The festive season is in full swing, and it can be a very stressful time of year for some of us. The pressure to find the perfect presents, attend extra social events, and squeezed budgets can sometimes get all a bit too much. It can also be more difficult to stick to your regular diet and exercise routine, making it even harder to maintain your mental and physical balance.
If this applies to you, then you might like to consider investigating medicinal organic mushroom powders. They are easy to add as an ingredient in hot and cold drinks such as honey and ginger tea, banana smoothies, or hot chocolate.
The calming power of reishi
Resihi has long been known for its medicinal properties, and can be described as an ‘adaptogen.’ This means that it contains compounds that stimulate the brain to produce calming neurotransmitters, helping to modulate the body’s stress response and balancing the mind.
Resihi mushrooms have traditionally been used to reduce feelings of anxiety and promote restful sleep. This can be very beneficial at this time of year, particularly if you find it difficult to wind down and switch off after a hectic day.
The power of Lion’s Mane
The relentless pace of the festive season can take its toll on your mental energies. If you find yourself struggling to keep up with the various demands on your time and labour, then you may benefit from Lion’s Mane mushroom powder. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine dating back to 2000 BC.
Lion’s Mane contains bioactive compounds like hericenones and erinacines, which can potentially cross the blood brain barrier and stimulate the growth of new neurons. This can enhance cognitive functions and boost memory. Limited research suggests that it may even help to prevent or delay the onset of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
Lion’s Mane may be particularly beneficial for older people who want to stay mentally sharp and guard against the risk of cognitive decline. It’s also helpful for students who have exams coming up in January and want to stay focussed on their studies, or for anyone who is juggling a demanding job over the festive season.
The energy mushroom: Cordyceps
Cordyceps mushroom is known as the ‘energy mushroom’ and has the ability to enhance athletic performance and boost energy levels. This can make it easier to find the motivation for a stress-busting workout over the holiday period, or just give you the energy to power through a demanding week or two.
The mushroom is also packed with vitamins and minerals that can boost the immune system and help to cleanse the liver and kidneys. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to promote recovery after exercise and reduce chronic inflammation.
As well as being easy to add to drinks, all of these medicinal mushroom powders can be incorporated into recipes or simply sprinkled onto dishes such as salads and soups.