Researching herbal, organic, and natural supplement can be confusing, especially when you don’t know what you’re looking for. With so many options, it’s hard to know what and which would work. And it can be risky to spend money on what could be a product that will not benefit you.

In ancient times, people used herbs as medicine. Or, more herbs have helped people stay healthy since ancient times because they’re simply part of a normal diet. But what if there was an herbal, organic supplement today that could improve your health and your memory? Or boost your mood and cognitive function, and even reduce your anxiety? 

Study Of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s Mane Mushroom has been around for thousands of years. Not only that, but this mushroom is so unique that it has experienced significant scientific research in modern times due to its suspected medicinal properties.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom contains a compound that has been studied, isolated, and proven to have strong rehabilitative qualities. On top of this, it is also a strong antioxidant that fights disease and protects the body!

Herbal Natural And Organic

It can be frustrating when you go through trial and error and take dozens of “organic and natural” products without obvious results. The problem is that selecting the best herbal, natural and organic product can be long. And more often than not, the information out there can be confusing, false, and in some cases, flat-out wrong. 

That’s one reason this article will focus on what makes Lion’s mane mushroom so great. This article provides an honest view of Lion’s Mane Mushroom, what Lion’s Mane Mushroom is, how it functions, and its advantages, and disadvantages. And other relevant details regarding this herbal supplement. Persons with certain health issues may also find the advantages of these mushrooms highly useful.

You would also like information about the lion’s mane mushroom. The frequently asked questions section aims to answer questions about Lion’s mane. I’m sure you agree that when you find something that works, so you don’t want to go back to another way of getting your results. Read on to consider why Lion’s mane mushrooms stand out and how they can help you in your health journey.

What Is The Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Scientific And Other Names

Fungus of Lion’s Mane has several names, including The Mashroom of the Mountain Priest or the Bearded Tooth. But its scientific name is Hericium Erinaceus. The genus name Hericium and the species name Erinaceus translate in Latin as “Hedgehog. “The German name Igel-Stachelbart also reflects this as it means ” bearded tooth.”

Its name is Hou Tou Gu (Monkey Head Mushroom) in China and Yamabushitake (Mountain Priest Mushroom) in Japan. However, in English, it also goes by bearded tooth, pom-pom mushrooms, and hedgehog fungus. These strange names all describe the morphology of a lion’s mane. 

Morphology

The Lion’s Mane is a very rare but remarkable mushroom. Its appearance is like a frozen waterfall emerging out of the side of a tree. The lion’s mane can first resemble a large marshmallow or a clump of marshmallows and grow on the side of decaying trees in its early stage. But as it matures, the spines begin to form.

The fruiting bodies of a lion’s mane mushrooms are white and range in size from three to ten inches. While a single spine can reach a maximum length of 2.75 inches. A fun fact is the lion’s mane gets its name “lion’s Mane” because, in the summertime, the spine can reach two meters in length and often grows externally perpendicular to the ground like a lion’s mane. Among toothed fungi and even among other species in its genus (Hericium), H. Erinaceus has some of the longest spines.

A closer look shows tiny, haphazard spines that are similar to spaghetti, or partially melted, grated cheese that makes up the mushroom’s cap. The spines at the top of the body can sometimes be more arranged and may point in the same general direction. 

The Spine Of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Each spine of a lion’s mane is long, soft, and generally adaptable. It varies in color from white to cream. However, the spines turn yellowish-brown as they age, especially at the tips. The spines conceal the base of the Lion’s Mane Mushroom, giving it a distinct shape and holding the substrate. And since the base is an unbranched structure, the mushroom’s overall form is nearly spherical. This feature distinguishes the Lion’s Mane from other Hericium species.

Origin

Lion’s mane mushroom grows naturally in portions of Northern America, Asia, and Europe. Due to its saprophytic nature, like all mushrooms, it prefers dead hardwood. So, you can find lion’s mane mushrooms on decaying stumps of oak or fir trees and fallen tree limbs. Lion’s Mane typically grows on the higher positions of the tree. While most of the mushrooms grow on the ground or close to tree bases.

The cool mountainous forests of East Asia, mainly Japan and China, are the habitat of the lion’s mane mushroom. However, three species of lion manes exist in eastern North America. They are Hericum Erinaceus, Hericum americanum, and Hericum coralloides. Each species in the genus develops fruiting bodies, that are roughly globoid in shape and coated in spines that cascade downward.

Summary

• The Lion’s Mane Mushroom is a medicinal mushroom with healing properties.
• This mushroom has been used for centuries to fight disease and protect the body.
• This mushroom can improve your health and memory, boost your mood and cognitive function, and even reduce your anxiety. Also, it goes by other names, such as Monkey Head Mushroom, Mountain Priest Mushroom, and Hedgehog Mushroom. All of which describe the morphology of the mushroom.

• The Lion’s Mane mushroom is a white, spiny mushroom that resembles a frozen waterfall.

• A fun fact is that the Lion’s Mane gets its name “lion’s Mane” because in the summertime. The spine can grow two meters in length and often outwards perpendicular to the ground. Lion’s mane mushroom grows naturally in portions of Northern America, Asia, and Europe. 
• Due to its saprophytic nature, like all mushrooms, it prefers dead hardwood. Thus, you can find lion’s mane on decaying stumps of oak or fir trees and fallen tree limbs.
•  Each species develops fruiting bodies that are roughly globoid in shape and coated in spines that cascade downward. The cool mountainous forests of East Asia, mainly Japan and China, are the mushroom’s habitat.

History Of Lion’s Mane

Source And Development

Lion’s mane, also known as a foraged mushroom, grows on a variety of dead and decaying tree species. Observation showed that H. erinaceus could produce fruit sporadically on the same dead tree for 20 years. Reports of its cultivation were first made in 1988 in China.

Due to increased interest in its health benefits, it is commonly grown indoors on a substrate such as hardwood sawdust.

Traditional Use Of Lion’s Mane

In Asia, people have long utilized mushrooms for their medical benefits. Lion’s mane is used to treat a wide range of ailments. In China, the lion’s mane was thought to nourish the gut, support the spleen, and even prevent cancer. It was also praised for restoring Qi, or “life energy.” Problems with the liver, arthritis, fever, infections, diabetes, and other conditions It is also useful for wound treatment.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Used In Medicine

Historically, traditional Chinese medicine used lion’s mane as a tonic to promote general health and longevity. The five internal organs—liver, spleen, lung, heart, and kidney—are all nourished by it. And traditional Chinese medicine uses it to support healthy digestion, strength, and general vigor.

In China, the lion’s mane was thought to nourish the gut, support the spleen, and even prevent cancer. It was also praised for restoring Qi, or “life energy.”

Buddhist monks have used powdered Lion’s mane in teas to improve their concentration when meditating. The Japanese give the name Yamabushitake, which translates to “those who sleep in the mountains.” As a tribute to a group of Buddhist monks. According to history, the Yamabushi mountain monks dress in long fur strands around their necks to imitate the Lion’s Mane mushroom.

