When to Take Lion’s Mane - Is Morning or Night Better?
Is it better to take Lion's Mane in the morning or at night? The power of Lion’s Mane extract awaits, whenever you get around to taking it. Let’s be honest; this is a powerful medicinal mushroom that has been wowing scientists the world around. It’s going to be of help, whatever time it is.
But if you’re a health and well-being enthusiast who wants to make sure you’re getting the most from your meds, then you might want to read on.
What is Lion’s Mane?
With its flowing white tendrils, the distinctive Lion's Mane Mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, resembles a lion's mane. But why is this functional mushroom pioneering the future of health?
This fungus, highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine, is abundant in beta-glucans and antioxidants. Its well-known advantages include a mild, seafood-like flavour and possible improvements to nerve and brain health.
When to Take Lion’s Mane Mushroom for Optimal Effects
The shroom’s out of the bag—we have your answer right here! It’s true; morning is the best time of day to take Lion's Mane if you want to get the most benefit from it.
If you're looking to seize the day, sharpen your mind and improve your overall thinking power, then, yes, morning is the ideal time to incorporate Lion's Mane into your routine.
Lion's Mane appears to have potential benefits like improved sleep, and it's not because they make you drowsy. Nope, these mighty mushrooms aid in regulating your body's circadian rhythm, reducing oxidative stress, and fighting inflammation. All together, that makes for a good start to your day.
Most of the health benefits associated with Lion's Mane are related to thinking function and brain health. So by taking Lion's Mane in the morning, you can take advantage of its power to combat brain fog throughout the day, leading to better memory, focus, and mental clarity.
Imagine starting your day with a brain that's firing on all cylinders! This is only a dream for those who are used to aggressive brain fog. Luckily, you may now have a natural solution! But is taking Lion’s Mane mushrooms at night or day better?
Taking Lion's Mane Mushroom in the Morning
Taking Lion’s Mane mushrooms in the morning provides benefits that can significantly improve your day. We highly recommend taking Lion’s Mane in the morning due to the benefits that we will explore in this section.
Your Nervous System in the Morning
Lion's Mane mushrooms contain hericenones and erinacines (which is where it gets its scientific name from, did you know), which stimulate the natural production of something called nerve growth factors (NGF) in the brain and throughout the nervous system.
Now why should you care about that in the morning? Well, NGF is important for the growth of neurons and the establishment of neuronal connections (aka. thinking pathways in your brain).
By supporting healthy nerve cells in your central, sensory, and autonomic nervous systems, Lion's Mane contributes to a happy and thriving nervous system.
In day-to-day terms, this can look like feeling less stressed, having quicker thinking skills and generally feeling healthier.
Got Morning Brain? Don’t Worry!
We hear you: ‘Ok, TwentyTwo, we know you like your science, but why is morning the prime time for Lion's Mane consumption?’
The answer is in the ability of Lion's Mane's mushroom erinacines to cross your blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is basically the line between your brain and the rest of your body. Many supplements don’t have the skills to ever make it to your brain.
Luckily, in the case of Lion’s Mane, neurons can directly absorb these compounds from your bloodstream, allowing them to enhance cognition by acting directly on the central nervous system. In short, you get a better effect because it’s working directly on your brain.
Lots of studies have highlighted the cognitive benefits of Lion's Mane, noting improved mental agility, focus, and overall brain performance (that means Sudoku gets easier, at last).
What's even more interesting, though, is that Lion's Mane achieves all this without containing any stimulants or psychedelics. So, consuming Lion's Mane in the morning is like giving your brain a refreshing wake-up call, boosting its energy and setting the stage for a productive day.
Benefits of Taking Lion’s Mane Mushroom at Night
While morning consumption of Lion’s Mane provides beneficial effects that can help boost your day, you can still reap the benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms when consumed at night.
It all depends on your ultimate goals and why you're taking Lion's Mane to begin with. If you’re dealing with sleep issues, and don’t want to be kept awake all night long, don’t worry.
