Lion’s Mane Mushroom Guide: Nutrition, Benefits, Side Effects, More (2024)

FAQs

Does Lion's Mane have negative side effects? ›

“Lion's mane is generally well tolerated, but the most common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and a skin rash,” says Dr. Watson. If you experience side effects, discontinue lion's mane consumption until you've spoken with a health care provider.

When taken by mouth: Lion's mane mushroom is possibly safe when used in a dose of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks. Side effects are mild and may include stomach discomfort.

If you have a history of allergies, asthma, or any other medical condition, check with your doctor before using lion's mane mushrooms in your food or as a supplement. Some mushroom supplement labels carry warnings that they shouldn't be used if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning surgery.

The best way to cook lion's mane mushrooms is to sauté or roast them. Once they're cooked, you can eat them in a sandwich, stir-fry, or on their own.

Lion's mane is generally recognized as safe and has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations during therapy nor to episodes of clinically apparent liver injury.

In one animal study, lion's mane was found to help reduce blood sugars to normal levels while also providing a protective effect on the pancreas, liver, and kidneys. 27 Another found this mushroom to help relieve diabetic nerve pain in animal subjects.

Blood thinners: One of lion's mane's components slows blood-clotting. 18 Taking lion's mane with other blood thinners like Jantoven (warfarin), aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), or herbs and supplements that affect clotting could increase the risk of bleeding.

However, anyone who is allergic or sensitive to mushrooms should avoid lion's mane since it's a mushroom species. There have been documented cases of people experiencing difficulty breathing or skin rashes after exposure to lion's mane mushrooms, likely related to allergies ( 63 , 64 ).

So, it won't work as an evening herbal tea, whereas ashwagandha can be taken any time of the day for sleep quality. Ashwagandha is an excellent choice if you want to focus on anxiety and hair health. But if you're after something that lifts your mood and helps with mental clarity, Lion's mane is more suitable.

A few people feel the benefit of lion's mane after a couple of days. But the majority of people notice real effects in 2-3 months, which is about the same for most supplements. Taking lion's mane for this amount of time gives your body chance to absorb and adapt to the mushroom for long-term effects.

Can you take lion's mane with coffee? ›

It can also help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to a variety of health problems. In conclusion, Lion's Mane mushrooms and coffee are a perfect combination for anyone looking to boost their brain function, improve their memory, and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

Research on the safety and optimal dosing of lion's mane supplements is lacking. So far, research suggests that lion's mane supplements are generally well tolerated and safe when taken orally up to 1 g daily for up to 16 weeks.

Lion's Mane Precautions and Interactions

Avoid using lion's mane mushroom products if you're pregnant. Not enough research has been done to determine if any dosage is safe during pregnancy. If you take diabetes medications, be aware that Lion's mane mushroom can lower your blood glucose levels too much.

Hormonal Influence

Current evidence suggests that Lion's Mane may have an impact on hormonal levels, particularly in the modulation of cortisol and testosterone. While cortisol is associated with stress, testosterone is a key hormone influencing libido and mood in men.

Lion's mane can be taken up to three times per day, though it is not recommended to exceed this limit. Daily dosages of 250mg to 750mg have also been shown to be effective. We recommend mixing one scoop of lion's mane powdered mix into your tea or coffee, once a day for a two week period.