Summary

In Asia, people have long used mushrooms for their medicinal properties. Lion’s mane has traditionally been used to treat a wide range of conditions. Including liver problems, arthritis, fever, infections, diabetes, and others.
It was once thought to strengthen the spleen, nourish the gut, and even fight cancer in China. Buddhist monks have been known to drink teas containing powdered Lion’s Mane to aid in their meditation.
The Japanese gave it the name Yamabushitake, which translates to “those who sleep in the mountains.”

Nutrient Composition Of Lion’s Mane 

Taste And Flavor 

The edible mushroom lion’s mane is well known for tasting like seafood. Crab, lobster, and other shellfish have been said to taste and feel like lion’s mane. Asian soups, stews, and stir-fries, as well as vegan recipes, frequently use it in place of seafood.

Lion’s mane mushrooms have a moderate flavor, a chewy texture, and a bitter aroma similar to dark chocolate. It is significantly meatier than most mushrooms yet slightly resemble oyster mushrooms but is considerably meatier and juicier.

Without spice, lion’s mane tastes pretty bland. Eating fresh Lion’s mane raw is safe, but some people might not enjoy the taste or texture of it. If you can’t eat it raw, and especially if you don’t like the taste of Lion’s mane. Which is similar to that of seafood, you should know that Lion’s mane will take on the flavor of any spices, or sauces you cook it in. Therefore, if you cook your lion’s mane in a hot tomato broth, the result will be a broth-like flavor. 

Other people add lion’s mane powder to their teas and coffees since it contains bioactive ingredients. Such as polysaccharides and sterols.

Nutritional Profile

In addition to being edible and pleasing, Lion’s mane mushrooms are a good source of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fibers. However, Lion’s mane has a very average nutritional profile of macronutrients; a 100g serving of Lion’s mane has 35 calories, 7g of carbs, and roughly 2.4 grams of protein.

Despite the lion’s mane having very few calories and saturated fats. Lion’s mane is a fantastic source of beta-glucan polysaccharides, which are beneficial to health. These chemicals are well known for their ability to reduce edoema in the body caused by inflammation.

Lion’s mane contains eight non-essential amino acids and seven essential amino acids. It is abundant in phenolic chemicals, alkaloids, anthraquinones, and flavonoids. Lion’s mane mushroom is also rich in minerals like zinc, selenium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. It contains several vitamins, such as B9, B1, and E. 

As a result of the number of nutrients, it contains, lion’s mane supplements and pills are very high in demand.

Recipes

There are many delicious Lion’s mane recipes, including soups, brews, puddings, and cookies, where people utilize this mushroom extract. 

In general preparation of a Lion’s mane, first, use a dry brush to remove any dirt from the spines. You don’t wash the mushrooms. Instead, you brush them because Lion’s mane mushrooms are very absorbent. However, you can wring out damp lion’s mane mushrooms, and place them on a towel. Dry them out before using them in a dish.

After brushing off the dirt and removing it the piece that is attached to the tree cut the lion’s mane into half-inch steaks. Cook the steaks in a dry pan for about five minutes on each side, checking after each minute. One of the easiest ways to prepare them is to start with a dry sauté. Let them release their liquid before adding your preferred fat and any seasonings. When the water in the mushrooms dries, the mushrooms will become slightly crunchy.

Once the cooked mushrooms have begun to turn brown, add a bit of grass-fed butter olive oil, with salt and pepper. Continue to cook on low until the mushroom steaks turn golden brown. Because they have such a distinct flavor, it is best to keep your cooking with them as simple as possible. Furthermore, because shrimp and these vegetables have similar flavors, you can add chopped garlic, yellow onion, and other vegetables.

Summary

• Lion’s Mane mushrooms have a moderate flavor, a chewy texture, and a bitter aroma similar to dark chocolate. It is significantly meatier than most mushrooms but slightly resembles oyster mushrooms; however, it is considerably meatier and juicier. 
• Eating fresh Lion’s mane raw is safe, but some people might not enjoy the taste or texture of it. if you can’t eat it, it will take on the flavor of any spices, or sauces you cook it in. They are also a good source of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. 
• A 100g serving has 35 calories, 7g of carbs, and 2.4 grams of protein. It is abundant in phenolic chemicals, alkaloids, anthraquinones, and flavonoids.
• It contains beta-glucan polysaccharides, which are beneficial to health. These chemicals are well known for their ability to reduce bodily edoema caused by inflammation.

Medicinal Value Of Lion’s Mane Mushroom 

Lion’s mane has recently drawn increasing attention from researchers thanks to its, prominent role in immune support and cognitive function studies. It contains antioxidants and antibacterial compounds. They are being studied for their ability to aid in digestive issues and promote healthy cell growth.

Functional Food

Lion’s mane mushrooms are culinary, edible mushrooms. However, it makes more than simply a tasty meal. Lion’s mane has been identified as a useful mushroom—a material with applications other than food.

In addition to adding protein, complex carbs, vitamins, and minerals to your diet, lion’s mane also has bioactive compounds. That helps many bodily processes and activities. In this way, using Lion’s mane daily may assist your body in operating more effectively, and maintaining balance in the face of internal and external stresses.

Immune Support

One of the polysaccharides found in lion’s mane mushrooms is beta-glucan. Which has been shown to have anticancer and immune-boosting properties.

According to studies, the bioactive substances found in Lion’s mane regulate the body’s natural immune defense mechanism. Which shields the body from respiratory viruses like the flu and colds. However, the anti-inflammatory qualities restrain immune responses to lessen allergy symptoms and reduce inflammation.

Nootropic Function

Nootropics are substances that promote the brain’s normal cognitive processes while protecting it from damage. Lion’s mane contains naturally occurring bioactive compounds such as erinacines and hericenones, which have been shown to improve cognitive function. The only way to benefit from erinacines and hericenones is to consume a full lion’s mane mushroom. The product contains both stages of the mushroom’s life cycle, as erinacines are only present in the mycelium and hericenones are only present in the fruiting body.

These vital nootropic substances present in Lion’s mane can pass through the protective blood-brain barrier. They promote the production of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and NGF (nerve growth factor), substances with strong biological activity. NGF and BDNF help neurons. The nerve cells that make up our brain, and nervous system, develop, heal and function normally. They are necessary for neuroplasticity — a condition where the brain regenerates new neural pathways after injury or sickness.

Despite a limited number of human studies, scientists have demonstrated the compounds in lion’s mane support normal mood and cognitive function.

Antioxidant And Anti-inflammatory Function

Lion’s mane has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Antioxidants prevent oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals produced in our cells. Anti-inflammatories help the body heal. These characteristics likely enhance Lion’s mane’s neuroprotective effects on the brain. But they will also work to prevent tissue damage brought on by oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body.

Lion’s mane was found to have the fourth-highest antioxidant activity in a study of 14 different mushrooms. And it was suggested that it be considered a healthy dietary source of antioxidants.

Summary

• Lion’s mane mushrooms are culinary, edible mushrooms; however it makes more than simply a tasty meal. It has bioactive compounds that help many bodily processes and activities. In this way, if used daily may assist your body in operating more effectively.
• The bioactive substances found in Lion’s mane regulate the body’s natural immune defense mechanism. Mushroom beta-glucan has been shown to have anticancer and immune-boosting properties.
• The anti-inflammatory qualities restrain immune responses to lessen allergy symptoms and reduce inflammation.
• Lion’s mane mushrooms are a source of naturally occurring bioactive substances that promote the production of BDNF and NGF.
• Lion’s mane has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body.

