Lions Mane Mushroom
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom that belongs to the tooth fungus group, a genus known for its tooth or spine-like fruiting bodies. It is a type of edible mushroom that grows in the wild and is known for its unique appearance resembling the mane of a lion, with long, white spines or tendrils.
​
Native to North America, Asia and Europe, this unique mushroom is commonly found during late summer into the autumn. Lion’s Mane grows on hardwood trees, paying special favour to the American beech, in temperate forests throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
​
It is often used as a culinary ingredient and has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for its potential health benefits, including cognitive improvement and nerve regeneration.
History
The history of Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) dates back to ancient times in Asia, where it was used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Once known as the “Mountain Priest”, Lion's Mane has been a part of Asian culture and Traditional Chinese Medicine long before it was introduced to the west. Historically, it was reserved for royalty and cherished for its cognitive power by Buddhist monks. Buddhist monks were said to have made tea using Lion’s Mane mushroom powder to enhance brain function and heighten their focus during meditation. This is not surprising when you learn of the many brain-boosting benefits it offers.
​
In traditional Chinese medicine, Lion's Mane was believed to have various health benefits, such as improving digestion and boosting energy levels. The mushroom was also considered a tonic food, consumed to improve overall health and longevity.
​
In recent years, Lion's Mane Mushroom has gained popularity as a "superfood" due to its potential health benefits and has become increasingly available in Western countries. Scientific studies have investigated its potential effects on the brain, nervous system, and immune system, with some research suggesting that it may have benefits for cognitive function, nerve regeneration, and reducing inflammation.
Compounds
Lion's Mane Mushroom contains a variety of beneficial compounds, including:
​
-
Beta-glucan: A type of soluble dietary fiber that can help boost the immune system and lower cholesterol levels.
-
Polysaccharides: Complex carbohydrates that can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
-
Ergothioneine: A potent antioxidant that can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
-
Hericenones and erinacines: Compounds that have been shown to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production, which can help promote brain health and improve cognitive function.
-
Amino acids: Lion's Mane Mushroom contains all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
-
Vitamins and minerals: Lion's Mane Mushroom is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, potassium, and zinc.
Health Benefits
Lion's Mane Mushroom is believed to have a number of health benefits, including:
​
-
Enhances cognitive function: Studies suggest that Lion's Mane Mushroom improves cognitive function, protects against dementia, and improves memory, potentially due to its high levels of compounds that support nerve growth. Often referred to as “the smart mushroom," Lion's Mane’s top claim to fame is its ability to improve brain function, particularly memory, focus, and clarity. This benefit is thought to be due to the mushroom’s potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which increase blood flow to the brain.
-
Nerve regeneration: A unique benefit of Lion's Mane is that it promotes the creation of a compound called nerve growth factor. It is a protein that stimulates the production of new nerve cells and strengthens existing ones. Lion’s Mane may encourage damaged nerves to grow and repair more quickly. These findings are particularly promising for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke, as Lion’s Mane may slow or reverse cell degeneration in the brain.
-
Immune system support: Research has shown that Lion’s Mane may stimulate activity of the intestinal immune system, which is the body’s defense against pathogens that enter the body through the mouth and nose.
-
Gut health and anti-inflammatory properties: Studies have also shown that antibacterial activity Lion's Mane has on the gut improves overall digestion and can even protect against stomach ulcers. Lion's Mane Mushroom has anti-inflammatory effects, which are beneficial for conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
-
Helps alleviate anxiety and depression: Studies have shown Lion’s Mane to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
-
Heart health: Studies have been done expressing that Lion’s Mane mushroom extract improves fat metabolism and lowers triglyceride levels . Obesity and high triglycerides are both considered risk factors for heart disease, so this is one way that Lion’s Mane can contribute to heart health.
Culinary Uses
Lion's Mane Mushroom is used in cooking for its unique flavor and texture, which has been described as having a "meaty" or "seafood-like" taste. It can be enjoyed raw, cooked, dried, steeped as a tea, or as supplements. Some popular ways to use it in cooking include:
​
-
​Stir-frying: Lion's Mane Mushroom can be sliced and stir-fried with other ingredients, such as vegetables or meats, to create a flavorful dish.
-
Soups and broths: Lion's Mane Mushroom can be added to soups, broths, and stews to add depth of flavor and nutrition.
-
Sauces: Lion's Mane Mushroom can be blended into sauces or gravies to add a rich, umami flavor.
-
Grilling: Lion's Mane Mushroom can be grilled and served as a meat alternative or as a side dish.
-
Pasta dishes: Lion's Mane Mushroom can be sliced and added to pasta dishes, such as Alfredo or carbonara, to add flavor and texture.
​
Lion's Mane Mushroom can be used fresh or dried, and it is also available in powdered form, which can be used as a seasoning or added to soups and broths. Regardless of the form it is used in, Lion's Mane Mushroom can be a tasty and nutritious addition to a variety of dishes.