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Lion’s Mane: The Brain-Loving Mushroom for Mind, Mood & Longevity - Part Four
- Jodi McKee
- Dec 24, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Latin Names- Hericium erinaceus, syn. Hericium erinaceum, Hydnum erinaceus-
With its cascading white tendrils and soft, pom-pom-like structure, Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is one of the most visually stunning mushrooms you’ll ever meet. It looks like something out of a fantasy novel — and honestly, it kind of acts like it, too.
Traditionally revered in East Asian herbal systems and now championed by modern neuroscience enthusiasts, Lion’s Mane has become a rising star in the world of cognitive health, immune support, and mood regulation. And yes — it’s also totally edible and quite delicious.
Let’s explore why this wild-looking fungus is gaining such serious attention for brain health, gut healing, and even nerve regeneration.
Common Names
Lion’s mane, bear’s head, monkey’s head, comb tooth, bearded tooth mushroom, satyr’s beard, bearded hedgehog mushroom, pom-pom mushroom, bearded tooth fungus.
Names, Origins & Mystique
In Japan, Lion’s Mane is known as yamabushitake, meaning “those who sleep in the mountains,” a nod to the robes worn by hermit monks of the Shugendō tradition. In China, it’s called shishigashira ("lion’s head") and hóu tóu gū ("monkey head mushroom"), likely referencing its fluffy exterior and arboreal growing habits.
Though lesser known in Western kitchens than shiitake or oyster mushrooms, Lion’s Mane is a gourmet edible with a unique, seafood-like texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It cooks beautifully, but the real magic lies in its therapeutic properties.
What Makes Lion’s Mane So Powerful?
Lion’s Mane contains a wide array of bioactive compounds, most notably:
Polysaccharides – Support immune function, combat ulcers, and may inhibit tumor growth
Hericenones & erinacines – Unique to Lion’s Mane, these compounds stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), crucial for brain function
Beta-glucans – Known for their immune-modulating effects
Antioxidants & anti-inflammatory agents – Help reduce oxidative stress and cellular aging
And perhaps most uniquely, the small size and structure of its neuroactive compounds allow them to cross the blood-brain barrier — a rarity in the mushroom world.
Brain Health, Cognitive Function & Nerve Support
Lion’s Mane is perhaps best known for its neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects. It supports:
Mild cognitive decline
Memory and focus
Mood regulation
Nerve regeneration after injury
In a Japanese study involving adults aged 50–80 with mild cognitive impairment, participants took 750 mg of Lion’s Mane powder three times a day for 16 weeks. Their cognitive function improved significantly at weeks 8, 12, and 16. After stopping supplementation, scores declined, suggesting that Lion’s Mane must be taken consistently to maintain benefits.
In a separate six-month study in Japan, 100 patients with various neurodegenerative conditions (including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and diabetic neuropathy) were given 5 grams of freeze-dried Lion’s Mane daily in soup. The results? Improvements in perception, cognitive independence, and overall functionality, particularly in those with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's.
Mood, Anxiety & Emotional Resilience
While it’s best known for cognition, Lion’s Mane also shines as a mood-supportive tonic.
In a 4-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, women around age 41 were given cookies containing either 2 grams of Lion’s Mane powder or a placebo. The Lion’s Mane group reported notable reductions in anxiety, irritation, and depressive symptoms, especially around focus and emotional reactivity.
Why?
It likely comes down to Lion’s Mane’s ability to support neuroplasticity, NGF, and overall brain chemistry, offering gentle support for mood balance and stress resilience.
Gut Healing & Ulcer Protection
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lion’s Mane has long been used as a digestive tonic. Modern research backs this up:
In vitro studies show it can inhibit Helicobacter pylori (a major player in ulcers and stomach cancers)
In one study, 65% of gastritis patients taking Lion’s Mane tablets experienced symptom relief, compared to 35% in the placebo group.
Its polysaccharides may protect and regenerate gastric mucosa, reducing inflammation and ulcer formatio.n
Immune Function & Anti-Cancer Potential
Like many medicinal mushrooms, Lion’s Mane is a robust immune modulator, but its effects are especially notable in relation to cancer biology.
Lion’s Mane may:
Stimulate macrophage activity and nitric oxide production
Enhance the immune response to tumor cells
Improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy (notably Doxorubicin)
Inhibit tumor cell growth, especially in liver, esophageal, and stomach cancers
Support cytokine balance, helping immune cells target cancer while reducing inflammation
Dr. Mizuno from Japan’s Shizuoka University identified five potent polysaccharides from Lion’s Mane with significant antitumor activity in liver cancer models.
While more clinical research is needed, the early findings are promising, and the safety profile is excellent.
Nerve Regeneration & Injury Recovery
One of the most exciting areas of Lion’s Mane research involves nerve repair and regeneration.
Hericenones and erinacines stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), essential for neural repair
Animal models show accelerated recovery from nerve damage
Studies are investigating potential use in spinal cord injuries, diabetic neuropathy, and age-related nerve degeneration
Even more fascinating? Research into kappa-opioid receptors ( I know, like BIG WORD TIME) suggests Lion’s Mane may support recovery after brain and spinal cord trauma — an area where conventional medicine has few natural allies.
How to Use Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane can be used both culinarily and therapeutically:
Culinary:
Sautéed fresh (resembles lobster or scallops when cooked)
Added to soups, stews, or broth
Dried slices steeped into tea
Medicinal:
Capsules or tablets (often 500–1000 mg per serving)
Powder – Stir into smoothies, coffee, or herbal blends
Tincture – Dual-extracted formulas capture both water- and fat-soluble compounds
Decoction (mushroom tea) – Simmer dried mushrooms for 20–30 minutes
Long-term use yields the best benefits, particularly for cognitive and emotional health.
Safety & Considerations
Lion’s Mane is generally safe, well-tolerated, and has a long history of edible use. No major side effects have been reported, even in clinical trials.
Still, a few notes:
Always source from reputable suppliers, especially for powders and tinctures
Use caution if you have mushroom allergies
Consult a practitioner if you’re using it alongside chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or immunosuppressants
Final Thoughts: A Mushroom for the Mindful
Lion’s Mane is one of the most promising functional fungi we have for supporting mental clarity, emotional resilience, digestive health, and neural regeneration. With roots in traditional medicine and strong emerging science behind it, it’s a safe, accessible, and potent ally for those looking to age with clarity, calm, and strength.
Whether you’re a student trying to stay focused, a parent navigating stress, or simply someone interested in maintaining cognitive vitality, Lion’s Mane is worth knowing.
Want to Learn How to Grow Your Herbal Garden?
Grab Harvest & Herb: A Modern Medicinal Garden, your guide to growing, harvesting, and preparing nature’s brain-supporting wonders.
Medicinal Mushrooms: Supporting Immunity, Focus & Stress Relief*
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