Lion’s Mane Can Support Brain Health 

Lion’s Mane Mushroom And Brain Fog Caused By Covid-19

Brain fog is a medical symptom that describes slow or sluggish thinking. The best way to describe how brain fog feels is to imagine. How mentally drained you feel for the first minute, or so after you wake up. Brain fog is closely similar to that situation, except it is considerably longer, than a minute and can occur at any time.

According to information from the COVID-19 pandemic, some people experienced brain fog after recovery from the coronavirus. Studies have documented that COVID-19 patients experience difficulties with executive function, memory, and concentration. These issues were observed in COVID patients. Who were both hospitalized and non-hospitalized, as well as those who had severe cases? According to neuroscientists and medical specialists, 22% and 32% of COVID-19 recovered patients had brain fog.

Chemo Brain

Although a lot is still there to learn about brain fog. Medical professionals think the brain’s heightened inflammatory activity brings it on during the covid infection. Research has also demonstrated a molecular similarity between COVID-19 brain fog and cognitive dysfunction. Brought on by cancer chemotherapy, also known as “chemo brain.” According to a study at Stanford University School of Medicine, severe inflammation harms the same brain cells and functions in both situations.

The discovery of inflammatory activity bringing about brain fog relied on studies of mice, with mild SARS-CoV-2. Infection and postmortem human brain tissue collected early in the pandemic. The researchers examined brain alterations in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. After genetically engineering mice to produce the required receptors. That the SARS-CoV-2 virus uses to infiltrate human cells.

At first, after exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the mice had mild infections. They showed no signs of weight loss or illness-related behavior, and the virus was not discovered in their brains. Nevertheless, one and seven weeks after infection, scientists detected an increase in inflammatory cytokines in the blood. The cerebrospinal fluid of the mice, in their white matter, the microglia (brain cells that support neurons and “eat” cellular debris in the brain), were much more active than normal.

Observation

With continued observation and prolonged infection, examination of gene activity revealed more microglia. With elevated chemokine levels and increased activity in genes related to inflammation. The hippocampus, a brain region important in learning and memory, had notably significant microglial activation. This likely impaired the mice’s hippocampus from the formation of new neurons.

The white matter cells that aid in coating the neurons with the insulating myelin also showed changes in the mice. There were less mature oligodendrocytes that were deteriorating, as well as cells that would eventually develop into oligodendrocytes. Myelin loss resulted from this, and it started one week after the infection and continued for seven weeks.

A pattern similar to what was discovered in mice (increased microglial reactivity), was observed in a human study to support their findings. This result showed that brain inflammation during covid infection could cause brain fog. 

Another Observation

Another pathologist from Brigham, Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, Women’s Hospital in Boston, and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, found evidence that suggests the massive bone marrow cells known as megakaryocytes may be the source of the brain fog. They propose that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Triggers the migration of megakaryocytes to the brain through its virulent activity.

The researchers speculate that the abnormal cells in the cerebral cortex, the brain region. Where most information processing occurs may limit or entirely block nourishing blood flow through individual capillaries. According to them, such capillary occlusions may result in neurological damage that can cause brain fog.

Again, this is only one theory about brain fog because people who experience it might have a wide range of medical histories. Scientists haven’t been able to pinpoint a precise biological cause just yet. Though inflammation is a contender as the primary culprit, especially in the case of covid.

Signs And Symptoms

Each person will naturally experience brain fog differently, as will the severity of the symptoms. However, a combination of the following signs and symptoms usually characterizes brain fog:

•  Reduced cognitive function
• Impaired decision making
• Inability to adequately put thoughts into words
• Slower reaction time
• Concentration difficulties
• Headaches
• Difficulty multitasking
• Absent-mindedness
• Poor memory and recall
• Low mental and physical energy
• Mood swings
• Lack of motivation
• Unenthused and depressed

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Bioactive Compounds In Lion’s Mane That Can Benefit Brain Health

Besides being rich in vitamins and minerals, lion’s mane mushrooms also contain bioactive substances like:

• Polysaccharides
• Polypeptides
• Beta-glucan
• Hericenones (found in the fruiting body)
• Erinacines (found in Lion’s Mane mycelium)

These bioactive compounds significantly improve brain and immune system function.

According to in vitro research, lion’s mane mushroom extract may promote brain health by producing two crucial substances. nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

The hippocampus secretes NGF and BDNF, two substances that promote the development of new neurons. Support those that already exist in the brain. NGF is critical for developing myelin, the protective sheath that surrounds nerve cells and aids brain cells’ function. BDNF is responsible for the rise in brain plasticity which makes brain cells more resilient to stress and aging.

The polysaccharides and the active nootropic compounds erinacines and hericenones, are related to the lion’s mane mushrooms. Ability to stimulate the growth and regeneration of brain cells through NFG. 

Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier is well known for protecting the delicate tissues of the brain from toxins carried in the blood. But in doing so, the blood-brain barrier also filters away numerous healthy compounds. Hericenones and erinacines, on the other hand, can easily cross the blood-brain barrier due to their low molecular weight. It implies that they help brain cells through the bloodstream, synthesizes NGF. Promote brain plasticity, which impacts memory and new learning.

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Beating Brain Fog caused By Covid-19 With Lions Mane

Brain fog is one of the symptoms that a lion’s mane is reputed to treat. You may recall that we mentioned inflammation as a possible main factor contributing to the covid-19-induced brain fog. Lion’s mane has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

There are many reasons why the brain can become inflamed. A virus, autoimmune condition, bacterial infection, or insect bite could be to blame. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to illness or physical harm. It is expected to last until the problems are resolved.

However, a long-lasting illness like COVID can cause the body to become chronically inflamed, which can lead to brain fog that is bad for both brain and general health. To battle the effects of brain fog, it is crucial to find ways to minimize inflammation. It turns out that the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of lion’s mane make. It is a simple remedy to combat brain fog brought on by oxidative stress, or other forms of inflammation.

With decreased inflammation, you might find that the effects of brain fog become more manageable until it fades completely. 

Research

According to research, the lion’s mane can completely regenerate the brain cells in the hippocampus by passing through the blood-brain. Varrier due to bioactive compounds, erinacines, and hericenones. This mushroom can stimulate the hippocampus’s synthesis of NGF. Encouraging the regeneration of brain cells, damaged or destroyed by covid infection and fortifying the brain against brain fog.

Although promising, the available scientific evidence is not sufficient to make any firm judgments at this time. Anecdotally, though, users of lion’s mane supplements for persistent brain fog frequently report seeing some improvement. Some claim to have noticed a significant improvement. Depending on how the lion’s mane was consumed or whether it is advantageous, some people assert that it is not.

How to Take Lion’s Mane for Brain Fog?

With most mushrooms, the best way to reap any medicinal benefits. Consume a concentrated extract from the fruiting body. The fruiting body of a lion contains hericenones. Only the mycelium contains erinacines, which have also been proved to have medical benefits. Not the fruiting body. If you want the benefits of erinacines in your diet you should get an extract from the mycelium of the lion’s mane fungus.

