Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been used anciently for medicinal purposes. Resembling the shaggy mane of a lion, this mushroom often finds its way into supplements and healing teas. New studies are discovering that Lion’s Mane has a myriad of health benefits. These benefits include protection against stomach ulcers, reduced risk of heart disease, improved blood sugar control, potential protection against cancer, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, boosted immunity, defense against dementia, enhanced recovery from nervous system injuries, and relief from mild mental health symptoms (Julson, 2023).
Research is now showing that Lion’s Mane may help with neurogenesis and decrease inflammation in the brain. For anyone struggling with depression, anxiety or ADHD, this could be just the boost they are looking for. While it may not be strong enough to combat severe mental health symptoms, it possesses the potential to elevate one’s mental state from "just ok" to "great." Of course, there is still much needed research to be done, but even reputable sources like WebMD acknowledge Lion’s Mane's potential in mitigating anxiety and depression (Venkat, 2022). The evidence that Lion’s Mane may help to repair damaged neurons in the brain opens the possibility of recovery for anyone who has been affected by poor mental health. To the person on medication, it gives hope that brain function may one day be restored. Recovery from depression, anxiety, or ADHD is possible and can potentially be accelerated with neuroregenerative properties like Lion’s Mane. But recovery cannot happen with Lion’s Mane alone. It will take hard work and commitment in order to reestablish healthy neuronal connections. But Lion’s Mane may help expedite the process. Although the current research is very promising, there is still much more research that needs to be done (Chong, 2019).
If you think Lion’s Mane may be the right fit for you, talk to your health care provider or schedule a consultation at Optimize Health and Wellness to see if it can be a tool in your toolbox to help you overcome unwanted mental health symptoms.
References
Chong, P. S., Fung, M.-L., Wong, K. H., & Lim, L. W. 2019. Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(1), 163. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21010163
Julson, E. 2023. 9 Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Plus Side Effects). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom
Venkat S.R. 2022. What Are the Health Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushrooms? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-lions-mane-mushrooms
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