Consider this mushroom the King of the Forest
Lion's Mane, aka Hericium Erinaceus, is a cool-looking mushroom that has been treasured for its various health benefits for thousands of years. It grows on the trunks of old or dead broadleaf trees in forests across North America, Asia and Europe. Deeply rooted in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, The mushroom has long used to treat ailments related to the nervous system and digestive system, and to support overall well-being. In Chinese medicine, the mushroom is believed to nourish the "shen," or spirit, and is used to improve cognitive function, memory, and overall vitality.
Above, a Lion’s Mane mushroom grows on a tree trunk.
In the last decade or so, the West has taken note. The mushroom’s popularity has grown, research has been conducted, and lion’s mane is increasingly being recognized as a natural remedy for various conditions.
So what can the mushroom do?
According to a 2015 abstract in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, research suggests that Lion’s Mane has antibiotic, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, antifatigue, antihypertensive, antihyperlipodemic, antisenescence, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and neuroprotective properties, as well as properties supporting the improvement of anxiety, cognitive function, and depression.
Compelling? We think so!
According to Forbes Health, the mushroom is a source of natural bioactive compounds, which imbues it with those disease-fighting properties, as well as the power to:
Regulate blood sugar
Reduce high blood pressure
Promote healthy energy levels and combats fatigue
Help to prevent excess blood lipid accumulation
Protect heart health
Slow biological aging
Protect liver health
Protect kidney healthLion's Mane has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, and a study published in the Journal of Neurochemistry, summarized here in Medical News Today, shows that Lions Mane consumption may double neuron growth and enhance cognition. It helps in the regeneration and growth of nerve cells, which can potentially benefit conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Studies around Lion’s Mane and Alzheimer’s are currently underway. It is also currently being studied as an alternative treatment for depression and anxiety disorders.
That is not vanilla ice cream above, that is Lion’s Mane!
The mushroom can be eaten raw, but we suggest you cook it, as it may upset some people’s stomachs. It can also be purchased as tea, in powder form, and in supplement form. Here at A&P, we try to stick to the real thing. Lion’s Mane pizza, anyone? Here is a link recipes for Lion’s Mane.
If mushrooms aren’t your thing, OM Mushroom Superfood suggests 2-4 grams earlier in the day to get the cognitive benefits. Here is Health News top 6 lion’s mane supplements for 2023. Expect two weeks of dosage before you experience benefits.
Until next week, Age and Prosper!