On the contrary, in the early clinical investigation, individuals with brain fog exhibited improvements. After eating lion’s mane powder prepared from the entire fruiting body. The logical conclusion is that the fruiting body contains an unidentified therapeutic compound.

If an extract from the fruiting body does not contain the unidentified active component, consuming a full mushroom. Whether fresh or powdered, may be preferable. Taking a mycelial extract might be a good option. But using a lot of the substrate will dilute the final product.

Persons with chronic brain fog should be under a doctor’s care, so it’s always best to ask for their advice on dosage. And how to pick a decent lion’s mane mushroom supplement.

Can Improve Mood And Focus

As a nootropic, the lion’s mane promotes mental clarity and activation for optimum cognitive performance. Lion’s mane, as previously mentioned, aids in reducing inflammation. Increased blood flow from decreased inflammation increases brain oxygenation, which leads to better brain function. The antioxidants in the lion’s mane may likewise aid memory. Learning by bolstering brain tissue and encouraging the development of new neurons.

Lions Mane Can Improve Cognitive Function

As a result of these benefits, lion’s mane mushrooms have become well-known as a dietary supplement, to aid in concentration and mental clarity, even to a cloudy. Restless mind, and it does so without having any stimulants.

With age, the brain naturally becomes slower. Memory loss and lack of concentration are two symptoms of nervous system aging brought on by factors such as shrinking neurons and damaged brain cells. Lion’s mane, however, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that might reverse or slow cell deterioration.

A human study discovered that lion’s mane improved brain neuronal function and reduced the consequences of cognitive impairment. The study also showed that just 3g of lion’s mane eaten daily for four months was sufficient to provide neurological benefits and improvements.

Prevention Against Dementia And Potential Treatment For Alzheimer’s

Dementia is one of the most terrible mental disorders that affect people. And it is unquestionably a cause of memory problems like brain fog.

The erinacines and hericenones found in lion’s mane mushrooms provide a slight advantage against illnesses like dementia and perhaps Alzheimer’s. These substances are well known for encouraging the development of new brain cells and providing defense against diseases of memory and mental function.

According to studies, mice who consumed lion’s mane showed a reduction in the formation of amyloid-beta plaques. The slowing of the production of these plaques demonstrates how lion’s mane can protect the neurology of the human brain by preventing neuronal damage and memory loss caused by their excessive buildup. Alzheimer’s patients, who typically experience memory loss and brain fog, especially have an increased prevalence of these plaques.

The impact of lion’s mane mushroom on neurological and mental levels due to its capacity to encourage nerve growth and protect the brain from damage caused by Alzheimer’s makes it evident that lion’s mane can make a significant difference. Keep in mind, nevertheless, that additional human studies are required because the majority of research has been done on animals or in test tubes.

Relieve Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety

Lion’s Mane can effectively treat anxiety and despair. Because of its capacity to enhance intellect and memory and function as an antidepressant, some even refer to it as the “smart mushroom.”

In developed countries, up to one-third of the populace exhibits anxiety and despair. While many factors might contribute to anxiety and depression, chronic inflammation may be significant.

In a Japanese study, researchers investigated the impact of lion’s mane dietary supplements on menopausal women’s anxiety and depressive symptoms. The women took a lion’s mane extract for four weeks while assessing their initial irritation and anxiety levels. On these measures, the ladies who took the lion’s mane mushroom supplement performed significantly worse than those in the control group.It indicated that they had fewer signs of stress and anxiety.

Summary

Slow thinking is a sign of brain fog, which can be brought on by the coronavirus or inflammation.
By generating two essential compounds, NGF and BDNF, lion’s mane mushroom extract is thought to support brain health.

• The lion’s mane mushroom has anti-inflammatory effects that may help to lessen the effects of brain fog.
• Except for erinacines, which can only be gotten from mycelium extract, the best way to obtain the therapeutic advantages of mushrooms is to ingest a concentrated extract from the fruiting body.
• Lion’s mane mushrooms help improve brain function and may also promote memory and learning.
• The lion’s mane mushroom has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that may reverse or slow cell deterioration.
• The erinacines and hericenones found in lion’s mane mushrooms provide a slight advantage against illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Other Health Benefits Of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Can Manage Diabetes Symptoms

People with diabetes are referred to as diabetics. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce or use insulin properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels. There are three common types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Food is digested into sugars and released into the bloodstream in healthy people. Following insulin production by the pancreas, the bodily cells can then take up the sugar and utilize it as energy. People with diabetes, on the other hand, produce inadequate (or nonexistent) insulin or undergo improper insulin utilization. As a result, the sugar cannot enter the cells to give the body the energy it needs.

The two common types of diabetic conditions, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, both lead to high blood sugar levels and other diabetes complications. Type 1 diabetes is usually hereditary and develops earlier in life, often in childhood or the early teen years. People with type 1 don’t produce insulin. As a result, they need to take insulin shots so their body can convert food into energy.

Type 2 diabetes is mostly a result of a poor health lifestyle, although people with diabetes in their family history are more likely to develop it. The problem with people with type 2 diabetes is that they either don’t make enough insulin or don’t respond effectively to insulin as they should. In addition to insulin shots, the treatment for type 2 diabetes may include oral diabetes medication.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Treat Both Types of Diabetes

The lion’s mane mushroom can help treat both types of diabetes and prevent type 2 diabetes. Lion’s mane mushroom has shown great potential for reducing blood sugar levels and other diabetes-related adverse effects, including renal disease, nerve damage in the hands and feet, and loss of vision.

Fruiting bodies discovered in lion’s mane demonstrated the capacity to suppress the activity of the enzyme α-glucosidase, which is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the small intestine. Low blood sugar levels are the result of the body’s inability to effectively digest and absorb carbohydrates when this enzyme is blocked.

In addition to lowering blood sugars, lion’s mane extract may ease diabetic nerve pain in the hands and feet. A study in mice with diabetic nerve damage showed significantly reduced pain, lowered blood sugar levels, and even higher antioxidant levels with six weeks of daily intake of lion’s mane mushroom extract.

Hericenones and erinacines, chemicals found in lion’s mane that may encourage the development of nerve growth factor (NGF) proteins in the body, have been related to the formation of a number of cell types, including insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells.

Prevention Against Stomach Ulcers

Ulcers can form anywhere along the digestive tract, including the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

Most commonly, H. pylori bacterial overgrowth and damage to the stomach’s mucous layer brought on by prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines are what lead to stomach ulcers (NSAIDs).

Lion’s mane extract may prevent stomach ulcers by preventing H. pylori growth and protecting the stomach lining from damage.

Using Lion’s Mane water and ethanol extracts, researchers tested the growth suppression ability of eight different H. pylori strains. Even at low doses, the extract significantly inhibited the growth of every tested strain of H. pylori. The results conclude that lion’s mane extract can inhibit the growth of H. pylori.

