You’ve probably heard about the benefits of lions Mane Mushroom, its positive effects on brain health, its ability to enhance cognition and upregulate the immune system. But maybe you’re a bit hesitant. I mean, how can a humble, weird-looking mushroom have so many health benefits? That’s where we come in: fear not, it’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years! Welcome to the powerful world of medicinal mushrooms!
What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Lion’s Mane mushrooms or Hericium Erinaceus are interesting looking specimens. They are a white, shaggy mushroom and bear a striking resemblance to the mane of a lion as they mature. Hence the name ‘lions mane.’ Some even refer to it as the ‘hedgehog mushroom!’ Lion’s Mane is very versatile, both used for its culinary and medicinal properties. In terms of the latter, Lion’s mane contains many bioactive properties beneficial for the brain, gut and body. In this article, we go through the benefits of lion’s mane mushroom, ways to consume, best methods for Bio-availability, dosage and potential side effects.
Lion’s mane mushroom benefits
Brain Health
Our brains are complex specimens. It’s responsible for the highest energy consumption out of all organs. It is the driving force behind all of our decisions and thought processes, so you want to give those brain cells as much help as possible, naturally, of course! Enter Lion’s Mane extract.
One of the most useful properties of the lion’s mane mushrooms is their nootropic effect. That is, its capacity to enhance cognition and memory. The primary way Lion’s Mane mushroom does this is by stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and remyelination of nerve sheaths.
According to this 2013 study the Hericenones and erinacines found in lion’s mane mushrooms can enhance NGF synthesis in nerve cells. It ultimately led to a 60.6% increase in neurite outgrowth. This is a fancy way of saying that lion’s mane mushroom promotes nerve regeneration in your brain!
Lion’s mane, the brain and ageing
Supplementing lion’s mane mushroom is also a great idea as we get older. One common aspect of ageing is that our nerves and axons begin to slow and cannot conduct an impulse as quickly. This is the beginning of mild cognitive impairment (and can lead to Alzheimer’s). Enter Lion’s mane and its ability for neurogenesis, reduction of Neuroinflammation and optimisation of brain health.
This 2009 Japanese study took a group of 50-80-year-old men and ran a double-blind placebo study where half-consumed lion’s mane (or, as they say in Japan: ‘mushroom yamabushitak’e) and half took a placebo. After 16 weeks, the control group showed significant improvement in cognitive function. There are a plethora of studies like this, showing Lion’s Mane medicinal mushrooms are able to slow down and even reverse cognitive impairment.
Suitable for young and old
It’s also perfect for young folks due to its capacity to stimulate NGF, brain-derived nootropic factors, and, ultimately, cognitive function. Customers have reported a state similar to flow after taking Lion’s Mane, which can last anywhere from four to six hours. This is incredibly encouraging in a world where teenagers turn to artificial stimulants like Adderall to help get them through study blocks. Why not supplement with lion’s mane mushroom and reap all its associated health benefits instead!
Antioxidant
Li0n’s mane contains antioxidant properties that give it the ability to help scavenge free radicals. Those nasty little critters are a result of our modern lifestyles. While studies are still ongoing, there are signs lion’s mane properties could extend to neuroprotective benefits and potentially help counteract tissue damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body. This is good news for ageing as oxidative stress is one of the leading causes of premature ageing.
Lion’s Mane and The Body
Lion’s Mane mushroom benefits also extend to their adaptogenic properties. This means they help the body deal with physical and emotional stress. Or, more simply, they give the body what it needs when it needs it. (This is why lion’s mane is also referred to as a ‘smart mushroom’).
So while Lion’s Mane mushroom extract can have an uplifting effect on cognition, amazingly, it can also help you sleep. We are avid biohackers and track our sleep with various biofeedback devices through our mushroom research centre. After taking Lions Mane extract before bed, we’ve found that it increases our REM sleep by around 50%, which means our ability for lucid dreaming is also enhanced. It’s through this relentless biofeedback, we’ve developed the perfect sleep stack by combining Lion’s Mane extract with other calming adaptogens in our Sleep and Zen stacks. It’s no wonder our sleep stack is one of our biggest sellers as it leaves you feeling refreshed and re-energised on waking. You can find it here
Need an Energy Boost?
Research has shown Lion’s Mane supplements contains anti-fatigue and energy-increasing properties. Combine this with its ability to reduce inflammation and recovery time, and you have the perfect natural pre-workout supplement. Studies have also shown that lion’s mane mushroom extract helps with fat metabolism, ideal for endurance athletes.
Lion’s mane and fat metabolism
Another study showed that mice who were given lions mane extract while on a high-fat diet showed an increase in lipid metabolism and reduced weight gain. This suggests that lion’s mane could potentially improve fat metabolism.
Lion’s mane mushroom benefits extend to physical performance, fat burning and inflammation, Lion’s mane extract must is a must for those looking to increase athletic performance. This is why we’ve included Lions Mane in our Performance, Energy and Yoga stacks. When combined with other uplifting adaptogens and Byron Bay grown medicinal mushrooms, the result is a synergistic blend that will make you unstoppable!
The Gut
The natural antibacterial properties in Lion’s Mane extract help protect the gut against harmful bacteria and, ultimately, gastric ulcers. While research is still in its infancy, there is evidence that Lion’s Mane mushroom helps protect the stomach lining from harmful substances and may even help treat ulcerative colitis, chron’s disease, and leaky gut syndrome.
