Lion’s Mane mushroom is used in many supplement powders, capsules and even tea, but what is it and why is it useful?
Lion’s Mane is a fungus that has a beneficial effect on several areas of the body, including the brain and heart. More research must be conducted for it to be fully understood, but current studies show that it has promise as a food supplement. People all over the world already take it regularly and include it in their supplementation routine.
This unique fungus has a distinctive appearance and a long history of use as a food supplement. Lion’s Mane can be found growing on dead or dying trees across North America, Europe, China and Japan. It’s capable of reaching the size of a football and gets its name from the shaggy, hair-like tendrils that appear to flow from it like a waterfall.
Known in China as hou tou gu (monkey head mushroom), Lion’s Mane has had several historical uses. Monks prepared it to be the active ingredient in a tonic to support the good health of the heart, liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys. They believed that it could replenish internal health, aid digestion and regulate the Qi. Also used as a ‘brain tonic’, it was often taken in tea as an aid to concentration before meditation.
In North America, Native Americans were aware of its health-giving properties and carried it with them in powder form. The powder had several uses but was most often used to speed up the healing of open wounds. In Europe, there were times it was such a delicacy that it was reserved for royalty. Its mild seafood-like flavour means that some gourmet restaurants add it to their menu when in season.
There are several different species of Lion’s Mane, all with similar appearances. The most common type cultivated for use in food supplements is Hericium Erinaceus. Other varieties that can be found in the wild include:
Since interest in this incredible mushroom has increased, scientists have conducted investigations to broaden our understanding of its effects. They have primarily focused on its role in promoting brain health, but some have investigated its impact within the entire body:
Lion’s Mane is often referred to as a nootropic, which is a substance that can boost memory and mental capacity. It is thought to help some people improve their focus and clear brain fog. A study conducted with older adults showed that 3g daily caused a significant improvement in mental function.
Research conducted with animals has also demonstrated that preparations containing Lion’s Mane can stimulate the growth of brain cells and reduce the symptoms of memory loss. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence, but there is a good indication that it can cause several actions that could improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
There is also a growing indication that it may be of use to reduce the damage caused when the brain or nervous system is injured. Research with rats showed that the recovery time from brain damage could be reduced by up to 41% by Lion’s Mane extract.
Some studies show that, when eaten, Lion’s Mane can speed up the reactions that breakdown fats and reduce triglyceride levels in the blood. These may indicate that Lion’s Mane could be able to reduce the risk of heart disease. It also exhibits several other features which could prevent heart-related issues, such as stopping cholesterol from oxidising in the blood and reduced blood clotting rates.
Research has also had success linking inflammation to a broad range of diseases and chronic conditions. Inflammation is a natural swelling that occurs in the body during illness or injury. It’s part of the healing process but sometimes it can occur when it’s not needed. This type of swelling has been linked to a broad range of diseases, chronic illnesses and mental health conditions.
Studies with mice found that Lion’s Mane provides anti-inflammatory factors that can lessen depression-like symptoms. Other animal investigations showed that an alcohol-based Lion’s Mane tincture could effectively reduce chronic inflammation.
Lion’s Mane mushroom has an excellent safety profile, and the only negative effects observed during studies were mild; These effects were specifically linked to allergic responses and included shortness of breath, itchy skin and a rash.
If you have an allergy to mushrooms or other similar substances, you should either entirely avoid taking Lion’s Mane, or talk to your doctor first. Pregnant women should also give it a miss because there is not yet enough evidence to verify that it’s safe during pregnancy.
Lion’s Mane is consumed safely in many countries across the world and studies with rats have shown that it’s not addictive. In most cases there are no ill effects, even when taken in more significant amounts.
The studies that reported positive effects from Lion’s Mane used daily Studies with mice found that Lion’s Mane provides anti-inflammatory factors that can lessen depression-like symptoms. amounts of between 750mg and 5g. The current evidence indicates that you will begin to notice effects if you take a daily measure in this range. However, some supplements use specially prepared extracts that provide a more concentrated amount of the active ingredients. In these cases, they may provide more significant results with a smaller measure. For the best results, you should always follow the directions on the packet.
Lion’s Mane is a versatile food and can be consumed in several different forms:
If you choose to buy a Lion’s Mane supplement, look for trustworthy, organically certified brands that use all parts of the fruiting body and mycelium. It is also essential to choose organic and, preferably, organically certified because mushrooms act as bio-accumulators and can easily be contaminated by the pollutants of their environment (air, soil, water).
By choosing an organic brand, you know that they’ve had to meet strict criteria and their products have been thoroughly inspected by an official organic authority, such as the UK Soil Association. Products that contain all parts of the mushroom have a broader range of the mushroom’s active ingredients, making them more effective.
These organic Lion's Mane capsules by Mushrooms 4 Life contain 1000mg of freeze-dried biomass and fruiting body at the ideal ratio. They have also been third-party tested, DNA tested and screened for any traces of heavy metals, pesticides or contaminants. Take two per day, 1-3 times per day to feel the benefits of Lion's Mane.
The Lion’s Mane mushroom has an incredible history of being used in powders, tonics and elixirs. Several ancient civilisations were aware of its effects and successfully harnessed them in different ways.
We, however, still have some way to go before we fully understand the full scope of its actions and how they can improve our lives. What we do know strongly indicates that it has excellent potential as a food supplement.
Fact-checked by Dr Marios Kyriazis.
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Tom Russell
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Tom Russell writes extensively about CBD oil and other groundbreaking food supplements. He and his wife share their home with two daughters and a lifetime’s collection of books.