In the damp thickets of spring’s newly naked earth, a supersonic network of sorcery whispers its ancient odes, as strange and beautiful contours begin to appear—from tiny white fairy rings to wild-hued mini monoliths—and one of nature’s most powerful offerings comes out to play: the magical, mysterious mushroom.
These bewitching oddities hold us in their sway, inspiring both adoration and fear for the potency they bring. Like most magical things, they can heal as well as harm.
Tripped-out surrealistic wanderings and plant medicine aside, what role do mushrooms play in beauty? I’m so glad you asked. Get ready for the latest addition to your beauty rituals: Here come the fabulous fungi …
Adaptogen mushrooms have been pillars of the holistic world for many moons and have become trendy beauty buzzwords of late, but that’s because these treasures hold intense regenerative powers, mes amours. They’re the very essence of spring renewal, youthful vitality, and longevity, as they amplify your beauty magnetism head to toe, inside and out, by accelerating cellular turnover, managing stress, and strengthening the immune system. Whereas herbs require use in cycles to be effective, adaptogens can be taken daily and long-term, because they act in a manner similar to a thermostat: When you have too little or too much, they adjust accordingly. Internally, this translates to lowered stress and quelled anxiety (adieu, fine lines!), better beauty sleep, and a sharper (sexier) brain. And speaking of sexy, adding mmm-mm mycelium to your rituals amps up your drive and your pleasure.
Now when it comes to anointing your heavenly body with champignons charmants, the starry sky is the limit! All mushrooms contain polysaccharides, which keep skin hydrated and retain that moisture by protecting your natural skin barrier. This prevents the dryness that causes and intensifies fine lines and wrinkles. Pair that with mushrooms’ other superpowers, and you’ve got one seriously impressive new cohort.
In all my years (centuries?) of including mushrooms among my retinue of wellness advisers, I have come to simplify things out
of necessity in a madly busy life—and here I pass along one of my absolute favorite things to keep on hand: a powdered blend of medicinal, adaptogen mushrooms that hits all the notes. It takes the hassle (not to mention the expense) out of stockpiling a million different things and the tedium out of measuring minuscule bits of ingredients to create what I need. Though there are many varieties of mushroom delights and all contain potent antioxidants, I like using a combination of these rock stars:
Chaga
Chaga strengthens the immune system, stabilizes blood pressure and blood sugar, aids digestion, and boasts impressive antioxidant properties, all wrapped up in UV protection. It can prevent early signs of aging such as dullness, wrinkles, and sagging, since it repairs cells and can reduce the existing signs of damage. Plus, it helps hair growth.
Lion’s Mane
Though it’s known primarily for supporting cognitive function, brain health, and memory, it also increases collagen and elastin production. And as its name suggests, this dandy stimulates hair follicles for gorgeous growth.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps provides long-lasting, stable energy, plus increased stamina, endurance, and sexual vitality. Mushrooms in this genus also keep skin energized and glowing by stimulating blood flow and increasing hydration, collagen, and elastin production. And they soothe and heal redness and other skin irritations, nourish the scalp, and promote hair growth.
Reishi
Ravishing reishi relieves stress and promotes restful beauty sleep. Deeply hydrating and detoxifying, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits help fight against premature aging, redness, irritation, and damage. It helps your body synthesize ceramide, which makes up the protective layer of your skin, plus it promotes elasticity, fades scarring, and reduces hair loss.
Turkey Tail
This treasure gives a potent immune boost and aids gorgeousness with prebiotics and healthy digestion, resulting in a healthy glow. Turkey tail also manages stress, enhances mood, and supports emotional wellbeing.
Shiitake
These babies are prized for their ability to protect your immune system and keep you healthy. Their blend of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory magic helps prevent the breakdown of cells, protect skin from harmful bacteria, aid in recovery, reduce redness, and depuff. Shiitake promotes overall balanced, brightened, and calm skin.
For a sourcing reference, I’ve been sticking with Om Master Blend Mushroom Powder, an organic combination of ten mushroom species plus my beloved super adaptogen, ashwagandha (an evergreen shrub). It is easily found online, in health food shops, and even some groceries.
So, mignonettes, gather your goodies and prepare to conjure seductive sorcery! I love concocting these potions beneath the first brand new moon of spring to draw in the season and set the vibration high for the months ahead. Whatever you’ve been hatching over the winter now has wings … so allow your wishes to soar through the skies of the new astrological year and bring your heart’s desire straight to you. You’ll be ready—and more gorgeous and full of life than the world can even handle.
AWAKEN THE SENSES
Facial
Conjures 1 to 2 treatments
1 teaspoon mushroom blend powder (such as Om Master Blend)
2 tablespoons oat flour
¼ cup chia seed oil
¼ cup almond milk
In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until well blended, adding more almond milk as needed to reach a desired consistency. (I like it best when it’s somewhere between a mousse and melty ice cream.) Apply to a cleansed face in a circular motion, lifting away dead skin cells and revving circulation.
