds we all need, end up locked inside the chitin cell wall.
This is where mushroom extraction comes into play. By using unique extraction techniques, we can break down this chitin and give our bodies access to all the important compounds.
Why Dual Extracted?
To extract all the non-water-soluble compounds from the mushroom fruiting bodies, we need to extract the raw materials with something other than water and this is where alcohol comes into play. The alcohol will extract the non-water-soluble compounds creating a full spectrum dual extraction.
What does 10:1 Extract ratio mean?
10kg of freeze-dried fruiting bodies or herbs to make 1kg of powdered extract.
Why no added myceliated grain?
Myceliated grain dramatically reduces how much medicinal value is in each serving of your supplement. Myceliated grain has a much lower medicinal value compared to the fruiting bodies, which is why all of Self Help Natural’s mushroom products are made from 100% fruiting bodies.
Myceliated grain/growing substrate has a much higher chance of contamination and is not safe for human consumption. The majority of commercial mushroom producers grow on grains. Therefore, all that grain becomes inseparable from the mycelium and remains in the final product.
When myceliated grain forms the bulk of a supplement, the grain acts as a filler and dilutes the product because it doesn’t contain any active compounds.
Are these mushroom and tonic herb extracts certified organic?
Yes, correct. All of our extracts are sourced from certified organic farms, and are processed in certified facilities meeting strict quality standards. Certified under the USDA certification program.
Are these mushroom and tonic herb extracts certified organic?
Yes, correct. All of our extracts are sourced from certified organic farms, and are processed in certified facilities meeting strict quality standards. Certified under the USDA certification program.
Are these products 100% organic and vegan friendly?
Our entire range of products are 100% organic and vegan friendly.
How long does it take to feel the benefits?
Everyone is different and responds in different ways to functional mushrooms and tonic herbs. The idea behind supplementing your diet with mushroom extracts, is to do so with sustained, continued use over a course of time.
Are Medicinal Mushrooms safe for pets?
Medicinal mushrooms can help in boosting the immunity of your pets, thanks to the presence of antioxidants. It is always advisable to offer small servings at first and check for an adverse reactions before continuing use.
Are these the same medicinal mushrooms mentioned in the ‘Fantastic Fungi’ documentary on Netflix?
Yes, we supply all medicinal mushrooms highlighted in the documentary.
What are Polysaccharides?
Examples of polysaccharides would be chitin and Beta D Glucans, which are evident in the cell walls of fungi. Cellulose is also a polysaccharide including sugars like glucose and fructose. Polysaccharides are one of the most mentioned active compounds in plants and fungi.
What is a mushroom extract?
By using a solvent such as ethanol or water, extracts are produced as tinctures or in powder form. Using ethanol and water creates a dual extraction (full spectrum) process. The solvents will be removed to leave behind a powder or will be left in liquid form as a tincture.
The reason for mushroom extraction is to make the natural compounds more readily available to our bodies. By using extraction techniques, we give our bodies access to the important natural organic compounds.
Why are mushroom botanical names important?
Mushroom botanical names are important due to the fact every mushroom is completely different and have different levels of medicinal value.
For eg: Cordyceps Militaris fruiting bodies having the highest levels of medicinal value compared to Cs-4 Cordyceps which is cultivated on a liquid with a much lower medicinal value.
Hericium Erinaceus ie: Qinling Lions Mane having the highest medicinal value, is completely different to Australian Lion’s Mane-Hericium Coralloides.
Cordyceps Militaris and Hericium Erinaceus are both illegal to grow in Australia, which is why the only option to access these high-quality mushrooms is to import from our trusted partners overseas.
Will you be selling capsule products in the future?
Yes, we’re currently working towards a range of mushroom, herb and hemp products which will be available in capsule form.
What are Adaptogens?
Non-toxic substances, usually plant, mushroom or root extracts, that are held to increase the body’s ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.
What is mycelium?
It is important to reiterate that the mushroom body is not mycelium and mycelium is also not a mushroom. These terms are not synonymous and should be accurately differentiated. Mycelium is the unseen roots system of a mushroom. Fungus and their mycelia can be found growing throughout a variety of biological substrates periodically making themselves known to the world through their flowering reproductive aspect, what is known as the mushroom “fruiting bodies”.
Are Beta D Glucans soluble?
Yes our entire range of mushroom and herb extracts are 100% water soluble.
Are these products safe for breastfeeding or whilst pregnant?
Our products are free from any biological or heavy metal contaminants and are considered safe, but we suggest consulting with your healthcare professional regarding any forms of dietary supplement.
Can I consume too many mushroom extracts?
Moderation is key. Between 1-4 grams per day has shown to be the basis of independent studies. A teaspoon is equal to 4 grams. Begin with ¼ to ½ teaspoon stirred well into coffee, tea, smoothies, juice, or meals. To keep your medicinal mushrooms fresh always be sure to use a clean, dry spoon.
How do I store my mushrooms and herbs?
Store the extract powders in a cool and dry place away from light. Our miron glass jars are moisture and humidity resistant, airtight, scent proof and also filters UV light which preserves the product's integrity. Use a clean, dry spoon.
Medicinal mushrooms can begin to harden if exposed to excess moisture or air. If you find this is the case, your mushrooms are still fit to enjoy, just dissolve in warm water first. Always make sure 250g pouches are properly sealed shut, we recommend always refilling your 100g jars.
Why Biophotonic Miron Glass Jars?
Biophotonic Miron glass jars are the best form of storage for mushroom and tonic herb extracts. They can be recycled and our labels are designed to be easily removed.
We encourage our customers to purchase their favourites in 250gram parcels and refill their 50g or 100g jars.
What’s the difference between Magic and Medicinal mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations if taken in large quantities. Organic or medicinal mushrooms are known to aid the immune system and benefit our well-being in a number of different ways.