Lion's Mane mushroom is well and truly in its golden era. Though it's been appreciated for centuries, the last year or so has seen this mushroom's popularity skyrocket, and it doesn't look set to shift any time soon.
But what is it that makes Lion's Mane the most sought after functional mushroom in the UK? I'd be surprised if you've never heard of it; but how much do you know about it?
This Lion's Mane Mushroom guide will tell you all the key facts about this smart little fungi, and why any high-quality supplement works hard to include it.
What Is Lion's Mane Mushroom?
Lion's Mane has been a huge part of Asian culture for thousands of years, in Japan, China, India, and Korea. It was first noted in traditional Chinese Medicine back during the Tang Dynasty, between around 618-907 AD, when they believed it helped with brain function, overall health, and longevity of life.
This type of mushroom - a species of tooth fungus - is grown across the Northern Hemisphere in North America and Europe. They grow naturally on dead or dying trees, usually American maple and beech trees, in moist, humid, shaded environments.
During the late summer months and into the autumn, this bearded little mushroom starts to appear. It takes around two to three weeks to develop, and grows in a shaggy, cascading, pompom-like appearance, which is where it gets its name from - it looks just like a lion's mane, except it's white.
The tendrils hang from the stem, and can grow quite long - up to several inches in diameter! The younger the Lion's Mane, the whiter it is; then as it ages it turns slightly yellow, or even brown.
Lion's Mane Nutritional Profile: Rich in vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, plus minerals including manganese, zinc, and potassium.
Other Names For Lion's Mane
- Its official name is Hericium erinaceus.
- In China, it's known as as Hou Tou Gu.
- In Japan, they call it yamabushitake.
- Other nicknames include bearded tooth fungus, and bearded hedgehog.
Health Benefits of Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane is most loved for what it can do for our brains, and how they function. Many of us could do with something uplifting before we start our day, and coffee used to be the typical go-to.
The thing is with coffee, is that it riles our energy levels; yes, it does give us a bit of a power-up. But this feeling doesn't stick around, and the rapid movement of the caffeine in our systems quickly drops us back into a slump.
This pattern is an unhealthy one too. Instead, more of us are looking at nootropics for a more stabilised mental uptick, with Lion's Mane being one of the most highly respected ingredients out there. Here's why.
Cognitive Function and Brain Health
Supplementing with Lion's Mane means you'll likely see improvements in your memory, ability to focus, and your general mental performance. Studies have shown this is achieved thanks to the enhanced neural connectivity and regeneration of nerve cells we get from Lion's Mane.
This is because it contains two rather incredible compounds - hericenones and erinacines.
These two encourage more nerve growth factor (NGF) to be produced, which is really important for the health of our brains, and neuroplasticity (which refers to how the brain adapts so it can better function for processing, learning, and even recovering from injury).
So not only can Lion's Mane help us on a daily basis, it also works on its health status, potentially slowing cognitive decline as we age.
There are also lots of promising studies that indicate Lion's Mane can significantly protect our brains from dementia and Alzheimer's.
Mental Wellbeing Support
As we all know, when it comes to our brains it's not all about being able to concentrate and think clearly; it's also about how we feel in our minds.
Lion's Mane's ability to encourage NGF production means we can also regulate our mood and emotions better. More and more research is being compiled to show that it can help lift mild symptoms of depression, as well as feelings of anxiety.
This is because the bioactive compounds in it help reduce inflammation in the brain, and can cross the blood-brain barrier to directly work on the brain's neural activity and chemistry.
If you take Lion's Mane consistently, you may notice you'll feel less irritable and anxious, which will have a ripple effect on how your brain performs in terms of focus, function, etc.
Digestive Health Benefits
It's those anti-inflammatories at work again here, soothing the digestive tract while also encouraging helpful gut bacteria growth with its prebiotic fibre content.
One bacteria it prevents though, is H. pylori bacteria, which is known for being a primary cause of stomach ulcers.
The beta-glucans in Lion's Mane strengthen and protect the lining of our intestines, which means we absorb nutrients better, and damage from digestive acids is reduced. The anti-inflammatory effect can also encourage tissue regeneration in the gastrointestinal tract, and even heal existing ulcers.
All in all, Lion's Mane can significantly protect us from stomach ulcers and encourage positive digestive health.
Boosts the Immune System
Lion's Mane is rich in polysaccharides, especially beta-glucans - compounds that encourage macrophage activity. This involves white blood cells that specialise in engulfing dead cells and microorganisms - key weapons in the body's defence system.
The antioxidants in Lion's Mane also protect immune cells from oxidative damage. So all in all, our overall resilience against infections and environmental stressors improves when Lion's Mane is involved.
Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Lion's Mane's compounds can improve the elasticity and function of cardiovascular vessels, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure.
The antioxidants in it also reduce cholesterol and other inflammatory markers that are linked with heart disease. They also protect our heart tissues from oxidative damage.
May Speed Recovery from Nervous System Injuries
Another benefit from Lion's Mane is its remarkable potential to accelerate recovery following injuries to the nervous system. It's the stimulation of NGF again, which helps nerves regenerate from damage.
We do need more solid evidence and research to be conducted on this, and it's not exactly why people opt to supplement with Lion's Mane - but the indications are very promising.
Helps Manage Diabetes Symptoms
Studies on Lion's Mane have shown that it can help regulate our blood glucose levels. It does this by improving our sensitivity to insulin, and reducing our resistance to it.
It also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in our bodies, which would help prevent complications related to diabetes. And then there's the fibre in Lion's Mane, which can help slow how much glucose we consume.
Of course though, always speak with your GP about how to manage your diabetes. I've added this as a studied benefit of Lion's Mane, but always follow your GP's strict instruction regarding any medical condition, and ask them for guidance on any new supplements.
Could Protect Against Cancer
Research shows that some of the compounds in Lion's Mane can have significant anti-cancer properties.
Yes, it's a potentially huge advantage for our health, and so far indications are very positive, which is exciting; but I'd want more solid research confirming as such first. Certainly a bonus, as opposed to a reason to supplement with Lion's Mane.
Is Lion’s Mane Good for ADHD?
At the moment, Lion's Mane isn't an official treatment for ADHD, and that's because there isn't enough research to evidence its efficacy for ADHD specifically.
That being said, many of us with and without an ADHD diagnosis are turning to Lion's Mane as a natural remedy. As we've seen above, there are many positives this mushroom offers for our cognition and mood.
Indirectly, this can have a positive impact on alleviating some of the symptoms or characteristics for ADHD, such as a lack of focus, inattentiveness, and impulsivity.
Children must not supplement with Lion's Mane mushroom. But if you're an adult with ADHD or think you may have ADHD, speak to your GP about it. Though currently there is no 'cure' for it, there are medications and treatments available to help, and your GP may agree that Lion's Mane is a very suitable natural supplement for you.
How to Use Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion's mane mushroom can be enjoyed in a number of ways. You can eat them raw or cooked, dried, or as a tea. But most of us today in the UK supplement with Lion's Mane in capsule or powder form.
You'll often find Lion's Mane in some of the best nootropic supplements, which are natural, 'smart' supplements that are designed to aid your mental performance. These used to be my main go-to for a cognitive boost; but nowadays I'm an avid matcha consumer.
It works incredibly well in tandem with matcha, which is why we include it in Matcha Flow. We use ceremonial grade matcha for all its benefits, and blend it with some other rather sensational ingredients.
I love Lion's Mane with matcha powder because it's easy to consume and stay consistent with - and that's when you see the best results. It replaces my daily coffee, and the mental clarity and focus lasts hours (while other health benefits get to work, too), all from just one cup in the morning.
However you decide to take Lion's Mane, choose an option that you can stick with, and always follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage.
Lion's Mane Side Effects
Lion's Mane is tolerated very well by most people, and there are little reported safety concerns with it.
The biggest concern would be if you're already on medication, or have a medical condition. Some of the positives we get from Lion's Mane may interact with certain medications or conditions negatively, so always seek your GP's advice before taking any new supplement, including Lion's Mane.
There is also the risk you may have an allergic reaction (like with anything in the world). If you have a known mushroom allergy, obviously avoid Lion's Mane. And if you notice any adverse reactions, stop taking it and seek medical advice.
Having said all this, Lion's Mane is enjoyed by many, many people across the UK and around the world without problems.
Conclusion
Mushrooms in general fascinate me. They're so peculiar in how they form and grow, with different species developing into the most astounding structures.
To then offer such incredible benefits to us humans daily and in the long term is really something. And Lion's Mane is perhaps the most astounding.
Better focus and cognitive function. Clearer mental clarity. Improved memory. Even prevention of cognitive decline. Perhaps a good addition for those of us with ADHD.
A positive impact on our mood, emotions, and feelings of anxiety. A calmer mind. Plus some other very promising health benefits, too.
Better still, Lion's Mane is more accessible today than ever before. Many of us reach for high-grade matcha powers, and start each day with a healthy, natural supplement of goodness that includes Lion's Mane, and keeps us calmly energised for hours.
Though Lion's Mane is truly wondrous in its makeup, it is no wonder it's ever increasing in popularity, following centuries of consistent admiration.
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10218917/
