Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and species. Some are just plain delicious, others can provide a wealth of medicinal value. The fungi kingdom is full of mushroom species that are great for our health. Today we will be discussing the Lion's Mane mushroom. This beautiful mushroom is both delicious and great for your health! If you are allergic or sensitive to fungus, you should use caution and discuss consuming Lion's Mane with your Dr. 

What is Lion's Mane?

Lion's Mane, known by the species name Hericium Erinaceus, is an edible mushroom belonging to the tooth fungus group. They grow only on dying hardwood such as oak, walnut, beech, sycamore and maple. They have these long shaggy little spines that remind me of the Havanese breed of dog with it's long dreadlocks, but these spines aren't cute puppy dreadlocks, they are the part of the mushroom that produces spores. They are always positioned perpendicular to the earth so the spores can be ejected onto the forest floor and be carried away to their next hardwood home.

What are the potential health benefits of Lion's Mane?

The following are some of the potential health benefits of Lion's Mane:

• Immune System Support & Booster - Animal models show that Lion's Mane boosts immunity by increasing the activity of the intestinal immune system, protecting the body from pathogens that enter into the body and down to the gut.
• Heart Disease Risk Reduction - There are many risk factors for heart disease and Lion's Mane has been shown to help with some of these. Test tube studies have shown a significant reduction in oxidized cholesterol in the blood stream which can attach to the walls of arteries and cause them to harden, which we know can lead to heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.
• Neuroprotectant with regenerative properties - Lion's Mane is one of the only mushrooms that stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF. This is huge because BDNF is an extremely important protein that strengthens brain cells and stimulates production of new ones. BDNF also increases neuroplasticity, making your neuro pathways more flexible to stress and damage.
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
• Relief of mild depression and anxiety - Many animal studies have shown promise in anti-inflammatory properties, improved hippocampus function, and brain cell regeneration.  One small study even concluded that consuming Lion's Mane for one month reduced self-reported anxiety in menopausal women.
• Lion's Mane is also showing promising results in Multiple Sclerosis
• Cognitive Function Improvement - There have been multiple animal studies regarding Lion's Mane and cognitive function.  One study concluded that Lion's Mane improved object recognition and recognition memory. There have been other studies showing promise in Alzheimer's & Parkinson's Disease but much more research needs to be done in this area. 

What is the method of consumption for Lion's Mane?

There are many ways to consume Lion's Mane including teas, capsules, tinctures, and eating this delicious mushroom.

How do you cook Lion's Mane Mushrooms?

There are so many recipes for cooking and consuming Lion's Mane mushrooms. They are very absorbent so be careful when washing and do not let them stay wet. You can squeeze the excess water from the mushroom without too much damage. They have a flavor and stringy texture similar to lobster or crab. The best way, in my opinion, to prep cook the Lion's Mane is to dry saute until most of the water is out and then add your fat to finish. I will link just a few for you to check out and try. 

• Meat free "crab cakes" (recipe at the bottom of site)
• Roasted Lion's Mane Mushrooms
• Multiple Lion's Mane Mushroom recipes 

There are many many more recipes using Lion's Mane to search and try, these were just a few of the ones I intend to try out for my family! Let me know which ones you try!