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Lion's Mane 101

Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, lion’s mane is an edible mushroom used in cooking and as a medicinal mushroom in traditional medicine.

Lion's Man Mushroom

Other names for the mushroom include hou tou gu and yamabushitake.

The mushroom typically grows on hardwoods, especially beech trees, during the late summer and fall.

Its long, shaggy spines resemble the mane of a lion.

A key ingredient in Calm, lion’s mane has a range of substances that can improve health, thanks in part to beta-glucan and antioxidants.

Potential protection from dementia

Lion’s mane contains erinacines and hericenones, compounds that help to stimulate brain cell growth.

Studies have found that lion’s mane could help to protect people from Alzheimer’s disease.

In mice, it has been shown to reduce memory loss symptoms and neural damage.

Faster recovery from injuries to the nervous system

The fungi’s extract may help to stimulate the growth and repair of nerve cells.

Researchers observed a relatively short recovery time for rats with damage to the nervous system.

In another study, the extract helped to reduce inflammation and brain injury size following strokes.

Digestive track ulcers

Ulcers often form in the digestive tract, often because of an increase in the amount of H. pylori bacteria in the system that can damage the mucous layer in the stomach.

Lion’s mane may stop growth of H. pylori.

Compared to acid reduction drugs, lion’s mane extract was found to prevent stomach ulcers caused by alcohol in animals.

Lion's Mane Mushroom

Depression and anxiety

Lion’s mane’s anti-inflammatory properties could help to reduce anxiety and stress.

Researchers believe that the mushroom improves the function of the hippocampus, which is important for emotional responses and memory processing.

Improved immune system and more

Lion’s mane mushrooms are attributed to a boosted immune system in frequent users.

They increase the intestinal immune system’s activity, which can help to protect the body from pathogens that enter through the mouth or nose. 

The fungi is also used for diabetes symptom-management and cancer treatment.