THE BRAIN-BOOSTING POWERS OF LION’S MANE MUSHROOM

Among medicinal mushrooms, Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus, in Latin) is one of the most beautiful: its inspiring cascade of furry-white filaments is the reason for its name. It’s also one of the most beneficial, in terms of its positive effects upon the human body-mind.

Healing Properties Of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s Mane has long been employed in Chinese and Japanese medical systems to alleviate stress, resolve digestive issues, and strengthen the immune system. The Chinese name for Lion’s Mane is hóu tóu gū (“monkey-head mushroom”), while in Japan it’s known as yamabushitake (“mountain monk mushroom”).

Other uses —in Asian as well as western cultures—include:

•  Reducing inflammation
•  Relieving mild symptoms of anxiety and depression
•  Decreasing the risk of heart disease
•  Healing ulcers
•  Managing diabetes symptoms
•  Helping to fight cancer

The Neurological Activity Of Lion’s Mane

But it’s the neurological effects of this mushroom that are potentially the most revolutionary. Scientific studies have confirmed the ability of Lion’s Mane to enhance the growth of axons and dendrites: the branching limbs that extend outward from the body of neurons and facilitate communication among brain cells.

According to a research review article published in the Journal of Restorative Medicine (Volume 6:1, December 2017):

“The [Lion’s Mane] mushroom is abundant in bioactive compounds … which potentially have neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties and promotion of nerve growth factor gene expression and neurite (axon or dendrite) outgrowth, H. erinaceus [Lion’s Mane] mycelium shows great promise for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.”

In other words, by helping to increase the healthy growth of neurons (i.e. brain cells), bioactive components within this magnificent mushroom may help to slow or even reverse cell degeneration in the brain—which is the primary characteristic of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. To understand a bit more clearly the mechanisms involved in this healing process, let’s explore the anatomy and physiology of neurons.

Axons & Dendrites & Lion’s Mane … Oh My!

As you may recall from your high school biology class, dendrites are the part of the neuron that receives information (in the form of electrical impulses) from other neurons. And axons are the transmitting portion of the neuron: they extend electrical impulses … which are received by the dendrites of neighboring neurons. It’s this neuronal activity—with the axons and dendrites working in concert—that allows our brain and nervous system to receive sensory input from the external world, to send motor commands to our body’s muscles. So it’s really important!

Along with initiating the growth of new axons and dendrites, Lion’s Mane mushroom has also been shown to support the remyelination of axon sheaths. And what exactly is a myelin sheath? It’s the insulating covering of the axon, that increases the speed at which electrical impulses can travel within the nervous system. So healthy myelin sheaths = an efficiently functioning brain and peripheral nervous system.

It’s for these reasons that Hericium erinaceus can be used to protect against and heal dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. It can also be used to treat the effects of stroke; speed recovery from peripheral nerve injuries; and to improve overall cognitive function (i.e. memory, intelligence, and creativity).

Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Cautions & Side Effects

Lion’s Mane appears to be extremely safe. No major side effects that have been observed from the consumption of this mushroom, or its extract.

That said, if you are allergic to mushrooms, you should, of course, be cautious. There have been some documented cases of people experiencing difficulty breathing or mild skin rashes after exposure to lion’s mane mushrooms—symptoms that are likely related to allergies.

The Bottom Line

Supplementing with Lion’s Mane mushroom can be a wonderfully effective way of supporting the long-term health of your brain and nervous system. Host Defense/Fungi Perfecti offers some excellent Lion’s Mane extract and capsules—to get you started.

To your health and happiness!

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