Does Lion's Mane Work?
If you’re already into your wellness or if it’s a new path you’re taking, you may have heard of the wonder-shroom known as Lion’s Mane. If not, don’t worry - it’s never too late!
They’re widely known for their brain-boosting, memory-improving and all-around health magic. But does Lion's Mane work, or is it just another trendy superfood? That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this blog, so keep reading to learn more!
Lion’s Mane Simplified
For those who are new to Lion’s Mane, it’s essentially a mushroom that looks like the mane of a lion due to its long white features and full-grown Lion's Mane fruiting body, which can be up to 16 inches. This shroom typically grows on dead hardwood trees like oak, beech and maple, favouring humidity.
In addition to its unique appearance, Lion’s Mane's health benefits have been recognised for many years. In fact, Lion’s Mane functional mushrooms are actually a popular feature in traditional Chinese medicine. But what exactly do they do?
Lion’s Mane is a natural way of giving the body a wide range of potential health benefits. From boosting cognitive function and heart health to improving nerve cells and brain health, the benefits of Lion’s Mane extracts can quite literally change your life.
How Does Lion’s Mane Work? The Health Benefits
Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain two intriguing compounds, hericenones and erinacines, which should not be overlooked. If you’re in need of a mental, physical and even spiritual boost, Lion’s Mane is your life companion - let’s see why.
Lower Blood Sugar Levels
If you’re diabetic or are looking to maintain stable glucose levels, Lion’s Mane can help. By improving insulin sensitivity, they can help manage blood sugar spikes and promote overall metabolic health.
This smart shroom can also help ease diabetic nerve pain by utilising its anti-inflammatory powers to relieve pain and significantly improve your quality of life.
Boost the Intestinal Immune System
A healthy gut is essential for overall wellness, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms have the potential to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to improve digestive health, immune function and even inflammatory acne as many external issues start within.
Mood Improvement: Anxiety and Depression
Looking for a mood boost or experiencing mild anxiety or depression? Lion’s Mane mushrooms can lift your mood by supporting brain health and balancing neurotransmitter levels. This is effective at helping you achieve more stable and positive mental health.
Better Brain Health and Cognitive Function
Lion’s Mane is renowned for its ability to improve brain health. It stimulates the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is essential for the growth and maintenance of neurons.
This can lead to better cognitive function and improved mild cognitive impairment - you may even be able to remember longer shopping lists!
Quicker Brain Injury Recovery
As Lion’s Mane mushrooms show promising signs of promoting the repair and growth of nerve cells, they can help speed up brain injury recovery times and improve outcomes after brain injuries.
Protect the Nervous System
Because this wonder-shroom is a protector and promoter of nerve damage and nerve cell growth, it could help to aid in the recovery of spinal cord injuries.
Potential Anti-Cancer Properties
Research suggests that Lion’s Mane mushrooms may have anti-cancer properties. It might sound too good to be true but you can’t argue with science. They contain bioactive compounds that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and support the immune system in its fight against cancer.
Reduce Stomach Ulcers and Improve Digestive Health
Lion’s Mane doesn’t stop there, it can also protect against stomach ulcers and improve overall digestive health. The anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the digestive tract, reduce the risk of ulcers, and promote a healthy gut environment.
Manage Blood Clotting
Amongst the other extraordinary health benefits, Lion’s Mane may also slow blood clotting. If you’re on blood-thinning medications, have blood clotting disorders, or are concerned about blood clotting, speak to a healthcare professional before adding Lion’s Mane to your regimen.
Different Ways to Consume Lion’s Mane
You can find Lion’s Mane mushrooms in many health food stores and there are multiple ways that you can consume it. Some of these include:
- A Lion's Mane supplement
- Lion's Mane mushroom powder (powdered Lion's Mane) in coffee or meals
- Eaten raw (fresh Lion's Mane mushrooms)
- Herbal tea
So... you’ve chosen a method, but what is the correct Lion's Mane dosage? If you’re new to Lion’s Mane, you may want to start with a lower dose and work your way up. However, Lion’s Mane can be tolerated by the body in high doses therefore, we recommend taking 1800mg daily for the best results.
Side Effects and When to Avoid Lion's Mane
Lion’s Mane extract is generally relatively safe and friendly for your health, but there are a few potential side effects and risk factors that you should not dismiss. Like any supplement, Lion’s Mane isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution and its effects can vary from person to person.
Side Effects of Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane is generally safe to consume in high doses yet some people may experience side effects. These may include a skin rash, which may indicate an allergic reaction, and gas or bloating due to its impact on gut bacteria.
Gastrointestinal discomfort should pass after your body has adjusted to the new supplement. However, if you experience any adverse reactions, it’s best to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional to ensure it’s the right supplement for you.
Lion’s Mane and Blood Clots
This shroom can do many magical things, and putting a halt to blood clots is another. While Lion’s Mane can essentially slow down your body's chances of having blood clots but it can also increase your chances of bleeding and decrease your ability to heal.
Because of this, it’s advised to speak with your medical advisor before adding this health supplement to your diet if you’re currently taking antiplatelet medication or any blood thinning drugs to ensure it's safe and there will not be any interactions with your current medication.
Lion’s Mane and Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should think twice before adding supplements like Lion’s Mane to your lifestyle due to limited studies regarding safety. For maximum safety, speak with your healthcare professional before use.
Lion’s Mane and Mushroom Allergy
While Lion's Mane mushrooms offer various health benefits, some people may have an unexpected sensitivity to mushrooms. This allergy can manifest through skin rashes, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal distress, or even life-threatening swelling.
Those with known allergies to fungi, yeast, or mold should exercise caution when considering Lion's Mane. If any adverse reactions occur, such as hives, breathing difficulties, or severe discomfort, discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice.
Level up Your Health With Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
So, does Lion’s Mane work? Yes - These wonder-shrooms are ideal for almost everyone. Whether you’re a student looking to improve cognitive test scores, a full-time worker aiming to boost your focus, or simply hoping for a better night's sleep, these functional mushrooms are here to help.
At TwentyTwo, our Lion’s Man supplements are free from any harsh fillers, ensuring you get the pure, potent benefits of this amazing mushroom. By adding Lion’s Mane to your daily routine, you can support brain cells, strengthen your immune system, and improve your overall well-being.
Ready to experience the magic of Lion’s Mane? It’s time to level up your health with the power of these incredible shrooms by your side.
