Polyneuropathy: Causes, symptoms and natural support through medicinal mushrooms

Polyneuropathy is a disease of the peripheral nervous system in which several nerves are affected simultaneously. This leads to abnormal sensations, numbness, pain, muscle weakness, or coordination problems – usually starting in the feet or hands and spreading symmetrically.

Causes of polyneuropathy

There are numerous causes for this nerve damage, which can be divided into the following main categories:

1. Metabolic causes:

• Diabetes mellitus: The most common cause; high blood sugar levels damage the nerves in the long term.

• Kidney failure: Accumulation of toxins that damage nerve cells.

• Liver diseases: Impairment of metabolism and detoxification.

2. Toxic causes:

• Alcohol consumption: Leads to nutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B1 deficiency) and nerve damage.

• Medications: Some chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics, or anti-epileptic drugs can trigger polyneuropathy.

• Heavy metal exposure: Mercury, lead or arsenic can cause nerve damage.

3. Deficiency symptoms:

• Vitamin B deficiency: Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are particularly essential for nerve health.

• Folic acid and vitamin E deficiency: These can also play a role.

4. Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases:

• Guillain-Barré syndrome

• Lupus erythematosus

• Rheumatoid arthritis

5. Infections:

• Lyme disease (after a tick bite)

• HIV/AIDS

• Hepatitis C

6. Genetic causes: Rare hereditary diseases such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Medicinal mushrooms for natural support in polyneuropathy

Three medicinal mushrooms have proven particularly effective in supporting nerve health. They can promote nerve regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve the energy supply to nerve cells.

1. Hericium erinaceus (hedgehog beard) – The regeneration mushroom

Hericium is known for its neuroprotective properties and is often referred to as the "nerve vitamin".

• Promotes nerve growth by stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF).

• Supports myelin regeneration (the protective layer of the nerves).

• Can relieve neuropathic pain.

• Improves cognitive function and helps with nerve damage caused by inflammation.

Application:

• As a highly concentrated liquid extract (e.g. Pure Focus by smaints ): 1 tsp per day (in the morning) directly or stirred into water/tea.

• Recommended use for at least 2-3 months (long-term use possible; dosage can be reduced to 1/2 tsp daily after improvement)

2. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) – The protective mushroom

Reishi is a powerful adaptogen that reduces inflammation and stabilizes the nervous system.

• It has an anti-inflammatory effect, which is particularly helpful in cases of autoimmune-related nerve damage.

• Promotes deep relaxation and helps reduce stress and sleep problems.

• It supports microcirculation, which improves the nutrient supply to the nerves.

• It has pain-relieving properties that can alleviate neuropathic symptoms.

Application:

• As a highly concentrated liquid extract (e.g. Pure Night by smaints) : 1 tsp before bedtime, either directly or stirred into water/tea.

• Recommended use for at least 2-3 months (long-term use possible; dosage can be reduced to 1/2 tsp daily after improvement)

3. Cordyceps sinensis – The Energy Mushroom

Cordyceps promotes cell energy production and improves oxygen supply.

• It increases ATP production in the mitochondria, which is essential for nerve cells.

• Improves blood circulation and thus the supply to the peripheral nerves.

• Supports regeneration after nerve damage.

• It helps with exhaustion and strengthens physical and mental energy.

Application:

• As a highly concentrated liquid extract (e.g. Pure Focus by smaints ): 1 tsp per day (in the morning) directly or stirred into water/tea.

• Recommended use for at least 2-3 months (long-term use possible; dosage can be reduced to 1/2 tsp daily after improvement)

What you should pay attention to when buying medicinal mushrooms

Not all mushroom products are created equal. For a noticeable effect, quality, extraction method, and origin are crucial. Pay attention to:

• Highly concentrated extracts (not just mushroom powder!)

• Dual extraction (water and alcohol, for full spectrum of activity)

• Organic quality from European cultivation

• Transparent certificates of analysis

• Free from (harmful!) additives, sugar and alcohol

smaints meets all these criteria – and more! Learn more about the quality of smaints products here .

smaints products were developed in collaboration with experts, consist of 100% organic mushrooms from clean, European cultivation, contain no unnecessary additives and also taste pleasant.

Further recommendations for maximum effectiveness in polyneuropathy

Medicinal mushrooms work best in combination with other targeted measures. The following approaches can significantly enhance their effect:

1. Optimize your diet

• Increase nutrient density: Plenty of omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseed oil, supplements), antioxidants (berries, green vegetables).

• Vitamin B complex: Especially B1, B6, B12 (e.g. from meat, eggs, nuts or as a supplement).

• Stabilize blood sugar levels: Avoid sugar and eat a high-fiber diet instead.

2. Promote movement and blood circulation

• Regular exercise: Promotes blood circulation in the nerves. Particularly suitable: swimming, gentle yoga exercises or walking.

• Alternating hot and cold showers and massages: These support microcirculation and can stimulate nerve activity.

3. Avoid neurotoxins

• Reduce alcohol and smoking: Both significantly impair nerve health.

• Minimize environmental toxins: Prefer low-pollutant foods, use water filters.

4. Reduce stress & optimize sleep

• Meditation and breathing techniques: Reduce chronic stress, which promotes nerve damage.

• Regular sleep times: At least 7-8 hours of sleep for optimal regeneration.

• Promote sleep with smaints Pure Night Liquid Extract: Reishi & Hericium calm the nervous system.

Conclusion: Natural support for polyneuropathy with medicinal mushrooms

Polyneuropathy is a complex condition with diverse causes. A holistic approach is crucial to best protect the nerves and promote their regeneration. Medicinal mushrooms such as Hericium , Reishi , and Cordyceps can provide valuable natural support – whether by promoting nerve growth, reducing inflammation, or improving the energy supply to nerve cells. The following are particularly recommended:

• Hericium - The regenerative and nerve mushroom

• Reishi – The protective mushroom

• Cordyceps - The Energy Mushroom

Pay particular attention to the quality and therefore effectiveness of medicinal mushroom products. You can find these 3 mushrooms as highly concentrated extracts in the following products:

✅ Pure Focus by smaints (Hericium & Cordyceps) for nerve regeneration and cell energy production.

✅ Pure Night by smaints (Reishi & Hericium) for anti-inflammatory effects, immune system strengthening, relaxation and sleep optimization.

However, the combination with a healthy lifestyle is also particularly important – a balanced diet, exercise, good sleep, and stress management. Medicinal mushrooms as a dietary supplement can make a valuable contribution to supporting nerve function and promoting overall well-being. For a better quality of life despite polyneuropathy!