John Miller
Mushrooms have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries, particularly in Eastern medicine. In recent years, their medicinal properties have been studied in depth, and their popularity as a medicine is growing. Lion's mane mushrooms, for example, have been found to contain two compounds that stimulate the growth of brain cells and may help treat nerve issues such as neuropathy. Kathryn, a woman diagnosed with neuropathy, tried a lion's mane mushroom supplement and found that it helped her manage her condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hericium erinaceus (HE) |
| Common Name | Lion's Mane Mushroom |
| Neuropathy Treatment | Kathryn, a patient with neuropathy, found relief from symptoms after taking 1,000 mg of Lion's Mane Mushroom capsules daily. |
| Antioxidant Properties | May aid in neuropathy by improving circulation. |
| Nerve Development and Function | May improve nerve development and function, and protect nerves from damage. |
| Alzheimer's Disease | May improve cognitive function in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. |
| Ulcers | May help inhibit the development of ulcers. |
| Cancer | Lion's mane extract reduced the spread of cancer to the lungs in mice by 69%. |
| Immunity | May boost immunity by increasing the activity of the intestinal immune system. |
| Anxiety | May help reduce anxiety during menopause. |
| Wound Healing | May accelerate wound healing. |
| Blood Sugar | May lower blood sugar levels. |
| Blood Clotting | May slow blood clotting. |
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What You'll Learn
Lion's mane mushroom supplements
Kathryn, who was diagnosed with neuropathy, tried a Lion's Mane mushroom supplement to cure her neuropathy and it worked. Neuropathy is a nerve issue that causes pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, and weakness, often connected to diabetes. However, Kathryn was not a diabetic, and her doctors struggled to find a solution. After watching a documentary on the healing benefits of Lion's Mane mushrooms, Kathryn decided to try the fungi as a supplement. She bought 1000mg capsules and took them with breakfast every morning. Within a week, she noticed a difference in her feet, and the soles and toes felt better.
While the health benefits of Lion's Mane mushroom supplements are promising, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any new supplement, as they may affect certain medications, especially blood thinners.
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Antioxidant properties
Lion's mane mushrooms, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, have been hailed for their medicinal properties, particularly in treating neuropathy. Kathryn, a woman who suffered from neuropathy, turned to lion's mane mushrooms after watching a documentary about their healing benefits. She decided to grow her own and incorporate them into her meals and daily routine in the form of supplements. After a week, she noticed a significant improvement in her condition, reporting that she could "feel [her] soles and toes again."
Neuropathy is a nerve issue that causes pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, and weakness, typically starting in the hands and feet. It is often linked to diabetes, but in Kathryn's case, the cause was unknown. Lion's mane mushrooms have been found to aid in circulation issues, specifically neuropathy, due to their antioxidant properties.
Lion's mane mushrooms contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that help reduce the impact of illnesses caused by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. These illnesses include heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. A 2012 study examining the antioxidant abilities of 14 different mushroom species found that lion's mane had the fourth-highest antioxidant activity, suggesting it is an excellent dietary source of antioxidants.
The antioxidant properties of lion's mane mushrooms are attributed to their bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, and minerals. Wild or cultivated, these mushrooms are a primary source of ergothioneine, which plays a crucial role in protecting mitochondrial components from oxidative damage. The high amounts of valuable proteins and low total fat levels in lion's mane mushrooms make them suitable for preventing and treating obesity, thereby reducing associated health risks.
In addition to their antioxidant properties, lion's mane mushrooms offer a range of other health benefits. They have been found to stimulate the growth of brain cells and protect against Alzheimer's disease. Animal studies have shown that lion's mane extract can help heal the gut and protect against intestinal infections. Furthermore, lion's mane mushrooms have anti-cancer properties, slowing tumour growth and reducing the spread of cancer in mice. While most of the research on lion's mane mushrooms has been conducted on animals, the results are promising and warrant further investigation for human applications.
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Nerve pain reduction
Kathryn, who was diagnosed with neuropathy, found relief in Lion's Mane mushroom supplements. Kathryn reported feeling a difference in her feet after a week of taking the supplements. Kathryn's experience is supported by several studies that have found Lion's Mane mushrooms to be effective in treating nerve pain.
