Ganoderma lucidum, also called reishi, is a large, reddish-brown mushroom with a distinctive fan-like appearance that is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for health, vitality, and illness.
While reishi may be known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” the truth is, we all get older and it will not keep us young. Menopause happens. Reishi mushroom has been traditionally used to help manage menopause symptoms, primarily due to its adaptogenic properties that help the body manage stress, improve sleep, and balance mood. Let’s break down the science.
A study in 2024 concluded that reishi supplementation “ameliorated (sic) stress to improve the overall psychophysiological health,” (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39241163). i.e. brain heath. The study also stated that anxiety, depression, vitality and positive well-being scores were significantly improved, leading to improved psychological well-being after reishi supplementation. Sleep is often disturbed with menopause, but reishi also promotes natural sleep (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17383716). Reishi is well tolerated and is also good for liver health (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39527685). This also helps mitigate menopause symptoms.
Though the direct scientific evidence for menopause is limited, reishi is a great natural recommendation for menopause symptoms, and has been used for centuries. As a scientist, I stand behind my words. I look forward to providing more great mushroom nutrition information.
Andy, PhD