What Are the Benefits of Using Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

The benefits of lion’s mane mushroom range from increasing mental focus, aiding memory, helping to alleviate anxiety, and protecting the digestive tract. What can’t this small but powerful mushroom do?

If you haven’t heard about this amazing mushroom yet, then do we have some news for you! Lion’s mane mushroom is a popular supplement for many people due to all the benefits you can get out of daily use. It’s interesting name comes from the fact that as it grows, it starts to resemble the long, flowing mane of a male lion. Lion’s mane has been popular in culinary recipes and as a folk herb in Asian medicine for many years, and once you see all the benefits that you can get from this supplement, you might want to consider adding it to your healthy lifestyle as well. So just what can this fungi offer you? In this article we’re going to discuss:

• The health benefits of lion’s mane mushroom
• Why you should add this supplement to your daily routine
• When and how to take lion’s mane

The Many Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

So what exactly are the benefits of taking lion’s mane?

Aids in cognitive performance

First of all, lion’s mane is a nootropic, which means that it can help improve cognitive functions such as:

• Focus
• Memory
• Recognition
• Clarity
• Nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation
• Creativity

When taken daily, many people feel that they’re brain feels sharper and that they’re able to get more accomplished during their day. But this mushroom not only helps give your focus and clarity a boost, but it has also shown to help people with mild cognitive impairment as well. As we age, our cognitive functions decline, leading many older adults to experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Lion’s mane has shown to even sharpen the memory and recognition skills with people who are dealing with this condition. This gives hope that further research into this supplement will lead to better treatment and possible prevention of dementia related diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Helps relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression

If you’re one of the many people who have symptoms of anxiety or depression, lion’s mane might be something you want to include in your treatment. This is due to the fact that lion’s mane is also a potent anti-inflammatory and can give your immune system an extra boost. While there are many reasons behind the cause of anxiety or depression, one of them might be inflammation. Lion’s mane can not only help fight chronic inflammation, but since it also is able to stimulate NGF, it helps neurons regenerate in the hippocampus--which is the area of the brain that is tied to memories and emotions. 

Can help the nervous system recover faster

As an especially helpful supplement to the brain means that lion’s mane is also great for the support of the nervous system--particularly after an injury. Due to its ability to help promote and stimulate the growth of nerve cells, in animal tests lion’s made has reduced injuries and repaired damages after strokes. This is very promising news for people who have undergone such life-altering injuries.

Keeps the digestive tract healthy

Ulcers can be a major problem, and if you’re prone to this condition, adding lion’s mane to your routine may help fight the growth of bacteria (H. pylori) that has been known to cause them. Studies have even shown that lion’s mane may be able to provide relief for those with ulcerative colitis as well--due to its status as an anti-inflammatory.

May help treat cancer

An animal test showed that lion’s mane can help stop the spread of tumors faster than other cancer drugs, and with less side effects. It was also effective in a test tube study that when the extract was introduced, several forms of cancer cells terminated at a faster rate.

Good for the heart

Both obesity and having high amounts of triglycerides increase your chance for a heart attack, and so does having an underlying condition such as diabetes. Animal studies have shown that when lion’s mane is given to subjects with high triglycerides due to a high fat diet, it not only lowered those levels, but helped reduce their weight as well. Lion’s mane is also effective at blocking the enzyme alpha glucosidase--allowing the body to digest and absorb cards, lowering blood sugar levels to keep diabetes under control.

When and How to Take Lion’s Mane

Get the full spectrum of benefits from the lion’s mane mushroom

As we’ve pointed out, the benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms are many. This might lead you to wonder where you can get a hold of this supplement and how should you start to use it? Lion’s mane is readily available in:

• Powder
• Tablet
• Capsule
• Extract
• In its original form

With all supplements, it’s always best to speak to your healthcare provider first and make a plan together in order to realize your health goals. Along with your doctor, you can discuss the dosage amount that’s right for you--which will depend on how you plan to add this supplement to your diet. There is no right or wrong time to take lion’s mane either--so feel free to make it a part of your day at any time that’s right for you.

Many people choose to use their lion’s mane supplement right before bed--remember it helps relieve anxiety! Because sometimes it’s hard to wind down after a hectic day, there’s a good chance you might have some difficulty falling asleep. Whether that’s due to anxiety or stress, lion’s mane can help quiet your mind, and prepare you for restful sleep. Something to consider when you decide when to take your dose. 

Unlock the benefits of lion’s mane in your life and see increased cognitive function and overall better wellbeing.