Lion’s Mane Mushroom or Hericium erinaceus is part of the tooth fungus group native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It is also referred to as the mountain-priest mushroom, bearded tooth fungus, hou tou gu, and yamabushitake. It is known for its characteristically long spines, occurrence on hardwoods, and tendency to grow in a large, single clump of dangling spines which resemble lush, white hair. Lion’s Mane Mushroom typically grows in the wild during late summer and fall on hardwoods, particularly American beech and maple.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom has many bioactive substances which are beneficial to the body, especially the brain, heart, and digestive system. Its flavor when cooked is reminiscent of seafood and is often compared to crab or lobster, making it a super-functional meat alternative.
There are many health benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom, including its ability to protect from damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease. The mushroom contains two compounds that are known to stimulate the growth of brain cells; hericenones and erinacines. These compounds are beneficial in reducing memory loss and preventing neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques, which accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease. This Mushroom is also beneficial in relieving anxiety and depression due to its ability to regenerate brain cells and improve the function of the hippocampus. It is also helpful in stimulating growth of nerve cells, helping to speed up recovery time of nerve injuries.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom is able to fortify the digestive system from the development of stomach ulcers by preventing the growth of H. pylori and protecting the stomach lining from damage. By reducing inflammation and protecting against tissue damage, the mushroom is beneficial in treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The Mushroom’s health benefits extend to the heart due to the compound hericenone B which helps improve fat metabolism and lowering triglyceride levels, which prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the bloodstream, therefore lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, Lion’s Mane Mushroom is beneficial in reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and boosting the immune system. Not only is this mushroom delicious and functional, but its health benefits extend throughout the entire body and mind. No matter how you choose to enjoy Lion’s Mane—whether it be through tincture (try baceae’s Deep Focus, Lunar Logic Wild Apothecary’s ROAR/Lion’s Mane+ or Enthusiasm, and North Spore’s Lion’s Mane Mushroom), fungi beverages, powder supplements (Anima Mundi’s The Mind, and Lunar Logic Wild Apothecary’s Enthusiasm, or growing your own culinary mushrooms (we love North Spore’s grow kits!), we have what you’re looking for!
Looking for a fun and functional recipe for all the Lion’s Mane you grew from your North Spore Grow Kit? Check out our Lion’s Mane Mushroom Sandwich recipe which makes a delicious and hearty lunch!
