This Mushroom Broth Recipe is Perfect for Fall and Your Brain Health

Broth

Fall is here, and it’s got us yearning for something earthy, warm, and comforting. 

Today, we have a mushroom broth that’s perfect for a rainy day or even as an appetizer for a hearty meal. 

Note that the mushrooms for this recipe are a bit harder to find than portobellos, so you may need to look up your specialty or health foods store. But trust us, it’s worth it! 

We call it the Zen Brain Mushroom Broth.

Now, let’s get to the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup dried Lion’s Mane mushrooms (or fresh if available)

• 1/4 cup dried Reishi mushrooms (or fresh slices)

• 1/4 cup Chaga chunks (dried)

• 8 cups water

• 2 cloves garlic (smashed)

• 1” piece fresh ginger (sliced)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps extract nutrients from the mushrooms)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare the mushrooms: 

• If using dried mushrooms, soak them in hot water for 20–30 minutes to rehydrate. 

• Once softened, chop them into smaller pieces to release more nutrients during cooking.

2. Simmer the broth: 

• In a large pot, add the water, mushrooms (including the soaking liquid if using dried), garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. 

• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

3. Strain the broth: 

• After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the mushrooms, garlic, and ginger. You’ll be left with a rich, flavorful mushroom broth.

4. Season to taste: 

• Add salt, pepper, and any herbs you like. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can let the broth simmer longer.

Serve: Warm the broth in a mug or use it as a base for soups or other dishes.

Mushroom broth recipe

Did you notice anything special about this recipe? OK, we’ll tell you…

Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Chaga are all known as “functional mushrooms” for their benefits beyond flavor. 

Lion’s Mane: Supports focus and cognitive health

Reishi: Supports relaxation and stress relief

Chaga: Provides antioxidants that support brain function

Dynamic Mushrooms

In other words, these mushrooms are known for their ability to positively affect your cognitive function, your mood, and your stress response. 

This savory broth is a great way to naturally integrate these mushrooms into your diet, and it not only tastes delicious but may give you a mental boost. Plus, it’s versatile—you can sip it throughout the day for a gentle focus lift or use it to enhance other meals!

What do you think—are you ready to give this broth recipe a try? 

To take your cognitive and overall well-being to the next level, consider Dynamic Mushrooms from Stonehenge Health.* 

While this Zen Brain Mushroom Broth is a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of functional mushrooms, Dynamic Mushrooms delivers the power of Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, and more in a simple daily capsule. 

Each serving is scientifically formulated to promote cognitive processing speed and efficiency, support feelings of happiness and motivation, ease feelings of stress, immune health, and healthy digestion, giving you all the benefits of these powerful mushrooms without the need to source or prepare them.* 

Try it today and experience the cognitive enhancement and calming effects these mushrooms can provide—anytime, anywhere.

Dynamic Mushrooms

Embrace Adventure This June: How My Friend Found Relief During Great Outdoors Month

Older woman smiling hiking outdoors summer
Older woman smiling hiking outdoors summer

Did you know that June is “Great Outdoors Month?” 

Like many of us, I’ve (unknowingly) been celebrating ‘Great Outdoors Month’ pretty much every June my whole life. 

Hiking, paddleboarding, biking… It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and move your body. 

It got me thinking, though, about one of my dearest friends Sarah, and her battle with nerve discomfort

You see, Sarah and I have been hiking buddies for more than 20 years. We even hiked to the summit of Mt. Whitney (14,505 feet), but that was a looooong time ago. 

Anyway, a few years back, Sarah started dealing with nerve issues in her hands and feet. One day, after she declined an evening walk with me, I remember her saying: 

“I’m so sorry I can’t walk with you tonight. It feels like a sunburn but inside my feet. Even a bedsheet rubbing across my toes at night will wake me up with an insane burning sensation that makes it hard to sleep, so walking is out tonight.” 

I’ve had my own share of health issues over the years, but nothing quite like what she described. I felt awful for her. 

