Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

• Mushroom for Cognitive Health
• Mushroom for Nervous System Support 

Mushrooms are all around us, they are the true communicators in nature. Medicinal mushrooms have been used globally for thousands of years for their health benefits and can provide the missing link to support our health and well-being. Each medicinal mushroom has its own unique set of compounds to support health, let’s learn more about lion’s mane:

Meet the Mushroom

Lion’s mane is a powerhouse of nutrients and revered in traditional medicine. Also called ‘the mountain priest mushroom’, in recent years it has been investigated for its beneficial effects on cognitive health, with numerous studies supporting the claims made by traditional medicine.  

History/Traditional Uses

Historically, lion’s mane was reserved for royalty, but it has been used for centuries for its anti-microbial and immunological activity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it was used as a tonic for supporting overall health and longevity. Buddhist monks were also said to have used it as a tea to enhance brain power and heighten their focus during meditation. 

Benefits: Why you should use it?

• Brain Health: Studies have found it stimulates production of nerve growth factor (NGF) which helps to maintain the neurons, which are the brain cells responsible for helping us to process and transmit information. It is useful for learning and memory, and helps to optimise neurogenesis; the creation and growth of new brain cells, making it an ideal nootropic for supporting focus and productivity.
• Neuroprotection:  A 2020 study found people with mild Alzheimer’s disease who took lion’s mane daily for 49 weeks saw significant improvements in brain health. Meanwhile, those who took a placebo experienced a decline in several markers of cognitive function. 
• Mental Health: Studies suggest lion’s mane can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by modulating the levels of specific neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play crucial roles in regulating mood, motivation, and stress response.

Key Actives

• Hericenones: Lion’s mane fruiting body is rich in hericenones which are believed to contribute to the mushroom’s cognitive-enhancing properties. They have strong anti-bacterial activity and help stimulate the generation of nerve growth factor (NGF) which is a neuropeptide that helps to maintain neurons and supports optimal brain functioning.
• Beta-glucans: High amounts of polysaccharides including beta-glucans to support immunity.
• Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. 

Product Info  

Our Organic Lion's Mane is a 100% fruiting body extract of lion's mane grown in
Fujian province, under nature-identical conditions on organic rice and wood chips.

It is dual extracted (Up to 14:1 extract ratio) to release and concentrate its polysaccharides and key compounds including hericenones. It has a minimum of 10% beta-glucans, and 2% hericenones, to support immunity and cognitive health.

Our Pure Grade range of extracts are regarded as practitioner quality and contain the highest levels of active compounds. It is common for mushroom capsules and powders to use ‘drinks grade’ extracts that contain a high level of maltodextrin to help encapsulation, and to taste sweeter to the palate. Pure Grade is the hallmark of the highest quality mushroom supplements. 

How to use 

Capsules: Adults take 2 capsules, 1-3 times a day with or without food, or try adding the powder from the capsules into a smoothie. 

Powder: Take 1g 1-4 times a day. Lion’s mane has a mild nutty flavour. You can make a tasty tea using the powder, add it to your matcha, coffee, smoothies, and breakfast bowls. 

FAQs 

When is the best time to take it? : For cognitive and mood support, it’s advised to take lion’s mane in the morning or early afternoon. This timing ensures that its benefits align with periods of peak mental activity. Regular consumption of lion’s mane can help you take advantage of its health benefits.

Are there any side effects? : Rare side effects associated with lion’s mane may include abdominal discomfort, nausea, and skin rash. 

Are there any interactions? : We would advise anyone on any medication, or those who are pregnant/breastfeeding to check with their healthcare practitioner.

Do you test the product? : Yes, it is third party tested, COA are available on request.

Why do you source from China? : The use of medicinal mushrooms was a cornerstone in Traditional Chinese Medicine and this practice dates back thousands of years. No country has more extensive knowledge than China in the growing and extraction of mushrooms. China is also home to some of the vastest and most pristine forests in the world, which provide the ideal environment for mushrooms to grow. It is universally agreed, through ongoing DNA analysis, that China continue to grow the best quality mushrooms in the world.

What’s the difference between this and the Lion’s Mane Focus product?  This is a pure grade product, it is an extract and is more therapeutic than the Lion’s Mand Focus. The fruiting body extract is rich in hericenones and is more geared towards cognitive health and neuroprotection.

Combine with

Lion’s mane can be taken on its own or combined with other supplements and functional foods for synergistic effects. For example, pairing lion’s mane with omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish oil, may enhance its cognitive benefits. Additionally, combining lion’s mane with other adaptogenic herbs, such as ashwagandha or rhodiola, can further support stress resilience and overall wellbeing.

Fungi Fact 

Lions mane is called the ‘Monkey Head Mushroom’ in Chinese and also the ‘Hedgehog Mushroom.’