Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tea

Key Takeaways

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tea Benefits

1. Regenerating the Brain

Lion's Mane stimulates nerve and brain cell growth, enhancing learning and memory, and has the potential to treat neurological conditions.

2. Improving Cognition

Lion’s Mane mushroom supports cognitive function, improves memory, and boosts mental focus by protecting neurons through its stimulation of NGF and BDNF.

3. Relieving Anxiety and Depression

Lion's Mane mushroom reduces anxiety and enhances mood by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter vital for mood and mental function.

What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

Lion's Mane mushroom grows on old tree trunks, especially ones with huge leaves.

It has been used for centuries in Japanese and Chinese cuisine as food and for medicinal purposes. (1)

In Japan, this mushroom is called "Yamabushitake," which means "people walking in the mountains." They gave it that name because the Buddhist monks used to carry it with them as food during their travels.

In recent years, the Lion's Mane mushroom has become very popular due to the effectiveness of its compounds on a wide range of diseases. Its benefits include strengthening memory and treatment of nerve diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's.

It also contributes to treating some diseases of the digestive system, such as stomach ulcers, and digestive system infections.

Lion’s Mane Health Benefits

1 – Regenerating the Brain and Nervous System

Lion Mane is truly unique. It stimulates the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic (BDNF), these two amazing compounds stimulate the growth of new nerve tissue and brain cells. (2)

Releasing BDNF starts a series of genes that grow completely new brain cells and pathways. High levels of BDNF make you learn faster, remember better, age slower, and rapidly rewire your brain.

This mushroom also regenerates nerve cell functioning via its stimulating effects on the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). NGF is similar to BDNF, but it works throughout your nervous system, not just in the brain.

It is currently being tested as an experimental treatment for depression, Alzheimer’s, (3) Multiple sclerosis, (4), and other illnesses.

These compounds, among others, are also thought to help protect the brain against environmental toxins and defend against the natural effects of aging.

2 – Improving Cognitive Function

Research shows that Lion’s Mane mushroom supports cognitive function, improves memory, and boosts mental focus.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on elderly Japanese men and women diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. After eight weeks, the Lion’s Mane group showed significantly increased scores on cognitive functions compared with the placebo group. (5)

There is another interesting fact. Memory is innately tied to how neurons and nerves function in the brain. Since Lion’s Mane protects them through its stimulation of NGF and BDNF, it can improve memory and other different functions.

In one study where subjects were given Lion Mane’s extract, they demonstrated significant improvements in short-term memory. (6)

3 – Relieving Anxiety and Depression Symptoms

Some studies demonstrate a clear indication of the mood-boosting effect of Lion’s Mane mushroom.

One such study was conducted on Japanese menopausal women. It found positive results in supporting emotional well-being and alleviating stress. (7)

Also, studies in mice have shown that the mushroom boosts levels of acetylcholine, which is an essential neurotransmitter that’s important for mood and mental functioning. (8)

Not to mention that the regenerating effect of Lion’s Mane on the brain cells naturally means improving the function of the hippocampus, the region responsible for processing memories and emotional responses. (9)

Safety and Side Effects

Animal studies suggest that Lion’s Mane mushroom is very safe, even when taken at high doses. But if you’re allergic to mushrooms then you should avoid it.