Lion?s Mane mushrooms are one of the nature?s gift to your health, specifically, to your nervous system. This mushroom is the only one of its kind that possesses two potent nerve growth factors. These have tremendous benefits for those suffering Parkinson?s and Alzheimer?s disease, along with those who are suffering from mild cognitive impairment, anxiety, leg cramps, and multiple sclerosis. For this reason Lion’s Mane mushrooms are very popular when it comes to medicinal mushroom supplements. It is often featured in mushroom supplements that are directly formulated for improvement in memory, mental clarity and cognitive function.
Imagine that, here?s one treatment that is all natural and has the ability to restore the functions of the brain, reverse the effects of damaged nerves, and slow down the progression of multiple sclerosis. This is where Lion?s Mane mushrooms come into play. It is no wonder that it has been used for thousands of years in Asia because of its numerous health benefits. Thanks to modern day research it is now also widely accepted as an excellent dietary supplement, alongside many other vitamins and minerals consumed daily by millions of people across the world and in the USA specifically. People are always looking for a natural alternative to help improve their life and well-being. Mushrooms offer this option. Lion’s Mane is only one type of medicinal mushroom, there are other types like Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga mushrooms that offer different health benefits. You see, not all mushrooms are the same! They are all classed as?”fungi” but different species of mushrooms develop in different parts of the world and ca look drastically different in appearance.
Lion?s Mane mushrooms are?also known by its scientific name Hericium erinaceus. Other than that, it is also known as the bearded tooth mushroom or fungus and bearded hedgehog because of the way it looks. In Japan where it is widely used, it is called yamabushitake, meaning ?mountain priest mushroom.? Almost every country has a different name for the Lion?s Mane Mushroom, mostly would be a variation of that name describing how it looks like.
In Asia, it is popularly known to be able to give you ?nerves of steel? and the ?memory of a lion?.??Apparently, as researchers found out, there is definitely some proof to this claim. Research have shown that intake of Lion?s Mane mushroom improves cognitive function, nerve regeneration, improves digestive function, improves lipid profile, and gives relief from gastritis, among the many other benefits.
Lion’s Mane – The ?Smart Mushroom.?
The Lion?s Mane mushroom has a group of compounds that can regenerate myelin along the axons. This opens a whole new world of neuroprotective benefits. From the fungi expert Paul Stamets, he said that the Lion?s Mane mushroom is a ?smart mushroom? because it gives support that is specific to cognitive functions. This includes attention, creativity, and memory. Basically, it can make you smart! It was even said that for centuries, the Buddhist monks are known to consume Lion?s Mane tea before they go on meditation because it can enhance their power of concentration.
Lion?s Mane mushrooms also aids in stimulating the nerve growth factor or NGF. This is a kind of protein which plays a big role in the survival, maintenance, and regeneration of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. This mushroom has two unique compounds, the hericenones, and erinacines. These are among the most powerful NGF inducers found naturally. They are able to cross your blood-brain barrier and can stimulate the brain to produce new neurons.
Lion’s Mane Treats Anxiety and Depression
Research has discovered that Lion?s Mane mushrooms have shown to reduce the beta-amyloid plaques. These are a kind of protein that form around the fatty membranes surrounding the nerve cells which interferes with neurotransmission. These plaques play a vital role in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson?s and Alzheimer?s. Since Lion?s Mane mushrooms can reduce the levels of these plaques, they will do well as a treatment for those diseases.
Other than the benefits already mentioned, Lion?s Mane mushrooms can also be used as a treatment for depression and anxiety. This is because of its NGF-enhancing properties. The effects of the mushroom include reducing anxiety, feelings or irritation while increasing the levels of concentration. This is good news for people with depression who are looking for natural treatments or trying to withdraw from their medications to try on natural remedies.
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Improve Digestion
Another advantage of the Lion’s Mane mushroom is on improving digestion, regulating cholesterol, and decreasing blood sugar levels. It also gives you healthier skin. This is because of the beta glucane polysaccharides. This kind of polysaccharides are known to improve stomach mucosa functions. This is an important part of the digestive system.
People who have diabetes can also take Lion’s Mane mushrooms because it helps in reducing glucose levels and helps prevent polydipsia. It also has an effect that makes diabetic people more thirsty, making them drink more water, which is good for everyone in general. There is another compound that is present in Lion’s Mane mushrooms; this is the cyathan. This compound helps treat ulcer as well as an ajunct?treatment for esophagus and stomach cancer.
Other Benefits of Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushrooms
Just like the other mushrooms, Lion?s Mane mushrooms also have plenty of therapeutic benefits because of its immuno-supportive and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the other benefits include the preventions of cancer such as colon and lung cancers. Lion?s Mane mushroom can also induce apoptosis in leukemia cells, inhibiting angiogenesis. It also increases metabolism of fat. Lion?s Mane mushroom can also be applied as a topical application for wounds. The wounds tend to heal faster when applied with Lion?s Mane mushroom extract.
It has also been proven that the polysaccharides that are present in the Lion’s Mane mushrooms encourage the development of anti-oxidative enzymes. This makes the aging process slow, making you younger than ever.
Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushroom Supplements
Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushrooms are especially effective?at supporting your memory and metal clarity. While you can find pure Lion’s Mane supplements in the health food store and online it si just as beneficial to combine the mushroom with other potent mushrooms to directly target a specific health issue. For example, MycoFormulas Memory supplement contains 700mg of Lion’s Mane but it also combined with 100mg of Cordyceps, Reishi and Maitake. Mushrooms that are also considered beneficial for cognitive and nerve function.
There are no known negative effects in ingesting Lion’s Mane mushrooms, whether you are cooking with it or using a dietary supplement. Most of the users that experience any discomfort or side effects at all report that they have itchy skin. This itchy skin can be explained by the boost of the nerve growth factor or NGF. Unless one is allergic, this itchy skin is an indication that Lion’s Mane mushroom is helping you in increasing your NGF levels. If there are any discomforts felt after ingesting Lion?s Mane mushroom, it is best to put it to consult?your physician and get their advice.
So, what’s stopping you from adding medicinal mushrooms to your diet?
With all the things that we have learned about Lion?s Mane mushrooms, surely, this fungus has earned its place in both our kitchens and medicine cabinets. The ones we discussed above are just some of the benefits that can be derived from this mushroom. Do not forget to consult your doctor before introducing a new food or new supplements?to your body.
