Probably one of the noblest mushrooms, Lion's Mane is a powerhouse and one of our new favorite ingredients.
Have you ever heard of it before? If not, that's okay! Throughout this post, we'll go over what this mushroom is, where it comes from, what it can do for your body, how you can use it and more!
What Is Lion's Mane Mushroom?
Lion's Mane Mushroom are large, white, shaggy-looking mushrooms that grow and resemble the manes of lions, thus the noble name. They are native to North America, Asia and Europe and have been used for both medicinal and culinary purposes for hundreds of years.
They contain a bountiful amount of health benefits and definitely deserve some more recognition for their noble power and influence in the mushroom kingdom.
Benefits Of Lion's Mane Mushroom
Anxiety And Depression
According to a 2010 study, lion’s mane may reduce anxiety, depression and menopause symptoms. Another study from 2010 also demonstrated its particular edge in helping with depression symptoms.
Cognitive Help
Several studies have been done to demonstrate the powerful effect Lion's Mane Mushroom has on cognitive function and health. For instance, a study in 2009 showed cognitive improvement in the minds of 50-80-year-old males. Another study from 2008 showed improvement in symptoms of dementia, while another study from the same year showed how it can improve cognitive impairment.
Cancer
According to a detailed research paper from 2001, Lion's Mane Mushroom has the strong potential to help combat cancer and help improve its symptoms and side effects.
Sleep
Lion's Mane Mushroom has shown to be beneficial for helping induce more restful, healing sleep, according to a more recent 2015 study.
Hormonal Balance
A study from 2010 showed how Lion's Mane Mushroom can help balance hormonal levels and therefore, improve symptoms of mental and emotional side effects (depression, anxiety, menopause, etc.).
Digestion
Though still a developing research development, a study from 2013 showed how Lion's Mane Mushroom improved digestion and help remedy ulcers in rats.
How To Use Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion's Mane Mushroom has a texture that's similar to crab meat, but it has a sweet, savory flavor that can pair well with sea salt or other seasonings when used in culinary dishes.
This mushroom can be used as a spice, enjoyed on its own raw or cooked, made into a tea, taken as a supplement or enjoyed as an ingredient in superfood powders, such as our brand new Organifi Pure.
Organifi Pure
One of the smartest ways to use Lion's Mane Mushroom is by drinking it in a juice powder, such as Organifi Pure. Pure can aid hydration, support your digestion and help your focus and memory.
Along with baobab powder, it contains countless powerful superfoods, including Lion Mane Mushroom, aloe vera, coffeeberry NeuroFactor, ginger, apple cider vinegar, coconut water, and supportive enzymes.
Organifi Pure tastes light and mildly sweet with a refreshing subtle tanginess.
Just mix it with a glass of water and you are ready to go. You may also add Pure to your juices, smoothies and other recipes.
Recipes With Lion's Mane Mushroom
Sauteed Lion's Mane Mushroom
Recipe credit: Sugar Detox Me
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
- Add the olive oil to a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Next add the Lion's Mane Mushroom to the skillet. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until it turns a golden brown on the outside. Finish with a little thyme and remove from heat and serve.
Lion's Mane Mushroom And Garlic
Recipe credit: Emma Frisch
Ingredients:
- olive oil or butter
- minced garlic
- coarsely chopped mushrooms
- Chopped cilantro or parsley
- Serve with a batch of nutty, gorgonzola quinoa.
- Serve with quinoa dressed with olive oil and sea salt.
- Make a quinoa and yellow split pea (or lentil) mix
- Make a simple salad: shredded beets, carrots, and celery with toasted sunflower seeds and Umeboshi Plum Sauce thinned with olive oil.
Instructions:
- In a cast iron skillet
or saucepan, heat the oil or butter.
- Add the garlic and stir with a wooden spoon.
- Just when it is about to turn golden, add the mushrooms.
- Saute the mushrooms, stirring regularly, for about 5-10 minutes or until they brown.
- Remove from eat and serve! See below for pairing options.
Lion's Mane Chai Tea
Recipe credit: Cup and Leaf
Ingredients:
- 3 grams Lion's Mane Mushroom
- 1 tbsp chai spice blend
- 500 ml water
- 1 tbsp coconut milk
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- Dash of honey
Instructions:
- Bring water to a slow boil and add in chai powder. Simmer on low for 20 minutes.
- While the chai is brewing, place Lion's Mane Mushrooms, coconut milk coconut oil and honey in a blender. Blend for 30 seconds on high speed.
- Add the blended ingredients to the chai. Mix well and serve in a tall mug.
- Add frothed milk on top for a creamy texture or sprinkle a little cinnamon for garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where can I find Lion's Mane Mushroom?
A. You can find Lion's Mane Mushroom online or at most health food stores.
Q. Where does Lion's Mane Mushroom grow?
A. Lion's Mane Mushroom is typically found growing on dead or decaying logs throughout Eastern North America and parts of Canada, Asia and Europe.
Q. Can Lion's Mane Mushrooms be eaten raw?
A. Yes, though it's recommended to eat it cooked as raw mushroom can be difficult to digest. Its raw taste can also be off-putting to most people.
Q. Is it safe to take Lion's Mane Mushroom?
A. Yes, though it is important to note that Lion's Mane Mushroom may aggravate symptoms of allergies or asthma. If you have concerns about taking or consuming Lion's Mane Mushroom, consult your doctor.
Q. Does Lion's Mane Mushroom have any side effects?
A. Lion's Mane Mushroom has been known to cause itchiness. This is because it can sometime an increase in Nerve Growth Factor. Unless other signs of allergies occur though, the itchiness shouldn't be a problem. Again, if you have concerns, consult your doctor.
Conclusion
With benefits as noble as its name and appearance, Lion's Mane Mushroom is definitely intriguing and fun to work with and can do great things for your health. Research on this mushroom is on the rise and we're excited to see what more it can provide the human body.
Have you tried using or taking Lion's Mane Mushroom before? What are your thoughts? Do you have any recipes that involve Lion's Mane Mushroom? Have your tried Organifi Pure yet? Share your thoughts and ideas with us in the comments below, we'd love to hear from you.
And remember, we're in this together.