Animal studies have also demonstrated that aqueous lion’s mane extracts dramatically prevent alcohol-induced ulcers while preserving adequate levels of antioxidant enzymes that safeguard the stomach mucosa. In other intestine-related locations, the extract demonstrated its ability to reduce inflammation and prevent tissue damage. This finding suggests that lion’s mane may be useful in treating inflammatory bowel disorders, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Fight Against Cancer

Cancer is a health condition that develops when DNA becomes damaged and causes uncontrolled cell division and replication. A lot of research is ongoing to develop a cancer treatment; however, due to a number of its special bioactive constituents, lion’s mane is one of the few medicinal mushrooms that can help treat cancer.

Studies have demonstrated that the lion’s mane mushroom’s fruiting bodies contain a substance called cerebroside E that is particularly beneficial in treating cancer. A 2015 study found that cerebroside E increased apoptosis (programmed cell death) and decreased angiogenesis (the growth of new cells) in cancer cells.

Lion’s Mane And Leukemia

A human cell investigation examined the impact of lion’s mane on leukemia cells. The findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of lion’s mane mushroom extracts against leukemia as both aqueous, and ethanolic extracts promoted cancer cell death.

Lion’s Mane And Gastrointestinal Cancer

Studies show that lion’s mane mushroom has anti-cancer potential in different types of digestive tract tumors.

A 2014 study found that lion’s mane extracts, especially when combined with conventional cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy and radiation), may offer protection against stomach and colon cancer.

Lion’s Mane And Gastric Cancer

A study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms examined the effects of lion’s mane on precancerous human stomach cells.

Polysaccharides isolated from lion’s mane mycelia effectively stopped gastric cancer progression.

This study shows a lion’s mane mushroom supplement may prevent the development of stomach cancer if it already exists or help it progress more slowly.

Lion’s Mane And Colon Cancer

Lion’s mane polysaccharides may also be helpful in the treatment of colon cancer. A 2020 study in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules suggests that the bioactive ingredient in lion’s mane mushrooms, polysaccharide HEFP-2b, may be able to slow the development of colon cancer cells.

The capacity of the lion’s mane to stop the cell cycle in the S-phase may be responsible for these advantages, although additional study is required to completely comprehend this mechanism (before mitosis or meiosis).

Lion’s Mane And Lung Cancer

Two areas where studies on the benefits of lion’s mane on lung cancer have shown significant promise are apoptosis and metastasis suppression.

A study in the Food and Function Journal in 2020 discovered that the peptides in lion’s mane might help treat lung cancer. These peptides can capture free radicals and cause human lung cancer cells to undergo apoptosis.

In addition to causing lung cancer cell apoptosis, lion’s mane may inhibit lung cancer metastasis.

An animal study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry examined the effects of lion’s mane on colon cancer cells that had spread to the lungs. Results indicate that lion’s mane mushroom extracts could prevent cancer cells from spreading to the lung, at least in mice with CT-26 colon carcinoma transplanted into them.

Lion’s Mane And Breast Cancer

The research results on lion’s mane and breast cancer are encouraging, although it is still in its early stages.

About 80% of all breast cancers are ER+. In a 2021 in vitro experiment, researchers investigated the anti-cancer effects of lion’s mane mushrooms on human breast adenocarcinoma cells that were oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+). According to the findings, lion’s mane apoptotic properties make it a strong option for ER+ breast cancer treatment.

Reduces Inflammation

The immune system reacts to a threat or danger by inducing inflammation. Unfortunately, it can spiral out of control and lead to long-term health problems. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are regarded to be the primary causes of many modern diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and heart disease. However, bodily invasion by bacteria or viruses is the most frequent reason for inflammation.

Nowadays, many people have chronic inflammation in their bodies, whether it takes the full-blown form of one of the numerous diagnosable autoimmune disorders or a more subdued version. The immune system may also release inflammatory cells in response to poor food, stress, pollutants, or other stressors. 

The good news is that lion’s mane mushrooms contain potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components that may help reduce the severity of a variety of illnesses.

For example, a study on the anti-inflammatory effects of lion’s mane implies that these effects were caused by the lion’s mane’s suppression of TLR4-JNK signaling as inflammatory factors are secreted when the TLR4-JNK pathway is activated. When TLR4-JNK signaling is also suppressed, adipose tissue, which is linked to obesity and frequently prone to chronic inflammation, appears to undergo less inflammation.

Furthermore, animal studies have shown that lion’s mane extract is effective in treating inflammatory bowel disease, liver damage, and stroke, as well as lowering inflammatory symptoms and oxidative stress.

Reduces The Risks Of Heart Diseases 

Heart disease refers to disorders that involve clogged, blocked, or constricted blood arteries and can cause heart failure. Obesity, elevated triglycerides, high levels of oxidized cholesterol, and a higher propensity for blood clots are all significant risk factors for heart disease. According to research, lion’s mane extract can affect some of these variables and lower the risk of heart disease.

In a study on mice, an extract of lion’s mane reduced total cholesterol by 32%, harmful LDL cholesterol by 45.4%, and triglycerides by 34.3% while also increasing HDL cholesterol by 31%. In mice given a high-fat diet, good cholesterol increased while bad cholesterol was reduced, resulting in decreased weight gain and body fat.. The study showed that the study mice’s metabolism significantly improved after consuming lion’s mane extract.

Lower Risk Of Cardiovascular Problems

A direct link exists between Lion’s Mane and the capacity to lower the risk of cardiovascular problems since lowering oxidation is a vital component in reducing heart diseases. Studies in test tubes have demonstrated the lion’s mane capacity to aid in stopping the oxidation of cholesterol in blood circulation. Lion’s mane may improve circulation by reducing oxidation, which is the cause of platelet aggregation and the hardening of arteries, both of which are symptoms of atherosclerosis (the accumulation of lipids, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the arterial walls).

It has been demonstrated that the molecule hericenone B, which is present in the fruiting bodies of Lion’s Mane ethanol extract, lessens blood coagulation. A major risk factor for heart attack and stroke is blood coagulation. A novel antithrombotic agent, or agent that reduces the risk of blood clots, is suspected to be hericenone B.

Boost Immune System

A healthy immune system defends the body from bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing pathogens.

According to animal studies, eating lion’s mane mushrooms causes the intestinal immune system—which protects the body from pathogens that enter the gut through the mouth or nose—to become more active.

Even mice injected with a deadly dose of salmonella bacteria had their lifespans substantially tripled by supplementing with lion’s mane extract.

Wound Healing

Lion’s mane mushroom extracts could aid in the healing of skin lesions. In research on rats with neck wounds, topical lion’s mane extract treatment sped up healing. 

• Human Study on lion’s mane benefit cancer

More human research is required to confirm the many health advantages that lion’s mane mushrooms seem to have, including advantages for the heart and blood vessels, support for cancer treatment, defense against stomach infections and gastric ulcers, control of chronic inflammatory diseases, and prevention of diabetes.

Summary

• Lion’s mane may help treat diabetes by relieving neuropathic pain and stimulating the production of NGF proteins.
• According to research, Lion’s mane extract can protect the stomach from ulcers by inhibiting the growth of H. pylori and reducing inflammation.
• The lion’s mane mushroom contains a substance called cerebroside E that helps to treat cancer.
• It has been found that lion’s mane mushrooms have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help treat a number of disorders.
• Lion’s Mane extracts improved cholesterol levels and metabolism in mice.
• According to research when a deadly dose of salmonella bacteria had their lifespans substantially tripled by supplementing with lion’s mane extract.

