Why Lion’s Mane is One of the Best Mushrooms for Brain Health *

Lions Mane For the Brain*

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushroom is one of our favorite mushrooms here at Mushroom Revival, hands-down. Did you know that it is one of the best mushrooms for brain health?* We’ll explain why soon enough, but first, let’s get to know this fluffy, furry snowball of a mushroom a little better. Lion’s Mane is a beautiful, whitish, bushy-looking mushroom found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. 

If you haven’t heard of Lion’s Mane, perhaps you’ve heard it by another name, including:

• Brain Mushroom
• hou tou gu (in Chinese)
• Monkey Head Mushroom
• Pom Pom Mushroom
• yamabushitake (in Japanese)

If you see Lions Mane before you learn about it, you might think it’s just a neat-looking edible mushroom. And that is true; however, there is so much more to learn about this fungi! With this in mind (pun intended), let’s look at the support Lion’s Mane offers for brain health.*

Why Lion’s Mane is One of the Best Mushrooms for Supporting Brain Health*

Lion’s Mane mushroom is in a category of herbs (including plants and mushrooms) known as nootropics. Nootropics have traditionally been used to support neural and cognitive function.* Other nootropics include Bacopa, Rhodiola and Ginseng.

Like all functional mushrooms, Lion’s Mane contains various active compounds, including polyphenols, beta-glucans and triterpenoids. Lion’s Mane has been referred to as the first “smart mushroom” by mycologists for its unique capability to help support healthy cognitive function within normal ranges.* 

What makes Lion’s Mane one of the best mushrooms for brain health are the compounds hericenones and erinacines (named after the mushroom’s taxonomy) that it contains.* 

Myelin is another extremely important compound. It is an insulating layer that forms around all nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. Proper insulation allows for the quick and efficient transmission of electrical impulses within nerve cells.*

Want to give Lion’s Mane mushroom — one of the best mushrooms for brain health — a try? Start with our Certified Organic Lion’s Mane Focus Tincture For Cognitive Function & Memory. We add organic cinnamon bark for flavor and to support healthy circulation.*

Lion’s Mane Support Beyond the Brain*

Lion’s Mane has long been used to support the body, both including and beyond the brain.* Native Americans would often carry powdered Lion’s Mane with them and apply it topically to the skin.* Traditionally, this mushroom has also been used in China to support gastrointestinal health.*

The traditional and modern uses of Lion’s Mane include:

• Promotes mental clarity*
• Supports healthy focus and memory*
• Provides cerebral support*
• Promotes optimal nervous system health*
• Supports immune system health*
• Supports cognitive function*

Lion’s Mane is often used in the kitchen. It can be found on menus of gourmet restaurants as a substitute for seafood dishes, providing a tasty source of fiber and protein. You might even see it at your local farmers market. You can also find Lion’s Mane at home grow kits from a lot of local companies as well.  Lion’s Mane is rich with macro- and micro-nutrients.* Check out this blog for some tasty Lion’s Mane recipes! To incorporate even more mushrooms into your diet, check out our Daily 10 Mushroom Mix which is the perfect addition to smoothies, coffee, and other recipes.