Lion’s Mane is slowly becoming one of the most sought-after adaptogens on the market. With its consumption and accessibility increasing, you are bound to be a little curious. 

Through this article we will explain the benefits of adaptogens, more specifically Lion’s mane, how it can be used and its benefits on our bodies.

What is an adaptogen? 

Adaptogens are active ingredients found within mushrooms and plants that impact how your body deals with anxiety, stress and fatigue.

Adaptogens have been highly praised in the wellness world, but to be considered an adaptogen, the plants must meet these three criteria: 

• It is non-toxic when taken in recommended doses.
• It relieves stress. 
• It allows your body to return to a balanced state. 

How Do Adaptogens Work? 

Adaptogens modulate and normalize, unbalanced stress hormones resulting in a reduction in environmental and emotional stressors. For example, if your body is used to a warm climate and you visit somewhere cold, adaptogens can help you respond and recover from the shock in temperature.

What is Lion’s Mane? 

Lion’s Mane is an edible adaptogen that is derived from globe shaped mushrooms that grow on the trunks of dead hardwood trees. Lion’s Mane is composed of two compounds, hericenones and erinacines, both of which have been proven to stimulate the growth of brain cells. 

While there are many adaptogens currently on the market, Lion’s mane is one of the most reputable in its field. These mushrooms have been used throughout East Asian history as a source of food and medicine. It is also known as the “think” mushroom as it supports the development of creativity and productivity within our brains.

What are the Benefits of  Lion’s Mane? 

Research has found that Lion’s Mane may protect against dementia, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduce the risk of cancers and tumours, and encourage repair of nerve damage. 

How to Take Lion’s Mane?

Similar to other adaptogens, Lion’s Mane can be consumed as pills and tinctures, but the most common form is powder.

Powders hold beneficial compounds that make adaptogens bioavailable. The extraction and powdering process is crucial as mushrooms contain chitin in their cell walls. This is vital as the human body can not break down chitin, meaning that solid forms of adaptogens may not be efficiently absorbed by the body. 

In conclusion, Lion's mane is a type of adaptogen that can help the body normalize anxiety and stress level, repair nerve damage and reduce the probability of cancers and tumours in the body.