Lion’s mane is a functional mushroom that has a well-earned reputation for balancing general well-being and supporting brain function and clarity. Learn about the benefits of lion’s mane and how to choose the best product for your needs in this blog post.
Lion’s mane mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese practices and herbal cuisine for centuries. Lion’s mane mushroom extract is gaining more popularity in the West due to its helpful properties that help with sleep, digestion, bodily functions, concentration and energy levels. It is unsurpassed in its natural compounds, including those that support nerve growth factor (NGF), which maintains our brain and cognitive function. Lion’s mane promotes mental clarity, focus and memory by providing nourishment to our neurons and brain system. It’s no wonder lion’s mane has become a popular nootropic.
If you are curious about the benefits of lion’s mane supplements, read on. This helpful guide will talk about how lion’s mane is a powerful support for brain cell regeneration and immune response, as well as tips on finding the best lion’s mane supplement for you.
What is a lion’s mane?
lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom commonly found in Europe, Asia and North America. The lion’s mane mushroom got its name because of its characteristic clods and the clods that come from the cap of the mushroom. Other names for this mushroom are “smart mushroom”, “monkey head mushroom”, “pom-pom mushroom”, “bearded tooth mushroom” and others.
Lion’s mane mushroom is commonly found growing on the trunks of dead or injured hardwood trees or fallen logs. Unlike other mushroom varieties, lion’s mane likes to grow tall – sometimes over 40 feet in the air. For centuries, the lion’s mane mushroom has been an integral part of traditional Chinese herbal practices and cuisine. Today, Western society is realizing the benefits of lion’s mane for promoting overall health, and more and more people are adding lion’s mane supplements to their daily rituals.
Why should you introduce lion’s mane into your diet?
There are many mental and physical health benefits of including lion’s mane supplement in your diet as the supplement promotes balance in both mental and physical health:
- Promotes mental clarity, focus and memory by providing nourishment to our neurons and brain system
- It can help promote beneficial gut bacteria for a healthy immune response
- It can support your body’s natural ability to fight occasional stress or bad mood
There are many reasons to consider implementing a lion’s mane supplement into your daily routine. You can consume lion’s mane supplements in many ways, and the rest of this post will help you choose a lion’s mane supplement that will work best for you.
How can you consume lion’s mane?
If you have decided to implement the lion’s mane in your daily rituals – good for you! Now, let’s discuss it different ways you can take the lion’s mane mushroom.
Powder
If you are a fan of a delicious breakfast smoothie or night milk of the moonyou can consider choosing it best lion’s mane powder. You can easily incorporate lion mushrooms into your favorite drinks in powder form. Consuming lion’s mane mushroom in powder form allows you to get the benefits quickly as your stomach will easily digest and absorb the liquid.
Lion’s mane powder comes in many different flavors, allowing you to choose the right flavor for your smoothies, protein shakes or moon milk. The best licorice powder will be the one that fits the flavor profile of your usual drinks.
Capsules or Tablets
If you’re looking for a way to get your lion’s mane mushroom extract without the fuss or hassle, then capsules or tablets may be the way to go. Lion’s mane capsules may take a little longer to enter your system, but you’ll be able to get your dose of lion’s mane quickly and conveniently.
One of the main benefits of taking lion’s mane supplements in capsule form is that you don’t have to deal with any unpleasant taste – just swallow the pill with a glass of water and enjoy the benefits.
Scars
Gummies are a fun and great way to get your daily dose of lion’s mane mushrooms. You can get mushroom gum in a variety of flavors – all tailored to give you different results. The options you can choose from include:
- Energy – these gums are designed to get you through the day with energy and vigor. You can use these gums to support alertness, athletic function and metabolism.
- Calm – these gums are tailored to encourage relaxation and support recovery from occasional stress. These gums also balance immune function and cardiovascular health.
- Focus – these gummies are packed with ingredients to help you achieve more mental clarity throughout your day. The gum focus supports a healthy gut, promotes brain and cognitive health, and balances your nervous system.
Gummies are a fun way to get your lion’s mane extract and enjoy a great taste!
