Lion's Mane Benefits

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a unique and fascinating fungus that offers numerous health benefits. This incredible mushroom is known for its distinctive appearance, resembling a lion's mane, and its powerful health-promoting properties. Lion's Mane, known as "Hou Tou Gu" in Chinese, translates to "Monkey Head Mushroom," while its Japanese name, "Yamabushidake," means "Mountain Priest Mushroom." In the western regions of North America, wild mushroom foragers may refer to Lion's Mane by various names, such as Pom Pom Mushroom, Bearded Tooth Mushroom, Bear's Head, and Hedgehog Mushroom. 

History and Neurogenesis Effects

Lion's Mane has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to its various health benefits. The mushroom was first recognized for its neurogenesis effects in the 2008 when researchers discovered that it contains two unique compounds, hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate the growth of brain cells (1). These compounds have since been studied for their potential to enhance cognitive function, promote nerve regeneration, and protect against age-related cognitive decline.

Health Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom

1. Improves Cognitive Function: Lion's Mane has been shown to enhance cognitive function, including memory, learning, and concentration. Studies suggest that the mushroom's neurogenesis effects may help improve overall brain health and cognitive function (2).

2. Supports Nerve Growth and Repair: Lion's Mane has been found to stimulate the growth of nerve cells, which may help with nerve regeneration and repair. This makes it a promising natural remedy for conditions like peripheral neuropathy and nerve damage (3).

3. Boosts Immune System: Lion's Mane contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help support a healthy immune system. These compounds may also help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to chronic diseases (4).

4. Reduces Anxiety and Depression: Research suggests that Lion's Mane may have potential anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects. One study found that participants who took Lion's Mane extract for four weeks experienced reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression (5).

5. Supports Digestive Health: Lion's Mane has been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, such as ulcers and gastritis. Studies have shown that the mushroom may help protect the digestive lining and promote healthy gut bacteria (6).

Recommended Doses

The recommended dose of Lion's Mane can vary depending on the form and individual needs. Generally, it is suggested to take 500-3,000 mg of Lion's Mane powder daily or equivalent, divided into two or three doses (7). Liquid extract dosages, like our Ultrasound Lion's Mane Extract have a 1-3ml recommended dose. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Incorporating Lion's Mane into Your Daily Routine

Lion's Mane can be consumed in various forms, including Fresh Lion's Mane, powders, and liquid extracts. For those looking to experience the health benefits of Lion's Mane, our ultrasound extract is an excellent option. Ultrasound extraction ensures that the beneficial compounds in Lion's Mane are preserved, providing you with the highest quality supplement.

If you're interested in enjoying Lion's Mane as a culinary experience, you can purchase Fresh Lion's Mane Mushrooms  and incorporate them into your favorite recipes. Lion's Mane has a delicate, seafood-like flavor and can be prepared in various ways, such as sautéed, roasted, or added to soups and stews and even be your new favorite vegan based meat replacement option!


Lion's Mane mushroom is a remarkable fungus with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Its unique neurogenesis effects and numerous health benefits make it an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle. By incorporating Lion's Mane into your daily routine, you can support cognitive function, nerve health, immune function, and overall well-being.

 A Glimpse Into Traditional Chinese Medicine

Revered for centuries, this unique mushroom has been utilized to alleviate various ailments and promote overall health. In this article, we will explore the traditional uses of Lion's Mane in Chinese medicine and how it has stood the test of time as a potent natural remedy.

Dating back to ancient China, Lion's Mane mushroom was prized for its numerous health benefits. In traditional medicine, it was primarily used to promote digestive health, including improving stomach and liver function, as well as liver protection. Its therapeutic properties were believed to aid in the treatment of various digestive disorders, such as gastritis, ulcers, and inflammation.

Aside from its digestive benefits, Lion's Mane has long been considered a miracle medicine for treating a wide range of ailments. TCM practitioners believed that the mushroom possessed properties that could boost the immune system, enhance cognitive function, and even combat cancerous growths. Additionally, it was thought to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, making it an effective remedy for age-related degeneration and neurological diseases.

In recent years, scientific research has started to corroborate the claims made by TCM practitioners. Studies have shown that Lion's Mane possesses neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties, which may help in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's[8]. It has also been found to exhibit anti-tumor and anti-cancer activities, further supporting its traditional use as a natural cancer treatment[9].

