Lion’s Mane, Cognition and Nootropics
Nootropics (also known as ‘smart drugs’) are well-known compounds or supplements that are understood to enhance cognitive performance. They work by improving memory, creativity, motivation, and attention through a number of mechanisms and pathways.
Lion's mane mushroom has been increasingly studied for its neuroprotective effects, in particular the prevention and treatment of nerve damage within the brain. Once past the blood-brain barrier, lion’s mane has been shown to stimulate the Nerve Growth Factor or ‘NGF’ (molecules stimulating the differentiation and re-myelination of neurons). The primary active compounds responsible for this are hericenones and erinacines. Nerve regeneration can help relieve neurodegenerative disease symptoms such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease. Lion’s Mane has also been shown to support neurotransmitter production and function, all of which affect memory, learning, recall and mood regulation.
Lion’s Mane and Immune Function
One of the most amazing things about medicinal mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane is that they possess unique long-chain polysaccharides known as beta-glucans. These polysaccharides act as “biological response modifiers” in humans. This means when ingested, they awaken and greatly augment our own native immune cells to carry out actions they are inherently designed to do but maybe execute poorly - such as exposing and removing decaying cells, improving surveillance of pathogenic threats and regulating rogue inflammation in the body.
Digestive Health
Through the lens of Taoist Herbal Medicine, lion’s mane has been traditionally used to nourish and restore ‘Stomach Yin’ which can manifest in conditions such as gastritis and general inflammation in the digestive tract. Lion’s Mane, like many medicinal mushrooms, is also a great source of soluble fibre, acting as a prebiotic within the gut, supporting the production of beneficial bacteria within the microbiome.
Tonification/Treasures
Tonification
In ancient Taoist medicine, tonic herbs and medicinal mushrooms were used to nourish and tonify specific systems within the body. These systems correlate with the natural elements, and their direct effect can be classified as either Major or Minor.
Major: Spleen Earth
Minor: Heart Fire/Liver Wood/Kidney Water/Lung Metal
Treasures
When there is harmony between the body systems and elements, we cultivate the expression of health known as our Treasures.
Major: Qi
Serving Suggestion
recipes
recipes
Lions Mane Blueberry & Raspberry Jam
Lion's Mane is an edible mushroom with many health benefits. Turn it into a delicious blueberry & raspberry jam.
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Tomato & Basil Quinoa Salad Feat. Lion's Mane
You can try adding extra protein to this salad to really bulk it out. Trojan horse Lion’s Mane into the delicious dressing, we love adding our adaptogenic herbs to all our meals and drinks. Did you know our tonic herbs...
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Beautiful Bean Salad Feat. Lion's Mane Pesto
We love this classy salad for special occasions, it's great for birthdays, Christmas or pot-lucks (or maybe isolation times hah!) The below quantities will serve around 4 as a side salad. This salad and pesto recipe are both plant-based, refined...
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Health Benefits of Nootropic Lion's Mane Mushroom
Nootropics are a hot topic right now and have absolutely permeated the West in the last few years, as evidenced by their popularity amongst top CEO’s, biohackers, longevity enthusiasts, athletes and more. Lion's Mane is a powerful nootropic.
Addiction, Influencing & Orthorexia with Vanessa Fitzgerald (EP#113)
Today on the podcast, Mason chats to holistic health coach and Nutrition Response Testing Practitioner Vanessa Fitzgerald about her healing journey with addiction, Orthorexia, Hashimoto's, and navigating her platform as a wellness influencer.