The established impacts of lion’s mane mushroom on the mind have led researchers, healthcare providers, and holistic practitioners around the globe to explore this functional fungi’s many benefits for cognition and mental health more deeply. From easing anxiety to sharpening focus, its effects on the brain can be profound. With such widely reported potency for enhancing the cognitive experience, you might find yourself asking a surprisingly common question:
Is lion’s mane psychedelic?
If you’re thinking about adding lion’s mane into your wellness regimen but need a little more info before getting started, we’ve got you.
Psychedelic Mushrooms vs. Medicinal Mushrooms
Both psychedelic and medicinal mushrooms have been in use by numerous cultures for millennia, but for very different reasons.
Psychedelic mushrooms, sometimes called magic mushrooms, include more than 200 species of fungi, mostly belonging to the genus Psilocybe. Marked by their content of the naturally occurring hallucinogenic compound psilocybin, these mushrooms appear to have been a mainstay of those seeking naturally-induced spiritual experiences, euphoric states, and hallucinatory effects that predates recorded human history. European cave paintings, African Stone Age art, and pre-Columbian sculpture in the Americas, with diverse depictions of their use spanning coronation ceremonies to divination rituals, chronicle the long intertwined story of mushroom and humankind. Today, psilocybin mushrooms are commonly found growing in climates from the cloud forests of Mexico and muddy pastures of Central America to the lush pacific coast rainforests of the United States, where they are considered a Schedule I substance.
While lion’s mane mushroom might appear to work magic through its breadth of wellness benefits, a magic mushroom it is not. Medicinal mushrooms (also known as functional mushrooms) like lion’s mane have been relied upon since ancient times as well, and while some of their benefits can be considered spiritual in nature [link out to Spiritual Benefits of Lion’s Mane blog from May], their role through time has centered on health and well-being. You won’t find lion’s mane on any U.S. drug schedules, but in some places, it is considered a protected species and cannot be legally foraged in the wild.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners sought lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) to ease patients’ inflammation and digestive upset, and was thought to be beneficial for immunity, heart health, liver health, blood function, and more. Modern science has clinically demonstrated many of these impacts successfully. Most notably, perhaps, has been the revelation in recent years of this mushroom’s potential for supporting the brain and promoting enhanced cognition.
The Smart Mushroom
Lion’s mane, known as “The Smart Mushroom,” is a nootropic mushroom, or a cognitive enhancer with the ability to help improve human thinking, learning, and memory.
This shaggy white mushroom’s bearded, wooly appearance may betray its vast potential as a cognition-supporting powerhouse, but clinical research has demonstrated the ability of its bioactive compounds to act as natural therapeutics for brain health and cognitive enhancement.
Two compounds unique to lion’s mane, hericenones and erinacines, have been observed to have both neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties. This means the mushroom could serve medicinally to prevent damage to the central nervous system which could lead to numerous disorders, as well as aid in nerve growth and repair. Specifically, these compounds have been shown to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), which helps to both maintain normal function of the nervous system and accelerate its repair after injury.
Cognitive benefits of lion’s mane mushroom include:
Cognitive Function
Evidence supports that lion’s mane may hold the power to help improve mild cognitive impairment, which could mean beneficial properties in the case of certain degenerative conditions.
Sharpened Concentration
A lower-risk alternative than focus-promoting prescription nootropic drugs, lion’s mane mushroom helps to promote sharper focus and sustained concentration by supporting the growth of healthy neural pathways. In fact, lion’s mane has been shown to double the growth of neurons by molecular biologists.
Mental Clarity
Lion’s mane can help to promote greater mental clarity and combat brain fog, in which NGF may play a role, by supporting improved critical thought by working to strengthen neural connections.
Memory Support
Memory loss can be associated with nerve damage in the brain. The ability of lion’s mane to stimulate NGF may provide support for those struggling with memory and recall challenges, given its observed importance to learning and memory. In a study of mice’s memory in a maze test, researchers found that in mice given lion’s mane extract, recognition was significantly enhanced. Trials have been conducted internationally with patients suffering neurodegeneration to determine the possibilities of lion’s mane as a medical treatment for memory disorders.
Balanced Mood
Another way in which lion’s mane benefits the mind is by providing anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. A powerful adaptogen, this functional mushroom supports our ability to regulate the stress response. Hericenones and erinacines have been shown to increase levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters which are commonly deficient in those experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Its impact on NGF may also affect levels of depression and anxiety.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Wellness Benefits
The benefits of lion’s mane for physical wellness have been evident since ancient times, and still hold true today.
Overall Health
Lion’s mane’s ability to support a healthy nervous system impacts more than just or cognitive well-being. A well functioning nervous system is crucial for all of our body’s systems and organs, and lion’s mane has been specifically linked to promoting the health of the heart, liver, and kidneys, and may help to reduce high blood pressure.
Energy Support
By stimulating the growth of NGF, lion’s mane helps to regulate the metabolism and aids our bodies in turning oxygen and fuel into usable energy. Its compounds have also been shown to support blood and oxygen flow to the brain, which is critical to brain function and overall energy levels. Additionally, low levels of dopamine and serotonin, which we’ve seen increased by the use of lion’s mane, have been associated with chronic fatigue and low energy.
Digestive Health
This fuzzy fungi has been observed to support the digestive system by protecting against ulcers, aiding with tissue damage in the intestines.
Blood Sugar Levels
Research has shown that lion’s mane may cause blood sugar levels to decrease, for which reason those taking antidiabetic medications are cautioned to consult their healthcare providers before taking lion’s mane. It may also have potential for mitigating diabetic nerve pain in the hands and feet.
How to Take Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane extract is commercially available in various forms, including gummies, tinctures, and supplement tablets, capsules, and powders, but not all products are created equal. Always look for a product made from the entire mushroom [link to previous mushroom anatomy blog], including mycelium and fruiting body, to experience the full effects of this powerful fungi. Plus, products made with a triple extraction process are your best bet for bioactive potency.
If you’re feeling adventurous, lion’s mane can make an unexpectedly delicious addition to the dinner table as well. Packed with essential nutrients like vitamin D, biotin, folate, magnesium, and potassium, this nutritional powerhouse can be found fresh in the produce aisles of health food stores, specialty retailers, and local farmer’s markets. (Or for the ambitious, can even be grown in your own home.) The mushroom’s flavor has been compared to lobster. For a unique culinary adventure, get creative for mealtime with these Lion’s Mane Mushroom Crab Cakes.
Safety & Potential Side Effects
This functional fungi has generally been reported as safe and well tolerated. Lion’s mane, like all mushroom supplements, should be avoided by those with a known allergy to mushrooms. In studies with animals, no adverse side effects have been observed. In some instances, cases of digestive upset have occurred.
Before beginning any dietary supplement, including functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, always consult your healthcare provider. And, be sure to closely follow dosage instructions.
Whether you reach for lion’s mane tincture or gummies, or decide to craft a culinary masterpiece with this fuzzy-looking fungus, the potential benefits for mind and body are seemingly endless. And while this shroom may not be the magic kind, it could be just the thing your wellness regimen is missing.
Shop lion’s mane mushroom supplements and start your journey to natural cognitive enhancement and wellness here.