Lion’s Mane Mushroom for Migraines
Lion’s Mane is a medicinal mushroom that has been shown to benefit the brain, nerves, and immune system. Lion’s mane mushroom is known to stimulate nerve growth factor, improve cognition and memory, and relieve depression. Lion’s mane mushrooms contain biologically active substances that have a beneficial effect on the body, especially on the brain, heart and intestines.
Does Lion’s Mane Mushroom Help With Migraine?
While more human studies needed, there is evidence from animal studies suggesting that lion’s mane fungus may have beneficial effects on helping with migraines, but at this time the evidence is anecdotal and more research will need to be done to confirm the benefits of lion’s mane mushroom for migraines.
In my experience, lion’s mane will not work to treat migraine’s at the onset of a migraine. Although I’ve been able to reduce my migraine’s to having 1 in the last 12 years by drinking at minimum 1.5 liters of water per day, supplementing lion’s mane daily, and also limiting my whole-grains intake, as grains and dehydration seemed to be a trigger for me.
A growing body of research suggests that the lion’s mane mushroom may have the potential to reduce pain, as well as many other health benefits. Several medicinal mushrooms have been shown to help treat migraines, including cordyceps, lion’s mane, and reishi.
You can find our favorite capsules, powders, and tincture’s on the following pages of our website and learn more about each individually:
Our Favorite Lion’s Mane Supplements
Our Favorite Lion’s Mane Powders
Our Favorite Lion’s Mane Tinctures
Our Favorite Lion’s Mane Gummies
Additional benefits
Lion’s mane also boosts immune function and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. One animal study found that lion’s mane extract also fights cancer cells in the liver, colon, and stomach. Test-tube studies suggest that lion’s mane mushroom extract may reduce the growth of certain types of cancer cells, although they may not affect healthy cells. Research suggests that lion’s mane mushrooms may have many health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving cognitive function, and heart health.
Barbie Holstlow says research suggests lion’s mane may be beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s, while antioxidant-rich chaga benefits everything from hair to lungs various body parts. The regenerative properties of lion’s mane are strongly supported by a 2012 study showing that consumption of this mushroom can regenerate cells damaged by peripheral nerve damage.
Studies have shown that it improves concentration and memory, improves mood and reduces anxiety, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, and promotes nerve regeneration (which may help people with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s). Lion’s mane has anti-inflammatory properties, which means users may experience pain relief, headache relief, relief from PMS, arthritis, and some minor conditions of anxiety and depression.
Some of the active ingredients responsible for the healing effects of lion’s mane include polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, heteroglucans, heteroxylans, several triterpenes derived from cyantan also known as hericenon and erinacin.
Additional Resources:
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Grow Kits
Updated 10/11/2022
