What is the difference in benefits between your tinctures and capsules?
Tinctures are a combination of water and alcohol extraction to isolate the active compounds. Tinctures are sublingually absorbed directly into the system for a clean, quick and effective onset.
Capsules are made of the powdered form of the mushroom active compounds and rely on your gut for absorption. In many cases our gut health plays a factor in the ability to fully digest and absorb these compounds.
Can I use different extracts at the same time?
Yes, stacking is the process whereby multiple supplements are combined for added benefit and effect.
We encourage a shift in perception on how supplements should be taken. In the cases of extreme medical conditions they can be taken daily however they have lasting effects for multiple days thereafter, so it is not always necessary. It is valuable to take note that in the case with any supplements our bodies require time off to ensure clarity of absorption.
Your label tells me there is alcohol in your extracts; how much and why?
Alcohol is one of two parts of the dual extraction process found within our Tinctures. Alcohol is used to extract the mushroom active alkaloids, ensuring you receive the highest number of benefits. Alcohol also assists with absorption and surety of product shelf life.
The liquid is a mixture of alcohol and water. We use 45% alcohol. Given that the amount of tincture taken is very small (usually between 10-20 drops) the amount of alcohol consumed is inconsequential.
What alcohol do you use in your tinctures?
We use sugarcane alcohol in our tinctures. Sugarcane has been grown since 6000 BC. It's organic, environmentally friendly, and helps to produce a high-quality product. Therefore, giving you the full range of therapeutic benefits. Cane alcohol also helps boost your immune system because it’s rich in sugarcane antioxidants. It has also been known to improve your digestive system and replenish your skin and hair.
How can one reduce the alcohol in your tinctures?
We realise that some of our clients are sensitive to alcohol or choose not to consume any alcohol. Where possible we provide an alternative – herbal capsules or herbal teas (coming soon).
However, where these can’t be provided or will not provide enough efficacy, and tinctures really are the best option, then we have detailed a method for removing alcohol from your tincture below:
Adding hot (not boiling) water is an efficient way of removing some of the alcohol. It does not effect the tinctures as most herbal and mycological compounds are very resilient. You can reduce the alcohol content by adding your dose into a cup and add a little hot water. This will reduce around 20% of the alcohol in just a few minutes.
What do your mushroom tinctures taste like?
Generally our mushroom tinctures have quite a strong flavour because they are potent and powerful products. Since our mushroom tinctures are dual extract, they taste like the specific mushrooms with an alcohol flavour. If you don’t enjoy strong tastes, we recommend adding your tinctures to your morning shake.
Can I still fast when using your liquid extracts?
This will depend on your personal fasting requirements. Overall you may experience the effects and absorption process with a quicker onset.
How do I take your liquid extracts?
Use the dropper to dispense up to 10 drops (or more if required) either directly in the mouth under the tongue or into a drinking-temperature beverage- like tea, coffee, juice or water.
Do you have a recommended schedule for when to take the extracts?
At Root and Spore we are committed to changing perceptions. Progressing away from a one-tablet-solution to focussing on an holistic mind, body, spirit connection with the support of plant extracts. Our products are made up of 100% fruiting bodies, packed full of powerful active constituents. Unless you are combatting an ailment, uses can be reduced to suit your desired outcomes, ensuring that a healthy break between batches occurs to allow for maximum efficacy.
How Soon Will I Notice Benefits?
It can take anywhere from a week up to a month for a person to begin experiencing the benefits of our products. This will largely depend on the sensitivity of your body, your overall gut health and what you are dealing with. Some people notice effects incredibly quickly, others experience a more gradual change. There are many factors that play a role in absorption and effect of our supplements, book a short consultation with us to determine your specific variables or contact us at connect@rootandspore.co.za.
My dropper doesn't have 'ml' marked on it, how many drops is a dose?
Our recommended standard dose for an adult is 10 drops, 2-3 times a day unless you are stacking your mushrooms.
Is it best to take your products on an empty stomach or with food?
You can take our Tincture supplements without food at any point throughout the day, due to their sublingual absorption they do not rely on digestion through the gut. However some of the mushrooms have uplifting properties and we suggest taking those in the morning. We recommend that our Capsules are taken with a meal to ensure the highest possible absorption and to avoid any nausea. Food is essential in our Niacin containing products to avoid a Niacin flush.
What is a Niacin Flush?
Some of our products contain Niacin which is a B vitamin that's made and used by your body to turn food into energy. It helps keep your nervous system, digestive system and skin healthy. Niacin may cause temporary skin flushing (feeling hot and skin redness), burning, itching or rash
known as a Niacin flush. This is caused by an increase in blood flow near the skin and is completely safe. The flush usually occurs quickly and lasts about an hour. It is very important to take all supplements with a healthy meal, drink plenty of water and avoid hot showers if you have just taken your supplement. Niacin Flush Guide PDF.
Are all your products suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, our extracts and capsules are fully vegetarian friendly, our capsules are made from cellulose to aid in breakdown and absorption of valuable compounds.
Are your products safe to be consumed by children?
There is no definitive research on this topic, there is also no indication that Chinese medicinal mushrooms and plant based products are unsafe for children. As a general rule, children under ten should not be given supplements without consulting a healthcare professional. Your child’s safety is of the utmost importance, use your parental discretion when introducing a supplement to your child’s diet.
I am pregnant, can I consume your liquid extracts?
Please consult with your healthcare professional regarding the consumption of our products during pregnancy and breast feeding.
I am allergic to mushrooms, is it safe for me to consume your liquid extracts or other mushroom products?
No, for further guidance please speak to your healthcare professional regarding mushroom allergens.
How should I store the liquid extracts?
Storage should be in cool, dark and dry conditions and kept out of the reach of children.
Are your extracts made from pure mycelium or it is made from mycelium on grain or liquid culture?
Our tinctures and capsules are made from 100% mushroom fruiting bodies.
Where are your mushrooms from?
At Root and Spore we guarantee that our mushrooms are sourced sustainably and ethically, and wherever possibly sourced locally.
Here is breakdown of our fungi origins; Red Reishi – South Africa, Chaga – Siberia, Lions Mane – South Africa, Cordyceps M– Vietnam.
Orders
How long does delivery take?
Once we have received your payment your order will be sent via Courier. Tracking number to follow for delivery tracking.
Where's my order?
Thank you for placing your order with us, we are excited to begin your wholistic health journey with you.
Once your order has been placed and your payment received it will be dispatched within a couple of days on route via local courier directly to your door. Please ensure that you have shared your correct contact and delivery details with us. Your order can be tracked via your unique tracking number which will be sent to you at the completion of your order.
Do you accept returns?
For the safety of our clients we unfortunately cannot accept any returns of our supplement products. Please let us know your concerns so that we can see how best we can assist you on connect@rootandspore.co.za.
Where do you ship to?
We ship country wide within South Africa. Please note that far outlying areas may take a bit longer to reach and may be subject to additional cost.
Do you sell through any practitioners?
List of practitioners coming soon.