This 2013 study evidenced lion’s mane gastroprotective ability. This positive impact on the gastrointestinal system will also help boost immunity. That’s why we’ve included our Lion’s Mane mushroom extract in both our Immunity and Gut stacks.
The Immune System
When it comes to immunity, most people think of Chaga and Turkey tail. But Lion’s Mane is up there with its ability to boost the immune system. This 2017 study showed the Immunomodulatory effects of the polysaccharides contained in lion’s mane mushroom, which are then mediated by intestinal immunology. That’s a bit of a mouthful, isn’t it? In other words, it improves the immune function of your gut through the intestine.
Lion’s mane also contains beta-glucans, a prebiotic fibre. This is another compound that’s amazing for your gut. They also help modulate your immune system, which means it responds appropriately to a pathogen rather than over-reacting. That’s where the problems start.
Bonus!
So while most people take lion’s mane mushroom extract to enhance cognition, it also comes with the added benefit of making your immune system stronger! You can why we think these medicinal mushrooms have the potential to change the world!
Lions Mane supplements and Bioavailability
Most of the worlds medicinal mushroom supply come from China and is in powder form. The unscrupulous purchase it for as little as twenty dollars pet kilo, repackage it and sell for up to $800 per kilo in Australia! Lion’s mane powder is one of the least bioavailable ways to consume this mushroom. The cell walls of Lion’s Mane mushrooms and mycelium are composed of an indigestible fibre called “chitin.” Hot water extraction is the only research-validated process for breaking the active compounds out into a bioavailable form. We take it one step further and go for a month-long dual-extraction process.
Lions Mane Dosage
We get constant feedback that our lion’s mane supplement is the most potent on the market. It doesn’t taste watery like some other lion’s mane supplements out there. It also takes away the need to eat a bunch of lion’s mane culinary mushrooms to receive the same amount of health benefits!
The optimal way to consume our lion’s mane is to drop twenty drops under the tongue and hold it there for a minute before swallowing. The receptors under our tongues open up when in contact with alcohol, so it heads straight into your system. That’s what we mean when we say optimal Bioavailability. A significant benefit of our lion’s mane dual-extract is your ability to mix it into your favourite beverage: coffee, smoothie, and some even use it in cocktails for a bit of extra zing! The beauty of lion’s mane mushroom is that it can be consumed at any time of the day.
Lions Mane Side Effects
Animal research studies have shown lion’s mane mushroom to be extremely safe even at high doses. The main concern with lion’s mane mushrooms is if you are allergic to them. So as with any new supplement, either talk to your doctor or start with a tiny dose of lion’s mane and see how you feel. So far, we have thousands of happy customers with no adverse effects, so the risks are extremely low!
Studies have also shown lion’s mane to be non-addictive; so rest assured that despite all the fantastic positive benefits of lion’s mane, you’re consuming something very safe. We take our product seriously with the utmost attention paid to a sterile, safe environment!
Shroomunity’s Lion’s Mane
Unlike most other mushroom companies who import powder from China, we grow our own Lion’s mane mushroom in the pristine hinterland of Byron Bay, Australia. Our strain originates from a wild-foraged culture native to Byron Bay. So you can rest assured we have the optimal growing conditions to ensure an optimal product. After harvesting and dehydrating, the mushroom is reduced to around a tenth of its original size, ensuring maximum potency. It then undergoes a month-long, dual-extraction process to result in the most available bio available, ultimate strength extract. Whether it’s enhanced cognition, increased gut health and immunity or achieving higher levels of athletic performance, you’ll find Lion’s Mane mushroom contains many beneficial properties to help with a broad spectrum of desired states
Want to try growing your own lions mane, read this guide.
Our Lion’s Mane products
We offer lion’s mane extract straight up. We also include Lion’s Mane mushroom extract in a few of our stacks designed to up-regulate cognitive function, including our ever-popular Neuro Stack
When combined with other Nootropic enhancers like Cordyceps, Rhodiola and mucuna pruriens, it will have your brain firing on all cylinders. We get the most common feedback: “I didn’t know how powerful this was until I stopped using it!” It’s the perfect substitute for the short term, the jittery effect of caffeine. So, instead of that morning coffee, try out lion’s mane extract and light up your brain with Lions Mane!
Our Lion’s Mane extract is available at select outlets in Byron bay or online through Shroomunity.com.
We don’t take the easy option
It would be easy to sell lion’s mane mushroom powder, but we’re not here for the easy road. Our goal was to make THE most bioavailable, potent and powerful product possible. Our month-long dual-extraction process removes ‘chitin’. It unlocks all the mushroom’s bioactive compounds, powerful anti-inflammatory agents, brain-derived neurotrophic factors and other compounds to help improve brain function, fight cancer cells, upregulate cognitive health, reduce oxidative stress, boost your immune system and help fight neurodegenerative diseases- just to name a few! Studies have shown this dual-extraction process is the optimal way to unlock lion’s mane mushroom benefits.
You won’t find better
We initially created our Lion’s Mane extract for us, as we couldn’t find a product strong enough. As word spread among family and friends, demand got out of control, and we decided to create Shroomunity. We’re so confident we have the best Australian grown and made product on the market that we offer a full money-back guarantee. Feel the effects, or we’ll happily refund your purchase.
Mush Love – The Shroomunity Team
