MEDICINAL USES OF LION’S MANE

Lions Mane mushrooms are a unique natural medicine that can help treat and prevent a variety of illnesses. What makes it truly stand out from other medicinal mushrooms/herbs is the way it interacts with your nervous system and enhances brain function. While this is an attractive and potent effect that Lion’s Mane has on our bodies, its health benefits don’t stop there.

While Lions Mane is a great supplement to incorporate into a daily health routine, it is most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle choices. This includes a healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding unhealthy habits.

HOW DOES LIONS MANE INTERACT WITH THE BODY?

Lions Mane mushrooms contain many different unique compounds that positively influence your health. Below we outline the most important and researched of these compounds.

Hericenones and Erinacines

The most famous compounds found within Lions Mane are called hericenones and erinacines respectively. These compounds unique to Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been shown to stimulate the production of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) (Kawagishi, 2009). This is a compound important in many bodily functions but particularly for the process of neurogenesis.

Furthermore, these compounds help with the regeneration of an important component of your nervous system called the myelin sheath (Cheng, 2016). This is a substance that wraps around the axons (space between your neurons) in your nerves and allows for more efficient neurotransmission. When the myelin sheath is degraded it becomes filled with a material known as amyloid plaque which interferes with neurotransmission.

High quantities of amyloid plaque are commonly seen in severe Alzheimers and dementia patients. Hericenones and Erinacines have been shown to reduce amyloid plaque and regenerate the myelin sheath.

There is also ongoing studies for the use of Lion’s mane for neuropathy and nerve damage.

Beta-glucans

Beta Glucans are polysaccharides with medicinal properties found within all mushrooms. They are one of the primary medicinal components found within medicinal mushrooms and are highly regarded for their immunomodulating properties. They are ubiquitous to fungi as they form an important component of their cellular structure. Lion’s Mane is no exception to this and known to contain high quantities of beta-glucans (Dong, 2006).

DOES LION’S MANE HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Lion’s Mane is an exceptionally safe natural medicine with no known negative side effects. Its safety is reflected in the fact that it’s also a valued edible mushroom that can be eaten in large portions with no ill effects. There is no known “overdose” from Lion’s Mane mushrooms.

• Capsules/tablets

Capsules and Tablets are usually either filled with mushroom powders or extracts. They are easy to dose and consume. These may be a good option for those already regularly taking supplements or other medications in this form. Dose: Around 2-4 capsules a day but consult indications provided by the producers.

• Tea, coffee, and other food products with Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane can be incorporated into a wide variety of different food items. The most common of these is medicinal mushroom coffee. The big benefit these products have is that they are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Dose: As indicated by producers.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO TAKE LION’S MANE?

While this isn’t something that has been deeply studied, many practitioners agree that the best time to take Lion’s Mane is in the morning. This ensures that the active compounds are doing their magic when you need them most. It’s likely that another dose in the evening or before bed can also be greatly beneficial and may help you see results faster.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE LION’S MANE TO “KICK-IN”?

Most studies conducted on Lion’s Mane have not observed the short-term effects caused by the consumption of Lion’s Mane. Instead, they have looked at its effects when consumed over long periods of time. This is because Lion’s Mane is most effective after consuming it for several weeks.

This being said, many individuals claim to feel positive effects within an hour of consumption. One study showed that rats consuming Lion’s Mane did have changes in the electrical activity of the brain within 2 hours of administration (Justus, 2020).

TRYING LION’S MANE FOR YOURSELF

There’s no better way to learn about Lion’s Mane than experiencing it firsthand. For those trying to treat illnesses with Lion’s Mane, it’s recommended to incorporate a holistic treatment with other changes to your lifestyle. This may include changes in your diet, routine, and daily habits. These can greatly amplify and work synergistically with Lion’s Mane mushrooms.