Lion's Mane mushroom supplements can improve memory, focus and boost energy levels. The best mushroom supplements are adaptogens that counter the impact of stress on the body. Lion's Mane is no exception – these special shrooms nurture your body's tolerance to stressors and transform your mental clarity. Lion's Mane can be taken as a capsule or a powder in your favourite hot drinks, meals and smoothies. Some people claim to feel improved wellbeing and focus within an hour of taking Lion's Mane. Therefore, it can be taken once or twice a day when you feel you're in need of a boost.
Research into this medicinal mushroom suggests that it boosts the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the brain. Traditionally, Lion's Mane's antioxidant properties has added aid healthy digestion by rebalancing the gut microbiota. It's a functional mushroom that's rich in beta-glucans – soluble fibres that contribute to overall gut health. So, if you're suffering from brain fog and a groggy gut, Lion's Mane is a holistic alternative. It improves blood flow to the brain, calms the nervous system and its nootropic properties enhance cognition.
Lion's mane mushroom supplements at a glance:
• Best organic Lion's Mane capsules: Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom Capsules, 1500mg – View on Amazon UK
• Best high-strength Lion's Mane tablets: Lions Mane Extract, 2000mg – View on Amazon UK
• Best Lion's Mane powder supplement: DIRTEA Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder – View on Feel Unique
Lion’s Mane mushroom (H_ericium erinaceus_) is an intriguing fungus with wild, shaggy strands. It grows on fallen hardwood trees, and its cascading white strands somewhat resemble a lion's mane. Originally known as "Mountain Priest", it was used by Buddhist monks to strengthen their minds. This rare tooth fungus grows in the Northern Hemisphere and goes by many names, including Hou Tou Gu and Yamabushitake. Colloquially it's also referred to as Monkey's Head, Pom-Pom mushroom, Bearded Tooth, Bearded Hedgehog, and Satyr's Beard.
The reported benefits of taking Lion's Mane mushroom supplement include improved mood, better memory and concentration and a calmer stomach. However, as with any supplement, please bear in mind we're biodiverse, and some of us can experience unpredictable side effects. Scroll to the FAQs for more information on Lion's Mane supplements and expert guidance from Clarissa Berry, nutritionist for DIRTEA. Embrace change – it leads to transformation.
Disclaimer: Always talk to your GP before starting a new supplement regime.
Lion's mane mushroom supplements
Best organic Lion's Mane capsules
Inspire, motivate, and uplift yourself with Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom Capsules, 1500mg. These high-strength vegan capsules are made in the UK by Nutravita and utilise 1,500mg equivalent of mushroom before water-based extraction. Meaning each 12:1 capsule contains 125mg of organic Lion's Mane extract. In addition, 10mg of organic black pepper helps the Lion's Mane extract to be absorbed. Feel the benefit of mental clarity, thinking clearer and faster, with an improved mood.
Customer review: "After lots of reading I decided to give this a try for my son with ADHD. He has been on it for approximately a month now and I really feel it has made a difference. He says he feels like he can focus more. He has been in trouble at school less. A great natural alternative."
Pros
- Fast absorbing
- Rigorously tested
- Popular and positive reviews
- Four month supply
Cons
- Some reviews comment about bad reactions, including anxiety
Best high-strength Lion's Mane tablets
Your thoughts shape your reality, and if a dietary supplement can help bring about positive focus then nothing ventured, nothing gained. These high-strength capsules of Lions Mane Extract, 2000mg by New Leaf Products, have received hundreds of positive reviews and are an Amazon Choice product. Each tablet contains 1000mg of Lion's Mane plus 10mg of black pepper to enhance adsorption. This Lion's Mane supplement is rich in polysaccharides, specifically beta-glucans, to support the digestive and immune system. With three months supply, you can make a sustained lifestyle change and see if this supplement puts you on the path towards better wellbeing and self-improvement.
Customer review: "Out of pure desperation I bought these on a whim. For a long time I have struggled with bad memory, mental mathematics and the ability to concentrate on anything at all. Within two days of starting these I cleaned my depression pit, decluttered and took care of some basic life admin that I was putting off for months. I mean it could be a coincidence and that after literally years feeling trapped in my own brain and unable to concentrate on anything basic these supplements are taking all the credit (for now)."
