If you have actually ever before observed pom-pom-shaped growths on the trunks of broadleaf trees like beech or oak, it might have been a lion’s hair mushroom (hericium erinaceus). Lion’s hair mushroom grows in woodlands across The United States and Canada, Asia and Europe.
Lion’s mane mushrooms is a natural herb that has actually been used for centuries for its several medicinal purposes, claims Trista Best, a signed up diet professional, ecological wellness professional and consultant with Balance One Supplements.
What Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Lion’s mane is a mushroom with a history of both medical and culinary usages in Asia as well as Europe. Medicinal mushroom use go back to 450 BCE when Greek medical professional Hippocrates uncovered the potential anti-inflammatory residential or commercial properties of fungis as well as its duty in wound cauterization, according to a 2017 research in the Journal of Restorative Medicine [1]
Lion’s hair expands on old or dead broadleaf tree trunks. Broadleaf trees shed their fallen leaves seasonally and also spread their seeds utilizing a vessel, such as fruit.
Lion’s mane is composed of 2 parts: the noticeable fruiting body (the mushroom) as well as the mycelium, which is the bottom framework that looks like origins. Both the fruiting body as well as the root-like mycelium have substances that offer prospective health advantages.
Lion’s Hair Health Benefits
The possible benefits of lion’s hair mushroom are numerous and span physical, cognitive as well as psychological health [2] The mushroom is a source of all-natural bioactive substances, which are health-promoting chemicals discovered in specific foods as well as plants. Because of this, it exhibits disease-fighting properties, including anti-cancer, anti-microbial as well as antioxidant activity.
Research study additionally suggests that lion’s hair may secure nerves from condition or decrease, according to a 2015 abstract in the Journal of Agricultural as well as Food Chemistry. The exact same study wraps up the mushroom displays added health-promoting advantages, such as:
- Regulates blood glucose
- Reduces high blood pressure
- Promotes healthy energy levels and combat neurosis
- Helps to prevent excess blood lipid accumulation
- Protects heart health
- Slows biological aging
- Protects liver health
- Protects kidney health
- Potential Alternative Treatment for Depression
Lion’s hair mushroom might be a potential alternative treatment for depression, according to a 2020 abstract in the Journal of Molecular Science. The abstract highlights three ways in which lion’s mane may reduce clinical depression signs and symptoms:
- Helping ensure the presence of sufficient neurotransmitters
- Reducing the loss of nerve growth produced by stressful situations
- Minimizing inflammation linked to depression
In addition, study shows that individuals living with major depressive problem might have lower nerve growth factor than non-depressed individuals, according to a 2015 meta-analysis in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment [4] Nerve growth factor aids nerve cells specialize, expand as well as stay healthy and balanced, which are essential elements of state of mind regulation.
A number of studies show that lion’s hair enhances nerve growth factor, according to Lexi Watson, a physician of pharmacology, functional medicine expert as well as founder of Oakley Wellness, a technique that specializes in brain wellness and also ideal aging.
May Benefit Brain Health
Lion’s hair’s effect on nerve development factor levels might enable it to assist safeguard against conditions like Alzheimer’s illness that feature cognitive disability.
Lion’s hair is a sort of nootropic, indicating it has compounds that boost mind health and wellness as well as function, according to Best.
Promotes Brain Injury Recovery
A 2021 study in Antioxidants supplies some promising study of lion’s hair for people that’ve experienced stressful brain injury (TBI). The research study found that both lion’s mane mushroom and coriolus versicolor (an additional type of mushroom additionally called turkey tail) exhibit neuroprotective impacts versus the swelling and oxidative stress and anxiety often connected with TBI [6]
Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Lion’s mane might aid relieve tension, according to Best, and also a 2010 research in Biomedical Research provides some proof to support this concept. The research study takes a look at the results of lion’s hair on mind feature and also wraps up that individuals that consumed cookies having 0.5 grams of powdered lion’s hair (specifically the mushroom or fruiting body) for four weeks reported much less anxiety than those who consumed sugar pill cookies. The research writers think that the nerve development effect of lion’s mane mushroom adds to its anti-anxiety action.
Supports Gastrointestinal Health
Lion’s hair mushroom shows ulcer-inhibiting activity, which research suggests might come from its result on the helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) germs. H. pylori can create belly concerns including ulcers, according to a research in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology [7]
Does Lion’s Mane Have Side Effects?
If you experience adverse effects, discontinue lion’s mane usage until you’ve talked to a healthcare provider. Hives, swelling, diarrhea as well as abdominal discomfort were signs and symptoms of a potentially severe allergic reaction to lion’s mane mushroom, according to a 2022 case study in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
How to Use Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane mushroom can be taken as a supplement kind, such as in capsules or a powder, or utilized fresh as a cooking component. When made use of for culinary purposes, lion’s mane mushroom has a light flavor that enables it to mix with a range of dishes and also might be utilized as a plant-based meat substitute or an extra powder mixed right into coffee or tea.
Lion’s Mane Dosage
Similar to any supplement, it’s important to take lion’s mane as routed by the producer’s instructions and also not to exceed the recommended dosage unless directed to do so by a health care provider.
Stay clear of taking lion’s mane while pregnant and lactation given that there’s not enough study to identify its safety and security. Similar to any kind of supplement, talk with your health care carrier to establish if lion’s hair is right for you as well as to identify the appropriate dose for your health and wellness requirements.