The Lion's Share of Benefits

Lion’s mane, with its long, shaggy spines that resemble—you guessed it—a lion’s mane, has been shown to ease depression, enhance focus and concentration, and more.

- KARTA PURKH SINGH KHALSA, DN-C, RH

Despite its long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, lion’s mane (Hericium Erinaceus) is only now getting the attention it deserves in the West. Research shows that it contains a plethora of health-enhancing constituents, including antioxidants and immune-boosting beta-glucan, and proponents maintain that it can address a slew of health problems.

Lion’s mane is known to help with brain and mood issues, including anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. It also has a reputation for easing high cholesterol, inflammation, ulcers, and digestive concerns. And if that’s not enough, it also exhibits cancer-preventive effects.

While these may seem like a wide range of disparate conditions, they’re all linked by one thing—inflammation. One study evaluating the potential of 14 different mushrooms held that this leonine remedy had the fourth-highest antioxidant activity, which may explain its benefits for inflammatory conditions.

Better for Your Brain