Lion’s Mane Side Effects And Risks

Side Effects

Most studies on lion’s mane mushrooms have been on animals and did not exhibit any negative consequences. Thus, it seems safe to consume mushrooms in moderation, as many Asian countries do. 

A tiny number of medical studies, the majority of which are anecdotal reports, provide evidence for Lion’s Mane side effects in healthy individuals. However, the most frequently reported negative effects to include:

Headaches

Some people claim to have had headaches after consuming Lion’s Mane mushrooms, though the claims contradict. 

Reduced Libido

Some men claim to have less libido after starting Lion’s Mane. It is unknown why this occurs, although some experts believe it is due to Lion’s Mane’s potential capacity to inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Male sex drive has been shown to decline when DHT blockers, which are frequently used to treat hair loss, are taken.

Difficulty Breathing

According to a report on a 63-year-old man who experienced difficulty breathing, lion’s mane can have a bad lung effect. Although the reason for the reaction is still unknown, some experts believe an allergic reaction may have been to blame. According to what is known, this was an unusual event and not a normal response. It’s significant to note that the man recovered fully after stopping the mushroom use.

Skin Rashes

Another, more limited study focused on a case of a skin rash thought to be brought on by an allergy to lion’s mane mushrooms. Once more, the patient made a full recovery, and the incident was isolated. For users who do not have a mushroom allergy, skin rashes are not a frequent adverse effect of Lion’s Mane.

Allergenic Properties Of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

It is possible to conclude that anyone who experiences negative effects after ingesting Lion’s Mane mushrooms or any version of their extracts has a mushroom allergy. Since Lion’s Mane is a form of fungus, the allergic reactions will be mild, with symptoms comparable to those of most other allergies to mushrooms that may include:

• Swelling of the lips, mouth, and airways
• Difficulty breathing
• Hives or skin rashes
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating or stomach cramping
• Diarrhea

Even though they are uncommon, more serious symptoms could include reductions in blood pressure and consequent fainting.

Lion’s Mane: Safe or Dangerous?

You might be asking whether Lion’s Mane mushrooms are safe to eat after learning about all the possible side effects. Researchers and a lot of other people are sure that these mushrooms have far more advantages than disadvantages. Even fewer side effects exist if you do not have a mushroom allergy.

However, before using lion’s mane, people with blood disorders, diabetics, and people who will soon undergo surgery must take a number of precautions.

Additionally, it is advised that women who are expecting or breastfeeding refrain from taking medicinal mushrooms.No studies have examined the risks of Lion’s Mane mushrooms in these conditions, but there aren’t any that indicate the mushrooms are particularly safe for these women either. Therefore, it is advisable for pregnant and nursing women to be on the safe side and stay away from medicinal mushrooms entirely.

Summary

• Although most studies on lion’s mane mushrooms have been positive, some experts believe they may cause negative consequences like skin rashes and difficulty breathing.
• A person who experiences negative effects after ingesting Lion’s Mane mushrooms may have an allergic reaction to the mushrooms.
• Researchers believe that the benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms outweigh the risks, but those with certain conditions should avoid them.

Allergenic Properties Of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

Taking It Fresh

As previously mentioned, lion’s mane has a very mild flavor and delicate texture, unlike other therapeutic mushrooms. It has a soft and slightly stringy texture and flavor similar to seafood like crab, scallops, or lobster.

You may get fresh lion’s mane online and at some specialized food stores. However, be sure to buy your mushrooms from a dependable, organic vendor.

You can also opt for foraging for the lion’s mane yourself. But only go this route if you are an expert forager to avoid mistaking a lion’s mane for any poisonous mushroom.

Lion’s Mane Powder

Lion’s mane powder (the complete mushroom dried and powdered into a fine powder) is the only thing that comes close to the original mushroom. It is an excellent alternative as it can offer the same advantages and has all the same nutrients. Simply add Lion’s Mane Powder to your regular dishes — it could be soups and stews, or make it into a tea by steeping it in hot water.

A powdered mixture is a simplest and most adaptable choice if you’re unsure how to use lion’s mane. You may stir this mixture into a smoothie or a post-workout shake, or you can add it to a warm cup of non-dairy milk or hot water and drink it warm.

The problem with lion’s mane powder, though, is transparency. Some organic lion’s mane powder lists a high concentration of “polysaccharides” as a marketing benefit. This is because the lion’s mane contains polysaccharide beta-glucans, which are thought to have therapeutic qualities.

Polysaccharides

But polysaccharides are also a component of starch filler. So, investigate further if you come across an astronomically high proportion of polysaccharides. Are they beta-glucans or fillers (which have no positive effects on your health)?

Instead of purchasing from vendors who only offer broad polysaccharides, look for those who identify their beta-glucan percentages. This demonstrates their expertise and helps you estimate the product’s concentration of health-improving ingredients.

Pay attention to the flavor and appearance as well. Whole ground mushrooms should resemble pale sand in appearance and taste neutral with a trace of “traditional mushroom” flavor. Certain lion’s mane powders that use an ethanol extraction process are available on the market too. It has an intense, bitter flavor and has the color of Demerara sugar. Compared to ground powdered mushrooms, they have undergone a lot more processing.

A lion’s mane powder should raise red flags if it tastes delicious. This is due to the possibility of the sweetness from including starch fillers.

Lion’s Mane Tea 

Tea is a common way to consume lion’s mane in traditional cultures. This is because hot water helps extract the mushroom’s beneficial elements.

To produce lion’s mane tea, you must steep the dried or fresh mushrooms in boiling water. To get the most flavor out of the mushrooms, steep it for a longer period of time than you would normally prepare tea.

The tea can also be made with lion’s mane mushroom powder. The steeping time is much shortened because of how much more surface area the powdered mushroom has.

You can also flavor your tea with other ingredients, depending on how much you enjoy the flavor of lion’s mane. 

Supplements

People who currently take specific medications or daily vitamins frequently opt for lion’s mane dietary supplements. There are many different forms of supplements (capsules, liquids, pills), but lion’s mane mushroom capsules are the most popular.

Despite its simplicity, there are a few drawbacks to taking lion’s mane as a capsule. Others contain a variety of extracts and plant parts, while other lion’s mane supplements contain full, powdered lion’s mane. For instance, some capsules contain just the mushroom’s fruiting body, whereas others only include extracts prepared with ethanol or water.

This is without mentioning the capsule, which can comprise various materials ranging from vegetable cellulose to gelatine (inappropriate for vegans). 

To comprehend what you are absorbing when you take a supplement pill, you must once again carefully read the product labeling and conduct research.

Making It Into A Meal

Lion’s mane is a culinary delight, incredibly adaptable in the kitchen. It is a great substitute for meat in many meals, particularly chicken. Simply slice the mushroom lengthwise and fry it in a pan. Season it with what you would normally season seafood as they both have similar tastes. 

The lion’s mane’s bouncy texture makes it able to take on any flavor that is fried into it. So if you do not like the seafood taste of lion’s mane, you can change the taste with whatever flavor you use in cooking it.

