Lion’s Mane Mushroom Guide: Nutrition, Benefits, Side Effects, More (2024)

FAQs

What are the side effects of eating lion's mane? ›

“Lion's mane is generally well tolerated, but the most common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and a skin rash,” says Dr. Watson. If you experience side effects, discontinue lion's mane consumption until you've spoken with a health care provider.

When taken by mouth: Lion's mane mushroom is possibly safe when used in a dose of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks. Side effects are mild and may include stomach discomfort.

The best way to cook lion's mane mushrooms is to sauté or roast them. Once they're cooked, you can eat them in a sandwich, stir-fry, or on their own.

In one animal study, lion's mane was found to help reduce blood sugars to normal levels while also providing a protective effect on the pancreas, liver, and kidneys.

However, anyone who is allergic or sensitive to mushrooms should avoid lion's mane since it's a mushroom species. There have been documented cases of people experiencing difficulty breathing or skin rashes after exposure to lion's mane mushrooms, likely related to allergies ( 63 , 64 ).

Lion's mane is generally recognized as safe and has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations during therapy nor to episodes of clinically apparent liver injury.

Lion's Mane May Improve Fat Metabolism

Despite this, the Lion's Mane group still had less weight gain than the placebo group. The researchers said Lion's mane might support a healthy weight by modifying the expression of genes associated with fat metabolism.

A few people feel the benefit of lion's mane after a couple of days. But the majority of people notice real effects in 2-3 months, which is about the same for most supplements. Taking lion's mane for this amount of time gives your body chance to absorb and adapt to the mushroom for long-term effects.

The active compounds in Lion's Mane have been seen to advance the production of BDNF. This is key for the growth and survival of nerve cells. Through this, Lion's Mane helps promote estrogen production and hormonal equilibrium.

The best form of Lion's Mane is in supplement form, such as our Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplement Capsules. This allows for a concentrated dose of the beneficial compounds found in the mushrooms.

How much lion's mane is too much? ›

Research on the safety and optimal dosing of lion's mane supplements is lacking. So far, research suggests that lion's mane supplements are generally well tolerated and safe when taken orally up to 1 g daily for up to 16 weeks.

The amount of time that Lion's Mane stays in your system depends on a few factors, such as the type of mushroom, the dosage, and your metabolism. Generally, Lion's Mane can stay in your system for up to 24 hours.

Ashwagandha's main roles are battling stress and boosting overall health. On the other hand, Lion's Mane specifically enhances cognition. Ashwagandha supports the immune system and reduces inflammation. Lion's Mane, however, offers neuroprotective and mood-boosting effects.

Those studies showed that lion's mane can help regulate blood sugar and reduce high blood pressure, as well as other mental and brain health applications including treating depression and improving recovery after a traumatic brain injury, according to an article in Popular Science.

Lion's mane medicinal mushroom is not psychoactive, so it does not have any intoxicating effects. However, lion's mane is marketed for its potential to increase focus and is associated with reduced feelings of depression. Again, more rigorous research in humans is necessary to determine its full effects.

Lion's mane medicinal mushroom is not psychoactive, so it does not have any intoxicating effects. However, lion's mane is marketed for its potential to increase focus and is associated with reduced feelings of depression. Again, more rigorous research in humans is necessary to determine its full effects.

Lion's Mane mushrooms are a type of functional mushroom with health benefits that may also help you lose weight. These beneficial mushrooms are the non-psychedelic kind that may play a role in fat metabolism and support healthy body triglyceride levels (a type of fat).

The research on this mushroom's safety and the optimal dosage is “lacking” according to Surampudi. “In general, culinary amounts of fresh lion's mane carries few risks,” Surampudi said but added that some people may experience nausea, abdominal discomfort, and skin rashes after consuming these mushrooms.

To give you a rough idea, for general improved immunity and cognitive functioning, a typical lion's mane dosage is roughly 1000mg per day. Much like other supplements, always consumed alongside a good meal. This also helps to eradicate any feelings of potential nausea.