THE MEDICINAL MUSHROOM THAT CONNECTS THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS
ESSENTIAL NOTES ON HERICIUM FUNGUS
Hericium contains hundreds of bioactive components or active biomolecules such as beta-glucans, hericenones, ergosterol (provitamin D2) or natural GABA, which are studied for their role in gut microbiota health (related to the gut-brain axis connection) and neurogenesis. Currently enjoying increasing popularity this mushroom is the subject of ongoing scientific research:
- Gastroenterology (gastrointestinal or digestive health) and immune health: for its role in the care of the intestinal microbiota.
- Neurology-nervous system: neurocognitive function (memory – hippocampal function, concentration and attention) and low mood states.
- Integrative support: studies on its activity in combination with conventional treatments and its effect on quality of life.
Hericium erinaceus is an edible mushroom well known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Asian medicinal cuisine. In fact, Lion’s Mane was first documented in a beautiful Chinese illustration during the Ming dynasty in the 16th century. From an historical perspective, Lion’s Mane has traditionally been used to “fortify the spleen, nourish the intestine and fight cancer”. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the mushroom is said to be “nourishing to the five internal organs (liver, lung, spleen, heart and kidney)”. In addition, it is said to “promote good digestion and general vigour, and treat intestinal ulcers”. Finally, it has been used for “insomnia, weakness and hypodynamia” (decreased strength), which are characteristic symptoms of ‘Qi’ (life force) deficiency in TCM.
PROPERTIES, APPLICATIONS AND USES OF LION’S MANE
Research into its health-promoting properties has accelerated in the last twenty years, making Lion’s Mane a medicinal mushroom with exciting potential. It has been traditionally used for thousands of years in holistic practices. Buddhist monks used to take an infusion of this medicinal mushroom to aid concentration during meditation, as they attributed to it the power to “clear the mind and enhance cognition“.
In addition, it has been used throughout history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to “combat stomach and other digestive system problems” (Hiwatashi et al., 2010). Lion’s Mane can now be found worldwide as a supplement or food supplement in the form of a concentrated extract such as our Mico-Leo (organic and standardised in the respective active biomolecules).
The advantage of the extract is that it is highly concentrated, which means that it can be up to 30 times more potent than an equivalent amount of fresh mushrooms. Extracts in liquid form with this medicinal mushroom are also available, especially for consumption by young children. This is the case with infant formulas such as Dr. GB‘s ‘Gut and Brain‘.
You can also find this mushroom in powder form in food supplements such as our Bio-Intestin. Which also contains organic powders of other medicinal mushrooms such as Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) and King oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii), which synergise with the effects of Lion’s Mane.
Lion’s Mane can also be found as a whole mushroom, fresh or dried. The fresh mushroom can be easily cooked, but should be consumed quickly. The dried mushroom, on the other hand, can be prepared as an infusion or in the form of a smoothie, soup, cream or juice from an organic superfood powder such as Hericium Digest (prebiotic recipe).
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