But you know what? Sarah didn’t get down on herself, and she didn’t quit doing the things she loved, like being outdoors… 

She took action. 

Today, I want to share with you how my friend conquered her own nerve issues. 

She’s given me permission to tell you her story, and we both hope it will help if you or somebody you know is dealing with nerve discomfort.

Speak with a Healthcare Professional

older woman with healthcare professional

It sounds obvious, but do not skip this step. Nerve discomfort is a relatively common issue, especially as you get older. 

Speak openly with your physician about your circumstances, but also understand you have options beyond prescription medications. 

Sarah worked with her doctor from the start to develop a plan that included the following lifestyle changes.

Eat a Good Diet 

Excited senior woman smiling cheerfully while having some delicious vegan food. Mature woman serving herself a healthy buddha bowl at home. Woman taking care of her aging body with a plant-based diet.

Eating a well-balanced diet is crucial. There’s no special eating plan specifically for nerve issues, but ensuring you’re getting enough nutrients can help your overall health and potentially reduce discomfort. 

Sarah has started incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into her meals. Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake has also been beneficial. We now enjoy healthy picnic recipes packed full of superfoods when we have outdoor meals.

Get Regular Exercise

Spin class, fitness or senior woman on bike in workout or training for cycling progress, health or wellness. Group, challenge or confident elderly person on bicycle machine for gym or cardio exercise

Many studies have shown that people with chronic discomfort who exercise feel better, have more energy, and have improved moods compared to those who don’t. 

Note: I’ll cover how to overcome that initial barrier to getting yourself moving in the next few sections.

Sarah found low-impact activities like walking in the park, swimming, and gentle cycling worked best. We’ve even modified our hikes to choose flatter, easier trails. 

Despite the nerve discomfort, these activities help Sarah stay active and boost her mood.

Use of Assistive Devices 

Elder family hikers pair fun stroll.

Sarah has found that using assistive devices like hiking poles makes it easier for her to move around and reduces her discomfort on the trails. 

Always someone who loves fashion, picking the right shoes can also be a crucial step in comfort. Gone are the uncomfortable pumps, as Sarah is now embracing more sensible but still stylish walking shoes.

She also invested in ergonomically designed chairs and desks for her home, which have brought significant relief.

Relaxation Techniques

Yoga, fitness and woman exercise, training and workout for wellness, relax and health in living room at home. Meditation, pilates and senior lady stretching, focus and calm on yoga mat in lounge.

Stress can exacerbate nerve discomfort, so managing it is key. 

Sarah started practicing yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. These techniques not only help with stress but also seem to reduce her level of discomfort. 

We often have serene outdoor yoga sessions, finding peaceful spots in nature to practice mindfulness and relaxation.

Supplementing Your Diet with the Right Formula of Amino Acids, Antioxidants, and Nutrients

Senoir mature asian woman with glass of water taking pills, sitting on couch.

Sarah’s nerve discomfort has significantly improved since she added Dynamic Nerve from Stonehenge Health to her daily routine.* 

Dynamic Nerve is formulated to alleviate nerve discomfort through a comprehensive approach that targets the root causes and symptoms.*

Here’s how it works:

Nutrient-Rich Formula

 Foods high in  antioxidants, fiber, smart carbohydrates and vitamins.

Dynamic Nerve combines essential vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts known for their nerve-supporting properties.* Key ingredients include Alpha Lipoic Acid, which helps to protect nerve cells from oxidative stress, and a B-vitamin complex that supports overall nerve health and function.*

Enhanced Nerve Regeneration

Senior man with back pain. Spine physical therapist and paient. Chiropractic pain relief therapy.

Ingredients like Acetyl-L-Carnitine promote the regeneration of damaged nerves, contributing to long-term relief from nerve discomfort.*

Improved Blood Circulation

Fitness, morning and running with old couple in park

Dynamic Nerve enhances blood flow to the nerves, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen for optimal function and recovery.*

Signal Modulation

Stonehenge Health Dynamic Nerve

The formula helps to modulate the transmission of signals to the brain, reducing the perception of nerve discomfort.*

Dynamic Nerve offers a holistic approach to managing and reducing nerve discomfort by addressing these multiple facets of nerve health.* This supports both immediate relief and long-term nerve health.*

I really hope you enjoyed my friend Sarah’s story, but more importantly, I hope you do something with it. 

