Mushrooms for Menopause

Ain't it rich? After we’ve finally mastered how to live with our monthly bout of cramps, enduring condescending commercials and ill-informed boyfriends, being the butt of underwritten sitcom jokes, obsessively checking our bikini bottoms for a string gone rogue, and figuring out that the key to finding tampons in any store across America is to head to the diaper aisle, Aunt Flo decides to up and go. But does she go quickly? No. And does she go quietly? Aw hell no.

While not always, Mother Nature’s parting gift to our reproductive cycle is often a slow, painful sayanora that can leave us pining for the days of puberty and the quiet wisdom of YM magazine. But it doesn’t have to be all bad. Think of the money you’ll save on feminine hygiene products! And while a meditation on the changing seasons of life may not be what you’re interested in when you’ve just gotten your summer groove on and the leaves suddenly begin to fall, stay with us. Because just like any other change that our body goes through, there are things we can do to help us through menopause. Like eating functional mushrooms. Read on to find out why.

This Girl Is On Fire

Okay, technically she’s a woman and actually she’s inflamed, but it’s a catchy tune so we’re going with it. During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen, which has been helping us all along to reduce inflammation, drops. In addition to contributing to the issues outlined below, this rise in inflammation can contribute to hot flashes, joint pain and increase the risk of osteoporosis and arthritis. To combat this, beef up an anti-inflammatory diet with functional mushrooms like cordyceps and reishi, which have been shown to reduce inflammation thanks to a number of anti-inflammatory compounds like polysaccharides and terpenoids.

No Sleep Till…?

Insomnia, nighttime waking, and sleep sweats can turn your bedroom into a battleground for your sanity. In fact, sleep disturbances are reported by between 40-60% of menopausal women, compared with around 15% of the general public. But have no fear–the superfood reishi mushroom is here! Called the “mushroom of immortality” (unlike our very mortal reproductive systems) reishi has been used for thousands of years in the East to promote a healthy immune system and a good night’s sleep. Modern studies have found reishi prolonged sleep in rats and has been shown to improve fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Let’s Get It On

Cordyceps have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to combat vaginal dryness and increase both the male and female libido. And while the scientific community is just starting to study the mushroom’s effect on our sexual health, a recent study showed that cordyceps substantially increased stamina during an intense workout, so it doesn’t seem to be a huge leap to suggest it might do the same for sex.

Looking to grow older gracefully? Functional mushrooms might be for you. Give our organic mushroom lattes a try and enjoy your new status as a wise woman. You’ve earned it.