If you're interested in taking Lion's Mane capsules, you're not alone!
This popular supplement has been getting a lot of attention lately due to its potential health benefits, particularly its ability to support cognitive function and nerve regeneration.
But before you dive in and start taking Lion's Mane capsules, it's important to do your research and understand what you're getting into.
In this article, we'll answer some of the most common questions people have about Lion's Mane capsules, including what they're good for, whether they work, and how to take them.
What are Lion's Mane capsules good for?
Lion's mane has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for a wide range of health issues. Modern research has found that Lion's Mane mushrooms contain unique compounds, including hericenones, that have powerful health benefits.
One of the key benefits of lion's mane capsules is their ability to support cognitive function. Studies have found that lion's mane can help improve memory and focus, enhance mental clarity, and support overall brain health.
This is due to the fact that hericenones stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain cells, which are essential for maintaining healthy brain function.
Our lion's mane capsules are one of the strongest standardised hericenone-rich extracts on the market.
In addition to cognitive function, Lion's Mane may also have anti-inflammatory properties while also enhancing immune function, which is essential for overall health and well-being. Studies have found that the unique compounds in Lion's Mane mushrooms can help stimulate the production of immune cells, which help fight off infections and keep the body healthy.
Is Lion's Mane legal in the UK?
Yes, Lion's Mane is legal in the UK. In fact, Lion's Mane mushroom is not illegal in any country. It is widely cultivated and consumed as a food and dietary supplement in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Japan.
What is the best form of Lion's Mane to take?
While Lion's Mane capsules are the most popular and convenient form of Lion's Mane supplementation, there are other forms of Lion's Mane extract available, including tinctures and dried powder forms.
Lion's Mane tinctures are made by extracting the beneficial compounds from the mushroom using alcohol or another solvent. Tinctures are typically used by placing a few drops under the tongue or mixing them into a beverage. While tinctures can be effective, they are generally less potent than Lion's Mane capsules due to the lower concentration of active compounds.
Dried Lion's Mane powder is made by grinding the mushroom into a fine powder. This powder can be added to food or drinks, or encapsulated into pills. While dried powder forms of Lion's Mane can be effective, they are often less convenient and less potent than standardised extract capsules like these.
When it comes to choosing the best form of Lion's Mane, it ultimately depends on personal preference and individual needs. If you prefer a quick and easy way to supplement with Lion's Mane, capsules may be the best option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more customisable form of supplementation, tinctures or dried powder may be a better fit.
Do lion's mane capsules work?
There is some evidence to suggest that Lion's Mane may be effective at supporting cognitive function and nerve regeneration.
For example, this recent mouse study conducted by researchers from The University of Queensland showed a compound in lion’s mane has a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory.
Studies have also shown that Lion's Mane mushrooms can have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. They contain compounds known as hericystin and erinacine that have been found to support the regeneration of nerve cells, making them a potential treatment for conditions such as peripheral neuropathy and traumatic brain injury.
In addition to its brain-boosting properties, Lion's Mane mushrooms have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. They have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, improve heart health, and boost the immune system.
Read: 10 Reasons You Should Be Taking Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Is it safe to take Lion's Mane every day?
Lion’s mane is considered safe to take every day. People have been eating lion’s mane as part of their diet for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
The recommended dosage of Lion's Mane extract can vary depending on the individual and the specific product being used. In general, most lion's mane brands recommend a daily dose of 400-2000 mg of extract per day, divided into 1-3 doses.
Research has shown that taking Lion's Mane extract daily for up to six months is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. However, as with any dietary supplement, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting to take Lion's Mane capsules, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.
What are the side effects of lion's mane?
The most commonly reported side effects of lion's mane are mild digestive issues such as stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, or nausea. These side effects are typically mild and temporary, and can often be avoided by taking lion's mane with food or reducing the dosage.
