Next medicinal mushroom up is Lion's Mane, in China it’s sometimes called “monkey head mushroom. Lion's Mane (hericium erinaceus) has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and was often used for promoting healthy digestion and liver function in addition to being considered an overall rejuvenating health tonic. Nowadays it's most often used as a nootropic for the cognitive benefits and that's also why I place it at the top of the list.
The lion's mane mushroom is not only found in China but also in Japan, Europe and North America. Lion's mane is like the others mushrooms on this list pretty rare but can be found, but would probably require some patience and effort. In Japan it was called yamabushitake which means "mountain priest mushroom". Buddhist monks believed it to possess supernatural powers and they where using lion’s mane to stay focused during meditation. In Europe and North America there are many descriptive names for lion's mane like sheep’s head, bearded tooth mushroom, bearded hedgehog mushroom, pom pom blanc or if your Norwegian like me piggsvinsopp. Usually grows alone or in pairs, fruiting from the wounds of living hardwoods (especially oaks) late summer and fall or over winter and spring in a bit warmer climates. This mushroom is also cultivated commercially on logs or sterilized sawdust and is available fresh or dried in Asian grocery stores.
Wild Lion's Mane
Cultivated Lion's Mane
Science supports the traditional benefits of lion’s mane supplements and has found some new ones as well like supporting neurogenesis. The most common reason people buy lion's mane is as a natural nootropic(non toxic compounds that improve brain performance) for the cognitive and neuroprotective benefits. If you know someone with dementia or alzheimers disease this would be a good one to try. Does not necessarily produce immediately noticeable effects in all people and should be taken over time to experience all of its many benefits. I personally like to combine it with bacopa monnieri, that works very well! Normally I feel the cognitive boost right away but not all people react the same. Like with all supplements its good to buy from a quality brand that you trust. Look for a company that it uses a combination of both hot water and alcohol extraction, that is to make sure you get the full spectrum of the beneficial compounds in lion's mane.
This study has found 70 bioactive compounds in lion's mane:
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02914
Benefits of lion's mane
Improves Brain Function
Enhances Nerve Regeneration
May Help in Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s
Combats Depression and Anxiety
Boosts the Immune System
Has Anti-Cancer Properties
Decreases Inflammation
Has Antioxidant Qualities
Promotes Longevity
Improves Cardiovascular Health and Metabolism
Lowers High Blood Glucose
Improves Circulation
Protects the Gut
Protect the Liver
May Help with Fatigue
Good for the Skin
May Increase Bone Density
Help Adjust Circadian Rhythms
Boost Mood
How much lion’s mane you should take depends on the potency of the extract. For a 10:1 extract (30% polysaccharide content), a typical dosage is from 500-3000 mg per day
Hope your enjoyed the read and that you will try a lion's mane supplement for its awesome brain boosting benefits.
