Mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane, chaga and cordyceps are quickly taking the wellness space by storm as research emerges about their wide-reaching medicinal properties. Most medicinal mushrooms that we use today (not the psychedelic kind) have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine to boost immunity, balance hormones, improve sleep and more. Medicinal mushrooms are classed as ‘adaptogens’, which means that they provide the body with tools to better cope with stress.

This also means that they are very safe to consume, as their role is to strengthen and support the body’s natural processes. Their action is very balanced: they provide a natural energy boost while soothing the nervous system to reduce anxiety and promote focus.

According to Clarissa Berry, Nutritionist for DIRTEA, each variety of medicinal mushroom has unique properties, so you choose the right one to suit your particular needs.

When it comes to menopause she recommends reishi, lion’s mane and cordyceps.

She explained: “There are several ways in which medicinal mushrooms can support women going through menopause. During menopause, oestrogen levels decline, and women often experience symptoms such as hot flashes, low energy, mood changes and sleep issues.

“Reishi is an incredible mushroom with many beneficial effects on the body, including hormone regulation. It can regulate oestrogen and progesterone production, helping to reduce menopausal symptoms including hot flashes. It also calms the nervous system, which helps with sleep and anxiety.

“Lion’s mane is a powerful nervous system regulator and in menopausal women it has been shown to balance mood, decrease irritability and anxiety, reduce palpitations, and improve sleep quality.

“Cordyceps is another mushroom that can help to regulate hormones, possibly helping to prevent osteoporosis associated with menopause. Cordyceps is traditionally used to enhance sexual vitality so it may also be useful to improve sex drive, often reduced in menopausal women. Read more: https://bit.ly/3y9Up1D