Lion's Mane mushroom, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, is an edible mushroom that belongs to the tooth fungus group. It has a long history of use in East Asian medicine.
Lion's Mane mushroom has been found to improve nerve development and function and protect nerves from damage. Its neuroprotective effects are attributed to its antioxidant, anti-neuroinflammatory, cholinesterase inhibitory, and neuroprotective properties. The mushroom contains compounds, including erinacines, that stimulate the growth and regrowth of the myelin sheath, the white matter surrounding nerves responsible for processing information.
Research has also shown that Lion's Mane mushroom can aid in circulation issues, specifically neuropathy, due to its antioxidant properties. Additionally, animal studies have found that Lion's Mane mushroom can help protect against Alzheimer's disease and improve cognitive function.
While Lion's Mane mushroom has shown promising results in reducing nerve pain and improving nerve health, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as natural products are not always safe and dosages can be important.
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Alzheimer's disease
One mushroom that has shown promise in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease is the lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus). Lion's mane contains substances called hericenones and erinacines, which have been found to stimulate the growth of brain cells and boost nerve growth. In a 2020 study, people aged 50 and older with mild Alzheimer's symptoms showed significantly improved cognitive function after taking three 350-mg lion's mane capsules daily for 49 weeks. Another study found that lion's mane extract improved brain cell growth and memory in pre-clinical trials. Lion's mane mushrooms can be consumed raw, cooked, dried, or steeped as tea.
In addition to lion's mane, other medicinal mushrooms have been studied for their potential neuroprotective effects. For example, cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent neuronal cell death and memory loss. Additionally, a 2017 study from Malaysia concluded that various edible and medicinal mushrooms contain unusual compounds that have beneficial effects on brain cells and may help protect against Alzheimer's disease.
While the research on mushrooms and Alzheimer's disease is still ongoing, the studies suggest that mushrooms may play a role in preventing or slowing the progression of the disease. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming any mushrooms or supplements for medicinal purposes, as individual results may vary and some people may have allergies or other contraindications.
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Gut health
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and they are known to have medicinal properties that can help with various health conditions. Lion's mane mushrooms, also known as Hericium erinaceus, are one of the most well-known mushrooms for their health benefits. They are used in Asian countries like China, India, Japan, and Korea for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
Lion's mane mushrooms are particularly beneficial for gut health. They contain bioactive substances that have positive effects on the gut, in addition to the brain and heart. Research suggests that lion's mane extract may help inhibit the development of ulcers, although more human studies are needed to confirm this effect. Additionally, animal studies have shown that lion's mane mushrooms can boost immunity by increasing the activity of the intestinal immune system, which protects the body from pathogens that enter through the mouth or nose. These beneficial effects on gut health may be partly due to favourable changes in gut bacteria that stimulate the immune system.
Furthermore, lion's mane mushrooms have been found to promote nerve growth and protect the brain from damage. This makes them a potential treatment for nerve-related conditions such as neuropathy. Several people have reported improvements in their neuropathy symptoms after taking lion's mane mushroom supplements. However, it is important to note that most of the research on lion's mane mushrooms has been conducted on animals or in test tubes, and more human studies are needed to definitively prove their efficacy.
In addition to lion's mane mushrooms, other types of mushrooms have also been studied for their potential health benefits. For example, Reishi mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine and are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties. Moreover, mushrooms like Sarcodon scabrosus, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, and Pleurotus giganteus have been reported to have nerve and brain health benefits. While the scientific validation of these effects is ongoing, the potential for mushrooms to improve gut health and neuropathy is promising.
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Frequently asked questions
Lion's mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is an edible mushroom belonging to the tooth fungus group. Its antioxidant properties aid in circulation issues, specifically neuropathy.
Lion's mane mushroom contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that may help reduce the impact of neuropathy. It may also improve nerve development and function, and protect nerves from becoming damaged.
Lion's mane mushroom supplements come in various forms, including powder, extract tincture, and tea. It can also be consumed by sautéing the mushroom.
Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting and reduce blood glucose levels. It may also cause stomach discomfort. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming lion's mane mushroom to understand the potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
