The Ultimate Guide to Lion’s Mane Mushrooms and Their Healing Benefits

Rumoured to be the next big thing for brain health, immunity and longevity, Lion’s Mane mushrooms are fast gaining popularity and have some seriously exciting health benefits.

But what are Lion’s Mane mushrooms? How do they work? What can they do for you? Are they legal and how do you find them? We’ve pulled together everything you need to know about Lion’s Mane mushrooms in this ultimate guide.

So click the links below to jump to the section you’re most interested in or keep reading to discover the answers to all these questions and find out what the fungi fascination is all about.

 

What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are small edible fungi found in parts of North America, Europe and Asia. But they’re not just any old mushrooms...

They are distinct with their white, round shape and long, rubbery spines, unlike typical cap-and-stem mushrooms. Ranging from 10 to 25cm in diameter, they're easily recognisable in Europe, Asia, and North America by their icicle-like teeth.

Unlike most mushrooms, which are just tasty and nutritious foods, Lion’s Mane has been classified as a functional food—a food that offers great potential health benefits beyond its nutritional value.

Researchers all around the world have been discovering the incredible benefits of this powerful mushroom, from better mood and focus to immune strength, mental health benefits and cognitive performance. This is all due to the incredible substances polysaccharides, hericerins, erinacines, and beta-glucans.

 

Historical Use of Lion’s Mane Functional Mushrooms

We’re not the first to discover Lion's Mane health benefits. Lion’s Mane extracts have been used in traditional medicine in Asia for thousands of years, with the Japanese, Chinese and Koreans all making it an important part of their treatment due to the natural benefit of:

• Improved cognitive impairments.
• Improved digestion.
• Optimised vitality.
• Reduced brain inflammation.
• Increased neuroplasticity.
• Reduced depression.
• Boosted mood.

 

The Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

People discover Lion’s Mane mushrooms for many different reasons. Some come looking for increased brain performance, while others are hoping to resolve issues such as anxiety, major depressive disorder or a poor immune system.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms have much to offer, whatever you want to achieve. But what are the benefits of Lion’s Mane? This section explains everything from improved brain function to a strengthened immune system. Let’s get started!

Benefit 1: Improve & Protect Your Brain Health

Do you want to protect your brain as you age? Looking for a way to improve your cognitive function and give your memory a boost?

Several studies on Lion’s Mane indicate that daily consumption of this wonder mushroom can do some marvellous things for your brain health.

From boosting your cognitive function, improving your memory and mild cognitive impairment to helping keep your central nervous system healthy and preventing inflammation and damage from free radicals, Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a game-changer!

Some studies even suggest that they could help to prevent or treat cognitive diseases such as Parkinson's, mild Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Dementia too!

So if you’ve been feeling mentally sluggish or want to take a proactive approach to protect your brain as you age, Lion’s Mane mushrooms could be for you!

Benefit 2: Boost Your Focus & Performance

Are you suffering from brain fog, low energy or a lack of motivation? Looking for a way to improve your focus and boost your productivity? You’re in the right place.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms can increase your focus and improve your concentration. By reducing inflammation, blood flow may increase, improving the oxygen supply to the brain. More oxygen means better brain performance—and more focus, productivity and progress!

The antioxidants in Lion’s Mane help to promote learning and memory by strengthening your brain cells and stimulating the growth of new neurons.

So, if you’re looking to improve your focus and give your productivity a boost, then Lion’s Mane mushrooms could be the answer.

Benefit 3: Reduce Inflammation & Oxidation

As time goes on, more and more research suggests that inflammation in the body is bad news. Inflammation is the body’s response to an injury or infection.

It helps to heal the body and fight illnesses. However, chronic inflammation (inflammation that is present for a prolonged period of time) is linked to other diseases such as autoimmune disease, allergies, arthritis and even cardiovascular disease.

Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation - and Lion’s Mane mushrooms are packed full of them! You don’t have to have redness, swelling or heat to have inflammation lurking behind the scenes. Inflammation can be “symptomless” but still do damage.

If reducing inflammation is something you’d like to do, introducing Lion's Mane into your routine can have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

Benefit 4: Improve Mental Health, Anxiety and Mood

Suffering from low mood, mood swings or a lack of motivation? Looking for a way to reduce anxiety and depression and improve your mental health?

It seems Lion’s Mane mushrooms may be a great option! Research is ongoing but already shows promising results for the treatment of anxiety and depression.

One study involving 30 women (and a steady supply of mushroom cookies!) found that in just over 4 weeks, the tested subjects reported a significant improvement in mood, whereas the control group experienced none.

This could be a game-changer for many people. Mental health struggles can have a huge impact on every aspect of your life - from your relationships and career to your physical health. To learn more about Lion’s Mane mushrooms and mental health, read our blog here.

