Lion’s mane mushrooms, also known as hou tou gu or yamabushitake, are large, white, shaggy mushrooms that resemble a lion’s mane as they grow. They have both culinary and medical uses in Asian countries like China, India, Japan and Korea (1). Lion’s mane mushrooms can be enjoyed raw, cooked, dried or steeped as a tea.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are very distinctive looking and easily identifiable. Very few mushrooms resemble Lion’s Mane mushrooms, those that do are also in the Hericium category. Fortunately, all species of Hericium are considered edible (link). This makes the Lion’s Mane mushroom a great one for new foragers.
So, how does Lion’s Mane mushroom work?
Let us find out! the mechanism of action of Lion’s Mane Mushroom is quite different from those of other nootropic products. While such synthetic smart drugs as racetams work by modulating the production of different neurotransmitters, this brain booster works by increasing the amount of Nerve Growth Factor or NGF in the human brain.
Mushroom supplements aside, if you do manage to find lion’s mane mushrooms in the woods, eating your medicine is a great way to go. Lion’s mane mushrooms are known as the “Lobster of the Woods” because they have a mild seafood-like taste when cooked, and they can be used as a vegan seafood substitute in all manner of recipes.
Where do Lion’s mane mushrooms grow?
Mushrooms in the genus Hericium are sometimes hard to find but they grow in much of north america and the world so it’s beneficial for all of us to be familiar with this unique genus. Lion’s mane mushrooms grow on mostly living hardwoods , this makes them easy to spot but a little bit hard to prepare sometimes.
Lion’s mane mushrooms have long, dangling spines that are usually greater than a centimeter in length. Unlike most mushroom species, which have spines that project from a branch, the spines of Hericium erinaceus project outward , giving it that unique look of a lion’s mane.
Does lions mane mushroom work?
Some even call it the “ smart mushroom ” for its ability to improve cognition, memory and work as an anti-depressant . A study by researchers in Japan worked with 30 women. The female subjects had been complaining about menopause, depression, sleep quality and other issues.
Lion’s mane mushroom and its extract have been shown to have a variety of health benefits.
Even though there are few reported side effects linked with the use of Lion’s Mane Mushroom. Most users report experiencing such side effects as a sensation of itchy skin . This can be explained by increased levels of Nerve Growth Factor.
We discovered as we age the connections in our brain seem to become slower and a little more foggy with each passing year. Studies have found that lion’s mane mushrooms contain two special compounds that may actually stimulate the growth of brain cells .
What is Lion’s Mane used for?
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of medicinal mushroom . Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, lion’s mane is widely available in supplement form. Scientific research shows that lion’s mane contains a number of health-promoting substances, including antioxidants and beta-glucan.
What is lion’s mane?
Known in Latin as Hericium erinaceus , lion’s mane is native to North America, Europe and Asia, although it’s not cultivated widely in areas outside of Asia. It’s sometimes referred to as Hedgehog Mushroom, Yamabushitake or Houtou, and it belongs to the tooth fungus, or hydnoid fungi group.
Table of Contents. Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of medicinal mushroom. Long used in traditional Chinese medicine , lion’s mane is widely available in supplement form. Scientific research shows that lion’s mane contains a number of health-promoting substances, including antioxidants and beta-glucan.
What is the best wild mushroom to eat?
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms (Hericium Erinaceus) are both a delicious edible mushroom and a potent medicinal. Add in the fact that they’re easy to identify and abundant in the woods, and you’ve pretty much got the perfect wild mushroom.
What is the difference between Hericium and lion’s mane?
Lion’s mane mushroom strictly refers to Hericium erinaceus but other members of the genus Hericium are very similar and can be identified and used in the same ways. This is a genus of edible mushrooms that also have medicinal properties. These mushrooms are easy to identify and have a great unique flavor.