Apply a second layer—don’t forget the neck, décolleté, and even the backs of your hands—and allow it to set while you lounge about. Let it work its magic for 10 to 20 minutes, then remove with a warm, wet face cloth. Rinse well. Pat dry and follow with your best beauty oils and sunscreen if you’re headed outside.
This one has the most delicious scent! Its creamy texture feels entirely decadent to apply, and, oh, the results—firmed, lifted, smooth, and glowing!
Joining our marvelous mycelium, of course, are a few other divine friends:
Oat
Venusian oats contain not only her beauty magic but a generous dollop of abundance as well. Ground into flour, oats provide a gentle yet thorough manual exfoliation while soothing and calming skin. Oats are also humectant, drawing moisture into skin.
Chia
Rich in omega-3 oils, chia is a powerhouse moisturizer for even very dry and irritated skin, quenching it and healing seasonal shifts to your visage.
I love it for coming out of the cold, harsh months and reviving your whole body!
Almond
In its creamy form as a dairy alternative with a high nutrient content, almond is rich in calcium and vitamin E. Beautifying and strengthening, it carries added magic for money, luck, and healing.
Beauty Witch Secret: Speaking of best beauty oils, did you know that my Bouclier de Freya contains mushroom peptides? Oh yes. The best. And did you know that adding a few drops of her to your masque will amp up the results amazingly? Oui.
FOCUS POCUS LATTE
Beauty Brew
Conjures 2 servings
1 teaspoon loose chai tea blend
1 teaspoon mushroom blend powder 1 teaspoon raw cacao powder
1½ cups spring water
½ cup almond milk
Begin by heating the water to a near boil. While it heats, add the chai tea, mushroom blend, and cacao to a French press or heat-safe container. Add the hot water, stir, and allow the blend to steep for 3 to 5 minutes while you warm the almond milk. Press or strain the brew, then pour into the warmed milk. (Got a frother? Fantastic! Froth the milk first.)
Add a bit of non-refined sweetener if desired, such as maple syrup, stevia, pure monkfruit, or coconut nectar. Sip it slowly, drinking in the magic. Visualize and feel your desires—the fire in the blend will help you to get them out into the world.
A version of this concoction appears in my book, The Beauty Witch’s Secrets, and I love it as a creamy latte. It gives energy and mental clarity, sans the jitters of coffee … though if you wish to add coffee into the mix, feel free—you’ll need way less and you’ll still feel sated.
On its own, it has an amazing ability to balance, energize, and brighten your mood. It also staves off the mid-morning or afternoon cravings for something carbs-y and sugary, which do not do your beauty any justice whatsoever. Instead, this brew makes you feel so good, your body naturally relaxes into a feline state, and your face lights up!
Chai
Spicy chai tea in its pure form (not the commercial sugary blend) increases circulation for glowing skin, and it contains antioxidants to help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. It holds the magic of fire.
Cacao
High in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, fiery cacao is a superior beauty food blessed with the enchantments of a mood-elevating aphrodisiac. This love food increases blood flow and serotonin levels, enhancing mood and stirring sexual desire.
Beauty Witch Secret: I just adore adding seasonal treats to my brew— do try it! Cinnamon, cloves, chili pepper, lavender, rose, saffron … I could go on forever. See what you’re drawn to. Chances are, it’s what you need.
NOUVELLE PEAU
Body Oil
Conjures approximately 3 ounces 2½ ounces chia seed oil
1 teaspoon mushroom blend powder
1 teaspoon carrot seed oil or extract
6 drops jasmine oil
Fetch a stunning potion bottle, one with a good stopper, and let the conjuring begin! Carefully pour the chia seed oil into the vessel (I use a mini funnel), then add the mushroom powder. Give it a good swirl to combine. If you can get something very thin in there to mix it, like a toothpick or a straw, that will help. Next, add in the carrot seed extract and the jasmine, and give it another swirl. Let the mixture rest overnight in the energy of the new moon, then allow it to greet the first rays of morning light. I love adding a few crystals and flowers for even more beauty magic. (Here, I’ve used citrine and dried jasmine buds.) For extra potency, let your mixture steep until the full moon, then use it liberally all over your body. If you simply cannot wait, use it right away.
As long as the mushroom powder has dissolved, it will be ready to go!
Glide it along your flesh for a deliriously sensual experience of pure beauty.
Carrot Seed
Fiery carrots are lusty bringers of sexual desire. Mars-ruled, they contain active age-delay properties. The seed oil provides a natural sunscreen, is loaded with antioxidants, and amps up circulation, which gives the skin a healthy glow.
Jasmine
Called the Queen of the Night, sensual jasmine is an intoxicating aphrodisiac that knows a thing or two about beauty. Yielding a brilliant oil for reducing fine lines and strengthening skin’s elasticity, jasmine also helps fade scars and hyperpigmentation.
Beauty Witch Secret: If you can get your paws on it, carrot root oil or extract is full of vitamin A and does wonders as a natural retinol.
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