Pros
- High-strength 15:1 extract
- Small tablet size
- Easy to swallow
Cons
- Be aware dosage over 500mg a day could cause side effects
Best Lion's Mane powder supplement
m.feelunique.com
Harness the healing power of mushrooms with DIRTEA Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder. DIRTEA’s functional mushroom extract powder is heat stable, so it can be added to your diet in several ways. Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder tastes delicious as a tea mixed with hot water. You could add milk or a little honey. If you don’t like the taste, you can simply blend the mushroom powder into a smoothie, yoghurt bowl, coffee or any other food.
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Pure powder form
- Stylish packaging
- Popular
Cons
- No customer review
Best vegan Lion's Mane capsules with added adaptogens
www.hollandandbarrett.com
Balance mind, body and soul with Grass & Co. FOCUS Lion's Mane Mushrooms with Ginseng + Omega-3. If you have exams and you need to concentrate, these vegan capsules containing 300mg of Lion's Mane extract per capsule plus added Vitamin B12 and the adaptogen Ginseng could be an effective formulation that helps you focus.
Customer review: “I started taking these about two months ago and now on to my second bottle. I suffered really badly with tiredness and brain fog. I couldn't remember words etc. I put this down to perimenopause and uni course. I've just completed my final year and feeling great. Brain is working again, better than it has in years more. I have more energy and feel calm.”
Pros
- Added Vitamins, Ginseng and omega-3
- Vegan
- Positive reviews
- Value for money when on offer
Cons
- Some reviews comment on side effects
Best luxury Lion's Mane mushroom supplement
www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Cultivate a garden of positive thoughts with CENTRED. Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract that boosts cognitive function. Traditionally, Buddhist monks embraced its nootropic properties to aid meditative focus. Taken in a 18:1 capsule, containing 500mg of extracted from 100 per fruiting bodies of Lion's Mane, the high levels of active ingredients will fortify the nervous system and support healthy brain function.
Pros
- Optimise brain health
- Vegan capsule
- Support the immune system
- Made from hand-pick organic Lion's Mane
Cons
- No reviews
Best Lion's Mane mushroom supplement with active compounds
Benefit from the authenticity and expertise that comes with 40 years of mushroom growing experience.
The Real Mushroom Store is passionate about their shrooms and this Amazon Choice product has been sold to thousands of traditional Chinese medicine and naturopath practitioners. Mushrooms require extraction in order to make their bioactive compounds available to our bodies. Hot water is used in the extraction process, so it's all-natural and preserves the active compounds. With pure and potent bioavailable nutrients, you'll feel your vitality being restored.
Customer review: "This supplement changed my life. Battling low mood largely to do with winter / SAD syndrome. I took this herb and within two hours I was lifted. I feel more focused, energised, happy and want to go at life again."
Pros
- Family business with over 40 years experience
- Highly praised and reviewed
- Amazon Choice product
- Active compounds scientifically verified
Cons
- Not effective on everyone
Best Lion's Mane mushroom supplement rich in beta-glucans
Give yourself a health boost and blow the spores away on your brain fog. The beta-glucans in Lion's Mane help support immunity and gut health. This Lions Mane Organic – Ultra Strength is a pouch containing 60 capsules. Traditionally grown on large hardwood sticks, the fruiting bodies are extracted using hot water to preserve the high levels of active ingredients. Using carefully sourced ingredients that are expertly formulated, each capsule contains 425mg of Lion's Mane extract. The formulation has been third-party tested for purity and overwhelmingly positive reviews suggest this is an effective supplement.
Customer review: "I have been taking these capsules now for about a week and, though it is early days, I do feel that my mental clarity and thought processes have significantly improved. As I said, given the relatively short period of time I am very encouraged by these initial responses and fully intend continuing with this product."
