Mushrooms are more than just vegetables. When eaten, they provide protective and therapeutic functions such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Still, when applied topically, they produce direct skincare effects such as skin-whitening and lightening, wrinkle and skin-toning benefits, skin-moisturizing, and UV ray protection.
What about mushrooms for eczema treatment? The link between what you eat and how you experience eczema is tricky. However, some foods are undeniably inflammatory, while others may aid in reducing inflammation. Mushrooms are high in anti-inflammatory polysaccharides and fatty acids, making them an excellent addition to your diet.
Below we explore mushrooms eczema benefits and the best mushrooms for eczema.
Understanding Eczema
Eczema is a skin disorder that causes dry, bumpy, and itchy skin. This condition decreases your skin's barrier function, which retains moisture and protects your body from external factors.
Dermatitis is a kind of eczema. Dermatitis is a group of skin disorders that produce inflammation. Pathogens and irritating mechanical and chemical factors can produce inflammation.
Itchy and dry skin, skin rash, swelling, flaky, crusty, or scaly skin, thick, leathery patches of skin, and bumps on your skin are all symptoms of eczema. Each person diagnosed with eczema is affected differently.
What triggers your symptoms may not trigger someone else with the disease. Makeup or skin care products, dry weather or low humidity, smoke, pollution, soaps, detergents, stress, textiles, or touching anything you're allergic to are all common eczema triggers.
Exploring the Potential Of Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have shown considerable potential in the treatment of eczema. They contain skin-protective substances such as triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and polyphenols, which have been found to minimize inflammation-induced stress. Furthermore, functional mushrooms have been shown to boost immunity and help the body cope with allergens more effectively, all while improving moisture and keeping the skin soft and smooth.
Mushrooms With Potential For Eczema Management
Here are some of the best mushrooms for eczema treatment that have been reported to be effective:
- Reishi possesses anti-irritant properties that may help soothe and calm the skin.
- Turkey tail has antioxidant properties and may help protect and moisturize the skin.
- Cordyceps is high in antioxidants and may help moisturize dry skin, increasing collagen and elastin production.
- Chaga possesses antioxidant and skin-restoring properties that may aid in the reduction of redness and irritation.
- Shiitake has been demonstrated to enhance and brighten skin tone and may aid in inflammation reduction.
Now, let’s look at the top mushroom for eczema.
Chaga
This Northern European fungus, literally translates as "mushroom" in Russian, has traditionally been harvested for illness treatment and prevention. It is mineral-rich and is an effective antiviral and antibacterial agent against various diseases. It has numerous and well-studied applications in topical usage.
Chaga contains betulinic acid (most widely used as an anticancer drug), promoting skin tissue regeneration and acting as an antiseptic to heal wounds. Betulinic acid has traditionally been used to treat skin infections and disorders like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Cordyceps
Dermatologists laud Cordyceps as a powerful antioxidant that can help moisturize dry skin, increase collagen and elastin synthesis, and has even shown some promise as a topical treatment for inflammatory disorders such as eczema. Its sun-protective capabilities are particularly notable, with most extracts in a 2018 study(1) demonstrating a significant photoprotective and anti-collagenase action with a sun protection factor of up to 25.
Reishi
Reishi mushrooms have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory characteristics that may help alleviate the symptoms of eczema. Furthermore, Reishi mushrooms contain antioxidants, which can aid in protecting the skin from damage.
Evidence shows that Reishi mushrooms can help reduce inflammation and boost immunity, both essential variables in eczema. One study(2) found that Reishi mushroom extract could help those with atopic dermatitis. The study looked at the effectiveness of Reishi in treating severe atopic dermatitis (ADE).
Five people with severe ADE who received Reishi mushroom treatment were evaluated.
Three months after the mushroom was administered, physical symptoms, antibody levels in the blood, and other data were assessed. Four of the five patients experienced significant symptom relief and improved clinical parameters. According to the findings, Reishi could be an effective therapy option for patients suffering from severe ADE.
Considerations And Precautions
Although medicinal mushrooms are generally safe, adverse reactions do occur. However, research has shown that these harmful reactions are rare. Thus medicinal mushrooms such as Cordyceps, Turkey tail, Chaga, and Reishi are all considered safe to take.
However, as usual, we recommend consulting with your doctor or a medical practitioner before introducing medicinal mushroom supplements into your eczema treatment plan. You should avoid them if you are allergic to medicinal mushrooms, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Incorporating Mushrooms Into A Holistic Approach
While nothing may cure the misery of eczema, various natural therapies and simple lifestyle adjustments can help control the condition's symptoms.
Moisturize your skin after showering and whenever it feels dry. Choose fragrance-free skin care products and try them all before using them. To moisturize your skin, use short baths or showers.
Wear loose-fitting 100% cotton clothing and incorporate stress-reduction strategies into your daily routine. Learn what causes eczema flare-ups and how to avoid those triggers. Incorporating mushrooms into a comprehensive treatment strategy may supplement existing eczema care plans. Mushroom supplements' benefits are as numerous and varied as mushrooms themselves. These are often available in powder, capsule form, or as a liquid extract.
FAQs About Mushrooms For Eczema
Can Mushrooms Cure Eczema?
While there is no cure-all diet for eczema, certain foods may help reduce inflammation, while others may irritate your skin and set you up for a flare. Mushrooms are an eczema-friendly meal that can help you fight inflammation.
How Long Does It Take To See Results When Using Mushrooms For Eczema?
Compounds in medicinal mushrooms take time to build up in your system. Therefore, the mushroom may take up to two weeks for results to set in.
Are There Any Potential Side Effects Or Interactions With Mushroom Use For Eczema?
Some people may experience allergies to mushrooms or their products. Other mushroom eczema side effects include digestive upset, nausea, and skin rashes.
Key Takeaways
Medicinal mushrooms contain powerful antioxidant qualities and are said to have anti-inflammatory traits. They are superfoods high in vitamins B and D and fiber. Unsurprisingly, there's a growing interest in using functional mushrooms for eczema.
References
- Cosmetic and Skincare Benefits of Cultivated Mycelia from the Chinese Caterpillar Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Ascomycetes), (1)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30055554/
- Useful Treatment of Severe Atopic Dermatitis with Ganoderma lucidum( reishi): A Multiple- Case study, (2)http://as4qol.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/mn2014001_honjo_jas4qol.pdf
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