How Long Does It Take for Lion's Mane to Work? | Botanic Tonics

How Long Does It Take for Lion's Mane to Work? | Botanic Tonics

Reviewed by Jamal Bouie

Unveiling the Magic of Lion's Mane: How Long Does It Take to Work?

Renowned for its potential health benefits, lion’s mane is a mighty mushroom that packs a punch when it comes to supporting energy and focus. Are you curious about how long it takes for lion's mane to work its wonders? In this article, we'll explore the timeframe for experiencing the effects of lion's mane, its health benefits, and how it can naturally boost your energy and focus.

What is Lion's Mane?

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of edible functional mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Also known as "yamabushitake" or "monkey head mushroom," lion's mane is increasingly gaining popularity in the Western world for its potential health benefits on mental clarity and the immune system. While scientific research on its effects is still ongoing, some reported health benefits of the lion's Mane mushroom include:

  • Improves cognitive function[1] 
  • Promotes neural regeneration[2]
  • Relieves depression and anxiety and provides mood enhancement[3] 
  • Boosts immune system and function[4]

How Long Does it Take for Lion’s Mane to Work?

Lion's mane is known to have both short-term and long-term effects, and the time it takes to experience these effects may vary depending on the individual person. In as soon as a few days of taking lion’s mane mushroom you can encounter mental clarity and longer use may lead to better cognitive function.

See related: How Much Lion's Mane to Take per Day?

Short-term Effects of Lion's Mane

The impact of lion's mane may manifest differently in the short term based on individual biochemistry. Some users report feeling energized or experiencing occasionally reduced anxiety and increased mental clarity after just a few days of use.[5] Additionally, you may notice a decrease in inflammation after a couple of weeks, although consistent use over a longer period is often required to address inflammatory issues more comprehensively.

See related: How to Take Lion’s Mane

Long-term Effects of Lion's Mane

To unlock the full range of longer-term benefits that the lion's mane mushroom has to offer, such as a boost in cognitive function from Hericium erinaceus, consistent supplementation for several months is often necessary.[6]

A 2020 study demonstrated that individuals with mild Alzheimer's disease experienced significant improvements in brain function after taking three 350 milligrams (mg) capsules of lion's mane daily for 49 weeks. These benefits of this functional mushroom include improved memory, regeneration of nerve cells, reduced blood sugar levels, and decreased inflammation.[7] 

Incorporating Lion’s Mane to Your Routine

Lion's mane, the remarkable mushroom celebrated for its potential health benefits, offers both short-term and long-term effects. Depending on individual biochemistry, users may experience energizing or anxiolytic effects in the short term, while longer-term benefits, such as improvements in brain function, require consistent use over several months.

Remember, these functional mushrooms are a natural source of energy and focus, but they’re full potential can only be unlocked through dedication and commitment to a long-term regimen of daily lion’s mane mushroom supplements. To explore the wonders of lion's mane and its health benefits, browse kava tonic products from Botanic Tonics

Note: It's essential to note that while Lion's Mane shows promise in various areas, more extensive research, including human clinical trials, is needed to confirm its effectiveness and fully understand its potential health benefits. 

Sources:

  1. National Library of Medicine. Prospecting medicinal properties of Lion's mane mushroom. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34169530/ 

  2. National Library of Medicine. Neuroregenerative potential of lion's mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23510212/ 

  3. Libert Pub. Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2017.4006  

  4. National Library of Medicine. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24266378/

  5. Medium Lion’s Mane — Brain Superfood. https://medium.com/@holistickenko/lions-mane-38f71da1dd21

  6. T and F Online. Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis in Hericium erinaceus. https://doi.org/10.1080/21501201003735556

  7. Li, I. C. (2020). Prevention of Early Alzheimer’s Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2020.00155

About The Author

Jamal Bouie Botanic Tonic

Jamal Bouie

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.

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