Lion’s Mane Mushroom grows wild across the continents of Europe, Asia, and America. The distinctive fungus grows on the trunks of decaying trees. The name comes from the color and shape of the mushroom that grows in bunches of tendrils that resemble a lion’s mane. The mushroom has a tender texture with a flavor like seafood, so it appears in many Asian recipes. Despite its culinary popularity, the mushroom is known even more for its supplemental properties and health benefits.
Historic Medicinal Use
Asian medical treatments have included Lion’s Mane for centuries. Some documents discussing the use of the fungus claim that ancient practitioners once reserved the mushroom for only royal families. The reasons for consuming lions mane mushrooms in earlier centuries were many. A traditional use was to correct low qi or low energy. Patients who complained of insomnia and weakness frequently received a diagnosis of low qi.
Traditional Asian Supplementation
Chinese and Japanese medical practitioners have used this mushroom to boost the health of those with issues related to the spleen and digestive system. Studies in these countries continue to track its potential to help increase the benefits of cancer treatment and many other conditions. The mushroom also has been shown to help boost nervous system response.
Current Western Studies
Many studies in North America have shown the same benefits the Asian researchers discovered. One study published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry listed numerous reported benefits. Some examples include anti fatigue, antihypertensive properties, and anxiety improvement.
Common Modern Methods
Consumers can purchase and use Lion’s Mane as a recipe ingredient, but many prefer it as a supplement. Supplementation enables people to consistently measure and consume an adequate level for their health-related goals. Supplements also make it more palatable to those not fond of the taste or texture of mushrooms in a meal. Supplements come in capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. It is easy to take the dosage alone or to mix it into food or beverages.
Possible Supplement Benefits
Lion’s Mane contains ingredients that protect against free radical damage. Free radicals damage the cells in the body and can lead to several health concerns, like cancer development. The nutritional benefits of the mushroom can also help boost the immune system and support cardiovascular health. People who frequently experience stomach complaints may benefit from the protection the mushroom provides to the stomach lining. This benefit may also contribute to the boost the supplement offers the immune system since the digestive system plays a role in immune system health. The ingredients found in Lion’s Mane are also known to encourage nerve cell regeneration and reduce inflammation.
Lion’s Mane can protect the body in many ways through supplementation. No reliable study claims the supplement can cure any disease. Anyone using the product should continue to take their current prescription medications and follow medical orders unless otherwise directed by their doctor. The mushroom has few side effects and is safe for nearly everyone. The only concern with the supplement is its potential to slow blood clotting. For this reason, anyone with a bleeding condition should avoid its use until speaking with their doctor. Slowed blood clotting and the potential to reduce blood glucose levels after surgery also mean usage should stop before a scheduled surgery.
