RED reishi mushrooms could boost people’s libidos - and help people feel less stressed, according to experts.

Loss of libido, or sex drive, is a common problem affecting up to one in five men – and even more women – at some point in their life.

It's often linked to professional and personal stress, or important life-changing events such as pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

However, NHS Choices said an unexpected loss of libido – especially when it lasts for a long time or keeps returning – can also indicate an underlying personal, medical or lifestyle problem, which can be upsetting to both partners in a relationship.

Studies in Britain, Europe and America, involving thousands of women of all ages, indicate that anything between 30 and 50  per cent of women have been hit by prolonged periods of little or no sex drive.

 

Dr Sarah Brewer, GP, said stress is largely to blame.

She said: “When stressed, women produce a hormone called prolactin, or ‘the celibacy hormone’.

“This is the same hormone produced when breastfeeding to reduce the risk of a further pregnancy too soon after birth, by significantly lowering libido.”

In East Asia Red Reishi mushroom has been used for centuries to reduce these libido-dwindling factors.

It is believed Reishi’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties support the immune system and promote overall well being and the mushrooms have also been found to alleviate and aid the body in dealing with stress.

Dr Yumin, of Shanghai University of Traditional Medicine recommends altering the diet and looking at natural libido boosters.

He said the Red Reishi mushroom, is ‘renowned for helping with sexual function, increased libido and fertility’.

However, people who don’t know where to find the Red Reishi mushroom are in luck, as it is available in capsule form.

According to distributors Haeon Limited, the Reishi product uses cultivated using a natural wood-log method and grown without chemicals or pesticides to ensure the most organic results.

The mushrooms are harvested at peak maturity to maximise their phytonutrient levels, and then encapsulated in a 100 per cent vegetable capsule.

 

Rhiannon Lambert, nutritionist, said: “For some, work stress is the motivator to ensure things get done. However, for many people, work stress can easily become overwhelming and can damage health. Prolonged or consistent stress can lead to loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, anxiety, and, in extreme cases, stress can lead to mental health issues.” 
 
A survey by Mikei revealed 50 per cent of adults questioned stated that they sometimes feel run down, and drained of physical, mental and emotional energy.

Rhiannon added: “The current demands placed upon us are immense, you may not realise you are stressed until you are suddenly susceptible to a whole array of flu like symptoms, colds and general feelings of sickness and poor health. 

“Taking Red Reishi for a consistent period of time will help improve your immune systems health and capabilities at dealing with the stress placed upon us.”

People concerned about their libido should make an appointment to see their GP.

Source - The Daily Express - http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/682362/Red-reishi-mushroom-boost-sex-drive-reduce-stress