LION'S MANE MUSHROOM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a mushroom that grows on trunks of dead hardwood trees such as oak. It has a long history of use in East Asian medicine.

Lion's mane mushroom might improve nerve development and function. It might also protect nerves from becoming damaged. It also seems to help protect the lining in the stomach.

People use lion's mane mushroom for Alzheimer disease, dementia, stomach problems, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using lion's mane mushroom for COVID-19.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for LION'S MANE MUSHROOM overview.

Side Effects

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.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lion's mane mushroom is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lion's mane mushroom is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lion's mane mushroom is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pemphigus vulgaris (a skin condition), and others: Lion's mane mushroom might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using lion's mane mushroom.

Bleeding conditions: Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting. This might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding conditions.

Surgery: Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting and reduce blood glucose levels. This might cause extra bleeding, and interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using lion's mane mushroom at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with LION'S MANE MUSHROOM

    Lion's mane mushroom might lower blood sugar levels. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with LION'S MANE MUSHROOM

    Lion's mane mushroom might slow blood clotting. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with LION'S MANE MUSHROOM

    Lion's mane mushroom can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking lion's mane mushroom along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of lion's mane mushroom might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

LION'S MANE MUSHROOM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What medications should not be taken with Lion's Mane? ›

Lion's mane may interact with the following medicines:
  • Diabetes medications: Lion's mane lowered blood sugar in animal studies. Whether it may have a similar effect in humans is unclear. ...
  • Blood thinners: One of lion's mane's components slows blood clotting.
Dec 11, 2023

What happens if you take Lion's Mane everyday? ›

Some research suggests that lion's mane supplements may also cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, and skin rash. How much lion's mane should I take daily? Universal guidelines haven't been set for lion's mane dosage. Taking up to 1 gram orally every day for up to 16 weeks may be safe and well-tolerated.

Is lions mane mushroom bad for your liver? ›

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.

Can Lion's Mane cause high blood pressure? ›

Those studies showed that lion's mane can help regulate blood sugar and reduce high blood pressure, as well as other mental and brain health applications including treating depression and improving recovery after a traumatic brain injury, according to an article in Popular Science.

Who should avoid Lion's Mane? ›

Auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pemphigus vulgaris (a skin condition), and others: Lion's mane mushroom might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases.

Does caffeine interfere with Lion's Mane? ›

These benefits make Lion's Mane mushrooms an ideal addition to your morning routine. When combined with coffee, the effects of Lion's Mane mushrooms are amplified. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant that can help you stay focused and alert.

How quickly does lion's mane work? ›

Does lion's mane work immediately? While some people may feel a difference incredibly quickly after only a few days, this is rare. Most users will need to take lion's mane regularly for several weeks or 2-3 months before feeling a significant effect and reaping the long-term benefits.

Should I take Lion's Mane at night or day? ›

Lion's mane mushroom brain benefits

This is why thebest time to take lion's mane mushroom is traditionally considered to be in the morning to early afternoon - to give the mushrooms a chance to work with brain function throughout the day, while you are awake.

How does lion's mane make you feel? ›

Consuming lion's mane mushrooms will not get you high but they might make you feel slightly different at first; whether that be improvements to your mood, reduced symptoms of mild anxiety or even clearing up any brain fog to help improve concentration.

Is Lion's Mane bad for your heart? ›

Research shows that lion's mane extract can influence some of these factors and reduce the risk of heart disease.

What are the dangers of eating lions mane? ›

“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.

How much Lion's Mane is safe daily? ›

Much like other supplements, always consumed alongside a good meal. This also helps to eradicate any feelings of potential nausea. 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.

What is the best brand of lion mane? ›

Top 3 Best Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplements
  • S RAW SCIENCE Lion's Mane Mushroom Liquid Extract.
  • VitaUp Lions Mane Supplement Capsules.
  • Peak + Valley Nootropic Brain Support Supplement.
May 31, 2024

What time is best to take lion's mane? ›

Some people have likened Lion's Mane effects to those they get after drinking a cup of coffee, but without the crash or any jitters. So, since you're aiming for better mental clarity and a bit of extra get-up-and-go, it's generally advised to stick to servings in the morning to early afternoon.

Is Lion's Mane addictive? ›

The short answer is no. Mushrooms used in traditional herbalism practices are not addictive. Read on to learn more about why mushroom supplements are not addictive, which mushrooms may be addictive, and an overview of the science-backed health benefits of Reishi, Turkey Tail, Lion's Mane, Shiitake, and Cordyceps.

Does lion's mane interfere with sleep? ›

Lion's Mane mushroom is known for its brain-boosting effects and has been shown to improve cognitive performance, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. CBD is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects.

How to tell if lion's mane is bad? ›

As they age, lion's mane mushrooms will begin to turn yellow. You can cut off any yellow parts to preserve their flavor. If they turn orange, feel soft or slimy, or show signs of rot, it's time to throw them out. With proper storage, fresh lion's mane can last for about a week in the fridge.

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