Lion’s Mane has garnered significant attention over the last few years, driven by growing awareness of its vast health benefits. Most people are interested in the most common species known as Lion’s Mane, Hericium erinaceus, but there hasn’t been as much interest in some of H. erinaceus’ congeneric species. Lion’s mane technically only refers to Hericium erinaceus, but numerous mushrooms under the Hericium genus share similar properties. Several species within this genus, several of which we offer as liquid cultures, are colloquially known as Lion’s mane. Not all hericiums are technically Lion’s Mane, but that nickname is still used as a common grouping term.
Species across the entire genus share much in common–they all offer the same health benefits, have similar tastes and textures, and can be found growing in the same environment. While we source genetics for our spore syringes all over the world, the entire Hericium collection available on Inoculate The World was foraged from the same area in the arid Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon and Washington State.
Understanding the Hericium Genus
The Hericium Genus once bewildered traditional morphological categories, but more recent work in molecular biology revealed that Hericium belongs in the Russulales order, and within the Hericiaceae family. Hericium, which means ‘hedgehog’ in latin, produces consistently fleshy, spiny, shaggy and rather abstractly-shaped fruiting bodies. Rather than dispersing spores from a typical cap, Hericiums disperse copious amounts of white mushroom spores from these fuzzy fruiting bodies.
Photo taken by ITW in Washington State
Each of the species in our library were found in the same area, in the Blue Mountains of the Inland Northwest US. It’s not uncommon for mycologists to stumble upon Hericiums while walking in the forest, but they don’t just grow out of the forest floor. Instead, the wild mushrooms prefer to grow out of fallen trees, particularly out of the cracks between the ground and these fallen trees, and underneath other plants, such as ferns, which grow out of such crevices. These little gaps create the perfect microclimate for hericiums to grow out of, and if left undisturbed, they can grow to be truly massive.
Species within the Hericium genus are often differentiated by their morphological traits, rather than by the extensive DNA research we often see with other genera. All hericium species are edible, and contain the same beneficial compounds you are looking for with traditional Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane’s Health Benefits:
Although Lion’s Mane’s health benefits are under-researched, the fungus has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and clinical research is starting to catch up. Lion’s mane is rich in B vitamins, and other nutrients like zinc and potassium, but it also contains the unique bioactive compounds hericenones and erinacines, which contribute to its unique benefits. In TCM, Lion’s mane has typically been used for brain health, as well as the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen, and more recent research on hericenones and erinacines shows promising results for these organs.
Hericenone, one of Lion’s Mane’s main beneficial compounds, may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by preventing blood clotting. Conditions like heart attacks and strokes are caused by large clots which can block arteries throughout the body. Hericenone inhibits platelets from clumping together in your blood, which prevents these clots from forming in the first place.
Additionally, Lion’s Mane can improve cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure. Lion’s Mane can alter how the body stores and breaks down lipids, specifically triglycerides which can put pressure on blood vessels. Specifically, Lion’s Mane can increase the activity of metabolic enzymes, which allows the body to use energy, especially fats, more efficiently.
This preliminary study suggests even more potential benefits for Lion’s Mane. In animal studies, Lion’s Mane helped inhibit the spread of lung cancer, which is thought to work because of H. erinaceus. Additionally, Lion’s Mane may provide benefits for your immune system, blood sugar regulation, or managing general inflammation. Many people consider it to be a great all-around supplement for its wide range of benefits.
Lion’s Mane For Your Brain
Lion’s Mane is considered a nootropic, meaning it enhances capacity for memory and cognition. Its mechanism of action comes from Hericenones (a class of benzaldehydes) and Erinacines (a terpene) which stimulate growth of brain cells. Both compounds cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing them to promote Nerve Growth Factor synthesis. Nerve Growth Factor is a protein that acts as a chemical messenger in the brain. Nerve cells, or neurons, rely on NGF for growth and survival, which can impact numerous key functions of the brain.
Nerve Growth Factor is linked to mood regulation as well as hippocampal function, which is why Lion’s Mane can aid with anxiety and depression, neuroplasticity, and cognition. For individuals who suffer from mood or cognition issues, or general brain fog, supplementing Lion’s Mane can help target some of these symptoms.
