Benefits of Lion’s Mane

Lion's mane's Latin name is Hericium erinaceus. And what’s cool about the Latin name is that it often gives us information about potent compounds, where it grows, what it looks like, and more. Hericium erinaceus tells us that this mushroom has two key constituents: hericenones and erinacines. These are special because:

✔ They’re small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier
✔ They stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a protective layer of tightly packed cells. Most compounds can’t cross through (which makes delivering brain-supporting nutrients challenging). Lion’s mane is unique because its bioactive compounds are small enough to cross, allowing them to directly support brain health.

Why NGF Matters

NGF is like fertilizer for your neurons. It is a protein that helps:

• Grow and maintain healthy nerve cells
  
• Support memory, learning, and mental clarity
  
• Protect your brain as you age
  

Without NGF, your neurons struggle to repair and communicate. Lion's mane is believed to help support NFG, meaning your brain is better able to thrive.

How to Add Lion’s Mane to Your Daily Routine

Adding Lion’s Mane to your routine is easy, but consistency is key.

Adaptogens (like Lion’s Mane) work by supporting your body’s natural systems, not by giving you a quick “hit.” For example, Lion’s Mane encourages the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which helps support neuron health and connectivity—but building new pathways and strengthening brain function doesn’t happen in a single sip. Consistent use allows these processes to compound, creating long-term benefits for focus and cognitive health.

The benefits of Lion's Mane and other adaptogens build over time, not overnight. Sip it daily, and soon your neurons will be high-fiving each other like old friends at a reunion!

The Easiest Way? Coffee.

Most of us already drink coffee every day, so pairing Lion’s Mane with your morning brew is a no-brainer. Bonus: caffeine + Lion’s Mane = a powerhouse for focus. Other options:

• Focus Mushroom Capsules
  
• Focus Mushroom Blend
  
• Focus Green Tea
  

But coffee is the daily habit that sticks. That’s why our best-seller, Four Sigmatic Focus Ground Coffee, combines organic coffee + Lion’s Mane for a smooth, brain-boosting brew. Whatever way you brew, there's a coffee for you: instant, K-pods, espresso pods, whole bean, and even cold brew!

Quality Matters: Not All Lion’s Mane Products Are Equal

Here’s the truth: not all Lion’s Mane is created equal. If you want real results, look for these five things:

1) Fruiting Body Only

• Skip mycelium (aka the part of a mushroom resembling roots). This part of the mushroom is cheap and quick to grow, but has significantly fewer bioactive compounds (the stuff behind the benefits)!
• Mycelium products can be up to 70% filler! The mycelium "root" system intertwines and feeds off of grains or other substrates. There is no effective way to remove the mushroom mycelium from the grain. So the "mushroom powder" ends up being A LOT of ground oatmeal and very little mycelium.
  
• Fruiting body = where most active compounds live. This part of the mushroom is like the apple on an apple tree. It's the part with all the most nutrient-rich goodies that benefit your body and brain.
  

2. Log-Grown, Just Like Nature

• Mushrooms grown on logs mimic their natural environment. In the wild, these functional mushrooms grow on trees. Avoid lap-grown versions that grow on cheap substrates like oats or rice.
  
• Log-grown mushrooms lead to a richer nutrient profile and authentic potency.
  

3. USDA Organic Certified

• No pesticides or synthetic chemicals—just clean mushrooms. Mushrooms are bioaccumulators, meaning they easily absorb substances in their environment like a sponge. This makes them high absorbers of pesticides if they're not grown organically.
  

4. 3rd Party Tested for Safety

• Tested for heavy metals, molds, yeast, and pesticides. 
  
• Critical for products you consume daily (like coffee).
  

5. Extracted for Bioavailability

• Fun fact: Mushrooms have a tough outer layer made of chitin (just like shrimp shells!). Without extraction, your body can’t access those brain-boosting compounds. Look for products labeled “extracted” to ensure maximum bioavailability.
  
• Be wary of words like fermented, micronized, and raw on mushroom packaging. Only the word "extract" guarantees that the chitin has been broken and your body can access all the goodness inside. I know this is a mouthful, but since you’ve read this far, I know you are ready to experience the practically magical benefits of organic, log-grown, fruiting bodies extracts of Lion’s Mane. 
  

FAQ: Everything You Want to Know About Lion’s Mane

🧠 Does Lion’s Mane really work?
Yes—clinical studies show improvements in cognitive function and mood.

💊 How much Lion’s Mane should I take?
An effective daily dose is 500–1500 mg of extract. Always choose an extracted product from the fruiting body.

I recommend starting small and then building up from there after a few days. Always check in with your body and how you’re feeling, because each body requires a different amount to feel its best. 

Benefits start plateauing around 3,000-5,000 mg/day, but compounds like Vitamin C can help with absorption. This is why I love pairing Lion’s Mane with Vitamin C rich foods or herbs like Rose Hips, citrus, or berries. While there isn’t any wrong time to take Lion’s Mane (since there is no caffeine, remember!), It's a great addition to your morning beverage (Lion’s Mane Coffee, anyone?), or in the early afternoon when that mid-day slump starts creeping in.

📅 How long does it take to see benefits?
Some feel a difference in as little as 7 days, others in a few weeks. Consistency is key to allowing the benefits to build over time.

✅ Is Lion’s Mane safe for daily use?
Absolutely! It’s caffeine-free and considered safe for long-term use. Just like other adaptogens, Lion's Mane is non-toxic, and you can't take too much or "overdose" on Lion's Mane.

🍄 Does it taste like mushrooms?
Nope! When added to coffee, you won’t taste it at all. Fresh Lion's Mane has a very mild flavor. Once extracted, spray-dried, and added to coffee, tea, or protein, there's no taste at all!

☕ Can I take it with coffee?
Yes—and it’s the best way to turn a daily habit into a brain-boosting ritual.