Hericium erinaceus) has garnered much interest among health experts for its cognitive and neurological advantages, along with other beneficial properties including glucose regulation and antioxidant effects. This distinctive fungus also stands out for being visually striking!

Studies highlight the potential of Lion’s Mane to alleviate oxidative stress and promote hippocampal neurogenesis, thus helping reverse depression-related brain changes. This may be attributed to its anxiolytic and mood-enhancing properties.

Cognitive Support

Mushrooms have garnered much praise for their potential to boost memory, cognition and mood. Unfortunately, most research on mushrooms takes place either in labs or with animals; therefore, its benefits may not translate directly to humans. That is why mushroom teas are becoming so popular — providing an easy and natural way to take advantage of this brain-enhancing superfood!

Animal studies indicate that lion’s mane can promote brain health by improving cognitive performance and encouraging new neurons to form. One such animal study also discovered it to reduce inflammation that leads to neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease (8). Another animal research paper discovered it significantly reduced tau tangles and beta-amyloid plaque, as well as improving memory in mice with mild Alzheimer’s (9).

Studies are necessary to fully ascertain the efficacy of lion’s mane for Alzheimer’s prevention or treatment; however, one recent research study did find that participants taking lion’s mane for one year outperformed those not taking it (10) while other research has demonstrated its beneficial properties such as reduced oxidative stress, cell repair promotion, and supporting normal brain blood flow (11).

Lion’s mane’s active compounds appear to be responsible for its ability to promote mental clarity, focus, and productivity. A recent study compared its effects to guayusa in subjects who underwent cognitive and psychophysical assessments at 60 and 120 minutes post supplementation (11). Results demonstrated both supplements improved reaction times and subjective ratings of happiness more quickly and for longer than their counterpart (12).

If you want to take lion’s mane to improve your mood, combine it with other brain-boosting ingredients like cordyceps, rhodiola, citicocinate and ashwagandha for maximum effect (12). Not only will this combination support your emotions and keep you focused and calm during stressful days (12), but for an especially soothing tea try indulging in green rooibos mixed with real pieces of lion’s mane, ginger root, black peppercorns and turmeric (13). You’re sure to feel upbeat while keeping your mind sharp!

Anxiety Reduction

Lion’s mane mushrooms contain powerful compounds that neutralize free radicals associated with premature aging and cell damage, providing one of the strongest antioxidant properties found anywhere. Laboratory experiments have even demonstrated its ability to kill or slow cancer cell growth!

Lion’s mane contains hericenones and erinacines as antioxidants that easily cross the blood-brain barrier to stimulate nerve growth factor and neurotransmitters associated with memory, learning, recall and mood. Furthermore, myelin sheath protection helps give this mushroom its “brain-boosting” reputation; thus earning it its title of “Mushroom of Happiness”.

Researchers found in a recent animal study that mice treated with lion’s mane for one month showed less anxiety and depression compared to control group mice, possibly because it stimulates activity in their hippocampus (an area of the brain involved with emotion regulation and memory) more effectively.

Lion’s mane may also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals diagnosed with ADHD. Research indicating this effect found its way into mice models as well as people living with PTSD/depression whose neuroinflammation had been reduced with its use.

If you’re thinking about giving lion’s mane mushrooms a try to improve your mood or boost memory, make sure that you purchase from a reliable supplier. Look for one who provides information about their products’ sourcing and processing; specifically what part of the mushroom they use (fruiting body vs mycelium). There may also be supplements with specific levels of active ingredients.

Immune Booster

Lion’s mane mushrooms provide many health benefits, from immune support and improved cognition in small human studies, to stimulating myelin production – a bioprotein that protects nerve fibers against damage – giving it its brain-enhancing qualities and making lion’s mane useful in combatting stress, improving focus, depression and anxiety.

Mushroom supplements, commonly available as capsules, can provide an excellent boost to immunity. Studies have also demonstrated their ability to lower cancer cells. They contain D-fraction compounds which may aid inflammation management while serving as natural alternatives to steroids as immunosuppressant medication.

Maitake mushroom, an exquisite gourmet mushroom, has long been considered an immune booster and has been shown to reduce both blood pressure and cholesterol levels in animal studies. Furthermore, maitake contains polysaccharides including proteoglucan which has the power to inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro.

Chaga mushroom offers antioxidant benefits for both body and mind. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy at combatting oxidative stress, fighting free radicals, and decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol.

Mushrooms can be consumed in many different ways, but one of the most beneficial is through making mushroom tea. According to research conducted by Nature’s Rise, drinking one cup of mushroom tea daily in the morning may increase energy, improve focus, and strengthen immunity.

Create your own mushroom tea by steeping three to ten grams of dried mushrooms in hot water for five to ten minutes, adding honey or another sweetener as desired. Or try powdered supplements such as Reishi and Turkey Tail (although please keep in mind they have not been standardised), though do so only under supervision from an integrative healthcare practitioner.

Mood Enhancer

Lion’s mane mushroom tea can provide comforting benefits that may also aid cognitive and immune support. Cultivated for thousands of years across cultures worldwide, its nutritional properties are now easily available as a beverage– making natural medicine more accessible than ever!

Lion’s mane mushroom tea has long been used to improve mental clarity and focus, as its constituent herbicium erinaceus promotes neurotrophin growth factor (NGF). NGF plays an essential role in neuronal health and may help delay dementia as well as other neurological conditions(3).

Lion’s Mane contains many beneficial compounds that make it an adaptogen, or herbs used to help the body deal with stress. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy at relieving symptoms associated with anxiety and depression as well as increasing beneficial gut bacteria to protect against digestive issues like stomach ulcers(4)

Studies have demonstrated that Hericium erinaceus can significantly lower levels of Helicobacter pylori bacteria infection that cause stomach pain, weight loss and vomiting. Furthermore, beta-glucans and polysaccharides found within this mushroom could boost immunity while helping the body fight disease more efficiently(5).

Terpenoids in this herb, including lion’s mane acid, have been shown to enhance mental performance and calm nervous system symptoms, while simultaneously having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that could explain why lion’s mane has been linked with memory enhancements(6).

Lion’s mane mushroom tea supplements come in capsules, tablets, liquid, and tincture forms. If you have preexisting health conditions or are currently taking medications it’s wise to consult with your physician first as the dose can range anywhere between 250 mg to 500 mg daily for adults; when it comes to tea making warm infusion is preferred as this will allow the most beneficial compounds from lion’s mane powder to be extracted and more readily absorbed by your body; typically one or two teaspoons should be mixed into 1 cup of hot water for best results.