Why is Lion’s Mane all the Rage?

If you think Lion’s Mane Supplements are just another trendy fad, think again! For millennia – long before it became a Western wellness trend – Lion's Mane was revered in Eastern societies. In this article, we unveil the health benefits of this mushroom and explain the reasons behind its explosion in popularity. We shed light upon not only its brain-boosting powers, but a wealth of wisdom gathered across the ages, alongside the newer science-backed health properties of the Lion’s Mane Mushroom.

Wild Beauty

If looks are anything to go by, Lion's Mane stands out as much as its name suggests. With its white tendrils resembling a lion's flowing mane, this mushroom’s appearance is both striking and unusual. Its Latin name is Hericium erinaceus. Hericium means “hedgehog” and erinaceus is also the name for a genus of hedgehogs. So, ironically, the Latin translates to Hedgehog hedgehog! Whatever you think this mushroom most resembles, its unique appearance is as interesting as its health benefits.

Rooted in Nature

Found naturally in temperate forests across Asia, North America and Europe, Lion’s Mane grows parasitically on hardwood trees like beech, oak and maple. It is “saprophytic” in nature – which means it feeds on dead or decaying wood – playing a vital role in the breakdown of organic matter to return nutrients to the ecosystem.

Deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, this remarkable mushroom is known to have supported the health and wellbeing of a nation since the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 CE). In ancient Asian cultures people would forage for it, using it for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Today, the West is just beginning to recognise what the East has known about this fascinating species for thousands of years.

So, what really lies behind this mushroom’s rise in worldwide popularity?

Ancient Asian Wisdom

In Chinese Medicine, Lion’s Mane was used to promote cardio-vascular health, strengthen gut bacteria and even fight cancer. But it wasn’t just the Chinese that recognised its health-giving properties. In Japanese culture, Buddhist monks (the Shugendō) called it “Yamabushitake”, which translates to “Mountain Priest”. The monks recognised the Lion’s Mane’s cognitive benefits and drank tea infused with it to enhance their focus during meditation. Today, Lion’s Mane is classed as a “Nootropic”: this means it is thought to improve thinking and healthy cognitive function.

When it comes to any type of functional mushroom, the term “medicine” is somewhat misleading. Asian cultures have a long and well-known philosophy of wellness that’s rooted in diet. Like the Shugendō, those consuming mushroom supplements across Asia often do so, not to treat a specific ailment, but as part of a healthy lifestyle. This differs from the conventional western approach to medicine, which has been traditionally reactive.

Here in the UK, the NHS has in the past been relatively focused on treating specific illnesses or conditions, with patients seeking medical interventions for clear diagnoses. The philosophy of wellness through diet and supplements is less well-integrated into mainstream healthcare, although things are starting to change and a more proactive approach is gaining traction as people look to preventative measures for long-term health.

Science-backed evidence

There is certainly plenty of anecdotal evidence providing insight into not just humans’ tolerance for Lion’s Mane but also its range of health-giving properties. These benefits are already leading people around the globe to begin taking it as a dietary supplement. However, scientists are now investigating a number of health benefits to explore its potential use in mainstream medicine.

Brain-boosting

Research suggests that Lion’s Mane may help improve memory, focus and overall brain function. It has been shown to boost cognitive performance in people with mild cognitive impairment.[1] Its potential to enhance memory and learning ability has been a major factor behind its surge in popularity.[2]

So, can Lion’s Mane help with brain fog too?

We know that approximately two-thirds of women in their 40s and 50s will suffer from “menopause brain” or “brain fog”. It’s no surprise that Lion’s Mane is often referred to as a potentially helpful supplement for women at this time in their life. Whilst little menopause-specific evidence has been gathered to date, with the growing body of evidence on cognitive benefits, Lion’s Mane may actually help women going through menopause by improving:

Clarity
Mental Performance
Focus and Concentration
Memory

Nerve Regenerating

Lion’s Mane is particularly unique in its ability to promote the regeneration of nerve cells, a benefit that has caught the attention of researchers studying neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This particular species of mushroom contains compounds called “hericenones” and “erinacines”, which are believed to stimulate the synthesis of our Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), helping protect neurons from damage and encouraging the growth of new ones.[3] More research is needed to understand fully the implications for human brain health, but what we know already makes it a very promising supplement if you’re looking to support your cognitive function.

