From foggy to focused—Lion’s Mane is the upgrade your brain’s been waiting for. Keep reading.
Did it ever occur to you that the solution to brain repair could be found in a shaggy white mushroom that resembles a pom-pom? Introducing the lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus), which are large white shaggy mushrooms that look like a lion’s mane(and hence the name) [1].
They have been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, but modern science has recently begun studying their remarkable ability to improve both body and brain health [2][5].
Many people are now beginning to enjoy lion’s mane mushrooms as part of their diets. However, they are also becoming very popular due to being available in supplement form, including capsules, powders, and tinctures [4][9].
9 Easy Ways It Helps Your Body & Mind
1. Protection Against Age-related Cognitive Decline:
With age, it becomes more difficult for our brains to create new neurons. Lion’s mane contains two unique compounds, namely hericenones and erinacines, that may promote the growth of new neurons in the brain [2][6].
- Possibly Preventing Dementia: Research indicates that lion’s mane could play a role in helping prevent alzheimer’s disease [2][5].
- Improved Cognitive Function: In studies, those who took lion’s mane supplements showed improved cognitive ability as measured by standardised tests after a prolonged period of being supplied with the supplement [3].
2. Anxiety, Depression related Symptoms Relief
Although there are several factors associated with anxiety and depression, one of the largest contributors is chronic inflammation [1].
3. Recovery from Spinal Injury
4. Anticancer Activity
5. Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk
6. Managing Diabetes Symptoms
7. Cancer-Fighting Properties
8. Fighting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
9. Stimulating Immunity
USAGE AND SAFETY
- Doses: There is no defined standard dosage; however, cognitive and mood-supportive studies generally consist of 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg of Lion’s Mane per day [1][3].
- Preparation: The lion’s mane mushrooms is generally consumed raw, cooked, or as tea [9].
- Side effects: Lion’s mane mushrooms are generally regarded as safe. However, people with mushroom allergies are advised against using lion’s mane mushrooms as they may develop hives or have difficulty breathing as a result of using them [4][10].
IMPORTANT NOTE
- Allergy concerns: Individuals with tree mushroom allergies should avoid this, as it is a tree mushroom [10].
- Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: There are limited clinical studies that have provided any confirmation of safety in these situations, so one should avoid using it during their pregnancy/breastfeeding period [4][10].
- Patience: The greatest cognitive and mood-enhancing benefits usually become apparent over a series of weeks of consistent use, rather than with just one-dose usage of Lion’s Mane [1][3].
The Bottom Line
Lion’s mane mushroom is a potent, research-supported supplement for anyone who wants to improve their brain function and lower their overall body inflammation [2][5][6]. There are still more studies involving people needed to confirm many of its clinical applications. However, the current safety profile and cognitive enhancement properties make lion’s mane an amazing option among all-natural foods [4][9].
References
[1] Biomedical Research: Reduction of Depression and Anxiety by 4 Weeks of Hericium erinaceus Intake
[2] Journal of Restorative Medicine: Neurological Activity of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
[3] Nutrients: Improvements in Cognitive Function After 12 Weeks of Lion’s Mane Supplementation
[4] Mayo Clinic: Medicinal Mushrooms: Exploring the Potential of Lion’s Mane (General Consensus on Supplement Safety)
[5] Cleveland Clinic: Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
[6] Harvard Health Publishing: The Science of Nootropics and Brain Health
[7] Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry: Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Hericium erinaceus
[8] Medical News Today: What are the benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms?
[9] Healthline: 9 Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Plus Side Effects)
[10] webMD: Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms