Mushrooms, Plant Extracts and Menopause

 As amazing as it is to stop having periods every month, it can come with a whole new set of nuisances for us gals.  Some of the most common symptoms of menopause are brain fog, low mood, hot flushes, night sweats, joint pains, increased anxiety, difficulty sleeping, lack of energy, dry and thin skin, hair loss, vaginal dryness, and reduced labido.  I’m sure there are plenty more. 

When I was 40, my periods became really short and irregular.  I went to a few doctors to have blood tests, but they said my bloods were not showing any changes and I was too young to be perimenopausel.

I was having hot flushes and night sweats but I thought is was, too many ginger shots at the cafe. 

By the time I was 45 my periods completely stopped and it was only after one year of having no periods, did my nhs GP offer me  more blood tests, but only due to the fact I had a low BMI.  The blood tests came back that I was in menopause and we talked through my symptoms and I was offered HRT.  Things got better but I definitely notice a really big difference by taking natural supplements as well as my HRT to support my symptoms of menopause. 

I feel much more myself or dare I say even better.

Did you know that in China, they call the menopause the "second spring" and it doesn't have all of the negative connotations like it does in the west.  This is probably due to the fact that taking plants and mushrooms are part of their everyday lives.  Also it is a big part of their culture to have reflexology, massage and acupuncture on a regular basis.  In the west we usually only turn to these things when the problem is already there or for a "treat", but actually it is maintenance.  In the west, we look after our cars better than ourselves. 

Part of creating Phyto Nectars and choosing the first four blends that we came out with, was a lot to do with what I really needed in my everyday life.

So how do the Phyto Nectars help with Menopause?

I AM FOCUSED:  

Lion’s mane mushroom -

Improves cognitive health.  The polysaccharides extracted from Lions mane mushrooms have been researched for various promising bioactivities, including neuroprotection and neuroregeneration, anti-fatigue and anti-aging

Cordyceps mushrooms - 

Traditionally used for the treatment of fatigue it is hailed in traditional Chinese medicine for its invigorating properties, particularly for physical and mental fatigue.

Ashwagandha -              

Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, the root of ashwagandha contains many therapeutic active compounds. Helps reduce stress

Gotu kola -                     

Gotu kola is traditionally used as a brain tonic for enhancing concentration, memory and energy levels. It has also shown anti-stress, antidepressant properties in studies.

I AM RADIANT:

Tremella mushroom -

Tremella is a highly prized food and medicinal mushroom used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. Tremella is prized for its rich nutrient content and its immune supporting polysaccharides. The whole and extracted Tremella mushroom is traditionally used for clearing the body of heat, dryness, enhancing peripheral circulation and its effects on oxidative stress. For this reason it is associated with beautiful skin, anti- ageing and that is why it’s a key ingredient in Radiant. Associated with “beautiful skin”, hydration and anti-ageing  

Goji -

Goji berry has been used for centuries in traditional practices, more recently the constituents of the berry have been researched for their neuroprotective, anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties.

Shatavari -

“Queen of herbs” The root of Shatavari has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine, particularly for women, used for its bitter-sweet, emollient, cooling, nervine and tonic actions.

Biotin -                       

Biotin is essential for healthy hair, skin, nails and to help regulate blood sugar

I AM RESILIENT:  

Turmeric -                 

Studied extensively for a diverse array of therapeutic properties, turmeric            root contains many bioactive compounds.  Reduces inflammation in joints            and helps with hot flushes.

Goji -                        

Goji berry has been used for centuries in traditional practices, more recently the constituents of the berry have been researched for their neuroprotective, anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties.

Astragalus -

A fortifying tonic, used traditionally in Chinese medicine for strengthening qi and enhancing immune responses. Astragalus is also used for its antioxidant, actions. Helps to soothe hot flushes and night sweats as well as its immune support and uplifting qi ( vital energy)

Sea buckthorn -        

Sea Buckthorn It is extremely high in antioxidant phenolic compounds, vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, it is included in our blends and helps to support the immune system

I AM RESTED:

L-theanine -

Extracted from Chinese green tea, L-theanine is a unique amino acid that is           associated with the modulation of brain function or zen-like relaxation state, relaxing the mind without strong sedative actions

Reishi Mushroom -

The most famous medicinal fungus has been used as a precious Chinese medicinal material for more than 2,000 years. Similar to the fruiting body of Reishi, the spore powder has the potential effect of regulating immunity.  It has been researched for its effects on the central nervous system and sleep

Lavender -   

Lavender is traditionally used for its relaxing effects on the nervous system, there is growing research to suggest that lavender may be an effective treatment for stress and neurological disorders.

Magnesium -             

It has shown relaxing effects on the central nervous and muscular systems

Holy Basil -

Holy basil has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for health and spiritual development.  Modern research has investigated holy basils potential anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory and cognitive enhancing activities.

Passionflower -         

Passionflower has long been used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and as a sedative to calm the central nervous system.

 

I felt very alone on my journey with the menopause.  I was so young and wasn’t ready for what was to come.  I didn’t have a lot of people I could talk to about it, as my peers weren’t at that stage of their life yet.  

So I really hope this has been insightful. Feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions, and I will answer them as to the best of my knowledge.

Just an fyi, this is my experience and you should always check everything with your health care practitioner.

Lots of love,

Katia