I hope you’re able to embrace Great Outdoors Month by finding activities that suit your comfort level. Don’t let nerve discomfort hold you back from experiencing the beauty and tranquility of nature this month and all year long.

And if you’re looking for a supplement to support your nerve health, check out Dynamic Nerve from Stonehenge Health. Sarah’s seen great improvements, and I believe you might, too.* 

Let’s get outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer, together.

A Beginner’s Guide to Somatic Therapy

Two women perform somatic practices on a bed in a home bedroom
Two women perform somatic practices on a bed in a home bedroom

Question for you: 

Do you think that the mind follows the body? 

Example: If you have poor diet and exercise habits, they will negatively affect your psychological well-being. 

Or, do you think the body follows the mind? 

Example: If you’re depressed, your physical health will suffer. 

In reality, this issue is much more complex than the black-and-white scenarios above. 

And this is exactly what the field of somatic therapy explores. 

Somatic therapy is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the connection between the mind and body in healing. It is based on the understanding that trauma, stress, and emotional experiences can manifest physically in the body, leading to chronic pain, tension, and other physical symptoms. 

Somatic therapy aims to address these physical symptoms through various techniques, helping individuals to release stored tensions, alleviate stress, and improve overall physical and emotional well-being.

The techniques used in somatic therapy may include: 

• Deep breathing

• Relaxation exercises

• Guided imagery

• Movement (such as dance or yoga)

• Other body-oriented methods 

The therapy focuses on helping individuals become more aware of their bodily sensations and learning how to interpret and manage these sensations as a way to regulate emotions and reduce symptoms of distress.

Through innovative practices, somatic therapy claims to address issues like: 

• Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety and stress

• Depression

• Chronic pain

• Grief and loss

• Emotional regulation

• Attachment disorders

• Dissociation and disconnection

• Self-esteem and body image issues

• Eating disorders

• Addiction recovery 

• Sleep disorders 

• Relationship issues and social anxiety 

• Life transitions and adjustment issues

Many people find somatic therapy beneficial in increasing self-awareness, particularly in how emotions are experienced in the body. This awareness can lead to better emotional regulation and a deeper understanding of one’s responses to stress and trauma.

The emphasis on bodily awareness and self-regulation techniques empowers people by giving them practical tools to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma on their own.

Books on somatic therapy

middle aged blonde woman is reading a book while sitting on a sofa at home

The seminal work on trauma and somatic therapy is The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk. 

This book spent over 200 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list and explores how trauma affects the body and mind and presents somatic experiences as a powerful method for healing.

Oprah Winfrey even featured the book on her show and website

Additional books on somatic therapy include: 

Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine.

Embodied Healing: Using Yoga to Recover from Trauma and Extreme Stress by Lisa Danylchuk.

In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness by Peter A. Levine.

Body-Centered Psychotherapy: The Hakomi Method by Ron Kurtz

Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body by Peter A. Levine. 

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment by Pat Ogden and Janina Fisher.

If you’re interested in the topic, grab one of these books for a deep dive into somatic therapy and its theory and real-life applications.

Next steps: Placing the power of your body and mind in your own hands

Dynamic Brain

At Stonehenge Health, we’ve long been proponents of nurturing the connection between body and mind. 

Somatic therapy and brain health supplements like Dynamic Brain share a common purpose in improving well-being—somatic therapy through therapeutic techniques and Dynamic Brain through nutritional support for cognitive functions.*

With a blend of 40 brain health ingredients, including nootropics such as Huperzine A, Bacopa Extract, DHA, and Phosphatidylserine – Dynamic Brain is designed to support your brain’s cognitive ability.*

Learn more about Dynamic Brain from Stonehenge Health.