Liquids and tinctures
Like lion’s mane powder, you can use liquids and tinctures to add lion’s mane mushrooms to your regular drinks. You can incorporate lion’s mane into your usual morning cup of coffee or tea, protein shake, smoothie or oatmeal.
Or, if you prefer, you can simply apply the liquid or tincture under your tongue using the handy dropper. Since there are many blood vessels and capillaries under your tongue, lion’s mane mushroom extracts will be quickly absorbed into your bloodstream.
Tips for buying lion’s mane
If you have decided which lion’s mane product you are interested in, you need to look for a reliable lion’s mane extract provider that will offer you the best lion’s mane supplements on the market.
Read the labels
You need to know exactly what is in the lion’s mane product you are purchasing. If you have allergies, you need to make sure that the gums or powders you buy do not contain ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction.
To find the best lion’s mane supplement, you should look for lion’s mane products that contain low levels of starch and high levels of beta-glucans, as these will be the highest quality products. Also look for organic lion’s mane mushrooms with no fillers, heavy metals or pesticides.
Avoid products that do not have mushroom extract information
The quality of lion’s mane mushrooms matters. If the product does not have information about mushroom extracts, you should avoid buying this product. Look for USDA certified organic, non-GMO and ethical lion’s mane mushrooms. You should also make sure that no artificial colors or flavors are used in its production.
Always find reliable sources to buy lion’s mane
If you are not sure whether a company is reliable and competitive, you should compare several companies. If you look at many different companies, you will measure which products are priced too high and which are priced too low (which could indicate that their products are of low quality). Also, check reviews from independent sources to see what customers are saying about the company.
You should also check if the products have been tested and approved. All powders, tinctures and gums sold by the company must be analytically tested to prove that the products contain beneficial compounds.
FAQ
In case you have more questions about the beautiful lion’s mane mushrooms, check out our FAQ!
Is it safe to take the lion’s mane?
Lion’s mane mushrooms are generally considered safe as long as you stick to the recommended daily dose. Before taking any mushroom supplement, it is always recommended to consult your primary healthcare practitioner.
Does the lion’s mane turn you on?
No. A lion’s mane does not make you high. Hallucinogenic mushrooms (those that I am doing makes you high) contain a compound called psilocybin, which is the ingredient that causes psychoactive effects. Lion’s mane mushrooms do not have psilocybin, so they are not hallucinogenic or mind-altering. So if you’re worried that a lion’s mane might impair your mental function, don’t worry, it’s quite the opposite!
Is there anyone who should NOT get the lion’s mane?
Lion’s mane is usually very safe to ingest. It’s always a good idea to talk to your primary healthcare practitioner before taking supplements if you have any doubts.
Can you get the lion’s mane every day?
Yes! You should take it daily to get the health benefits of lion’s mane powder, gums, or tinctures. As long as you stick to the daily recommended dosage, it’s perfectly safe—and even beneficial—to take lion’s mane every day.
How much lion’s mane can I get?
Overdoses of lion’s mane are virtually unheard of. However, it is always best to follow the dosage instructions on the label for best results. This is the best way to ensure the maximum health benefits to your immune system and brain function from this valuable mushroom.
How long does lion’s mane take to work on the body?
Lion’s mane does not take long to act on the body, so you can start to feel the results in just 2-5 days of regular use for up to 1 month.
Can I experience withdrawal if I stop taking lion’s mane?
No. Unlike other nootropics, lion’s mane is not an addictive substance and you will not experience withdrawal when you stop taking it.
conclusion
As you can see, there are many health benefits to be gained from incorporating lion’s mane mushroom supplements into your daily routine. Use our tips to find the best quality lion’s mane products made with only the purest ingredients. If you’re curious about lion’s mane, check out AdaptogenShrooms’s blogs, podcasts, and products!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mushy is your mentor in the enchanting world of adaptogenic mushrooms. An expert in mycology and holistic medicine, he fuses contemporary science with traditional wisdom to lift the veil on the benefits of mushrooms for health and well-being. With an informed, science-based approach, Mushy guides you through the mysterious world of mushrooms that strengthen the balance and resilience of body and mind. Whether you’re a curious neophyte or a seasoned explorer of medicinal mushrooms, Mushy is your ally in the quest for a more harmonious and energetic life.
