*(If you are interested in purchasing our recommended Lion’s Mane product(s) then please visit the links at the bottom of this article).
Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as the lion’s mane mushroom, is a powerful superfood adaptogen that has therapeutic benefits for the immune system, brain, and nerves.
The mushroom has a very distinct appearance from other types of mushrooms. Instead of caps and stems, they grow in globular masses, either near the conclusion of their growth cycle when they are rusty-cream coloured, or they have long, flowing white spines.
The two components of a lion’s mane are the mycelium, or root-like structure at the base, and the visible fruiting body, or mushroom. There are substances in both the fruiting body and the mycelium that resembles roots that may be beneficial to health.
These cascading tendrils, which resemble a lion’s mane in some ways, give it its name. This specific species, sometimes known as hedgehog or bearded tooth mushroom, is a parasitic fungus that hangs off of logs and trees.
The mushroom has been discovered to be incredibly powerful at producing what is known as “nerve growth factor,” or NGF, in the brain, more so than any other dietary substance.
The lion’s mane mushroom has several potential advantages for mental, cognitive, and physical health. Natural bioactive compounds, or health-promoting substances present in particular foods and plants, can be obtained from mushrooms. Consequently, it demonstrates anti-microbial, anti-cancer, and antioxidant action, among other disease-fighting qualities.
Other benefits include:
- Regulates blood sugar
- Reduces high blood pressure
- Promotes healthy energy levels and combats fatigue
- Helps to prevent excess blood lipid accumulation
- Protects heart health
- Slows biological aging
- Protects liver health
- Protects kidney health
Treatment for Depression
Lion’s mane mushroom may offer an alternate kind of treatment for depression. Three methods that lion’s mane may lessen depressive symptoms are highlighted below:
- assisting in ensuring that there are enough neurotransmitters
- minimising the loss of nerve development brought on by stressful circumstances
- Reducing inflammation associated with depression
Studies also suggest that nerve growth factor levels may be lower in major depressive disorder patients than in non-depressed individuals. The key components of mood control that nerve growth factor supports are the specialisation, growth, and health of nerve cells.
Because of its impact on nerve growth factor levels, lion’s mane may be able to guard against conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, which are characterised by cognitive impairment.
Treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Since lion’s mane enhances the health and function of the brain research has shown neuroprotective properties against the inflammation and oxidative stress frequently associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to patients who have had TBI.
TBI-induced neurodegeneration, or the progressive disintegration of nerve cells, might result in further disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Lion’s mane therapy may lessen the effects of traumatic brain injury and its aftereffects, such as Parkinson’s disease.
Treatment for Anxiety & Stress
Lion’s Mane can also help with Anxiety and stress. Studies have shown that the nerve growth effect of lion’s mane directly correlates to its anti-anxiety action. It can also provide Support with Gastrointestinal Health such as stomach ulcers.
*If you encounter any adverse effects, stop taking lion’s mane until you’ve had a consultation with a physician. the symptoms of a potentially serious allergic reaction to lion’s mane mushroom include hives, swelling, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
Conclusion:
Author of this article ‘Ashley North‘ describes his personal experience of Lions Mane below.
“I have been taking Lions mane for 3 weeks in form of capsules on a daily basis and from my first capsule, I found vast improvement in focus, mood and cognitive skills. procrastination of day to day tasks have seem to become a thing of the past and I feel motivated through out the day. I have seen a massive boost in concentration and a feeling of happiness is the best way to describe my mood.”
Article written by Ashley North
