Calling all the ladies!
Have you ever found yourself standing in front of the fridge at 2 am, in a hot sweat, desperately searching for something to cool you down? Find yourself having to pack multiple changes of clothes for a day out just in case the dreaded hot flashes strike? Fret no more – medicinal mushrooms may be the answer to your menopausal woes!Now, I know what you’re re thinking, “Mushrooms..? Really?”. But hear me out. These funky, functional fungi have been used for hundreds of years in traditional medicine to alleviate a range of ailments, including menopause symptoms (yay!!) So, grab a cup of tea, a coffee, or a glass of wine (we won’t judge), and let’s explore the magical world of medicinal mushrooms for menopause!
What is Menopause?
If you are reading this, you are probably well aware that menopause is a somewhat pesky buttotally natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs in women in their late 40s or early 50s, and it is characterised by a significant decrease in estrogen levels. This hormonal shift can cause a range of yucky symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances, all of which can be uncomfortable and disruptive daily life. With breakthroughs in modern research, a range of natural remedies have become available to help alleviate these symptoms, including our best pals – functional mushrooms!!
Which Medicinal Mushrooms are Best for Menopause?
The best functional mushrooms for menopause are Reishi, Cordyceps, Tremella, and Chaga.Each of these mushrooms contain unique properties that make them effective in supporting women’s health during menopause. When you combine these four functional mushrooms, your body taps into a wellness kit that is tailor-made for menopause. It’s like nature’s version of a support group – except instead of awkward group hugs, you get delicious, nutrient-rich mushroom elixirs – woohoo!
Reishi Mushroom for Menopause
Ah, Reishi mushrooms – the fungi of tranquility. When it comes to supporting women’s health during menopause, Reishi mushrooms are a veritable treasure trove of benefits, thanks in part to their triterpenoid content. Triterpenoids are a type of bioactive compound found densely packed into Reishi mushrooms, and they are responsible for many of this mushie’s therapeutic effects.Studies have shown that triterpenoids found in Reishi possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This makes them effective in reducing the symptoms of menopause that are exacerbated by stress and inflammation, such as hot flashes and night sweats. In fact, one recent study found that menopausal women who took Reishi mushrooms for 12 weeks reported a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
But that’s not all – Reishi mushrooms have also been shown to have a positive effect on overall mood and mental health. In a randomised controlled trial, participants who took Reishi mushrooms for eight weeks reported a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can often accompany menopause.How do Reishi mushrooms work their magic? It all comes down to their interaction with the body’s immune system. Reishi mushrooms contain compounds known as polysaccharides, which are complex carbohydrates that can stimulate the immune system and enhance its ability to fight off infections and disease. This amazing immune-boosting effect can help to reduce inflammation and support overall health and well-being during menopause.Read more about this incredible mushie here.
Cordyceps Mushrooms for Menopause
When it comes to the best functional mushrooms for menopause, Cordyceps mushrooms are definitely worth considering! These vibrant orange fungi are known for their ability to boost energy and reduce fatigue, thanks to the presence of adenosine. Adeno-what?! Adenosine is a nucleotide that plays a key role in the body’s production of ATP, which is responsible for providing cellular energy.
By increasing ATP production, Cordyceps mushrooms can help to provide sustained energy and vitality without the jitters or crash often associated with other stimulants like coffee or energy drinks. This can be particularly beneficial during menopause, when energy levels can luctuate due to hormonal changes and estrogen drops.
In addition to their energy-boosting benefits, Cordyceps mushrooms also contain a range of other compounds that can support overall health and well-being during menopause. They are rich in polysaccharides, which can help to support immune function and reduce inflammation. They also contain ergosterol, a precursor to vitamin D that is essential for bone health and may help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, the perfect remedy for weakening bone density during menopause.
Feeling sluggish & tired due to menopause? Read all about Cordyceps energy andperformance boosting abilities in this post.
Chaga Mushroom for Menopause
Chaga mushrooms are extremely valued for their immune-boosting properties, which are due in large part to their high concentration of, you guessed it, polysaccharides. These complex sugars work to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, making Chaga mushrooms an excellent choice for anyone looking to support their overall health and reduce the risk of illness or the ‘menopause flu’.They are also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic disease. In fact, Chaga mushrooms contain some of the highest levels of antioxidants found in any natural food source, making them a must- add to your menopause mushroom kit!If you are feeling faint, Chaga can help to regulate blood sugar levels, especially important during menopause when hormonal changes can affect insulin sensitivity and leave you feeling lightheaded. They may also help to support cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels and improving circulation.But perhaps most exciting of all is the emerging research on the cognitive benefits of Chaga mushrooms. Some studies suggest that they may be able to boost cognitive function and improve memory and concentration, making them a potentially valuable tool for anyone experiencing brain fog or other cognitive changes associated with menopause.To read more about the additional benefits of charming Chaga, check out our comprehensiveguide.
Tremella Mushroom for Menopause
Tremella mushroom, also known as the “beauty mushroom”, can be a fantastic addition into any menopausal wellness routine, thanks to its skin-nourishing properties. As women age and enter menopause, they may experience changes in their skin, hair, and nails, as well as a decrease in collagen production due to hormonal fluctuations.Tremella mushrooms are loaded with polysaccharides which help to retain moisture and promote skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that often accompany menopause. They also contain high levels of vitamin D, which can help to support hair and nail health, as well as overall skin health. By incorporating Tremella mushrooms into your diet or supplement regimen, you can help to lock hydration into your body, keeping your insides moving and minimising nausea, cramps, and bloating.
Mush Mush for Menopause
First up is the Mush Harmony Pack including 3 superblends that will stack together to provide incredible benefits for menopause! Including the fabulous 4 menopause mushrooms, with double ups of Chaga as well as the addition of Turkey.T for nervous system support.
Our MultiMush super-blend is designed to provide wholistic support for overall health, making it an excellent individual option for menopausal support. This blend contains Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Chaga, Turkey.T, Maitake, and Shiitake, which all work together to enhance holistic wellbeing.
The Mush Mush Beauty Pack isn’t just for skin, hair & nails! This bundle focuses the power of Tremella, Shiitake, Reishi, Turkey.T and Chaga to retain hydration, reduce cramps, and calm the immune system to reduce sicknesses that can be associated with menopause. Plus, your skin will be looking glowing and gorgeous, which is always a bonus!
In Summary
Ladies, it’s time to soothe to those sleepless nights, hot flashes, and mood swings. The magical world of medicinal mushrooms is here to help us navigate the menopausal rollercoaster without losing our minds (well, at least not our ENTIRE minds!).
We’ve explored the benefits of Reishi, Cordyceps, Tremella, and Chaga mushrooms, and let me tell you, these fungi are not to be underestimated! From reducing inflammation and stress to improving energy levels and enhancing the health and appearance of our skin and hair, these four functional mushrooms are a powerhouse of wellness benefits for menopausal women.
Gone are the days of feeling like we must suffer in silence through the discomfort and uncertainty of menopause. With the help of these funky, functional fungi, we can take back control of our health and well-being in a way that is natural, effective, and so simple to fit into our daily routines!With the power of medicinal mushrooms on your side, you can conquer anything that menopause throws your way. Here’s to feeling like the fabulous, unstoppable women we are!
Mush Love, Ali 🍄 ❤️