You’re not alone if you often feel like you’re racing the clock to tick off all the things you want to get done. Between neverending to-do lists, the constant ‘ding’ of notifications interrupting your focus, and trying to balance work and life (not to mention relaxation and sleep), it can be hard to feel like you’re making progress.
While these challenges feel uniquely part of our modern lifestyles, the truth is that for thousands of years people have been searching for ways to enhance focus and flow in their daily life. And for many, that has come in the form of functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane.
Lion’s Mane in traditional medicine
Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional Asian medicine. Chinese scholars and monks took Lion’s Mane mushrooms to improve mental clarity and focus. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it has been prescribed for centuries to support overall nervous system function. In Japan, the Yamabushi, known for their challenging physical and mental training in the mountains, prized this mushroom for its ability to enhance focus and spiritual practices.
For over 50 years now, we’ve been researching, growing and studying functional mushrooms. In that time we’ve seen interest in mushrooms bloom. But few have attracted as much attention – or shown as much promise – as Lion’s Mane. But while recent studies are making headlines, this remarkable fungus has been supporting cognitive and general health for centuries.
What makes Lion's Mane so remarkable?
So named for their shaggy growth, Lion’s Mane naturally grows in hardwood forests across Asia, North America and Europe. Beneath its striking appearance is what makes this mushroom truly special.
Lion’s Mane contains two compounds – hericenones and erinacines – that have been shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the brain. When NGF is stimulated, it triggers a number of actions that promote the growth and development of neurons, making them a promising natural remedy for age-related cognitive decline.
A 2009 study published in Phytotherapy Research involving adults aged 50-80 who took Lion's Mane for 16 weeks showed significant improvements in cognitive function compared to the placebo group. What's particularly noteworthy is that these improvements continued as long as they took the supplement.
Our own research and experience suggest that these benefits aren't limited to older adults. Lion’s Mane can support mental health, clarity and focus as well as better overall cognitive performance for people of all ages.
Going beyond its cognitive benefits, research also points to the positive impact of Lion’s Mane on emotional wellness. A 2019 study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences demonstrated its potential to reduce mild symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study suggested that Lion's Mane's anti-inflammatory properties may play a crucial role in supporting emotional balance and mental clarity.
Again, this is something we’ve seen in our experience with thousands of customers. Many report feeling a sense of mental calm and clarity within weeks of starting their Lion's Mane routine.
Peer-reviewed studies form the scientific foundation of our understanding of Lion's Mane's benefits. Research is ongoing, and new studies continue to reveal added benefits.
Where Lion’s Mane mushroom is grown
While wild-grown Lion’s Mane is found in the forests of Asia, Europe and North America, these are not the mushrooms used in functional mushroom supplements.
Commercial Lion’s Mane mushrooms are grown all around the world, including Australia. But far and away the majority is grown in dedicated mushroom facilities in China. It makes sense, after all, given that China has used medicinal mushrooms for thousands of years that they would continue to be the leading producer.
Not only does China have the experience in growing functional mushrooms, but they have also developed some of the most potent clones through extensive research and careful cultivation. These mushroom clones are guaranteed to contain the beneficial compounds that functional mushrooms are known for.
Our focus has always been on growing – and sourcing – the highest quality mushrooms for our products, which includes from organically certified, dedicated facilities in China. All of our imported products are triple checked by the FDA and Australian customs.
Dual-extraction to get the most from Lion’s Mane
Of course to get all the benefits of Lion’s Mane, it needs to be processed properly. We’ve perfected our dual-extraction process over decades to maximise Lion’s Mane’s bioactive compounds – the perfect blend of tradition and science.
Dual-extraction releases the water-soluble compounds, including essential beta glucans, and the fat-soluble compounds, such as hericenones.
Combined, these steps make sure you're getting the full spectrum of Lion's Mane's beneficial compounds. This is the difference between Touchwood Mushrooms and other suppliers who may use simple powder processing, which doesn’t unlock all the benefits in our experience.
How to take Lion’s Mane mushroom supplement
We’ve identified the best ways to incorporate Lion’s Mane into your daily routine, based on our experience and feedback from thousands of customers.
If you prefer our Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder:
- Add a half a level teaspoon to your morning coffee or tea, or blend into smoothies. The powder form dissolves quickly and has a very mild flavour that is barely noticeable for most people.
Lion’s Mane can also be added to other drinks like hot chocolate, chai or golden milk.
The Lion’s Mane Mushroom Liquid can be taken in the same way:
- Add 1ml of liquid to your favourite morning beverage or mix into your oats or muesli.
It can also be taken directly under the tongue if you’d prefer not to mix it.
Consistency is key. Lion's Mane's benefits build over time, with many people reporting optimal results after 4-8 weeks of regular use. We find taking it daily as part of your morning routine is the best way to make it a regular habit and see the benefits quickly.
What to expect when taking Lion’s Mane
While individual experiences vary, we’ve heard from our customers that in the first few weeks they’ll notice subtle improvements in mental clarity and better focus during demanding tasks (here’s to improving your Wordle score).
Over the next couple of weeks they may notice improved memory recall and better stress management (no more scrambles to find your misplaced keys).
By week eight and onwards, customers report improvements in overall cognitive function and better emotional balance.
What to know before taking Lion’s Mane
Lion's Mane has been widely studied and is generally deemed suitable for most people to take. However, we always recommend starting with the recommended serving, or slightly less, and adjusting as needed.
You should speak with your healthcare provider if you’re on medication or have existing health conditions.
Make sure you follow the storage directions and expiry information on the packaging.
Remember, the best results come from consistent daily use. We know many of our customers like to have their Lion’s Mane mushroom supplement delivered on subscription so it shows up before their current bottle runs out. Not only does that help with that consistent use, but it also helps to save money.
The future of Lion’s Mane for the brain
While Lion's Mane has been revered for centuries, and studied for decades, we're only beginning to understand the full scope of its potential. As pioneers in functional mushrooms, we've watched the scientific community validate what traditional wisdom has long known: Lion's Mane is a remarkable ally for health offering natural, evidence-based support for cognitive function.
The key to success with Lion's Mane, as with all natural supplements, lies in quality and consistency. Our commitment to superior cultivation, careful dual-extraction, and rigorous testing ensures you're getting the most potent, pure and effective Lion's Mane supplement available.
Ready to experience the benefits of Lion's Mane for yourself? Explore our range of premium Lion's Mane products.