Lion's Mane: The "Smart" Mushroom
- Linda Crider
- May 31
- 3 min read
Have you ever felt like you have "run out of brain cells" or don't have enough to handle the mental overload so many of us are carrying these days? How about those times when you walk into a room and then have no idea what you went there for in the first place? Well, LION'S MANE may be your "magic" mushroom.
Visually, you can see why one of the common descriptions of this mushroom includes the term "pop pom," but it's more fitting to associate the healing power of Lion's Mane with the dynamic king of beasts as pictured above on the card. Aside from looking like a lion's shaggy mane, this mushroom has a distinctively masculine vibe which is why herbalist Adriana Ayayles emphasizes its dynamic quality of "Leadership." Lion's Mane is associated with the potency of the Sun along with the planet Mercury's connection to movement and action on both mental and physical levels.
"When we meet Lion's Mane," Adriana says, "we immediately feel a regal and generous presence." He encourages us to live with what she calls "compassionate leadership."
Like several other popular medicinal 'shrooms, this nutrient dense fungus doesn't at all resemble the whimsical, polka-dotted toadstool images sometimes used to illustrate "magical" mushrooms. Rather than thriving under the shade of a tree in a damp forest setting, Hericium erinaceus is found actually growing on (and digesting) the wood of wounded living trees and the trunks of decaying ones.
As a supplement, it has become incredibly popular for brain support. Its overall healing potential has been known for over two centuries by Buddhist Monks who were aware of its brain enhancing and nutritional benefits. However, modern science has recently demonstrated its ability to not only boost mental skills, but to actually stimulate the creation of new neural cells. It has been shown to increase memory and focus as well as help to treat other neurological issues.
It may surprise some to know that this is an edible species, and medicinal mushroom guru Paul Stamets calls Lion's Mane a "gourmet gift from nature" due to its pleasing texture and flavor. If you don't want to take it in supplement form, you can opt to enjoy its benefits in cooking or in one of many coffee substitutes that include other mushroom superstars such as Reishi, Chaga and Cordyceps.
But like many other fungi, along with providing nutrition and culinary perks, it also establishes an important reciprocal relationship with its natural setting.
"Through the work of its hidden Mycelium network, Lion’s Mane recycles nutrients from fallen trees back into the soil. This ability to redistribute nutrients to other forest organisms makes it an important member of its native ecosystems."
It stands to reason how such a "smart" mushroom that can increase your mental clarity would automatically be beneficial on a spiritual level too. As Asian monks have known for eons, Lion's Mane's ability to calm the mind and sharpen the focus allows for reaching a higher, more fine tuned meditative state.
To answer any remaining questions and provide a few convincing studies, the following 7 minute video does a good job of clearly explaining how working with this gift from nature (in whatever way suits you) involves a "partnership" between respecting ancient wisdom and acknowledging modern science.
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