Lion’s Mane For Memory
As we age, NGF declines, which means aging individuals are more susceptible to issues related to NGF production. This is part of why we experience cognitive decline and memory issues as we get older. Lion’s Mane’s ability to improve NGF synthesis and binding means it can help protect brain function as we age. Compounds in Lion’s Mane are even shown to protect the brain from Alzheimer’s. Clumps of proteins called amyloid-beta plaques build up in the brain from Alzheimer’s, but Lion’s Mane contains enzymes that can help degrade amyloid-beta and prevent them from accumulating in the brain. NGF can also help prevent further neuronal loss caused by Alzheimer’s.
How To Eat Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane offers a plethora of health benefits, but many people aren’t sure how to start incorporating them into their diet. Because Lion’s Mane looks so unique, it can feel daunting to cook with at first. Fortunately, Lion’s Mane is delicious and versatile.– it’s not just a superfood, but also a gourmet ingredient. Here are just a few approachable ways to fit it into your diet.
Lions Mane Tincture
Cooking Lion’s Mane
It’s easy to grow your own Lion’s Mane, but how do you cook it? The trademark shaggy texture of lion’s mane makes it adaptable– it’ll easily absorb whatever flavors you cook it with. It also has a firm, meaty texture, making it an excellent meat replacement. There are still some typical steps for adding or substituting it in your favorite dish.
One option is to cook a hunk of it on medium heat as a ‘filet’, slowly pressing it down as the water evaporates. Then you can add your favorite marinade or sauce, and sear it once more. Another popular option is to tear the lion’s mane up into strips, saute while pressing all moisture out, and season to taste. Your sauteed strips can work in tacos, stir frys, sandwiches, and more.
Types of Lion’s Mane Supplements
While fresh Lion’s Mane is delicious, there are other options if you aren’t up to the challenge of cooking and growing your own. There are several different types of Lion’s Mane supplements on the market, so you can choose the format that works best for you.
Many people add dried, powdered Lion’s Mane to their coffee and tea. Some companies even put this powder into capsule form for convenience. Powders are more convenient and concentrated than fresh Lion’s Mane, because with all the water removed, all you’re left with is the dried forms of these fruiting bodies.
One even more concentrated form of Lion’s Mane is mushroom extracts, which use alcohol or hot water to extract only the beneficial compounds from the mushroom. Hot water can extract all water-soluble compounds, while alcohol can extract non-water soluble compounds like Terprenes. Our Lion’s Mane extract is made with a 50/50 hot water and alcohol extraction method, so that you get the benefits from both water soluble, and non water soluble compounds. Our extract is a highly concentrated resin, and is designed to be mixed into water or tea.
Tinctures are another convenient option, offering the same highly concentrated product in liquid form. Just like resins, our Lion’s Mane Tincture can be mixed with a beverage of your choice, or applied under your tongue.
If you’re looking for a delicious and well-rounded mushroom supplement, you could also consider our mushroom gummies, which contain a blend of five medicinal mushrooms, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Reishi and Chaga. Just one to two mushroom gummies per day provides an easy and delicious way to get your Lion’s Mane in.
Lion’s Mane Species (types of Lion’s Mane)
OG Lion’s Mane: Hericium Erinaceus
The first species of Lion’s Mane genetics we released is also the most popular and well-known of all Hericium varieties: Hericium Erinaceus. This species is beautiful and well-adapted to a variety of environments.
Conifer Coral Hericium: Hericium abietis
Hericium abietis mushroom
Conifer Coral Hericium is less well known among the different species of Hericium, but it’s just as delicious and easy to cook. This species forms more irregular, spindly fruiting bodies, which means it’s not commonly used in commercial cooking or cultivation. Still, it’s a winner in our book.
Saber Tooth Hericium: Hericium americanum. Bear’s Head Tooth
Saber Tooth Hericium forms super dense, and most fruiting bodies, often compared to a brain because of its thick structure. If you grow this species yourself, you’ll find it easy to slice, sautee, or cook into a delicious ‘steak’.
Coral Comb: Hericium Coralloides
Perhaps the most striking of all, Coral Comb Hericium’s unique and otherworldly appearance makes it an amazing candidate for growing Lion’s Mane. This is another amazing specimen that isn’t frequently cultivated or used commercially.
Hericium Coralloides mushrooms
The Last Word on Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane is a gorgeous and nutritious mushroom, ideal for beginner mushroom growers, and our selection of Lion’s Mane cultures gives you many options to choose from. Although the species look a bit different, they are all equally delicious, and offer the same nutritional benefits. Although it’s easy to grow on your own, it’s always exciting to stumble upon some Lion’s Mane in the forest. We’re excited to hear from you– what’s your favorite way to use Lion’s Mane?