Does Lion’s Mane Work Against Anxiety?

Hericium erinaceus, known as Lion’s Mane, is a type of mushroom that typically grows on tree trunks. Widely consumed in supplement form, the mushroom has a profound effect on cognition, memory, the immune system, and even depression. Lately there has been a lot of discourse about the benefits of Lion’s Mane for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. We set out to find out how powerful the mushroom really is. 

What is Lion’s Mane?

To put it simply, Lion’s Mane is a mushroom used in eastern holistic medicine. Originally from China, the mushroom looks like a lion’s mane, which is where it gets its name. The benefits of Lion’s Mane were discovered all the way back in 618 AD, when people believed it was advantageous for brain function. Conducting multiple studies since then, researchers have discovered more benefits of the mushroom.

Since coming to the west, Lion’s Mane has been transformed into a powder that is widely available in capsule form. Organic capsules are safe for daily consumption and easy to digest.

Lion’s Mane Benefits

Though Lion’s Mane can have a positive effect on longevity and physical health, it is usually praised for its impact on mental health and cognition. Here are some benefits of Lion’s Mane mushroom that you might not know about:

Improved focus and higher energy

Most people choose to take Lion’s Mane supplements believing that the active ingredient will help them maintain focus and higher levels of energy. While that is true, not many people know how the mushroom achieves that. Its anti-inflammatory properties allow for more blood circulation oxygenating the brain. That, in turn, can remove brain fog and allow you to focus on the task at hand more effectively.

Lowered risk of dementia and brain disease

Adults often experience a decline in neuroplasticity and cognitive abilities. Two compounds present in Lion’s Mane - hericenones and erinacines - have proven to boost the creation of brain cells. Studies conducted on mice showed that the compounds may also have a positive effect on memory, thus reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s. Though more human studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions on the effects of Lion’s Mane, it appears to have an overall positive impact on brain health and memory retention.

Reduced stress

As people are learning to live in a more fast-paced world, many struggle with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies conducted on mice show that Lion’s Mane may lower stress by reducing inflammation. Because not all stress is caused by inflammation in the body, there is not enough evidence to state that Lion’s Mane would be effective for all types of depression and anxiety disorders. It does, however, have the ability to regenerate brain cells, which may lead to a general boost in mental health.

Reduced inflammation

Chronic inflammation may cause a myriad of deadly diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases. Lion’s Mane mushrooms boast anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in the fight against inflammation. Though lowering inflammation doesn’t completely rid the body of disease, it has the potential to dramatically improve physical health and strengthen the immune system. 

Can Lion’s Mane Help With Anxiety?

Lion’s Mane is best known for its ability to boost cognition and alleviate brain fog. Its positive impact on brain health can have a domino effect on mood, reducing symptoms of anxiety in some people. In addition to that, the mushroom’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties may reduce symptoms of anxiety created by inflammation. 

Because of its natural origin, consuming small doses of Lion’s Mane rarely leads to negative side effects. If you want to try to curb your anxiety with Lion’s Mane, the worst side effect you can experience is no effect at all. In other words, there is no harm in trying the mushroom as a way to reduce anxiety. However, Ashwagandha root has been found to be more successful at tackling anxiety and depression.

Lion’s Mane Supplement

Unlike other natural supplements, Lion’s Mane can be consumed as a food. You can purchase raw or dried mushrooms, and cook them at home or eat them uncooked. Those seeking a more functional way to benefit from Lion’s Mane can purchase it in powder, liquid, or capsule form.

While powdered Lion’s Mane gives you the flexibility to use it in drinks and soups, it can easily get lost in the pantry and stay forgotten for a long time. The easiest way to consume Lion’s Mane extract is in supplement form. Leaving capsules on your night stand will remind you to take one in the morning. Capsules are small, making them convenient for consumption on the go. There is no need to turn them into a meal or a drink; all you need is a glass of water to wash them down with.

Lion’s Mane Dosage

Optimal Lion’s Mane dosage for a healthy adult ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 mg per day. Some studies report giving patients as little as 500 mg or as much as 5,000 mg per day. That amount should be split between two or more doses.

That being said, how much Lion’s Mane is too much? It’s quite difficult to overdo it with supplements when you have clear directions for use. Where some people run into problems is with fresh Lion’s Mane. The harshest symptom of mushroom poisoning is GI distress, which should go away naturally in a couple of hours. The best thing you can do is monitor your intake closely and increase your dose gradually. If you’re not sure how much Lion’s Mane your body can utilize, start by taking two 1,000 mg capsules a day. Stay away from the supplement if you are allergic to mushrooms.

Conclusion

Lion’s Mane offers a host of benefits to cognition, memory, and focus. When consumed regularly, it has the power to keep your energy levels consistently high and improve your memory retention. The anti-inflammatory properties of the mushroom can help reduce symptoms of anxiety caused by inflammation. However, stress and anxiety relief are not among the main benefits of Lion’s Mane. Other supplements, such as Ashwagandha, may be better suited for that cause.