Lion’s Mane Mushroom Health Benefits for Immune Support

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Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible medicinal mushroom that’s studied for immune support and overall wellness. In this article, you’ll learn how Lion’s Mane may help support a healthy immune response, digestive balance, inflammation control, and brain function, plus simple tips for using it safely.
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Lion’s Mane mushroom has been used for thousands of years throughout China both medicinally and for human consumption. It is a fungus found on old or dead trees historically found throughout the mountainous regions of Asia but can now be found in many health food stores throughout Europe and North America. Just as the name of the mushroom describes, Lion’s Mane is a beautiful white, hairy-shaped fungus that grows long with the appearance of a lion’s mane. This amazing mushroom offers many medicinal benefits, and present-day research suggests that this includes everything from reducing inflammation to improving our immune systems. [ii] Let us examine the health benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms more closely.

Lion’s Mane Improves Brain Function

There is present research that suggests Lion’s Mane may improve brain function. Additionally, “it is neuroprotective and can help with some of the most common mood disorders and neurological diseases.” [iii] Out of the 70 bioactive compounds found in Lion’s Mane [iv], there are antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and immune building substances found within this mushroom. It also acts as a strong antioxidant, meaning that oxidative stress is reduced when ingesting this miracle mushroom. We now know that many diseases are a result of oxidative stress on our cells.

Lion’s mane also curbs depression and anxiety. The mushroom compounds help to release serotonin within the brain, allowing it to decrease depression and anxiety. Some recent medical theories suggest that “depression is the result of chronic brain inflammation, rather than a neurotransmitter imbalance.”[v]  This is wonderful news for anyone suffering from PTSD.

Lion’s Mane Strengthens Immune Function 

Many people do not realize that inflammation is responsible for many health conditions, such as heart disease and low immunity. Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been used in ancient Chinese medicine to strengthen the immune system the reducing inflammation and preventing oxidative stress on the cells.  With the world epidemic of COVID-19, it is important to know what foods can drastically improve our immune system. Lion’s mushroom contains a protein that initiates the growth of certain gut flora bacteria, which improves our immune function. [vi] Our intestinal immune system is directly dependent upon anti-inflammatory and antioxidant processes within the body. Lion’s mane provides the body with the necessary compounds to achieve this, thus strengthening our ability to ward off disease.

Lion’s Mane Cancer Preventative

“The antioxidant properties of Lion’s Mane mushrooms may play a role in cancer prevention or treatment.” [vii]  In animal studies this mushroom has been shown to fight liver, colon, and gastric cancer cells. [viii] There is more research being done on Lions Mane and its effect on human cancer cells; the studies to date have mainly been done only on animal experiments.

Lion’s Mane Reduces Digestive Disorders

Lion’s mane mushrooms have been shown to help reduce digestive problems by reducing the inflammation within the digestive tract. This is important for anyone that suffers from diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive difficulties. Lion’s Mane encourages the growth of good bacteria necessary for the proper functioning of our digestive system and elimination. [ix] Studies have reported that it can help in improving digestive health by reducing inflammation, which is highly beneficial for people who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. The mushroom is also known to result in antibacterial activity that may improve digestion and encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Lion’s Mane may also help reduce ulcers by protecting the stomach lining from bad bacteria. Bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori [x] cause damage to the stomach lining, thus hindering its protection.

Who would think that a mushroom resembling a lion’s mane or a big shaggy dog could hold so many health benefits for us!? We are living in a time where ancient plants are finally being recognized for their miracle benefits for human health. With a global pandemic and the potential for more pandemics to arise, it is crucial that we recognize the importance of strengthening our immune system. Lion’s Mane is still being researched, as the more we learn, the more we recognize the fact that this mushroom has much to give in the place of our daily health regime.