Supplementing with Lion's Mane Mushroom

Exploring the Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

When it comes to mushrooms, most people think of the kind that accompany their favorite pasta or pizza. But what if a mushroom could do more than that—potentially supporting your brain health and overall wellness? Enter Lion’s Mane, a fluffy, white fungus with a name as intriguing as its potential benefits.

Lion’s Mane (scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus) has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Asia. In recent years, it’s gained traction in the supplement world, and for good reason. While studies are still emerging, early research suggests that this mushroom could be a valuable addition to your daily routine. Let’s dive into what makes Lion’s Mane worth considering.

What Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

Lion’s Mane is easily recognizable by its cascading, hair-like spines, resembling a lion’s mane—hence the name. It's a mushroom that grows on wood and can be found in Asia, Europe and North America, including in our backyard here in southern Oregon. It's considered a desirable mushroom for it's ease of identification, enjoyable taste and potential health benefits.

Why People Are Turning to Lion’s Mane

One of the most talked-about aspects of Lion’s Mane is its possible impact on brain health. The mushroom contains unique compounds which are believed to support the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). NGF plays a role in the growth and maintenance of neurons, the cells responsible for transmitting information in your brain and nervous system. It's notable that NGF is often low in individuals with depressive disorders, further increasing our interest in this special mushroom.

Lion’s Mane also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These traits could support both support brain health and overall well-being, particularly in reducing oxidative stress—a factor linked to aging and various chronic conditions.

How to Incorporate Lion’s Mane

Adding Lion’s Mane to your routine is easy. Powders can be mixed into coffee, tea, or smoothies, while capsules offer a familiar and convenient on-the-go option. Tinctures can be great for quick absorption and also work well added to your beverage of choice.

Dosage recommendations can vary, so it’s wise to start with a smaller amount and work your way up to the full recommended dosage. Many supplement's suggest two capsules for a total of 1,000mg per day and we often hear positive feedback at this dosage range. However, 2,000mg is the most common dose we see used in clinical trials and may be a good target for those looking for a more therapeutic dose.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your regimen.

Fruiting Body vs "Whole"

In the mushroom world, there's some debate is on which part of the mushroom offers the greatest benefit. The fruiting body, or the stalk and cap of most mushrooms, is what we picture when we hear the word "mushroom". The other major part is the mycelia, the hidden root like structures that spread into the soil or wood that the mycelia grows in. These different parts of the whole mushroom organism contain different amounts of active ingredients, sparking discussions on which part of the mushroom is most beneficial.

Currently, fruiting body products seem to be the favorite with Lion's Mane. As the part of the mushroom that humans have been using for food and medicine for thousands of years, the fruiting body has a track record of safety that's hard to compete with. Additionally, some evidence shows the fruiting body has higher levels of the two most medicinally intriguing ingredients in Lion's Mane, erinacenes and hericenones.

On the other hand, the mycelia may contain different, but complementary compounds that offer their own benefits. Mycelia extracts usually provide unique compounds formed from the mushrooms interacting with the substrate they grew in. We've seen enough research in other mushroom species to know there's likely value here with Lion's Mane as well.

In our humble opinion, not enough evidence exists to clearly declare a winner here. As such, we favor either fruiting body or "whole" Lion's Mane supplements, which contain the fruit, mycelia, spores and extra compounds.

The Bottom Line

While Lion’s Mane isn’t a magic cure-all, it’s an intriguing mushroom with potential benefits that are hard to ignore. Whether you’re looking to give your brain a little extra support or simply want to explore what this fascinating mushroom has to offer, it might be worth a try. As with any wellness journey, consistency and a balanced approach are key. Browse our selection or reach out to learn more about this exciting mushroom!