Does Lion's Mane Make You High?
If you’re new to the fun world of fungi, you may be wondering what the deal is with the popular lion’s mane mushroom. Lion’s mane is known for its short- and long-term mood and cognitive function enhancements, with more studies on its many benefits underway.
But the real question is: Can lion’s mane make you high? No, it can’t. Instead, people turn to it for its natural benefits. And you’ll want to know why.
Keep reading to learn more about the protective potentials of lion’s mane and how you can experience the (non-psychedelic) magic for yourself.
What Is Lion's Mane Mushroom?
Hericium erinaceus is a type of edible medicinal mushroom that grows in mounds of long, pale, hair-like spindles, hence the nickname “lion’s mane.”[1]
Lion’s mane has a long history as a potent natural remedy in many East Asian cultures,[1] and for good reason.
This fantastic fungi is packed with bioactive components that can easily pass from your blood to your brain. These components have been shown to stimulate nerve growth and regeneration, reduce brain inflammation, enhance memory and mood, and much more.[1]
Essentially, lion’s mane is all-natural brain fuel. So what else can you expect when you take it?
The Cognitive and Neuro-Protective Effects of Lion’s Mane
When people ask, “Does lion’s mane make you high?” they’re often operating under the assumption that most mushrooms are psychedelics. In reality, mushrooms have much more to offer than a fun trip.
Again, lion’s mane is not a psychedelic mushroom, and it can’t get you high. Rather, it’s an ancient and powerful balm for brain health and function.
Researchers have tracked both the short- and long-term mental health benefits of taking lion’s mane. Within an hour of taking it, you can expect to feel sharper and perform faster on cognitive tasks. After about a month of regular use, your perceived stress levels may reduce substantially due to lion’s mane working as an adaptogenic mushroom.[1] Adaptogens are able to tackle stress relief by bringing our body back to a natural resting state, or homeostasis, and this medicinal mushroom is no different.
Lion’s mane may also be valuable for:[2]
- Slowing cognitive decline
- Reducing feelings of depression and anxiety
- Supporting nervous system recovery after brain/spinal injuries or strokes
- Preventing brain diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s
As you can see, lion’s mane does the exact opposite of a psychedelic mushroom. Instead of impairing your brain function, it supercharges your brain cells.
The Other Benefits of Lion's Mane
In addition to its cognitive benefits, lion’s mane may also:[2]
- Reduce inflammation
- Promote heart health
- Lower blood sugar
- Strengthen immune system responses
The advantages and health benefits of using lion’s mane are still being studied, but the current findings have been overwhelmingly positive.
Comparing Lion's Mane with Other Natural Supplements
Lion’s mane works like a charm on its own, but when you use it alongside other natural supplements, the result is truly magical.
Some other common supplements you may want to try include:
- Kava – A native plant of the Pacific Islands, traditionally made into a drink and consumed in ceremonial and social settings. Kava produces a mood-elevating, calming sensation, which makes it an effective treatment for anxiety and insomnia.[3]
- Kola nut – A large nut that is native and culturally significant to West Africa. Kola nuts are known to make you more alert and mentally active due to their natural caffeine content.[4]
- Rhodiola – Another energy-boosting and stress-reducing plant that grows in many regions of Europe and Asia. Rhodiola use has roots in European medicine and may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.[5]
When it comes to natural supplements for issues like fatigue and mental fog, this adaptogenic mushroom is just one of countless possibilities. These alternatives also have particular merit in lowering cortisol, the hormone that makes our mind and body respond to stress. Discover more natural remedies for brain fog and herbal supplements to lower cortisol.
How to Use Lion's Mane
Lion’s mane comes in a variety of forms and can be consumed in numerous ways that are almost as enjoyable as the mushroom’s effects themselves.
With lion’s mane, you can:[2]
- Eat it raw or dried
- Cook it into meals
- Steep it to make tea
- Mix lion’s mane powder into drinks or soups
- Take it as a tablet or capsule
- Drink supplements that contain lion’s mane
While dosage depends on many unique factors, such as your age and current health, three to five grams per day is usually the sweet spot for maximum mental clarity and focus.[2]
Experience the Lion’s Mane Brain Boost with Botanic Tonics
Lion’s mane mushroom is a great introduction to the world of plant-based wellness. It’s a safe yet potent mushroom supplement that immediately kicks your brain into a higher gear, and benefits your physical and mental health in the long run, too.
If you want to continue to explore the natural healing potentials of lion’s mane and other natural supplements, Botanic Tonics is here to guide you.
Our feel free® plant-based energy tonics and capsules combine lion’s mane with other mood-enhancing and energy-amplifying natural ingredients like kava, kola nut, and rhodiola, with 100mg of natural caffeine to top off this magical concoction. The effect is a perfect balance of relaxation and mental clarity—minus the crash.
After drinking a feel free® tonic, you’ll feel more awake, more productive, and more yourself. Try it today.
Sources:
- National Library of Medicine. The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10675414/
- Healthline. 9 Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Plus Side Effects). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom
- Healthline. Kava Kava: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kava-kava
- National Library of Medicine. Kola nut: so much more than just a nut. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3842857/
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Rhodiola. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/rhodiola
About The Author
Jamal Bouie is an accomplished professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Lemoyne-Owen College in Memphis. Currently, he is pursuing his PhD in Biomedicine at Salus University. Jamal has worked in several industries; he began his career in pharmaceutical manufacturing and transitioned to the cannabis industry, where he specialized in analytical testing and manufacturing, playing a vital role in ensuring product safety and compliance. Now, Jamal has turned his attention to the dietary supplement field, combining his scientific acumen with his passion for health and wellness.
