For centuries, adaptogenic mushrooms have been used for their medicinal powers. But did you know they can also assist in combating hormonal imbalance?
In this blog, we delve into women's well-being and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), along with adaptogenic mushrooms as a possible remedy for hormonal imbalance and other health issues.
What is Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalance occurs when you have too much or too little of a particular hormone. Since hormones play a crucial role in your overall health, even a slight alteration in hormone levels can affect your body and general well-being. The most common instance of hormonal imbalance in women is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Common symptoms of hormonal imbalance include:
- Fatigue
- Pain, stiffness, or swelling in joints
- Increased sensitivity to cold or heat
- Constipation
- Depression
- Loss of libido
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
Having any of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have a hormonal imbalance, but it could be the root cause of the problem, especially if you (and your physician) have explored other possibilities without success.
Using Natural Remedies for Hormonal Imbalance
Over-the-counter products formulated to address PMS or menopausal symptoms generally treat the symptom rather than the root cause of the problem. This means you might regularly rely on these products without the chance to break free from this cycle. Since many pain relievers can have adverse effects on other parts of your body, such as your liver, exploring the natural route is worth considering.
More and more people are exploring natural remedies to alleviate these symptoms. One of the latest trends is Cycle Syncing, where habits are implemented to align with the signals your body sends. It's an excellent way to understand how your body functions and to define a pattern in your cycle.
Natural solutions like CBD, adaptogenic mushrooms, or other superfoods can support women's well-being and help regulate your endocrine system, thus sustainably combating these symptoms.
What are Adaptogenic Mushrooms?
Adaptogens are herbs with stimulant properties that can help your body manage the effects of stress. They have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda and have been studied in the West since World War II.
As the name suggests, adaptogens can adapt to your body's needs, meaning the same herb can increase your energy or help you sleep better, depending on where the deficiency lies!
When exploring different adaptogens, you won't have to look far before encountering mushrooms on the list. Various types have long been a staple in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, and there is increasing research confirming their use for influencing stress levels, boosting immunity, or supporting women's well-being and aiding in hormonal balance.
Four mushroom species stand out in particular:
1. Lion's Mane Mushroom:
Our personal favorite. Lion's Mane mushroom is utilized both culinarily and medicinally in many countries, including China, Korea, Japan, and India. It has anti-inflammatory effects, and benefits include balancing blood sugar levels, improving anxiety and depression, and increasing beneficial gut bacteria.
2. Reishi Mushroom:
Reishi has been especially popular in Eastern medicine for many centuries. Packed with antioxidants, many studies point to its ability to strengthen your immune system. Reishi can also aid in removing synthetic toxins from the body, which is helpful regarding women's well-being, as you may be particularly sensitive to these.
You can find Reishi back in the Cacao mushroom heart.
3. Cordyceps Mushroom:
Cordyceps is a fungus known for its health benefits in Chinese medicine. Some benefits include enhancing energy performance or combating physical fatigue, a common symptom of hormonal imbalance. Like the other mushrooms mentioned in this article, cordyceps can reduce inflammation in the body and thus aid in various health issues. You will find Cordyceps back in the Cacao Mushroom heart.
4. Chaga Mushroom:
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a fungus that grows on birch trees in cold climates, primarily in Northern Europe, Siberia, and parts of North America. Known for its hard, blackish appearance, it is often called "the black gold of the forest" due to its impressive nutritional profile. Chaga has immune-boosting, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce fatigue, support the immune system, and promote overall well-being. You will find Chaga back in the Cacao Mushroom heart.
Overall, adaptogenic mushrooms show promising potential as natural support for hormonal balance and women's well-being. By exploring these natural remedies, you may find a more sustainable approach to combating symptoms and promoting overall health.