Not all mushrooms are pretty to look at, but Lions’ Mane mushrooms look absolutely marvellous! Imagine a cascade of white tendrils sprouting from a living tree trunk that looks for all the world like a waterfall or perhaps a magical display of icicles or stalactites. Fascinated? Our ancestors in North America, Europe, and Asia certainly were. In modern times, this fabled fungus is exciting renewed interest around the world. Let’s explore the potential benefits of the Lion’s Mane mushroom together. Historical Uses of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms If a plant is edible, we’re sure to find that it has been used as food, and knowing exactly when it started to be consumed is nearly impossible. This is certainly true of the Lion’s Mane mushroom which is still considered to be a delicacy today. Contrary to the “tastes like chicken” joke associated with unusual foods, Lion’s Mane mushrooms taste absolutely delicious with a mild and delicate flavour. In China and Japan, the earliest perceived benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms were believed to transcend nutrition, and they were valued as medicinal plants that could support health and longevity. But, they were also believed to calm the mind, aiding meditation and improving memory. This is reflected in the Japanese name for Lion’s Mane, “Yamabushitake.” This relates to an order of Buddhist monks, the Yamabushi. They live a meditative life in the solitude of mountains and forests and would certainly have encountered and used Lion’s Mane mushrooms in their travels. While some sources say that the Yamabushi monks primarily ate the mushrooms as a food, others say they were used as an aid to meditation. Apart from that, their use as “medicinal” mushrooms is well-documented and is still prevalent in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine today. Lion’s Mane was believed to enhance “Qi”, or life-force, an idea that shouldn’t be seen as purely superstitious, since “vitality” and “Qi” are concepts that have more than a passing similarity in meaning. Nutritional Value of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms As a completely natural product, Lion’s Mane contains a large number of beneficial compounds. The presence of no fewer than 15 different amino acids is of particular interest as are some more potentially beneficial organic compounds that are found in Lion’s Mane mushrooms. Among these, are beta glucan polysaccharides which are only present in fungi and bacteria, and which are therefore believed to have unique nutritional benefits. Vitamins and minerals round off the healthy cocktail with B Vitamins and Vitamin E adding to the appeal for those eager to find a completely natural nutritional supplement. Good nutrition is often directly linked to enhanced energy levels. So, perhaps the idea that Lion’s Mane may boost “life force” is more accurate than we might otherwise have believed. Potential Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms? Apart from being the mushroom that seems to have launched a thousand recipes, there’s growing interest in using Lion’s Mane mushrooms as part of a daily self-care routine, and particularly for those seeking enhanced concentration and focus. After all, its impressive nutritional profile and natural origins are sure to appeal to those seeking non-synthetic supplements to support well-being in a world where just about everything seems to be a product of factory-based manufacturing. The mysticism of this mushroom’s past is also compelling, and many people have followed the example of the Yamabushi monks in using it as a complement to meditation. There are many other claims made about Lion’s Mane mushrooms that remain unproven. But, alongside the nutritional benefits, we can feel reasonably confident that Lion’s Mane is a healthy ingredient for most people to use. After all, it’s still eaten as a superfood to this day. Nevertheless, if you have any serious health conditions, are prone to allergies, or are using medications, it’s always wise to check with your doctor to ensure that there are no interactions you need to be aware of. A Supplement to Enjoy as Part of Your Natural Lifestyle We all know that good nutrition and glowing health go hand-in-hand, and doing things the natural way is a vital part of the motivation for choosing Lion’s Mane as a daily dietary supplement. We love the idea of using ages-old natural products to enhance our vitality, focus and well-being, and these are some of the top benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms. A supporting benefit of Lion’s Mane is less tangible and relates to its historical context. With this unique mushroom’s fascinating connections to a meditative lifestyle comes a sense of connection with seekers who are searching for spiritual harmony and enlightenment. Perhaps that’s something to meditate on in the mornings as you gather your energies, and prepare to face the day’s challenges with mental clarity and composure. If you’re intrigued and want to enjoy increased concentration and clarity of thought, begin your Lion’s Mane journey with Grass & Co. Their best-selling FOCUS Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Capsules with Ginseng, Omega-3 and Vitamins B12 and D are formulated with your needs in mind. FOCUS on your wellness with Grass & Co. Grass & Co. and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. The information and products presented on this site are not intended for medical use nor do they make any medical claims. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programmes. More about functional mushrooms