Pros
- Effective
- High levels of active ingredients
- Vegan
Cons
- Some reviews comment on negative side effects
Best Lion's Mane mushroom supplement high in Polysaccharides
Harness the 'Mushroom of Immortality' as it's known in Chinese medicine. This high-strength Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom supplement contains a concentrated Lion's Mane extract, with each serving containing 7500mg from a 15:1 extract (250mg Polysaccharides). Reap the benefits of adaptogenic fungus containing hundreds of bioactive constituents, including polysaccharides, beta-glucans, sterols, terpenoids and amino acids. Do something good for your inner self.
Customer review: "Very noticeable effects, mental clarity, focus and memory. Great product."
Pros
- High strength
- High percentage of bioactive compounds
- Effective mental clarity
Cons
- Capsules are large a may be a little difficult to swallow
FAQs: Lion's Mane mushroom supplements
Clarissa Berry, Nutritionist for DIRTEA, answers frequently asked questions about Lion's Mane and the healing powers of mushrooms.
What functional mushrooms are available, and which ones should you take for different health benefits?
The functional mushrooms that have been most studied include Reishi, Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, Chaga and Cordyceps. Each variety of medicinal mushrooms has unique properties, so choose the right one to suit your particular needs. I usually recommend taking one consistently for at least 1–2 months to experience the benefits, although you may feel some effects immediately.
Energy and focus
For energy levels and focus throughout the day, I recommend Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane. Lion’s Mane can improve memory, focus and cognition by supporting brain function. Taken in the morning before work or during a mid-afternoon slump, it’s a brilliant way to support brain power throughout the day.
Gut health
Functional mushrooms are rich in specific fibre molecules that selectively nourish beneficial microorganisms living in the gut, increasing populations of good bacteria and contributing to improved gut health. Turkey Tail, along with Reishi and Chaga, are especially good for gut health and also help support healthy immunity in the gut, which further supports digestive health. Lion’s Mane is another mushroom that can promote healthy digestion. It has been shown to help rebalance the gut microbiota while offering nervous system support.
How do mushroom supplements work?
Functional mushrooms contain specific, unique compounds that support health in various ways, for example, by boosting immunity, nourishing healthy gut microbes, improving focus or enhancing skin hydration. Some people experience immediate benefits, but their effects are also cumulative so it is best to take a mushroom supplement consistently over a period of several weeks in order to experience results.
When is the best time to take mushroom supplements?
The best time to take mushroom supplements depends on the effect that you are hoping to experience. Energising mushrooms, such as Cordyceps and Chaga, are best taken in the morning or before a workout. Reishi is wonderful in the evening to wind down after a long day. Lion’s Mane can be taken to boost focus whenever you’re in need of it, for example first thing in the morning or after lunch to avoid the 3pm slump. Turkey Tail and Tremella can help to boost immunity, gut health and skin health taken any time of day.
What are the health benefits of Lion's Mane mushroom supplements?
Lion's mane is renowned for its potential to enhance cognitive function, including memory, focus, and overall mental clarity. Research suggests that it can boost the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a substance that is essential for the maintenance and survival of neurons in the brain. Additionally, Lion’s Mane has been traditionally used to support digestive health and the immune system. It contains specific compounds, including beta-glucans, that can help soothe and protect the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to overall gut health, immunity and supporting the gut microbiome.
Are there any side effects of Lion's Mane mushroom supplements?
Side effects of taking functional mushroom supplements are rare but they are possible, as responses to all supplements can vary due to our unique natures. Certain people can experience digestive discomfort after taking Lion’s Mane, especially in cases where there is an underlying imbalance in the gut microbiome. Lion’s Mane may also interact with certain medications.
How does Lion's Mane improve cognitive function?
Research suggests that Lion’s Mane can boost the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a molecule in the brain that is essential for the maintenance and survival of neurons, which in turn play a critical role in cognitive health and function. Lion’s Mane may also improve blood flow to the brain, calm the nervous system and improve stress resilience, all of which may contribute to enhanced cognition.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden product writer for Spirit & Destiny, A Modern Kitchen, Yours Magazine, Take a Break Pets, and Modern Gardens. In her other life Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.
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