Lion's Mane

Introduction

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom that grows on dead hardwood. Instead of a cap, it forms a ball of long white spines that hang down like a mane. In Japan it is called yamabushitake; in China, "monkey head".

History

This mushroom has long been cooked in China and Japan, where it is prized for a texture close to seafood. It is also part of the traditional medicine of these countries (Sokół et al., 2015). Today it is grown on logs or sawdust.

Traditional uses

Fresh, it is sautéed or braised. Dried or as an extract, it is added to drinks such as coffee or tea, or taken as tablets.

Scientific studies

A 2023 pilot study of 41 healthy adults aged 18 to 45 (1.8 g a day) found faster responses on an attention test (the Stroop test) one hour after intake, and a trend towards lower perceived stress after 28 days. The authors describe it as preliminary and call for larger groups. Lion's mane is a food supplement, not a medicine.

Precautions

• Avoid it if you are allergic to mushrooms.
• Possible side effects: digestive discomfort. One rare case of a serious breathing problem has been reported.
• Talk to your doctor before taking it, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Further reading: Memorial Sloan Kettering