Not all mushrooms are poisonous. In fact, quite a lot of famous dishes all over the world use mushrooms (the edible type) to add texture and flavor people cannot resist! The best part: mushrooms can do wonders for your health too! Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is especially famous for being rich in healing compounds that help protect the body against dysbiosis, neurodegeneration, and inflammation!
Historical Background
Lion’s mane is a type of mushroom that is predominantly found in Asia. It can be easily distinguished from other members of the mushroom family through its white-colored spines that are long and dangling, resembling the hair of a lion’s mane.1 This unique form of mushroom can grow both on alive and dead hardwood trees! With centuries-worth of healing testimonials, Lion’s mane was a staple in traditional Eastern medicine because of its neuroprotective and immunoprotective properties. The vast majority of lion mane’s healing properties are due to two active compounds: hericenones and erinacines.
Therapeutic Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane mushroom is rich in bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides and proteins, that help protect the brain and regulate the immune system. Its wonders in nurturing brain health comes from its abilities in generating new brain cells, improving concentration, maintaining memory, and protecting you against chronic conditions caused by neurodegeneration.2 Additionally, lion’s mane mushroom contains powerful antioxidant properties that help fight off stress and inflammation, protecting your body against health consequences stemming from these imbalances.
Protection Against Neurodegeneration
The nervous system, which is responsible for sending and receiving signals throughout the body, is divided into two major components: the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. The major organ that houses the central nervous system is the brain, while the spinal cord is the major component of the peripheral nervous system. Problems affecting the brain have been a major cause of disease worldwide. Unlike neurons in the brain, cells in the peripheral nervous system can re-enter the growth cycle and partly regenerate when damaged.3 The unique distinction exists because of the vital need to prevent any problematic growth that could affect the complex connections that occur inside the brain.3 Because cells in the brain have limited abilities to regenerate, conditions affecting this major organ are mostly irreversible and permanent.3 This is why protecting your brain cells from degeneration is very important, especially as you grow older. The bioactive compounds hericenones and erinacines present in lion’s mane mushroom help nurture the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is a special protein for neuronal growth and survival.2 Additionally, hericenones can help improve memory and cognition, thereby supporting optimal brain health.2 Fight Against Chronic Inflammation Inflammation is a natural response that your body makes when it senses a problem, making it a normal and essential mechanism for your body to stay strong and healthy. However, prolonged and unregulated inflammation can cause damage to your cells instead of healing. This is why nurturing your body’s inflammatory response is important in keeping your health in check. Lion’s mane mushroom is especially helpful in managing this inflammatory response, through its abilities to regulate the various mechanisms that drive inflammation, such as enzyme production and microbial balance.2 Gut Microbial Support Lion’s mane mushroom, aside from its abilities to calm down inflammation, can also help heal your gut lining and nurture the population of your gut microbiota.2 This powerful fungus can therefore nurture your gut-brain axis and prevent diseases in the gastrointestinal lining caused by chronic inflammation. Safety and Considerations
Lion’s mane mushroom has wonderful healing properties for your health when used with the right guidance. Although it is generally considered safe for use, individuals with allergic reactions to mushrooms should avoid it. Exploring the wonders of lion’s mane mushroom, as well as other herbal remedies, should be done with the guidance of a naturopathic doctor whose expertise will help you in assessing whether or not this herbal medicine is for you. Additionally, most herbal medicines and preparations are contraindicated in special populations, such as those with chronic disease or pregnancy. Hence, consulting with your healthcare provider or naturopathic doctor should be done first to ensure that this will not cause harm to you or your baby.
The Naturopathic Approach
Lion’s mane mushroom is a whole package that targets and heals both your mind and body. Its effects are best seen when integrated with holistic regimens that consider nutrition, lifestyle, and body-mind connection. At Natural Path to Wellness, your team of naturopathic medicine providers will help you discover the best natural and holistic options for your optimal health. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
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THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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