Summary

• Be sure to buy lion’s mane mushroom powder from a dependable, organic vendor. If you are an expert forager, you can opt to forage for fresh lion’s mane. 
• Lion’s mane powder, which is merely the entire mushroom dried and ground into a fine powder, is the only substitute that even remotely resembles the actual mushroom. Add Lion’s Mane Powder to your regular dishes — it could be soups and stews or make it into a tea by steeping it in hot water. 
• Tea is a common way to consume lion’s mane in traditional cultures. Hot water helps extract the beneficial elements from the mushroom. You can also flavor your tea with other ingredients, depending on how much you enjoy the flavor of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms.
• There are several types of supplements for lion’s mane, but capsules are the most popular.
• Sliced and cooked like seafood, lion’s mane is a delectable delicacy.

Chapter 10

How To Take Lion’s Mane?

Dosage And Prescription

The use of lion’s mane in humans is not well enough understood to have a recommended dosage. However, it’s crucial to remember that your dosage will depend on your age, health, size, sensitivity, and the reasons you first wanted to test lion’s mane. Depending on how serious the issue is that you are attempting to resolve, more lion’s mane may be necessary for it to make a noticeable change.

As a general guideline, a typical lion’s mane supplement dosage is about 1000mg daily for enhanced immunity and cognitive performance. Always take a good meal together with a supplement to prevent any feelings of nausea. It is not advised to take lion’s mane more than three times a day. Additionally proven efficient are daily supplement doses of 250 mg to 750 mg. 

Add one scoop of lion’s mane powder for powdered mix into your tea or coffee. Observe how you feel after two weeks; if you feel better, you can always increase your dosage to one to two scoops daily.

The concentration of the product’s active ingredients determines these dosages. Despite this large range, nearly no adverse effects in those who do not already have a mushroom allergy have ever been recorded.

Summary

• The dosage of lion’s mane is uncertain because human usage is not well studied.

Chapter 11

Growing Lion’s Mane

Home cultivation of lion’s mane mushrooms is simple and highly rewarding. They don’t require a lot of space to grow and don’t require filthy soil. They can be raised indoors in a spare room or basement or on logs in a sheltered place.

Although cultivating a lion’s mane is not particularly difficult, beginner mushroom cultivation may need to learn a few things first. Before attempting to grow lion’s mane mushrooms if you are new to mushroom cultivation, it is advised that you start by growing oyster mushrooms to gather expertise.

How Long Does Lion’s Mane Take to Grow?

If you grow on logs, it takes one to two years to harvest your first batch of new lion’s mane after inoculation. Lion’s mane mushrooms don’t grow quickly on logs; however, once they start producing, you can harvest them for up to six years off that same log. 

Growing a lion’s mane indoors is much quicker in bags or containers. After inoculating your substrate, you could harvest delicious lion’s mane mushrooms in a month. During the period before harvest, three events take place.

A 14–21-day period of colonization during which the mycelium propagated across the substrate. After the fruiting chamber has been completely colonized, two to three days later, pins—the mushroom’s embryonic stage—appear. The lion’s mane will be ready for harvest in 7-14 days, depending on the temperature.

Growing Lion’s Mane Mushroom Indoors

There are various practical approaches to indoor lion’s mane mushroom cultivation. The number of mushrooms you want to cultivate and your level of mushroom-growing experience will determine which method is ideal for you.

A lion’s mane mushroom growing kit can be something you want to buy if you’re new to growing mushrooms. As soon as you receive your kit, you may begin growing your lion’s mane mushrooms because it includes a substrate that has already been inoculated and incubated, making it simple for you to do so.

Another method for growing a lion’s mane is to get a lion’s mane spawn from a trustworthy spawn provider and inoculate your substrate. Alternatively, if you’re an expert seeking a challenge, you might start from scratch and create your own lion’s mane grain spawn by starting with pure culture on agar.

How to Grow Lion’s Mane Mushroom Cultures?

Learning how to develop the mycelium of Lion’s Mane mushrooms on agar—the gelatinous substance used in Petri dishes as a growing medium—is the first step in learning how to grow lion’s mane mushrooms from scratch. Or you can buy lion’s mane cultivated in liquid culture online or from a reputable provider.

Mycelium from the lion’s mane frequently grows slowly and can look flimsy. In other cases, seeing is impossible! The agar becomes black as a result of the repeated application of activated charcoal. The mycelium is more visible in this manner.

On a culture plate, lion’s mane mycelium will persist for a long time. Cultures that are older than three years still do incredibly well. If you intend to keep them for a long time, keep the plates in the refrigerator. On the agar plate, lion’s Mane mycelium is prone to fruiting, producing long spines that eventually try to escape the dish and cause contamination. By storing the culture in the refrigerator, this can be avoided.

Both Malt Yeast Agar and Potato Dextrose Yeast Agar support the growth of Lion’s Mane mycelium at an appropriate incubation temperature of between 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C).

How to Grow Lion’s Mane Mushroom Grain Spawn?

After you have a robust culture, the next stage is to advance the lion’s mane mycelium growth on a sterilized grain (grain spawn).

All you have to do is add into the sterilized grain your cultured lion’s mane mycelium, and the mycelium expands the growth in the sterilized grain to form a grain spawn.

Lion’s mane does well on rye grain, but you can also use wheat berries or millets. Any cereal grain will often serve as the foundation for a lion’s mane grain spawn.

Growing Grain Spawn In A Lion’s Mane Grow Bag

Bran-adjusted hardwood sawdust is an excellent substrate for producing lion’s mane. Growing Lion’s Mane on the Master’s Mix, a moistened to 60% mixture of soy hulls and hardwood sawdust, has proven successful in recent years. On this substrate (grow bag), yields appear marginally greater, and shelf life appears marginally better. But more research is still necessary.

To grow a grain spawn in a lion’s mane, grow bag, start by adding the spawn to the sterile substrate in a sterile environment at a rate of 10-15% spawn. Even though lion’s mane is relatively resistant to contamination, you should still take all necessary care to protect your growth. After being inoculated, the fruiting block should be totally colonised in two weeks.

Growth With Straw

The mane of a lion can also be grown with straw. The finest outcomes might be obtained from Lion’s Mane strains that have been carefully suited to growing on straw. You should only use a substrate made of wood for the finest results.

Since this mushroom fruits readily, it’s likely that you’ll notice tiny fruits beginning to form in the bag even before you subject it to fruiting conditions. When this occurs, move the block to the fruiting area and make little “x” cuts where the fruits are already growing. The pins will keep growing until they eventually enlarge and grow outside the bag.

Move the grow bag into the fruiting chamber no later than 14 days after inoculation, preferably sooner. It’s also important to keep the bags in relatively dark conditions, given Lion’s Mane’s burning desire to prematurely fruit.

Lion’s Mane Grow Kit

If you’re new to the activity or don’t want to delve too far into the art of mushroom cultivation, mushroom growing kits are a fantastic option. The kit consists of a fully colonized mushroom fruiting block or spawn that you mix with the substrate and detailed instructions. If you have a kit, most of the work has already been completed for you. These kits are available from different online retailers.

