Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about our products, orders and delivery.
Mushroom tinctures
What is a dual extract?
Mushrooms contain some compounds that dissolve in water and others that dissolve in alcohol. A dual extract uses both an alcohol extraction and a hot-water extraction, then combines them, so the finished tincture contains both groups. Ours are 1:3 extracts, meaning one part mushroom to three parts liquid.
How are your tinctures made?
Mushroom fruiting bodies are first extracted in a Soxhlet extractor with 96% organic ethanol, which repeatedly washes the material with fresh, clean solvent. The same material then goes through an ultrasonic hot water extraction, where ultrasound helps break open the tough fungal cell walls so the water-soluble compounds can be drawn out. The two extracts are combined and finished at 30% alcohol. Read more in The Science Behind Dual-Extracted Mushroom Tinctures.
Are your tinctures made from fruiting bodies or mycelium?
Fruiting bodies, the part of the fungus we recognise as the mushroom. You can read more about the difference in our guide to fruiting bodies and mycelium.
How do I use them?
Follow the directions on the label and product page, and do not exceed the recommended daily amount. You can take the tincture directly or add it to a drink. Shake well before use.
Do the tinctures contain alcohol?
Yes. They are finished at 30% alcohol, which is needed for the extraction and acts as a natural preservative. They may not be suitable if you avoid alcohol for health, religious or other reasons, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can I take them with medication?
Please speak to your GP or pharmacist before use if you take any medication, have a medical condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
How should I store them?
Keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children. Check the label for the use-by guidance once opened.
Microscopy and growing
What are your microscopy spore samples for?
They are sold strictly for microscopy and taxonomic study, such as examining spore shape, size and colour. We only sell them to customers aged 18 and over.
Can you give advice on growing from microscopy spores?
No. Cultivating psilocybin-containing mushrooms is illegal in the UK. We do not provide cultivation advice for microscopy spore samples, and we will refuse or cancel any order where we believe the product is intended for cultivation.
Do you sell gourmet mushroom growing supplies?
Our range of liquid cultures, gourmet spore swabs and grow supplies for edible species like oyster and lion’s mane is coming soon. In the meantime, our Library has ten free step-by-step growing guides.
Orders, delivery and returns
How quickly will my order be sent?
We pack orders by hand and dispatch them within 1–2 working days, using Royal Mail or DPD. Delivery options and costs are shown at checkout.
Do you deliver outside the UK?
Not at the moment. We currently deliver to UK addresses only.
My order hasn’t arrived. What should I do?
If it has not arrived within 5 working days of dispatch, email hi@mycovibe.co.uk with your order number and we will look into it with the carrier.
Can I return something?
Yes. You can cancel within 14 days of delivery as long as the item is unopened with its seal intact. If anything arrives damaged, faulty or wrong, tell us within 30 days for a full refund. See our Refund and Returns Policy for the details.
How can I pay?
We accept major debit and credit cards through our secure payment provider. Your card details are never stored by us.
Still have a question? Email hi@mycovibe.co.uk or use our contact form.