Lions Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), with its long white cascading tendrils, has been used in Asia for thousands of years and is said to give one,
"nerves of steel" and "memory of a lion."
It is most potent as a medicinal mushroom extract, but can also be steamed fresh, like shiitakemushroom, and is described to taste like lobster.
Hericium erinaceus is a potent inducer of brain tissue regeneration. Mycologist Paul Stamets says,
"Lions mane mushroom mycelium is nature's nutrients for your neurons."
Lion's mane mushroom has been used traditionally for centuries by Buddhist monks in China to enhance brain power.
Recent research has proven that this mushroom, among all the medicinal mushrooms,
can actually regenerate brain cells in individuals who suffer from cognitive stress.
Lions Mane Health Benefits
Brain and Neurological Support
In studies conducted in Japan, by Dr. Hirokazu Kawagishi, it was discovered that this mushroom stimulates the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
NGF is part of a family of proteins that play a role in the maintenance, survival and regeneration of neurons. A lack of NGF is considered one of the major causes of Alzheimer's disease.
Nerve Growth Factor can not, however, be orally given to recipients because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Hericium erinaceus, however, contains two compounds: hericenones and erinacines that are know to cross this barrier and myelin sheath, that protects the brain, for effective delivery of NGF.
The mushroom was proven effective for its ability to efficiently stimulate neuron growth, improving muscle-motor response pathways in Parkinson's and repairing neurological trauma in stroke victims.
Benefits Digestion
Lion's Mane is a curative for problems of the digestive tract such as stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as for cancers of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
Its digestive tonic effects are most likely due to the present of beta glucan
polysaccharides,
along with polypeptides and
fatty acids.
These substances also enhance the function of the gastric mucus barrier and are effective for digestive and
colon health.
Research has shown that these polysaccharides, along with adenosine and oleanolic acids, stimulate induction of interferons and modulation of the immune system, boosting the white blood cell count to help the healing process.
The benefits that include: 1) stimulation of nerve growth factor, 2) support to the digestive system, and 3) tonifying the nerves are all in part due to the presence of these molecules.
You can actually grow this medicinal mushroom yourself with a mushroom kit. The company Forest Organics, and mycologist, owner Shane Mulholland, has developed some pretty unique edible mushroom growing products. They are a worthy investment at $25 for a lifetime of fresh lions mane.
Freshly harvested mushrooms can be steamed with shiitake. Remember to drink the liquid when you cook it because that's where most of the healing polysaccharides exist.
You can get high quality mushroom extracts from several reputable company's. Mushroom Science, Fungi Perfecti, and New Chapter are really the best of the best as far as the potency goes!
Add this mushroom medicine to your
healthy diet plan
today, for stimulating nerve cell regeneration and activating brain power.
The food-medicine you consistently consume now will provide you with the strength and
longevity
for a super, active healthy life further down the road.