Once you have the fruiting block, all you need to do is place it in a moist environment and cut out some “x’s” on the bag’s side. On a dish, place the block on its side so the mushrooms will come out the top. Place a sheet of perforated plastic over the fruiting block to reduce humidity; leave plenty of room between the block and the plastic. Lion’s Mane fruits will form spontaneously through the bag’s openings.

Lion’s Mane Grow

Mist the bag’s interior with a spray bottle several times daily, and fan in lots of fresh air. To ensure that the mushrooms grow through the hole and toward the fresh air, you can apply tape to other openings to restrict airflow. Smaller apertures usually create larger, rounder, and nicer fruits. With a kit, you can probably get 2 or 3 flushes; depending on where you live, you might not even need a particular environment.

You don’t need to be particularly careful with the block’s environment because a lion’s mane will grow rather well in poor conditions, so unless you’re after amazing results, you shouldn’t worry too much.

Hericium Fruiting Conditions

Temperature, humidity, and fresh air exchange play a role in fruiting conditions.

The “fresh air exchange” refers to the fresh air moving around the grow kit. Mushrooms exhale carbon dioxide, which can accumulate within the fruiting. Mushrooms growing long, strained, and distorted frequently indicate the need to enhance fresh air exchange. Keep in mind that boosting fresh air exchange frequently results in a reduction in humidity.

Lion’s mane will fruit around a temperature of between 15-20°C.

The humidity must be kept above 80% for the mushrooms to develop into large, healthy mushrooms. Lion’s mane mushrooms that are brittle, leathery, dry, and discolored frequently need more humidity. To increase humidity, you can use a humidifier, a simple fruiting chamber, or indirect misting (be careful not to spray fruits directly when misting).

Harvesting Your Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane mushrooms can generally be ready to harvest between 4 to 7 days after pinning (forming primordia).

Harvest with a knife by cutting the mushroom off close to the bag when the “spines” have visibly formed but before they start to dry up and turn golden brown.

To try for a second harvest, simply allow the grow kit to rest (keep it covered for a few days to prevent it from drying out), and the fruit should start to grow again where you cut the bag. If fruit begins to develop in another part of the bag, make another cut where they appear and tape up the old holes.  

Summary

• Lion’s mane mushrooms that are planted on logs or in bags, take a month to mature and are ready for harvest. A lion’s mane mushroom growing kit is easy to use and comes with a pre-inoculated substrate.
• To grow lion’s mane mushrooms, you can either cultivate the mycelium on agar or buy them from a reputable provider.
• The key to growing a lion’s mane spawn is to get it growing in a culture on a sterilized grain (grain). This allows you to expand the growth of the lion’s mane mycelium.
• On substrates like hardwood sawdust that has been bran-adjusted. A lion’s mane can develop. There are kits available online to help grow mushrooms at home.
• Mushrooms growing in an environment with low humidity need more humidity to grow properly.
• Lion’s mane mushrooms can frequently be picked for 4 to 7 days. After being pinned, depending on the species and age of the substrate they are grown in.

Chapter 12

FAQ On Lion’s Mane

Your Questions On Lion’s Mane Mushroom Answered

Does Lion’s Mane Mushroom Have A Look-alike?

The lion’s mane mushroom is a reliable fungus with no look-alikes. It’s likely a lion’s mane if you see a collection of icicles like mushrooms hanging from a dead or dying hardwood.

How Quickly Does Lion’s Mane Work?

The effects of lion’s mane may start to take effect in a few days, depending on your biochemistry and dosage.

After using it for a couple of weeks, you might even see less inflammation; nevertheless, to address inflammatory disorders in the body, you’ll need to commit to using it over the long term.

Prepare to routinely take the lion’s mane mushroom for several months if you want to experience its longer-term advantages. It takes a few weeks of treatment before you start to experience benefits like better memory, nerve cell regeneration, lower blood sugar, and less inflammation.

Does Lion’s Mane Have Spiritual Benefits?

When your body and brain are at their best, everything directly relates to spirituality. You may experience benefits such as increased mental clarity, focus, concentration, and productivity when your physical health is in good shape.

If you’re seeking a way to strengthen your spiritual connection, consider including Lion’s Mane Mushrooms in your diet. They are a tasty and healthy method to enhance your general wellness.

Is Lion’s Mane Psychedelic?

The lion’s mane is not psychedelic and won’t make you hallucinate. Therefore, since they won’t affect your cognitive abilities, it’s okay to consume these medicinal mushrooms during the course of your working day.

Is Lion’s Mane addictive?

There is no chance of developing an addiction or physical dependence on lion’s mane, unlike with prescribed antidepressants or other psychoactive substances.

Can Lion’s Mane Get You High?

Lion’s mane won’t get you high as it does not contain psilocybin (a naturally occurring psychedelic that can affect the state of mind and make you feel euphoric) or any psychoactive substance.

Does Lion’s Mane Interact With Any Medication?

Medications that slow blood clotting, such as antiplatelet and anticoagulant medicines, may interact with lion’s mane mushrooms. If you take anti-diabetics or medications that inhibit blood clotting, you should consume lion’s mane mushroom with caution because it has antiplatelet and antihyperglycemic effects.

What Should I Look For When Buying A Lion’s Mane Supplement?

Always read the labels to ensure that your product is of the highest quality and is certified organic. The final product should have high beta-glucan content and low starch content.

Always ensure that tinctures and powders have undergone analytical testing and that the therapeutic ingredients are present. Make sure the product was produced sustainably, with a commitment to purity, and with non-GMO ingredients.

When Is The Best Time To Take Lion’s Mane?

Take lion’s mane in the morning or early afternoon for optimal results. In this manner, you’ll experience its invigorating effects all day long. Taking a lion’s mane later in the day could leave you restless and unable to sleep.

Are Lion’s Mane Supplements Safe?

There is very little information about the negative effects of lion’s mane supplements. The limited toxicology studies investigating possible adverse effects. However, because the supplements have not been thoroughly studied in humans, it is unclear whether this is the case.

Why Is Lion’s Mane Good For You?

Lion’s mane may help repair nerve damage, lessen moderate symptoms of anxiety and sadness, and guard against dementia. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that in animals, it lowers the risk of diabetes, cancer, ulcers, and heart disease. It also has potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties.

Why Is A Lion’s Mane So Expensive?

Lion’s mane is not so expensive, but it can be due to the number of medical purposes it serves and the increase in demand for lion’s mane supplements.

Why Take A Lion’s Mane?

The range of health benefits of taking lion’s mane is reason enough to incorporate lion’s mane into your diet. 

Conclusion

Lion’s mane is an incredible medicinal mushroom that may be one of the most well-known adaptogens in recent years. It provides a host of benefits within the body, including, but not limited to, maintaining a healthy nervous system, protecting against anxiety and stress, improving mental health in general, and promoting longevity. Given these benefits and the scientific research supporting them, it would appear that the lion’s mane mushroom has earned its reputation as one of the most powerful adaptogens known to man. After reading this, you’ve probably decided to go out and get a lion’s mane in any form you can find.

Even though the mushroom’s effect on humans has only recently been studied, it’s difficult to say no to a mushroom that could potentially treat brain fog caused by covid, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and other serious medical conditions.

The beginning of a new age in natural medicine is said to be symbolized by the lion’s mane.