Mood and anxiety reduction

Preliminary research also suggests that Lion’s Mane may have mood-boosting properties, with some animal studies indicating that it can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. [4] [5] [6] This could also be due to its ability to promote nerve health, which in turn supports a healthy brain and emotional balance.

In a small study, women who consumed Lion’s Mane baked into cookies reported reduced feelings of anxiety and irritability after four weeks.[7] While more research is needed to confirm such effects, it’s possible that Lion’s Mane could play a role in improving both mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Immune Balancing

The bulk of research so far has concentrated on Lion’s Mane brain-boosting powers, with comparatively little scientific evidence about its effects on the immune system. Despite this, a preliminary investigation has shown that Lion’s Mane may stimulate immune cells to work against pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella.[8]

Potential protection against cancer

Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners have long believed that Lion’s Mane can help treat cancer. Recently this has led to some early research to see if Lion’s Mane offers protection.[9] Early results look promising, but further research is needed.

If you’d like to delve deeper into the science-backed health properties of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms, look up its entry in the National Library of Medicine.

Medical Matters

If you too are inspired by the volume of anecdotal evidence and growing scientific research, there are several ways to incorporate Lion’s Mane into your wellness routine. Whether you choose a tincture, powder or capsule, the key is to use it consistently to experience the full range of benefits.

In regard to medication interactions, taking Lion's Mane supplements is not recommended if you are taking anti-coagulate (blood-thinning) medication, as it could further slow your ability to produce a blood clot and increase your risk of bleeding. You should consult your doctor or a pharmacist for advice if you are on any blood-thinning medications. Using Lion’s Mane supplements during pregnancy and breast feeding is also not recommended

Tinctures versus other forms of supplement

Tinctures (drops) offer additional benefits over other types of supplements. They are administered by a dropper under the tongue (sublingually). This way they enter the body directly through tissues (mucosa) which are rich in blood vessels and highly permeable. Rather than entering the body via the digestive track, tinctures help to optimise the volume of active compounds reaching the bloodstream, as they are not altered by stomach acids and enzymes. Advantageously, this means a lower dose can give similar or even stronger effects than higher oral doses. Medshrum recommends choosing tinctures every time! However, we do also offer Lion’s Mane in powder form, so the choice is yours.

Provenance

When choosing any functional mushroom supplement, provenance is vital. Look for products that are organically sourced and extracted using methods that preserve the mushroom’s active compounds, such as Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction (UAE). This ensures maximum potency and bioavailability, meaning your body can absorb all the good stuff Lion’s Mane has to offer. Medshrum is accredited by the Soil Association, the most widely recognised certification scheme for organic products in the UK. We are passionate about our sustainable sourcing practices, from the fruiting body that makes up our products to the mycelium packaging they come in.

So, is Lion’s Mane worth all the hype?

Absolutely! Lion’s Mane isn’t just a trendy mushroom – centuries of useful evidence exist from its traditional uses in Asian culture. It’s also (so far) the most scientifically studied functional mushroom. While much of the research has been conducted on animal models, the findings are positive. As a result, Lion’s Mane has gained a strong following among those looking for evidence-based natural supplements to optimise cognitive performance. Additionally, the ability to improve focus without the jittery side-effects of caffeine makes it attractive to many.

As one of the most widely used functional mushrooms with a power that has transcended generations, it’s clear the Lion’s Mane will continue to grow in popularity. Whether you’re looking to improve your memory, enhance focus, beat brain fog, support nerve health, or simply boost your mood – Lion’s Mane offers a natural and effective way to feel the benefits. Check out our Lion’s Mane products – is it your time to ROAR??