I’ve previously discussed medicinal mushrooms like reishi and chaga that I regularly use to promote good health. Today, though, I want to talk about Lion’s Mane, another remarkable mushroom. Not only is it beautiful, but its health benefits are equally impressive!
Lion’s Mane can bolster everything from brain health to digestive wellness, making it a wonderful addition to your natural supplement routine. Below, I’ll provide all the essential information about Lion’s Mane, including what it is, what to look for in a supplement, and its outstanding health benefits. Plus, I’ll share my favorite brand with you!
**What is Lion’s Mane?**
Lion’s Mane mushrooms, or Hericium erinaceus—sometimes called hou tou gu or yamabushitake—are known for their distinctive, shaggy look that resembles a lion’s mane. They have been used for many years in Chinese and Japanese traditional medicine to support brain and nerve health, apart from being a tasty culinary mushroom.
With modern science validating age-old wisdom, researchers have started to delve deeper into the impressive health advantages of Lion’s Mane.
**How do you reap the benefits of Lion’s Mane?**
In my post about reishi, I talked about the significance of the extraction process for medicinal mushrooms. Similarly, extracting the beneficial compounds from Lion’s Mane is crucial, so I recommend reading my detailed post on reishi.
When choosing medicinal mushrooms, opt for products that are extracted using both hot water and alcohol, as each of these methods draws out different beneficial compounds.
After trying numerous mushroom supplements over the years, I’ve discovered my absolute favorite: Eversio Wellness, based in Canada. They use only the fruiting body of the mushrooms and perform dual extraction, ensuring you get all the benefits. You can even save 15% with code JOYOUS at checkout if you decide to try them.
**Top 8 Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane**
Understanding what Lion’s Mane is can help us appreciate its incredible health benefits. To get the most from these benefits, ensure you’re purchasing high-quality mushrooms.
1. **Potent Anti-inflammatory**: Lion’s Mane is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are often linked to chronic diseases.
2. **Supports a Strong Immune System**: Like other medicinal mushrooms, Lion’s Mane boosts the immune system, especially by enhancing intestinal immune function—a key defense against pathogens.
3. **Promotes Healthy Brain Aging**: It contains hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate brain cell growth, potentially helping to prevent diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
4. **May Help with Anxiety & Depression**: Its anti-inflammatory effects are linked to reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, according to animal studies.
5. **Aids Blood Sugar Management**: It can help maintain stable blood sugar levels by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for carbohydrate breakdown.
6. **Protects the Digestive System from Ulcers**: Lion’s Mane can combat ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria and reduce digestive system inflammation.
7. **Supports a Healthy Microbiome**: It promotes a robust gut microbiome, which is vital for overall health.
8. **Enhances Heart Health**: This mushroom may lower triglycerides, prevent cholesterol oxidation, and reduce the risk of blood clots.
**My Favorite Lion’s Mane Supplement**
I love Lion’s Mane for its benefits to both my brain and gut, as well as its immune-supportive and anti-inflammatory properties. Much like with my reishi supplements, I’ve switched to Eversio’s Lion’s Mane for its high quality. Their 8:1 extract is effective; just one capsule a day provides all the benefits.
If you’re interested in trying Eversio’s Lion’s Mane or any other extracts, don’t forget to use the code JOYOUS at checkout for a 15% discount. I hope this helps you curate a supplement routine that aligns with your wellness goals!
**Cooking with Lion’s Mane**
Although it’s hard to find Lion’s Mane in stores, it’s best consumed as a supplement to get the full benefits. But if you happen to find it fresh, don’t be afraid to cook with it—it’s a delicious treat!
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**Joy:** Thanks so much for this info. I started using Eversio mushrooms in November 2023.
**User:** Fantastic! Which ones are you taking?
**Joy:** Chaga, turkey tail, cordyceps.
**User:** Good morning! Is Lion’s Mane helpful for vertigo?
**Joy:** It may help as it supports nerve function and brain health. Certainly worth a try!
**Lisa:** I bought a Lion’s Mane Mushroom Growing Kit at Costco. I’ve grown some lovely mushrooms but I’m a bit hesitant to cook them!
**Joy:** Amazing! Enjoy them; they’re so tasty!