Benefit 5: Strengthen Your Immune System

Struggling with a weak immune system? Fed up and frustrated with getting every cold and flu bug that goes around? Battling chronic low immunity issues or autoimmune disease? Or are you just looking for a way to strengthen your immune system?

It’s now more important than ever to keep your immune system strong and Lion’s Mane mushrooms could be the immune boost you’ve been looking for.

This functional mushroom supports the immune system in a multitude of ways, including fortifying and feeding the healthy bacteria in your gut that form the basis of your immune system. Strengthening your body’s ability to fight off disease and even helping to suppress autoimmune diseases.

If you’ve been feeling run down or struggling with poor immunity, Lion’s Mane mushrooms have a lot to offer you.

Benefit 6: Improved Digestive Health

For general well-being, gut health is essential and Lion's Mane may benefit digestive health. It has long been used to nourish and calm the digestive tract, reducing inflammation, indigestion, and the symptoms of stomach ulcers.

Furthermore, Lion's Mane may maintain a healthy gut microbiota by encouraging the development of advantageous intestinal microorganisms.

 

Who Should Take Lion’s Mane?

Lion's Mane might be the all-natural answer you've been looking for, whether you want to boost your immune system, manage stress and anxiety, promote digestive health, or even improve sports performance and muscle recovery.

With a long history of traditional use and an increasing amount of scientific study, Lion's Mane offers a chance to anybody looking to take advantage of this amazing fungus and start their road towards better health and vigour.

 

How Should I Consume Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?

There are various ways that you can consume Lion’s Mane mushrooms, and we would advise you to try different methods until you find your preferred type. This can include:

• Lion’s Mane supplement capsules or tablets.
• Lion’s Mane mushroom powder.
• Lion’s Mane mushroom extracts.
• Lion’s Mane coffee and herbal teas.
• Fresh Lion's Mane mushrooms.
• Lion’s Mane mushroom cookies.

 

Dosage and Side Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

When implementing Lion’s Mane into your daily routine, you may wonder what the right dosage is. Taking into consideration that this can vary from person to person, we ideally recommend a dosage of 1000 mg per day.

When used as a meal or supplement, Lion's Mane is usually regarded as safe for most people. On the other hand, occasionally mild digestive pain, like an upset stomach or loose stools, may happen.

It's best to speak with your doctor before using Lion's Mane in your regimen if you have any underlying medical concerns or are taking any drugs.

 

Busting Lion’s Mane Mushroom Myths

In recent years, mushrooms have gained a bit of a cult following. Thanks mostly to the “micro-dosing” trends that spread through the likes of Silicon Valley. But, they're certainly not magic mushrooms.

They’re not psychedelic, they won’t get you high and they’re totally legal. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a functional food - not a drug.

We can’t stress this enough. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are functional mushrooms - NOT magic mushrooms. They won’t get you high, make you hallucinate or cause any ill effects.

They are a natural, powerful and nutritious food - not a psychedelic. When added to your diet, either in a Lion’s Mane mushroom recipe, tea or supplement, they have some incredible benefits. They’re not magic mushrooms - but they are magical.

Want to learn more about the difference between Lion’s Mane mushrooms and magic mushrooms? Check out our blog post here.

 

Where to Buy Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplements?

Like all supplements, Lion’s Mane products come in varying qualities. To get the full benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms, you need to be sure your supplements have been grown, processed and prepared correctly. Many products on the market offer low-quality supplements packed with fillers and preservatives.

At TwentyTwo, we ensure our Lion’s Mane supplements are the best on the market to help you improve your overall well-being safely and naturally. Subscribe to better health today, or learn more about the power of Lion’s Mane mushrooms here…

• The Pure Power Of The Mushroom Network
• How Lion’s Mane Supplements Boost Your Immune System
• What Is The Difference Between Functional & Magic Mushrooms?
• How Do We Grow Our Lion’s Mane Mushrooms.
• How To Avoid Hidden Nasties In Your Mushroom Supplements

Common Lion’s Mane FAQs

Is Lion’s Mane Legal in the UK?

In the UK, it is totally legal to grow and consume Lion's Mane. However, you must never take it from the wild - this is illegal.

Is It Safe to Consume Lion’s Mane Everyday?

In short, yes. You can use Lion's Mane at any time of day. Functional mushrooms like lion's mane offer several health benefits, including better immune system response, mood, and cognitive performance.

However, for maximum benefits, it is normally recommended to cycle it on and off to keep the body from becoming used to it.

Can Lion’s Mane Interact With Medications?

Lion's Mane is generally regarded as safe. To be sure there are no possible interactions, it is advised that you speak with your healthcare professional if you are currently taking any prescribed drugs.

Can Lion’s Mane Make You Nauseous?

Lion’s Mane can make you sick if you’re allergic to mushrooms. Some Lion’s Mane supplements may also cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, and skin rash. If you’re worried, we advice speaking with your doctor.