We have become fans of Lion's Mane and in this post, we explain why! Lion's Mane is a type of mushroom with many healing properties. It has been used to treat various issues for centuries and is now being studied for its potential in treating Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. In this beginner's guide, we explore what Lion's Mane is, its benefits, and how to take it.

Hi, we're Sheri and Gina, the dynamic duo behind Yonder. As passionate health enthusiasts, we are dedicated to promoting natural wellness rooted in our faith. We believe that our bodies are beautifully designed by God, and by nurturing them with the best nature has to offer, we can honor His creation. We created Yonder to provide top-quality collagen products that support vibrant, youthful living. Our mission is to help others achieve radiant health from the inside out.

The Popularity of Lion's Mane Mushroom

The popularity of Lion's Mane Mushroom scientifically known as Hericium Erinaceus is likely due to the many benefits it offers. Lion’s mane gets its name from its shaggy, white appearance that resembles a lion’s mane. It’s also sometimes called yamabushitake, satyr’s beard, or hedgehog mushroom. This edible mushroom is popular in Chinese cuisine and has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Some of these benefits include improved cognitive function, mental focus, and memory. Additionally, Lion's Mane Mushroom is also popular for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

In recent years, Lion's Mane Mushroom has gained popularity in the Western world as well. Lion's Mane can be incorporated into food or drinks or taken as a supplement. Lion's mane supplements are usually in the form of powders, capsules, and tinctures (extracts).

Some of the most notable Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom include:

1. Improved cognitive function*

2. Mental focus*

3. Memory*

4. Anti-inflammatory*

5. Antioxidant*

6. Boosts energy levels*

7. Improves digestion*

8. Reduces anxiety and depression symptoms*

9. Fights cancer*

10. Boosts immune system*

We discovered the benefits of Lion's Mane in 2020 when going through adversity. Lion's Mane helped so much that we decided to offer this amazing nutrient at Yonder. Combining it with the many benefits of fair trade organic clean coffee using the top 1% of coffee beans in the world!  We created our Yonder Mushroom Coffee which is a unique fusion of USDA-Certified Organic Coffee, plus a potent nootropic mushroom blend of full spectrum USDA-Certified Organic Lion's Mane and Chaga mushrooms, grown and harvested in the USA.  You will love the delicious coffee flavor and finish, with zero mushroom taste.  Each serving and contains 616 mg of Lion's Mane to supercharge your immune system and mental well being, to live your best day.*

How Lion’s Mane Works

Here are some science-backed ways that it may improve your health. Lion’s mane contains several compounds with medicinal properties, including hericystin and erinacines. (1)

Boosts Cognitive Function:* Lion's Mane compound substances may help promote nerve growth and regeneration. In fact, a test-tube study showed that an extract of lion’s mane stimulated the growth of new neurons in rats (2). This finding suggests that this mushroom may help protect against neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Test-tube and animal studies suggest that lion’s mane may help improve cognitive function (3). For example, one study in rats showed that those given a Lion’s Mane supplement had improved mental function and memory. In another study, people with mild cognitive impairment who took Lion’s Mane supplements for 16 weeks performed better on cognitive tests than those who didn’t supplement (6). Lion’s mane may also help improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease. A small study of 10 people with Alzheimer’s found that those given Lion’s Mane supplements for 12 weeks had improved cognitive function.*

Lion’s Mane May Help Fight Depression:* Depression is a common mental disorder that can negatively affect your quality of life. Lion’s mane contains compounds that may help fight depression. For example, hericystin has been shown to increase serotonin levels in rats (7). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mood regulation. What’s more, hericystin has also been shown to increase levels of nerve growth factor in rats. NGF is a protein that helps promote the growth and survival of nerve cells. Some research suggests that low levels of NGF may be linked to depression. Therefore, increasing NGF levels with Lion’s Mane supplements may help alleviate symptoms of depression. In fact, one study showed that people with anxiety and depression who took a Lion’s Mane supplement for four weeks had improved symptoms of depression, compared to those who didn’t supplement.*

