There’s fact that some meals could be a medication. Lion’s mane mushrooms are a great instance as consuming them can enhance your coronary heart, intestine and mind well being. These fungi earn their title from their distinctive form. They appear to be fungi stalactites, as their icicle form offers them the formation of a mane, resembling the king of the jungle.For hundreds of years, lion’s mane mushrooms have been used as edible and medicinal mushrooms — particularly in conventional Chinese language medication — based on the World Journal of Gastroenterology. Like with many Jap cures, folks within the West started utilizing lion’s mane mushrooms as options to conventional medical remedies. They have been discovered to include many well being advantages, which we’ll cowl on this information. What are lion’s mane mushrooms? Often known as Hericium erinaceus, lion’s mane mushrooms are distinctive because of their shaggy form. As they develop, they sprout downward, forming a lion’s mane. These white mushrooms include bioactive substances recognized for enhancing coronary heart, intestine and mind well being. Most research on lion’s mane mushrooms have been carried out on animals (corresponding to rats and mice) and never people. Extra research are wanted to find out how lion’s mane particularly impacts human beings. Furthermore, lion’s mane mushrooms should not medicine. Additionally they do not present any psychedelic results like different mushrooms can. In keeping with a 2020 examine, lion’s mane mushrooms could also be helpful when in search of neurocognitive advantages.Discovering lion’s mane mushrooms in shops will be troublesome, relying on the place you reside. As a result of it is not a standard mushroom, you possible will not discover lion’s mane mushrooms at farmer’s markets or common grocery shops. Nevertheless, you need to be capable to discover them at specialty well being meals shops like Complete Meals. You can even purchase them in complement type from vitamin shops, well being meals shops and on-line retailers. You will discover lion’s mane mushrooms within the wild, as they develop on beech, oak and maple timber in North America, Asia and Europe, per the Mycelium Society. If you wish to forage for them, the perfect time to assemble lion’s mane mushrooms is within the late summer time or early fall. Earlier than you embark on a gathering quest, analysis whether or not your space permits you to forage for lion’s mane mushrooms, as some areas prohibit it. In case you stay the place foraging for lion’s mane mushrooms is permitted, ensure you can adequately determine these mushrooms earlier than selecting them. Or, discover an knowledgeable who will help, making certain you don’t choose the flawed mushroom. Then, see the place they develop and verify for ripeness. You will know it is ripe by feeling the mushroom. If it is spongy and tender, you are good to go. Take a knife to take away the mushroom whereas leaving the roots. Once you return dwelling, cook dinner the mushrooms instantly or retailer them in a paper bag in your fridge for as much as three days. wavipicture/Getty ImagesLion’s mane mushroom benefitsThere are many potential advantages chances are you’ll obtain from lion’s mane mushrooms, corresponding to:Anxiousness discount: A 2018 examine confirmed that mice who ingested lion’s mane mushroom extract skilled antidepressant-like results. One human 2010 examine, during which menopausal girls who ate 4 cookies with lion’s mane mushroom day by day for a month, discovered that lion’s mane might cut back nervousness and melancholy. Ulcer prevention: Ulcers develop wherever in your digestive tract as a result of overgrowth of H. pylori and mucous layer injury from long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, use. Taking lion’s mane mushrooms can inhibit the expansion of the micro organism H. pylori and shield the abdomen lining. Coronary heart illness danger discount: A 2013 examine on rats discovered that taking lion’s mane mushroom extract lowered triglyceride ranges, one of many principal causes folks develop coronary heart illness. In a 2010 examine on mice, taking lion’s mane mushroom extract prevented hyperlipidemia (aka excessive ldl cholesterol) and diet-induced weight problems, each of which might improve the danger of coronary heart illness. Fights most cancers cells: A number of medical research discovered that combining lion’s mane mushroom with human cells creates a robust protection mechanism that kills most cancers cells quicker. These research included blood, liver and gastrointestinal cancers. One other 2013 examine on mice with colon most cancers discovered that taking the mushroom lowered the most cancers unfold to the lungs by as much as 69%. Improves mind well being: Lion’s mane earned the excellence because the “good mushroom” for the advantages it may well supply the mind. A 2009 examine discovered that individuals aged 50 to 80 with delicate cognitive impairments who took 250-milligram tablets containing lion’s mane powder thrice a day for 16 weeks scored increased on cognitive exams than the opposite group who solely took a placebo. Reduces irritation: Irritation may cause many medical situations corresponding to most cancers, coronary heart illness and arthritis. A 2022 examine discovered that taking lion’s mane mushrooms can cut back