Lion’s mane is a type of adaptogenmushroom, traditionally used in Chinese medicine and herbal remedies for its uniquesupport ofbrain function.* In other words, this superfood mushroom can be used to support growth and function of neurons.* Western scientists and medics are beginning to investigate the plant’s power and its contributions to the support of cognitive function.* You can take a more in-depth look at one of these studies by clickinghere.
The mushroom’s benefits are also connected to overall benefits in maintaining cognitive functioning; including focus, memory, mood and stress levels.* Lion’s mane, like some other adaptogen mushrooms, contains useful antioxidants, beta glucan content and nutritional benefits - supporting the immune and digestive system.* This article will take a more in-depth look into the best time to take lion’s mane mushroom.
When to take lion's mane mushroom
As mentioned, this mushroom is an adaptogen - which means that when consumed, like most adaptogen herbs and mushrooms, it will support and balance the body when taken routinely over time.* They weave and intertwine with your nervous system, nutrients and gut bacteria. Pretty cool, right?
Our best recommendation, if you're wondering when is the best time to take lion’s mane is to try it for yourself for a few days and pay attention to the feeling it provides. Does it make you more awake, alert, energized? Or more relaxed, even sleepy? Despite lion’s mane being thought of as a ‘morning’ product, some people may prefer to take it in the evening if it gives them a more calming effect. Superfood mushrooms work with your system over time. So don’t be disappointed if you don’t see results straight away. Give them a chance to work and settle in with your body over two weeks, creating a consistent pattern.*
To start things off, we suggest taking your lion’s mane anytime from morning until early afternoon for best results. Due to the connection between lion’s mane and supported cognitive functioning, lion’s mane is often thought of as an energy boost and contributor to productivity functions.* Occasionally, it may help you feel more energized and focused - similar to the effects of a good coffee.*
How much lion's mane mushroom can you take?
The short answer: there isn’t exactly a limit to how much lion’s mane mushroom you can take. Studies have shown very little to no side effects for taking ‘too much’ - which thankfully, once again is due to its adapting properties.* When using an organic product, it is important to watch your body’s function and consult a professional before taking a new product.* Your personal dosage will depend greatly on your age, health, size, sensitivity and your reasons for wanting to try lion’s mane in the first place. Intention of use will also contribute to how much you take and the more lion’s mane you may need for it to make a noticeable difference. For more information on ‘how much lion’s mane should I take’, you can readthis article - which goes into a more in-depth response.
To give you a general idea, for support of immune health and cognitive functioning - a regular lion’s mane dose could be roughly 1000mg per day.* Similarly to other supplements, it’s best to always consume your mushrooms alongside a meal or at least a light snack. This helps to eradicate any feelings of potential nausea (in the same way it’s not ideal to take any form of supplement on an empty stomach). * The suggested dosage of Lion’s mane can be taken up to three times per day, and we don’t suggest exceeding this recommendation.*
We suggest experimenting withLion’s Mane Mushroom Powder to see what it could do for you, by adding one scoop of either the mix or anElixir Stick into your morning tea or coffee for a two-week period.* See if you notice the difference, and you can always increase your dosage for a more intense effect later on. For more information on ‘how to use lion's mane mushroom powder’, you can click to read this articlehere, which goes into a little more detail.
Lion's mane mushroom brain benefits
As previously mentioned, the most unique and interesting aspect of lion’s mane mushroom is likely to be its nerve growth factor (NGF), which has a number of benefits on the brain.* NGF is a type of protein which contributes to a healthy functioning nervous system. This is why thebest time to take lion’s mane mushroom is traditionally considered to be in the morning to early afternoon - to give the mushrooms a chance to work with brain function throughout the day, while you are awake.
Scientific Studies
Some studies, such asthis one focused on memory function, claims that lion’s mane mushrooms can promote mental agility, focus and overall cognitive functioning and performance.* Lion’s mane has also been known to help bring mental clarity to a restless mind without containing any stimulants.*
In anotherstudy, 30 women were given bite-sized biscuits over a month-long period, some of which contained lion’s mane, some of which were a placebo. The women who had been consuming the lion’s mane biscuits over the course of the research reported a lessening of anxiety symptoms.*
A list of brain benefits
Here, we’ve included a list of potential benefits which are associated with lion’s mane:
- Cultivate & enhance your creativity, clarity of thought and ability to focus.*
- Support healthy brain functioning including concentration and recall*
- Help sharpen mental focus and productivity*
- Help calm a restless mind and body*
- When included in a Prebiotic blend, support microbiome and digestive health*
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