Lion’s Mane May Help Reduce Inflammation:* Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation has been linked to several serious diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Lion’s mane contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation. For example, hericystin has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory substances in immune cells (8). What’s more, a test-tube study found that an extract of Lion’s Mane was able to reduce inflammation in colon cancer cells (9).*

Lion’s Mane May Help Boost Energy Levels and Reduce Fatigue:* Fatigue is a common symptom of many conditions, including anemia, autoimmune diseases, and thyroid disorders. Lion’s mane may help increase energy levels and reduce fatigue. This is because it contains compounds that may help improve mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are organelles in your cells that produce energy. A test-tube study showed that Lion’s Mane extract was able to increase mitochondrial function in human cells (10).*

Lion’s Mane May Have Anticancer Properties:* Lion’s mane contains compounds that may have anticancer properties. For example, hericystin has been shown to kill colon cancer cells in test-tube studies (11). Another compound in Lion’s Mane, Erinacine A, has also been shown to kill cancer cells in test-tube studies.*

Lion’s Mane May Help Boost Immunity:* Your immune system is your body’s defense against infection and disease. Lion’s mane may help boost immunity. This is because it contains compounds that have been shown to increase the activity of immune cells. For example, a test-tube study found that an extract of Lion’s Mane was able to increase the activity of macrophages (12). Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection.*

Common Questions & Answers

What is Lion’s Mane good for?

Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain many beneficial plant compounds. According to research, these compounds may stimulate the growth of new brain cells, improve depression and anxiety symptoms, and support gut, heart, and immune health.*

How Much Lions Mane Is Right For You?

If you're questioning how often to take Lion's mane, don't worry you are not alone. Many first-time users of Lion's Mane have the same query. The answer differs based on which form of Lion's mane supplement you use. Having said that, according to research, the optimal daily intake of Lion's Mane mushroom powder extract is between 250 and 1,000 mg. Our Mushroom Coffee, made with organic ingredients, contains 616 mg of Lion's Mane extract in each serving. Compared to other "mushroom coffee" brands that include various types of mushrooms with insufficient doses, our product offers a strong and efficient amount of Lion's Mane.

What side effects does lion’s mane have and is it safe?

Lion's mane has shown to be a highly effective and safe supplement with few to no side effects. Animal testing has found no adverse effects from consuming large doses of lion's mane, though there have been a few cases of mild stomach discomfort reported. If you are allergic to mushrooms or notice any other symptoms after taking the supplement, contact your doctor immediately.*

Conclusion

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a rich source of plant compounds that offer a variety of health benefits. According to research, these compounds may stimulate the growth of new brain cells, improve depression and anxiety symptoms, and support gut, heart, and immune health. Additionally, Lion’s Mane is safe with few to no side effects. First-time users can experiment with different dosages to find what works best for them, but it is generally recommended to consume 250 to 1,000 mg per day in powder extract form or 1000 to 3000 mg in oral tablet form. Try our Yonder Mushroom Coffee, a unique fusion of USDA-Certified Brazilian Organic Coffee, plus a potent nootropic mushroom blend of full spectrum USDA-Certified Organic Lion's Mane and Chaga mushrooms, grown and harvested in the USA.  You will love the delicious coffee flavor and finish, with zero mushroom taste.  Each serving and contains 616 mg of Lion's Mane to supercharge your immune system and mental well being, to live your best day.*

We're Sheri and Gina, the founders of Yonder, a clean collagen company born from our childhood friendship and shared health struggles. Through our faith and dedication to natural wellness, we discovered the transformative power of clean nutritional ingredients, including pure collagen peptides. Now, we want to share this with you. Trust in our firsthand experience and join us on the path to optimal wellness with Yonder - pure, clean, and potent. To learn more about our story and mission, visit our 'Our Story' page.

Our collagen comes in flavorless, chocolate and creamy vanilla.  These are amazing added into our mushroom coffee!