Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Advantages for Mind Well being

Lion’s mane is a funny-looking mushroom, it’s true, however it appears to have some significantly spectacular well being advantages. Used medicinally in Asia for hundreds of years, lion’s mane is turning into more and more widespread within the West as science begins to again up its fame.

I’ve tried different mushrooms like chaga and observed a distinction in power and focus, so I wished to know extra about this superfood mushroom as effectively.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Advantages

As early as 450 BCE, the Greek doctor (and grandfather of contemporary medication) Hippocrates recognized mushrooms as potent anti-inflammatory brokers. All these years later, information about medicinal mushrooms continues to be in its infancy (at the least within the West).

Some researchers theorize that we haven’t explored fungi as medication as a result of they are often so dangerously complicated. One mushroom could also be good for consuming whereas the one proper subsequent to it might kill us! It is sensible to be cautious of one thing we understand as harmful and that’s not effectively understood. (That being mentioned, conventional Japanese cultures appear to have figured it out…)

In a nutshell, lion’s mane is thought for its results on the central nervous system. Chinese language medication practitioners have used lion’s mane medicinally for hundreds of years to:

• fortify the spleen
• nourish the intestine
• as an anti-cancer drug
• promote digestion
• enhance vigor and power
• assist ulcers and power gastritis

It’s also considered useful with insomnia, weak point, and low power or power… and analysis continues to be uncovering different advantages.

What Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Nonetheless, it isn’t extensively cultivated outdoors of Asia, the place it holds a powerful fame as a healthful medicinal mushroom.

One cause you haven’t seen lion’s mane on the grocery retailer is its slightly creepy, shaggy look. It appears to be like extra like a white pom-pom than the everyday edible mushroom. Because of its look it has an extended record of artistic names: sheepshead, bearded tooth mushroom, satyr’s beard, monkey’s head, pom-pom mushroom, bearded hedgehog mushroom, and yamabushitake.

How Lion’s Mane Mushroom Impacts the Mind

Lion’s mane has many well being advantages however is most researched for the way it impacts the mind.

Improves Reminiscence and Focus

Lion’s mane is alleged to advertise focus and focus in addition to reminiscence. In our trendy society the place we’re at all times multitasking, that is one thing on plenty of our minds (pun absolutely meant).

Analysis reveals that lion’s mane helps enhance focus by stimulating nerve development issue (NGF). NGF is a neuropeptide that helps regulate development, upkeep, proliferation, and survival of neurons or nerve cells. These neurons are like messengers, sending and processing data from the mind to the remainder of the physique. This analysis additionally reveals that it could assist enhance photographic and short-term reminiscence.

A 2009 examine discovered that lion’s mane was efficient at bettering cognition in these with delicate cognitive impairment (when taken for at the least 4 weeks). The examine additionally discovered that lion’s mane works finest when taken repeatedly.

Reduces Melancholy and Nervousness

Nervousness and despair are two of the commonest psychological diseases affecting folks right now. Vitamin B12 deficiency has confirmed to be an enormous consider despair, however when that’s not sufficient, lion’s mane might assist.

This mushroom possible has an impact on the autonomous nervous system due to its skill to stimulate NGF. That is the a part of the nervous system that regulates automated processes like respiration.

One a part of this technique is the sympathetic nervous system which controls combat or flight reactions. In despair and nervousness, the sympathetic nervous system is in overdrive (whereas the parasympathetic nervous system is lowered). NGF will help enhance the stability of the autonomous nervous system and scale back despair and nervousness.

(Be aware: That is in all probability just one issue as to why it helps psychological state and extra analysis is required to seek out out why it really works.)

Could Cease or Reverse Neurodegenerative Illness

The flexibility to stimulate NGF can have useful results on neurodegenerative ailments equivalent to Alzheimer’s illness, Parkinson’s illness, and dementia. In research, the polysaccharides in these mushrooms have been discovered to be neuroprotective. Moreover, neurite outgrowth (the method of neurons studying and rising of their job as messengers) additionally improved.

