Medicinal Mushrooms, Menopause and Beyond
- Nourish by Nudrat
- Apr 8
- 6 min read
Let's explore the magical world of mushrooms - nature's healing wonders. I love how Mother Nature has provided us with everything we need, we just need to be open to discovering and harnessing the benefits.
What is Mycotherapy?
Mycotherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses different types of mushrooms or mushroom extracts to address various health conditions. This practice draws from ancient traditions, where active substances within the mushrooms are used for their therapeutic effects.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for millennia and have been part of ancient cultures and traditional healing practices. Chinese traditional medicine has been using Reishi, Cordyceps, and Shiitake for centuries for their potent healing properties, and they have also been found in historical texts across other cultures.
Today, modern Mycotherapy or Mycomedicine draws upon these medicinal mushrooms, but is supported by scientific and evidence based studies.
Why this resonates with me?
In 2000, my Mum was diagnosed with colon cancer. Around this time, we came across the amazing properties of mushrooms, especially Shiitake. I can't recall exactly how we discovered this but it became part of our diets then. Maybe it was also around this time that I began to understand the therapeutic power of foods. For our Mum, food was the heart of everything, and she believed in its healing potential. Now, whenever I see Shiitake mushrooms, they bring back those memories.
I'm going to delve a bit more into their amazing properties, and the more I learn about them, the more I realise they could be really supportive for a lot of menopausal symptoms. Let me introduce you to some of these wonderful fungi, and some of the products I use.
Adaptogens: Balancing the Body and Mind
One of the most extraordinary features of medicinal mushrooms is their adaptogenic nature. Adaptogens help the body adapt to stressors, promoting balance in our physiological systems. By gently modulating our stress response, they can provide calming support to help navigate the challenges of modern life and for that overwhelm that a lot of women experience as they start their menopause journey.
You might have heard me talk about the adaptogenic coffee that I love - London Nootropics. They combine some of these powerful mushrooms along with herbs to provide a mix of really warming blends of coffee that don't leave you feeling jittery. They have really helped me following my menopause, and I love the flavour.
The Power of Beta-Glucans: Immune System Fortification
Many medicinal mushrooms are packed full of beta-glucans, a potent polysaccharides (a type of carbohydrate) that supports a robust immune system. Beta-glucans are not digested in humans and mushroom beta-glucans are known to speed up bowel transit time, increase faecal bulk and frequency, therefore possibly supporting some bowel related disorders.
They are also considered prebiotics, food for the 'gut' bacteria and through fermentation, they produce short chain fatty acids that can support the 'gut' lining, thereby also supporting the immune system but can also lower cholesterol.
They enhance the body's defence mechanisms, fortifying your ability to ward off infections and maintain optimal health.
Medicinal Mushrooms for Menopause
Menopausal symptoms can be so varied and what women often don't realise is that during this phase of their life, the hormonal shifts, also put them more at risk for cardiovascular conditions and diabetes. But typically women experience a whole range of symptoms, from brain fog, hot flushes, anxiety, insulin sensitivity, digestive issues including bloating and constipation, all of which along with the cardiovascular and metabolic symptoms, can be supported by medicinal mushrooms.
What are some of these amazing mushrooms?
There are many powerful mushrooms but I've picked out a few of them and their benefits.
Traditional Mushrooms - Button, Chestnut, Oyster, Porcini, Enoki or Portobello: These are probably the more common ones, typically cheaper, are rich in flavour, and are a good source of beta-glucans and also vitamin D.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): The Queen of Mushrooms Reishi is the symbol of vitality and longevity, known as the 'Mushroom of Immortality'. Its exceptional properties include immune modulation, stress reduction, blood sugar balancing and liver support. It can reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings by balancing cortisol and oestrogen levels.
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus): The Brain's Best Friend Lion's Mane, as it's name suggests, is a mighty mushroom with a focus on cognitive health. Its unique compounds stimulate nerve growth factors, promoting brain function, memory, and focus. A great one to incorporate for us menopausal ladies experiencing brain fog, memory challenges, and mood swings. It also makes a nice meat substitute due to it's meat like texture.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis): Energising from Within Cordycep mushrooms are known for their energising properties, they can boost stamina and endurance, making them a perfect companion for active individuals but also ideal for managing menopausal transitions and boosting your energy.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): Nature's Antioxidant An extraordinary antioxidant, Chaga, is a mushroom with unparalleled abilities to neutralise free radicals, reduce inflammation and support cellular health.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes): The Culinary Healer Beyond its culinary uses, Shiitake enhances immunity with its polysaccharides while supporting gut health and cholesterol management.
Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor): The Immune Booster Enhance immune function by stimulating immune cells to combat infections.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa): The Dancing Mushroom Along with the adaptogenic, the immune boosting, gut and heart health properties of maitake, they can also support bone health, which is critical for menopausal women at risk of osteoporosis. But they can also improve insulin sensitivity and weight gain which most women complain of through this life phase.
Where can you find these?
A wonderful way of enjoying some of these is to go foraging. Last year I went foraging around Oxford, with Willowbrook Farm, and would definitely recommend going with an expert, as there are also poisonous mushrooms out there.
However, it is not easy to find most of these or even a reliable source, nor is it possible to consume enough of these mushrooms to experience their therapeutic effects. Fortunately, mushroom powders and supplements are widely available! When choosing supplements or powders:
Look for high-quality products with standardised extracts.
Ensure they’re grown in clean environments (mushrooms absorb toxins like sponges).
Opt for certified organic options validated by scientific studies.
The last point is key, because if you choose to take them as supplements, like any other dietary supplement, make sure they are scientifically validated through studies and clinical trials.
Side Effects and Interactions
While generally safe, some people may experience mild side effects such as digestive upset (bloating or diarrhea), allergic reactions (itching or rash), or dizziness (noted with adaptogenic mushrooms like Reishi). Medicinal mushrooms may also interact with medications like anticoagulants or immunosuppressants.
Therefore, it's essential to understand what your requirements are based on your specific needs and your medical history, so, if you are interested please book in a call with myself.
✨Top Tip✨ : Mushroom Powders
It can be easier and cheaper sometimes to buy mushroom powders. But for those of you that don't like mushrooms or have kids that don't eat them, this can be the perfect way to disguise them and add them to soups, smoothies, and even cakes - you can add them to your bakes.
How I Incorporate Mushrooms?
Among these mushrooms, I regularly include Shiitake and Lion's Mane in my diet, along with the more traditional varieties. I keep it simple by lightly sautéing them, but Lion's Mane, in particular, can also serve as a great meat substitute. The other's are not commonly available in supermarkets so I rely on them via supplements or powders.
Along with these, I also love the following products:
London Nootropics Coffee - You've already heard me talk about this adaptogenic coffee, if you're interested in trying these you can benefit from my 20% discount, use the code 'nudrat' at check out, with this link - adaptogens.
Mushroom Powders - I source a lot of my mushroom supplement and powders from Hifas da Terra If you're interested in any of them you can use my 10% discount code 9NCH3, but reach out for personalised support.
Face Serum - Last year I developed a sensitivity around my eyes and couldn't apply my usual serums and I came across Hifas da Terra's Mico-Repair Serum. It contains extracts of Reishi, Cordyceps and CBD oil and the anti-inflammatory properties of the serum have really helped my skin.
Intimate Gel - A new product by Hifas that I've been hearing a lot about is the Hifas-INTIMA Gel – Vaginal Moisturiser and Lubricant. Vaginal health for ageing women is an area I'm really interested in and this could be a really good product to support women's intimate health.
With all the Hifas da Terra products, you benefit from my 10% off using my discount code 9NCH3.
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