It’s true that some foods can be medicines, and the Lion’s Mane Mushroom is a great example – eating it can improve your heart, gut and brain health. This fungus got its name from its unique shape – it looks like a mushroom stalactite, with an icicle-like shape forming a mane that resembles the king of the jungle.
According to the World Journal of Gastroenterology, for centuries, the Lionsman mushroom has been used as an edible and medicinal mushroom, especially in traditional Chinese medicine. As with many Eastern remedies, people in the West began using the Lionsman mushroom as an alternative to traditional medicine. The Lionsman mushroom has been found to have many health benefits, which we will discuss in this guide.
What are Lionsman Mushrooms?
Yamabushitake, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is unique for its hairy shape. As it grows, it shoots out downwards, forming a lion’s mane. This white mushroom contains bioactive substances known to improve heart, gut, and brain health. Most of the research on Yamabushitake has been conducted on animals (such as rats) and not humans. More research is needed to determine how Yamabushitake specifically affects humans.
Additionally, Lionsman mushrooms are not a drug, nor are they hallucinogenic like other mushrooms. A 2020 study showed that Lionsman mushrooms may be beneficial if you are looking for neurocognitive benefits.
Depending on where you live, lion’s mine mushrooms may be hard to find in stores. Because lion’s mine mushrooms aren’t a traditional mushroom, you probably won’t find them at farmers’ markets or regular grocery stores. However, you should be able to find them at specialty health food stores, such as Whole Foods. You can also buy them in supplement form from vitamin stores, health food stores, and online retailers.
If you want to forage for mushrooms, the best time to collect lion’s mine mushrooms is in late summer or early fall. Before you set off on your foraging trip, find out if collecting lion’s mine mushrooms is permitted; in some areas it is prohibited.
If you live in an area where picking Yamabushitake is permitted, make sure you can properly identify what mushroom it is before picking it. Or find an expert who can help you avoid picking the wrong mushroom. Next, look at where the mushrooms are growing and see if they are ripe. You can tell if a mushroom is ripe by touching it. If it’s spongy and soft, it’s ok. Use a knife to remove the mushroom, leaving the root intact. When you get home, you can cook the mushrooms immediately or store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Lionsman Mushroom Benefits
Lionsman mushrooms have many potential benefits, including:
- Anxiety reduction: A 2018 study showed that mice who consumed an extract of Lionsman mushroom experienced antidepressant-like effects. A 2010 human study found that Lionsman mushroom may reduce anxiety and depression in menopausal women who ate four Lionsman mushroom cookies daily for a month.
- Ulcer prevention: Ulcers can develop anywhere in the digestive tract due to overgrowth of H. pylori and damage to the mucosal layer caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taking Yamabushitake mushroom can inhibit the growth of H. pylori and protect the stomach lining.
- Reduce the risk of heart disease: A 2013 study in rats found that taking lion’s mushroom extract reduced triglyceride levels, one of the main causes of developing heart disease. A 2010 study in mice found that taking lion’s mushroom extract prevented hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and diet-induced obesity, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
- Fights cancer cells: Several medical studies have found that combining Yamabushitake with human cells creates a powerful defense mechanism that kills cancer cells faster. These studies included cancers of the blood, liver, and digestive tract. Another 2013 study in mice with colon cancer found that consuming the mushroom reduced the spread of cancer to the lungs by up to 69%.
- Improves Brain Health: Lionsman is known as the “smart mushroom” because of its beneficial effects on the brain. A 2009 study found that people aged 50 to 80 with mild cognitive impairment who took a 250-milligram tablet containing lionsman powder three times a day for 16 weeks scored better on cognitive tests than those who took only a placebo.
- Reduces inflammation: Inflammation can lead to many medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. A 2022 study found that taking Yamabushitake can reduce inflammation, and a 2015 study concluded that Yamabushitake may be an effective source of antioxidant compounds that can prevent or reduce cell damage.
Lionsman mushroom side effects
Side effects that may occur from taking lion’s man mushroom include:
- Stomach discomfort: Yamabushitake may cause stomach upset if taken orally.
- Slows blood clotting: Lionsman mushroom may slow blood clotting, so discontinue use at least two weeks prior to surgery and notify your surgeon in advance. People with bleeding disorders should also use caution and consult their doctor before taking lion’s man mushroom.
- Skin irritation: According to a 2020 study, consuming Yamabushitake mushrooms can cause a skin rash.
- Lowers blood sugar levels: Yamabushitake can help lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and are taking certain medications, consult your doctor first before taking any new supplements.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to Lionsman mushrooms. Discontinue use if you experience symptoms such as hives, stomach pain, or swelling. Avoid taking Lionsman mushrooms if you have a known mushroom allergy.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There are no studies to determine whether Lionsman mushrooms are healthy for you during pregnancy, so it is recommended that you discontinue their use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor.
Lionsman Mushroom Supplements and Dosage
There are three species of lion’s manne mushrooms found in North America: H. americanum, H. erinaceus, and H. coralloides. You can pick the mushrooms and eat them raw, but know that they have a seafood flavor that is comparable to crab meat. If you don’t like the seafood flavor, you can also mix lion’s manne into your favorite foods, coffee, or tea.
read more: Mushroom coffee: what it is, its potential health benefits and what you need to consider
Lionsman mushroom supplements are available in tablet, liquid, and powder form. The supplements are inexpensive and $11 on Amazonor visit your local Whole Foods or vitamin store to find one near you.
You may be wondering how much Lionsman you should take per day, but there is no standard dosage that works for everyone. This is because dietary supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and therefore the FDA does not approve their safety before they reach consumers. If you plan to take Lionsman supplements, follow the instructions on the bottle label. For raw or liquid options, consider consulting your doctor first, as your doctor will know your medical history.
Is lion’s mane illegal?
No, it is not illegal to consume Lionsman mushrooms because they are not a drug and do not have hallucinogenic properties. Lionsman mushrooms grow in areas of North America and can be harvested there. However, there are restrictions in some places so find out if it is legal to pick these mushrooms in your area before harvesting them. If you live in the UK, Lionsman mushrooms cannot be picked as they are protected.
Harvest your Yamabushitake from a responsible source, as their habitat is starting to dry up due to ever-changing climate conditions. Make sure they are sourced in a sustainable and responsible way, without harming the environment.
Things to consider before trying Lionsman mushrooms
Lionsman mushrooms have many health benefits, including reducing inflammation and the spread of cancer cells, preventing ulcers, and improving brain and mental health. You can pick them where it’s legal, or find them in health food stores, online retailers, and vitamin shops.
It tastes just like crab meat, making it a great plant-based alternative in dishes that call for a crab meat-like flavor, or you can add crab meat to your tea or coffee.
Before trying Lionsman mushrooms, consider the following:
- allergy: Make sure you are not allergic to it. If you haven’t been allergy tested, try taking a small amount to see how your body reacts. If you experience hives or swelling after taking it, discontinue use.
- Drug Interactions: Yamabushitake has the effect of lowering blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and are taking certain medications, consult with your doctor before incorporating Yamabushitake into your health routine and diet. Be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels carefully to prevent them from dropping too low.
- Ask your doctor: If you are taking multiple medications or have any chronic health problems, talk to your healthcare provider first. Your healthcare provider will know your medical history and can determine if Lionsman supplements are right for you.
