What Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

Lion's Mane Mushroom is an edible and medicinal mushroom that can be identified by its long spines, growing on hardwoods, particularly the American Beech.

General Information

Lion’s Mane mushroom has a long history of use in Chinese medicine, which has garnered more interest in the world of “smart drugs” and “nootropics.” The Lion’s Mane has grown in popularity due to its ability to naturally and safely enhance cognitive function and performance, while bodies of research suggest that Lion’s mane contains several beneficial substances including potent antioxidants and beta-glucans.

Top 5 Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Improves Cognitive Function, Enhances Immune System, Provides Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effect, exhibits Anti-cancer activity (4),  and Lowers Cholesterol.

Community Poll Figures :

  100% Paleo

Sustainability Considerations:

No evidence suggests that harvesting wild or farmed Lion’s Mane Mushroom is a cause for environmental concern. 

Remarks and Conclusions:

Lion’s Mane as an ingredient falls within the guidelines of the Certified Paleo Program, and is well-recognized as a Paleo food ingredient.

Products Containing Lion’s Mane:

 Four Sigmatic Foods

Other Facts about Lion's Mane Mushroom 

Used for centuries as a general tonic and health treatment, the Lion’s Mane Mushroom is native to China, Japan, North America and Europe. Though it was traditionally prescribed as a general restorative food,  ancient health practitioners used it to treat what we know now describes neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years the considerable nootropic capabilities of Lion’s Mane have come to the forefront, sparked in large part by the discovery of its connection to Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein that is crucial for the survival and function of nerve cells. Lion’s Mane mushroom increases the amount of NGF in the brain, thus enhancing cognition by reducing inflammation, encouraging neural growth, and improving overall brain health.