Traditional medicine has used lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) for a very long time. Many of the benefits of lion’s mane mushroom are also supported by modern medical research. It’s a great mushroom to add to your supplement routine, either on its own or as part of a mushroom blend. If you want to start taking lion’s mane, make sure you take it in the morning to get the most benefits.
Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom
There are a wide variety of benefits to lion’s mane mushrooms. The best documented benefits include
- Improved immunity by supporting a healthy gut biome
- Reduced inflammation, free radicals, and oxidative stress
- Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression
- Boosted cognitive performance by improving memory, focus, and clarity
In addition, there is exciting research exploring the possibility that lion’s mane supplements may boost nerve cell regeneration after an injury or damage due to certain diseases. Lion’s mane may also have the potential to help manage diabetes, reduce the risk of heart disease, prevent stomach ulcers, and slow cognitive decline.
Caution: Lion’s mane can lower blood sugar, and it can also act as a blood thinner. If you are diabetic/pre-diabetic or take blood-thinning medications, talk with your doctor before trying lion’s mane. Also, avoid lion’s mane if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to mushrooms.
Why To Take Lion’s Mane in the Morning
Since lion’s mane helps boost mood, energy, and focus, it makes the most sense to take it at the start of your day. Taken in the morning, it aligns with natural circadian cortisol peaks and supports daytime mental clarity.
There is no reason you can’t take lion’s mane in the afternoon or evening if you prefer. Depending on your schedule, it might even make more sense to take it at a different time. For example, if you work nights as my husband does, it might make more sense to take lion’s mane before your shift starts to help you stay alert and focused.
How To Add Lion’s Mane To Your Diet
There are several ways to add lion’s mane mushrooms to your diet or supplement routine. Many people use a liquid or powder supplement form. You can easily stir these into tea, coffee, or another beverage. You can also get lion’s mane in capsule form.
If you can find whole lion’s mane mushrooms, they can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked. You may be able to purchase lion’s mane locally. It is also available online or in grow kits for home cultivation. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to forage lion’s mane mushrooms. Fresh lion’s mane mushrooms are considered excellent for cooking because they absorb lots of flavor. If you’d like more guidance on how to incorporate lion’s mane into your diet to see the most benefits for you, set up an appointment with our nutrition coaches.