Lions mane has been used for hundreds of years in eastern, and especially Chinese, medicine. Packed with health-promoting compounds and chemicals, Hericium erinaceus (the scientific name) is used as a potent antioxidant and nerve-system repair worker. But what is the ideal lion’s mane dosage? The typical dosage used in the clinical trials where people are experiencing the most benefit is between 1-3 grams per day. A typical capsule supplement usually offers 500-mg to 1 gram per capsule, so you could easily consume 1 gram per day with a serving or two of most supplements.
The big, white, long-haired mushroom (which looks somewhat like lion’s mane) also has stimulating neuro-growth factor (NGF) in the brain. This means that this plant-based medicinal powerhouse could be used to support new neurons in their growth and survival. Lions Mane also supports healthy functioning immune systems and promotes digestive health.
Though, it is known for being particularly active for neurological health benefits. These benefits are also linked to supporting overall brain health, cognitive function, and may help to regulate mood and stress levels.
Although clinical trials in humans are still mostly in the testing phase and being investigated, animal studies and anecdotal reports show promise of using Lions Mane mushrooms for treating more severe diseases, such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases, anxiety, depression, and elevated cholesterol levels, all of which are associated with inflammation.
However, studies that have been conducted show that lions mane may be useful in helping with cognitive disorders. One particular study demonstrated that the mushrooms worked contrary to the placebo effect, showing significant improvements on cognitive tests given to 30 adults suffering cognitive impairments for 16 weeks.
While chaga is great for immune health, reishi is a favorite for relieving stress and relieving anxiety, Lions Mane is the most popular medicinal mushroom to improve concentration and stave off memory loss.
So, if you are intrigued, maybe even have tried and purchased products that are available for you, and are now wondering just how much lions mane do I need to take. This article is going to go into some depth on dosing and best practices when taking mushrooms as a supplement.
How Much Lion’s Mane Should I Take Daily?
When considering how much lion’s mane you should take, it is important to know that your individual dose will primarily depend on your age, health, size, sensitivities, and – more importantly – the reasons you wish to try Lion’s Mane in the first place. The more serious an issue you are looking to cure, the more lions mane you might need for it to have any appreciable effect. To give you an approximate, a typical dose of lions mane to enhance immune system health and cognitive function is about 1,000 mg a day as we mentioned above.
As with other supplements, always consume it with a good meal. This will also help eliminate any feelings of potential nausea.
Lions Mane can be taken up to three times per day, although we do not suggest exceeding that limit. Daily doses ranging from 250mg to 750mg have also been shown to work. We suggest mixing a spoonful of Lion Mane Powder Mix in tea or coffee, once daily, over the course of a two-week period. Notice how you feel after the two weeks are up, and you can always up the dose to 1-2 scoops per day.
What Time of Day Should You Take Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Because of the link between Lion Mane and improved cognitive function, it is best to view your Lion Mane supplement as providing a productivity boost, akin to why you may like a cup of coffee in the morning. It helps you to feel energetic, more alert, and focused. We recommend taking lion’s mane any time between morning and early afternoon to get the best results if you’re looking to experience the cognitive benefits. We also suggest taking Lion Mane regularly since the benefits are best experienced over prolonged use.
Much like using any other botanical supplement, or another medley of medicinal mushrooms, it takes some time for the beneficial effects to kick-in to your system. In most cases, it will take about two weeks for the medicinal mushrooms to begin making an impact. If you are thinking, How much Lions Mane do I need to take, then considering how long you are willing to commit to taking it is equally important.
You can even journal about how it is making a difference, and be more mindful about subtle changes that you may be noticing.
How to Take Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
You need to consume Lions Mane daily for at least two weeks in order to see all of the benefits that the mushroom provides. Fortunately, there are many options to supplement your mushrooms, like capsules, powders, and extracts, teas and coffees containing lions mane, as well as foods that are enriched with the lions mane mushroom.
How to Take Lions Mane Mushroom Powder
When it comes how you can take lion’s mane mushroom powder, there are many different options. You can add it to your favorite smoothie or protein shake, mix it into soups or sauces while cooking them on the stovetop, bake it into breads or other baked goods. It also works well as an addition to hot drinks such as coffee and tea.
Additional Resources:
Does Lion’s Mane Mushroom Lower Testosterone?
The Best Lion’s Mane Supplements
