A Beginner's Guide to Lion's Mane

The Latin name "Hericium Erinaceus" alludes to the substances which enable this potent mushroom to work it's magic. Amongst the active ingredients in Lion's Mane Mushroom are the cyathane derivitives hericenones & erinacines which act as nerve growth factors (NGF). A small protein that is needed for the maintenance and growth of certain neurons, NGF is crucial to the overall health of the central nervous system. Problems can arise when the production of NGF in the brain slows down - the protein is too large to cross the blood-brain barrier and this is where the Lion's Mane Mushroom comes into its own. The substances it contains actually stimulate the production of NGF and easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Hericenones stimulate the brain to produce more NGF and erinacines are small enough to cross this barrier and work with the brain to foster the production of NGF, thus stimulating the production of new neurons. 

Buddhist Shaolin monks used the Lion's Mane mushroom in meditation practices, believing it enhanced their concentration thus enabling them to better cultivate the mystical life force "Qi". These compounds may be the key to its reputation for improving memory and concentration.

Also known as "Nature's gift to your nervous system", Lion's Mane is said to give you nerves of steel and the memory of a lion. Although the science surrounding this super-mushroom is in its infancy, evidence already points to many therapeutic benefits to the peripheral and central nervous system. Some conditions that may benefit are; dementia and mild cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression, parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy and stroke recovery, 

Another benefit of the Lion's Mane mushroom is its positive effect on digestion, with recent research suggesting it is helpful in supporting the gastric mucosa. This effect is likely due to it containing beta glucan polysaccharides, polypeptides and fatty acids which protect and enhance digestive tract function.