It can be tough to keep pace with all the latest wellness trends. It seems as though every year brings new, previously-unknown products from a far-flung corner of the world. Moreover, it can be challenging to separate the genuine articles from the hype. Which products actually do what they purport to do? And how does one use these products properly to gain the greatest benefit?
It’s natural to have questions. That’s why this article is devoting its content to answering some frequently asked questions about one of the most popular new wellness products: lion’s mane powder. What is lion’s mane, what are its benefits, how do you find a reputable source for the product, and what are some best practices for dosing it?
If you’ve recently learned about lion’s mane but are a little fuzzy on the details, this article has your answers.
What Is Lion’s Mane?
Lion’s mane, also known as hericium erinaceus, is a fungus that grows on hardwoods in several parts of the world (across Europe, Asia and North America). It gets its evocative name from its wispy appearance; the fungus looks like a cluster of thin, draping, golden hairs reminiscent of the king of the jungle.
Although relatively new on the North American wellness scene, lion’s mane has a storied history of use in other cultures. It was – and still is – an important remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine. For part of its history, the lion’s mane mushroom was reserved for royalty, although Buddhist monks also prized the mushroom for its focus-enhancing properties.
What Are the Benefits of Lion’s Mane Tea?
There have been several western scientific studies into the restorative and remedial properties of lion’s mane. Scientists have studied it for nervous system rehabilitation, digestive tract health, heart health and anticarcinogenic properties – finding promising results in each case.
But lion’s mane is best known for its cognitive capabilities. It has a well-earned reputation for being a “cognitive performance powerhouse.” Some studies (see the link above) link lion’s mane to dementia prevention, while others suggest that regular use can promote mental clarity and focus.
Where Should You Get Lion’s Mane?
The short answer: buy your lion’s mane powder from a reputable source. As with any wellness product, it’s essential to go through a USDA-certified organic, non-GMO retailer to ensure you are getting the genuine article.
How Much Lion’s Mane Should You Take?
Personal dosage largely depends on individual factors: your age, size and current health, in particular. A good rule of thumb is to start around 500 mg per day to monitor its effects on your general cognitive functioning. After a couple of weeks, you can graduate to 1,000 mg/day – a typical lion’s mane dosage.
How Do You Prepare Lion’s Mane Tea?
Luckily, lion’s mane has a mild, earthy flavour that pairs well with other ingredients. For a basic lion’s mane tea, simply stir a scoop of powder into boiling water. For a more invigorating treat, you can experiment with adding honey, lemon, mint and other botanicals and sweeteners. Some people even stir their lion’s mane into a morning cup of coffee!
Hopefully, this article has answered some of your pressing questions surrounding lion’s mane tea.