Whereas neuroprotection is vital, regeneration is even higher. One examine discovered that lion’s mane mushrooms assist regenerate neurons from peripheral nerve damage (reconnecting hyperlinks between the mind and the spinal wire). For that reason lion’s mane can also shield towards the unfold of Parkinson’s illness.

Lowers Irritation

Antioxidants are a technique to combat again towards oxidative stress and irritation that trigger illness. One examine demonstrates that lion’s mane has the 4th highest focus of antioxidants in any mushroom. A 2015 examine confirmed that lion’s mane can scale back irritation in fatty tissue.

Different Makes use of of Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane is effectively often called a brain-supporting mushroom, however there are different advantages this medicinal mushroom can present too. These further well being advantages alongside the cognitive operate help make lion’s mane a tremendous total meals, and lots of well being corporations are actually offering it in complement kind.

• Fights most cancers – Lion’s mane is energetic towards sure most cancers cells and research counsel it does this with out toxicity to the affected person. (Extra analysis is required on this space.)
• Helps coronary heart well being – Consumption of lion’s mane may enhance ratios of good to unhealthy ldl cholesterol. It additionally reveals that this mushroom can decrease triglycerides within the bloodstream which can scale back the chance of coronary heart illness.
• Enhance gastric signs – Polysaccharides in lion’s mane could also be useful in treating gastric points.
• Improves immune system – Lion’s mane promoted an antibacterial immune response when given to mice contaminated with salmonella. These mice lived 3 instances longer after therapy with the mushroom. This can be as a result of a useful change in intestine micro organism that stimulated the immune system.

Dangers & Precautions

Lion’s mane has no identified uncomfortable side effects or established toxicity and is mostly thought of secure. Nonetheless, it’s not unusual for funguses to trigger allergic reactions like pores and skin rashes or respiration problem. All the time test together with your physician earlier than supplementing with lion’s mane, particularly when you have any allergic reactions to different mushrooms.

How you can Use It

Use lion’s mane like some other mushroom. It’s an incredible substitute for meat as a result of its meaty texture and is assumed to tackle the flavour of what you prepare dinner with it. However truthful warning — some assume lion’s mane may have a crab or lobster style and texture. That’s an incredible factor in case you like seafood (not so nice in case you don’t!).

Consuming Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane continues to be comparatively new within the West so that you aren’t more likely to discover it at your native grocery retailer. An Asian market might have it obtainable domestically. There are additionally many completely different sorts of kits to begin rising your individual mushrooms!

I haven’t tried getting ready (or rising) lion’s mane myself. This tutorial on the way to prepare dinner it claims “the contrasts between the hairs and the just about rubbery texture of the within makes for a tremendous culinary expertise.”

Uh… I’ll take their phrase for it for now… in case you attempt it, let me know in the event that they’re proper! 🙂

What I Do

When you don’t wish to attempt recent lion’s mane, think about using the dried mushroom in a tea. Alternately you might attempt a capsule, tincture, or lion’s mane extract. My favourite strategy to get my dose is by utilizing 4 Sigmatic elixir or coffees. You simply add scorching water to the single-serve packets so they’re excellent for touring, tenting, or a fast cup at dwelling. (And I promise… you gained’t even understand it has mushrooms in it!)

As at all times, supplementing with even the perfect superfood dietary supplements isn’t going to repair a poor eating regimen, however it may be an incredible pure strategy to increase productiveness and focus… and who doesn’t want that?

This text was medically reviewed by Dr. Ann Shippy, who’s Board Licensed in Inside Medication and an authorized Practical Medication doctor with a thriving observe in Austin, Texas. As at all times, this isn’t private medical recommendation and we suggest that you simply discuss together with your physician.

Have you ever tried lion’s mane? Did you’re feeling an enchancment in your mind well being?