irritation, whereas a 2015 examine concluded that lion’s mane mushrooms could also be an efficient supply of antioxidant compounds, which might forestall or cut back cell injury. Lion’s mane mushroom facet effectsThere are some unwanted effects chances are you’ll encounter when consuming lion’s mane mushrooms, like: Abdomen discomfort: When taken orally, lion’s mane mushrooms might trigger abdomen discomfort. Slows blood clotting: As a result of lion’s mane mushrooms can sluggish blood clotting, you will need to discontinue use at the very least two weeks earlier than any surgical procedures and notify your surgeon beforehand. Individuals with bleeding situations also needs to take heed and focus on with their physician earlier than consuming lion’s mane. Pores and skin irritations: In keeping with a 2020 examine, lion’s mane mushrooms might trigger a pores and skin rash in those that eat it. Lowers blood sugar: Lion’s mane mushrooms can decrease your blood sugar. When you have diabetes and are on particular drugs, you will need to seek the advice of together with your physician first earlier than introducing any new dietary supplements. Allergic reactions: Some individuals are allergic to lion’s mane mushrooms. In case you discover hives, abdomen ache or swelling, discontinue use. When you have a recognized mushroom allergy, keep away from consuming lion’s mane mushrooms. Being pregnant and lactation: Since there aren’t any research out there to find out whether or not lion’s mane mushrooms are wholesome for you throughout being pregnant, it is a good suggestion to discontinue use once you’re pregnant or lactating. Seek the advice of your physician with any questions or issues. Stieglitz/Getty ImagesLion’s mane mushroom dietary supplements and dosage You will discover three species of lion’s mane mushrooms in North America. They embody H. americanum, H. erinaceus and H. coralloides. When you can decide the mushrooms and eat them uncooked, know they’ve a seafood taste on par with crab meat. In case you’re not a fan of seafood flavors, you’ll be able to combine lion’s mane into your favourite meals, espresso or tea. Learn extra: Mushroom Espresso: How It Works, Potential Well being Advantages and Issues to ConsiderYou can discover lion’s mane mushroom dietary supplements in tablet, liquid and powder type. Dietary supplements are cheap and yow will discover choices for $11 on Amazon, or go to your native Complete Meals or vitamin retailer to find what’s close by. You would possibly marvel what lion’s mane dosage you need to take per day, however there is no normal dosage that works for everybody. That is as a result of dietary dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the US Meals and Drug Administration, so the FDA does not approve them for security earlier than they attain the buyer. In case you plan to take lion’s mane dietary supplements, observe the instructions outlined on the bottle’s label. For uncooked or liquid choices, contemplate talking together with your physician first since they know your medical historical past. Is lion’s mane unlawful?No, taking lion’s mane is not unlawful as a result of it is not a drug, and it does not have psychedelic properties. Lion’s mane mushrooms develop in areas of North America, the place you’ll be able to go and harvest them. Earlier than harvesting, nonetheless, analysis whether or not it is authorized to forage for these mushrooms in your space, as some locations carry restrictions. In case you stay in the UK, you’ll be able to’t forage for lion’s mane mushrooms as they’re protected. Since habitats for lion’s mane mushrooms are beginning to deplete due the ever-changing local weather situations, collect them from accountable sources. Verify to see that they are sourcing sustainability and responsibly with out inflicting hurt to the atmosphere. What to think about earlier than making an attempt lion’s mane mushroomsLion’s mane mushrooms can carry many well being advantages, like lowering irritation and the unfold of most cancers cells, stopping ulcers and enhancing each mind and psychological well being. You may forage for them in areas the place it is authorized or discover lion’s mane at well being meals shops, on-line retailers and vitamin retailers. Because it has a crab meat style, lion’s mane works nicely as a plant-based substitute for dishes requiring this taste profile. You can even add lion’s mane to teas and coffees. Earlier than making an attempt lion’s mane mushrooms, you will need to contemplate the next: Allergic reactions: You will need to make sure you’re not allergic to them. If you have not had allergy testing executed, see how your physique responds to a small dose. In case you discover any hives or swelling after ingestion, discontinue use. Drugs interactions: Lion’s mane mushrooms can decrease your blood sugar. When you have diabetes and are taking sure drugs, seek the advice of your physician earlier than including lion’s mane to your well being routine or food regimen. Monitor your blood sugar ranges to make sure they don’t seem to be dipping too low. Seek the advice of your physician: In case you’re on a number of drugs or have power well being situations, seek the advice of a medical care supplier first. They know your medical historical past and may decide if lion’s mane dietary supplements are best for you.