Lion's Mane won't interfere with your slumber like caffeine or other stimulants. In fact, it may even help promote better sleep by supporting cortisol levels and regulating your natural circadian rhythm cycles.
It’s the circadian rhythm that governs your daily sleep-wake cycle, and Lion's Mane aids in maintaining its healthy functioning. So give that little shroom a pat on the back when you get a good night’s rest at last.
Research even suggests that Lion's Mane extracts can support circadian cycles by promoting healthy adrenal and brain function. That’s because, as an adaptogen, the Lion's Mane helps your body adapt to stress and encourages the closure of the adrenal gland, which normally releases cortisol and other stress hormones.
This closure allows cortisol levels to decrease, letting your body prepare for sleep and letting you have a more restful night.
Experience Less Stress and Improved Sleep
If your typical day involves waking up early, worrying about work deadlines, feeding the kids or pets, making sure you eat right, getting some exercise and repeating it again the following day, considering Lion’s Mane mushrooms could benefit you.
Life can be a lot to contend with on a daily basis for us human creatures. Busy lifestyles are often accompanied by high stress levels, which can cause many negative side effects, like illness and insomnia.
Stress opens the adrenal gland, which increases cortisol levels and basically wires your brain so that you are ready for action. This can cause issues when you’re trying to sleep. That's where adaptogens like Lion's Mane come to the rescue.
By encouraging the closure of the adrenal gland, Lion's Mane helps reduce your circulating cortisol levels. As cortisol wanes, your body can chill out, prepare for sleep and more easily drift off into dreamland.
So, if stress prevents you from enjoying a peaceful night's sleep, Lion's Mane might be just what you need to calm your restless mind and body.
But, if it Helps the Brain Function Will It Not Keep Me Away?
Good question! Lion's mane, recognised for its support of mental clarity, notably lacks reported side effects that keep you awake. Rather than a stimulant, it acts as a regulator, aiding the body's natural balance of fight-or-flight responses.
If you usually struggle to sleep, you may find it beneficial to take lion's mane supplements before bed, as it helps to address factors that can hinder sleep, supporting a deep, rejuvenating slumber by aiding in regenerative brain functions.
What Are the Benefits of Lion’s Mane for the Brain?
As previously mentioned, Lion’s Mane is a magically healthy route to holistic health improvements. However, we’ve included exactly how Lion’s Mane can benefit the brain below:
- Improves cognitive function.
- Supports nerve health.
- Increases neuroplasticity.
- Protects against neurodegenerative diseases.
- Reduces inflammation in the brain.
- Boosts mood and reduces anxiety.
What Dose of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Do I Need?
There's no strict limit on Lion's Mane medicinal mushroom intake, as studies show minimal side effects even with higher doses, thanks to its adaptive properties.
It's important to monitor how your body reacts and consult a professional before starting. How much Lion's Mane you consume depends on factors like age, health, and purpose.
Generally, 1000mg daily for immune and cognitive support is suggested. Always take Lion's Mane mushrooms with food to avoid potential nausea.
Start with one scoop of Lion's Mane mushroom powder in tea or coffee daily, adjusting as needed for desired effects. You can also try Lion's Mane mushroom extract in the form of herbal tea, as a Lion's Mane supplement or even by eating fresh Lion's Mane mushrooms.
Take Lion’s Mane Supplements to Make Your Morning Zing with TwentyTwo
So, as you might’ve guessed from all of our facts and research, the morning is most definitely the optimal time to take Lion's Mane. Especially if you want to supercharge your brain and enhance cognitive function throughout the day.
But bear in mind that Lion's Mane can still be beneficial in the evening, especially if sleep improvement and lower stress are your goals.
Whether you're seeking an early-morning mental boost or a late-night stress reliever, Lion's Mane mushrooms offer a natural and effective way to support brain health and overall well-being.
At Twenty Two, we are clean, green and making medicinal mushrooms mainstream. So, pick the timing that aligns with your needs and let your high-quality Lion's Mane supplement work its magic!