While Lion's Mane is traditionally consumed as a whole food in TMC, modern extraction methods have made it more accessible and convenient. Today, Lion's Mane supplements and extracts are widely available, allowing people worldwide to experience the mushroom's remarkable health benefits.

A Comparison of Consumption Methods

1. Fresh Lion's Mane

Consuming fresh Lion's Mane allows you to enjoy its natural flavor and texture. However, it can be challenging to find fresh mushrooms, and the nutrients may not be as concentrated as in extracts. Additionally, fresh Lion's Mane has a short shelf life, making it less convenient for regular consumption.

2. Lion's Mane Powder Extracts

Lion's Mane powder extracts offer a convenient way to consume this mushroom regularly. The powdered form is easy to add to smoothies, coffee, or other beverages. However, the extraction process might not always capture all the beneficial compounds found in Lion's Mane, resulting in a less potent product compared to other extraction methods.

3. Lion's Mane Dual Extracts

Dual extracts combine both water and alcohol extraction methods to capture a broader range of beneficial compounds from Lion's Mane. This method results in a more potent product than powder extracts, but it can still miss some of the mushroom's essential components.

4. Ultrasound Extracts 

Our in-house ultrasound extract is the most favorable method for consuming Lion's Mane. This innovative extraction process uses ultrasonic waves to break down the mushroom's cell walls, releasing all its beneficial compounds. The result is a highly concentrated, bioavailable product that harnesses the full potential of Lion's Mane.

5. Dried Lion's Mane

Dried Lion's Mane can be reconstituted with broth and used as fresh or used to make brain broth! This is a great way to get everything lion's mane has to offer by pairing Dried Lion's Mane or Powdered Lions Mane with Lion's Mane Triple Extract.

Lion's Mane mushroom contains: 

1. Erinacines: These are potent neuroprotective compounds that promote nerve growth factor synthesis and support brain health 
2. Hericenones: These compounds have neuroregenerative properties and assist in cognitive function improvement 
3. Beta-glucans: These polysaccharides offer immune system support, providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects 
4. Polysaccharide-peptides: These bioactive compounds contribute to the immunomodulatory and gut microbiota enhancement properties of Lion's Mane

References:
1. Mori K, et al. (2008). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research.

2. Lai PL, et al. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms.

3. Zhang CC, et al. (2016). Neuroprotective effects of erinacine A on lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation.

4. Ren Z, et al. (2017). Polysaccharide of Hericium erinaceus attenuates colitis in C57BL/6 mice via regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation-related signaling pathways and modulating the composition of the gut microbiota. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.

5. Nagano M, et al. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomedical Research.

6. Sheng X, et al. (2018). Immunomodulatory effects of Hericium erinaceus derived polysaccharides are mediated by intestinal immunology. Food & Function.

7. Dosage information from WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1531/lions-mane-mushroom

8. Lai, P. L., Naidu, M., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K. H., David, R. P., Kuppusamy, U. R., ... & Malek, S. N. A. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 15(6), 539-554

9. Kim, S. P., Kang, M. Y., Choi, Y. H., Kim, J. H., Nam, S. H., & Friedman, M. (2011). Mechanism of Hericium erinaceus (Yamabushitake) mushroom-induced apoptosis of U937 human monocytic leukemia cells. Food & Function, 2(6), 348-356

10. Lai, P. L., Naidu, M., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K. H., David, R. P., Kuppusamy, U. R., ... & Malek, S. N. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 15(6), 539-554 

11. Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367-372. 

12. Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., Hayashi, C., Sato, D., Kitagawa, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomedical Research, 31(4), 231-237. 

13. Ren, Z., He, C., Fan, Y., Si, H., Wang, Y., & Shi, Z. (2020). Immune-enhancing activities of low molecular weight β-glucan depolymerized by γ-irradiation. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 164, 3306-3313

14. Friedman, M. (2015). Chemistry, nutrition, and health-promoting properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) mushroom fruiting bodies and mycelia and their bioactive compounds. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 63(32), 7108-7123

15. Sheng, X., Yan, J., Meng, Y., Kang, Y., Han, Z., Tai, G., ... & Zhou, Y. (2017). Immunomodulatory effects of Hericium erinaceus derived polysaccharides are mediated by intestinal immunology. Food & Function, 8(3), 1020-1027.