In rare cases, some people may experience an allergic reaction to lion's mane. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching, rash, hives, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking lion's mane, stop using the product immediately and seek medical attention.
Lion's Mane may also interact with certain medications. For example, lion's mane may lower blood sugar levels and could potentially interact with diabetes medications. Additionally, lion's mane may increase the risk of bleeding and may interact with blood-thinning medications. capsules to avoid any potential interactions.
Is taking Lion's Mane worth it?
While there is promising research on the potential benefits of lion's mane, it is important to remember that individual results may vary and that more research is needed to fully understand the mushroom’s effects.
That being said, lion's mane extract has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and modern scientific studies have shown that it contains a number of compounds that have potential health benefits.
For example, the hericenones in lion's mane have been shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is important for nerve regeneration and cognitive function.
Other studies have suggested that Lion's Mane extract may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could help protect against a range of health issues.
Does Holland and Barrett sell Lion's Mane?
While Holland and Barrett does not sell Lion's Mane capsules under their own brand, they do offer several other brands of Lion's Mane capsules for purchase.
It's worth noting that while Holland and Barrett is a reputable retailer, it's still important to do your own research and choose a high-quality Lion's Mane supplement. Look for products that are made from the fruiting body of the mushroom and that are standardised to contain a high level of hericenones, like these.
Who should not take Lion's Mane?
While Lion's Mane is generally considered safe, there are some people who may need to avoid taking this supplement. These include those who are allergic to mushrooms or who are taking certain medications. As always, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking any new dietary supplement.
Which is better, ashwagandha or Lion's Mane?
Both ashwagandha and Lion's Mane are popular dietary supplements that are believed to have numerous potential health benefits. Ashwagandha is believed to be particularly beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety, while Lion's Mane is more focused on supporting cognitive function and nerve regeneration. Ultimately, which one is better for you will depend on your individual needs and goals.
Should I take Lion's Mane in the morning or afternoon?
There is no specific time of day that is better for taking Lion's Mane capsules. However, it is generally recommended to take them with a meal to help with absorption.
In conclusion, Lion's Mane capsules are a popular dietary supplement with potential health benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of this supplement, it may be worth considering if you are looking to support cognitive function and nerve regeneration, reduce inflammation, or enhance immune function. As always, it's important to talk to your doctor before starting to take any new dietary supplement to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you.
3 best lion’s mane capsules in the UK
1. High-Strength Lion’s Mane Capsules from Mushies
Our high-strength High-Strength Lion’s Mane Capsules have been specifically developed for both cognitive and immune support.
The capsules don’t contain dried mushroom powder like many others, but rather a concentrated extract with high levels of beta glucans (30%) - a soluble fibre that boosts the immune system and supports gut health - and hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) in the brain and give lion’s mane its cognitive enhancing properties.
In fact, each capsule contains a whopping 4.8mg of hericenones, making them one of the strongest standardised hericenone-rich extracts on the UK market.
The extract is also made from only the fruiting body of mushrooms (not the mycelium) grown naturally on large hardwood sticks. It has been dual extracted with both water and alcohol to draw out both water-soluble and non-water-soluble compounds from the mushroom, making it ideal for boosting both cognitive and immune function.
2. Woodies Lion’s Mane & CBD Capsules
These capsules from Woodies contain lion's mane alongside CBD, another very effective tool for regulating your health. Woodies are cannabis enthusiasts and the extract they use is broad-spectrum with added CBG.
I’m not aware of any other companies combining these powerful ingredients and they also have a number of other mushroom/CBD combos including reishi, turkey tale and cordyceps.
3. Time Health Ultra Strenghth Lion’s Mane Capsules
These potent capsules from TimeHealth are best for supporting immunity and gut health. It is hot water extracted only to draw out bio-actives, resulting in a very high beta glucan content (50%).
If you’re looking for a product for boosting brain health, then you’re best off going for something that’s undergone an alcohol extraction. However, for gut health these would be ideal.