As more people turn to natural supplements for enhanced brain health, functional mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Tiger Milk and Reishi have taken centre stage.
These potent fungi are gaining scientific attention for their ability to boost cognitive function, protect the brain from age-related decline, and promote overall mental well-being.
If you're looking for a natural way to sharpen your mind and protect your brain, this guide will introduce you to the best mushrooms for brain health and how they can transform your mental performance.
Why mushrooms are great for brain health
Mushrooms have long been considered superfoods, and their benefits go beyond boosting the immune system or providing key nutrients.
Certain mushrooms contain powerful compounds that specifically benefit brain health.
From polysaccharides to antioxidants and neurotrophic factors, mushrooms can help protect your brain, enhance cognitive function, and even slow down the effects of ageing on the mind.
Key nutrients found in mushrooms include:
- Polysaccharides: These long-chain carbohydrates help protect the brain from damage and promote overall brain health.
- Antioxidants: Mushrooms like reishi are packed with antioxidants that neutralise free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.
- BDNF & NGF Enhancing Compounds: Lion’s mane, for example, promotes the production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which are essential for brain plasticity, neuron growth, and cognitive function.
These nutrients not only support mental clarity and focus but may also play a role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
1. Lion’s Mane Mushroom for memory and cognitive function
Lion’s mane mushroom, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, has a distinctive appearance, resembling the shaggy mane of a lion.
Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, lion’s mane is now backed by modern science for its impressive brain-boosting properties.
Cognitive enhancement
Lion’s mane is especially beneficial for memory, learning, and cognitive performance due to its ability to increase levels of BDNF and NGF in the brain.
These proteins are critical for neuron growth and maintenance, supporting improved communication between brain cells and better overall mental function.
In a study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research, elderly participants who took Lion's Mane extract for 16 weeks showed significant improvements in memory and concentration.
Another study showed that lion’s mane may also help prevent age-related cognitive decline, making it a top choice for those looking to protect their brains as they age.
Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Benefits
Beyond boosting cognitive function, lion’s mane has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can protect the brain from conditions linked to chronic inflammation, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease.
By reducing inflammation, Lion's Mane helps preserve brain health and supports long-term mental well-being.
2. Tiger Milk Mushroom for cognitive function
Lignosus rhinocerus, commonly known as tiger milk mushroom, has been used in Southeast Asia and Australia for a long time as treatment for a number of conditions including respiratory problems.
Traditionally, it was consumed to enhance alertness, particularly during hunting expeditions.
This heightened mental alertness is thought to be linked to neuronal health and activity.
Cognitive enhancement
Like lion's mane, tiger milk promotes cognitive health.
However, Instead of directly stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) like lion’s mane, the bioactive compounds in tiger milk mushroom attach to TrkA receptors, mimicking NGF activity, leading to increased neuroplasticity.
A 2015 study found that, similar to lion's mane, tiger milk mushroom stimulates neuron growth in the brain, spinal cord, and retina.
It also promotes the production of NGF gene expression but not NGF production, and may offer neuroprotective effects.
Combining tiger milk with lion’s mane
Taking tiger milk and lion’s mane together might be even better for your brain.
One study showed that when a tiger milk extract was administered alongside NGF (which lion’s mane can mimic), neuronal growth was increased compared to tiger milk on its own.
This may have implications on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, chronic Pain (TrkA receptors are also involved in pain signalling pathways), and neurodevelopmental disorders.
More research is obviously needed, but there is good evidence that both mushrooms improve brain cell survival and growth on their own.
So it makes sense that they could work even better when administered together.
Read more: Combining Lion’s Mane And Tiger Milk Mushrooms: Do They Work Better Together?
3. Reishi Mushroom for Neuroprotection and Mood
Reishi, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is another mushroom with centuries of use in traditional medicine.
Its reputation as a brain protector comes from its antioxidant-rich profile and ability to support overall mental health.
Reishi and neuroprotection
Reishi’s high concentration of antioxidants helps neutralise free radicals, reducing the oxidative stress that can damage brain cells.
This makes it a powerful ally in preventing cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
Reishi also contains triterpenes and polysaccharides—two key compounds known for their neuroprotective properties, which help protect the brain from ageing, injury, and disease.
Reishi’s impact on mood
In addition to its neuroprotective benefits, reishi is well-known for its ability to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
By regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, reishi promotes emotional balance and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Whether you're looking for better focus or a calmer mind, reishi can provide both cognitive and emotional support.
How to incorporate mushrooms into your diet
Incorporating lion’s mane and reishi mushrooms into your daily routine is easier than ever. Here are some practical tips:
- Supplements: The easiest way to get a consistent dose of brain-boosting mushrooms is through high-quality supplements. Look for potent, third-party tested products to ensure you’re getting the purest form - like ours.
- Teas/coffee: Mushroom coffee and tea are a great way to calm your mind while delivering antioxidants and neuroprotective benefits. See ours here.
- Powders: Many people add powdered lion’s mane to their morning coffee or smoothie to boost cognitive function without the jitters associated with caffeine.
For dosage, it’s common to start with around 500 mg of Lion’s Mane or Reishi per day.
Read: How to Enjoy Mushrooms Even If You Think You Hate Them: 5 Surprisingly Tasty Hacks
Other Brain-Boosting Mushrooms
In addition to lion’s mane and reishi, other mushrooms offer cognitive and brain health benefits. These include:
- Cordyceps: Known for boosting energy and mental clarity, cordyceps is ideal for those who want a natural way to enhance focus and stamina.
- Chaga: While typically known for its immune-supporting properties, chaga is also packed with antioxidants that support brain health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
While Lion’s Mane and Reishi are the top choices for brain health, cordyceps and chaga can complement them to create a holistic approach to cognitive wellness.
Conclusion: Try Brain-Boosting Mushrooms Today
Adding mushrooms like lion’s mane, tiger milk and reishi to your daily routine is a natural, effective way to boost cognitive function, protect your brain, and enhance your mental clarity.
Whether you're looking to improve memory, reduce stress, or simply give your brain the nutrients it needs to thrive, these mushrooms can offer the support you're seeking.
Ready to give your brain a natural boost?
