Unlocking the Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tea: Everything You Need to Know
Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of medicinal mushroom that features a unique mane, giving it its name. Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been used for their numerous health benefits in traditional medicine for centuries.
Among the different ways that Lion’s Mane mushroom is used, one of the most popular is as a tea. This drink is said to provide a wide range of benefits, including boosting cognitive function, treating depression and anxiety, reducing inflammation, and helping to prevent a variety of chronic diseases.
Here is everything you need to know about Lion’s Mane mushroom tea, including its health benefits, how to make it, and any possible side effects.
The Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tea
1. Cognitive Enhancement
Lion’s Mane mushroom extracts have been found to provide benefits for cognitive health. One study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements demonstrated that taking Lion’s Mane mushroom extracts for 16 weeks led to significant improvements in cognitive function among subjects experiencing mild cognitive impairment.
Another study conducted on mushroom extracts containing Lion’s Mane showed that it increased memory and learning ability in mice. This suggests that Lion’s Mane mushroom may be an excellent choice for people suffering from age-related cognitive decline.
2. Treats Anxiety and Depression
The active ingredients in Lion’s Mane mushroom are believed to reduce inflammation in the brain, which can help to alleviate depression and anxiety. In one study, participants with depression and anxiety experienced increased emotional stability after regularly consuming Lion’s Mane mushroom extract.
3. Boosts Immunity
Lion’s Mane contains beta-glucans, which act as immuno-modulators, strengthening the immune system. Beta-glucans stimulate cytokines, which are cells that fight infection, regulate immune cells, and help to rid the body of microorganisms. Therefore, it is possible that consuming Lion’s Mane mushroom tea regularly could help to protect against diseases caused by bacterial or fungal infections.
4. Increases Energy
Another benefit of Lion’s Mane mushroom tea is its ability to increase energy levels. In one study, participants who consumed Lion’s Mane mushroom experienced less fatigue and were able to maintain their energy levels longer. This could be due to the presence of nerve growth factors in Lion’s Mane, which can improve neuronal health, leading to enhanced cognitive function and energy levels.
5. Lowers Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for a broad range of chronic diseases. Studies have shown that Lion’s Mane mushroom extract can help lower inflammation levels by reducing the production of different inflammatory cytokines. This makes it potentially beneficial for people with chronic inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or arthritis.
6. Supports Cardiovascular Health
Research has shown that regularly consuming Lion’s Mane mushroom may help to support cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels, reducing high blood pressure, and preventing the build-up of plaque in the arteries.
How to Make Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tea
Making Lion’s Mane mushroom tea is incredibly simple. You can either use fresh mushrooms, dried mushrooms, or Lion’s Mane mushroom extract. Here’s how to make Lion’s Mane mushroom tea using dried mushrooms:
Ingredients
– 1-2 tsp of dried Lion’s Mane mushroom
– 2 cups of filtered water
– Raw honey (optional)
Directions
1. Fill a pot with 2 cups of filtered water and bring it to a boil.
2. Turn off the heat and add 1-2 teaspoons of dried Lion’s Mane mushroom to the water.
3. Let the tea steep for around 15 minutes.
4. Strain the mushroom from the tea using a cheesecloth or a fine strainer.
5. Add honey to taste and enjoy!
Possible Side Effects
Overall, Lion’s Mane mushroom tea is safe and well-tolerated for most people. However, because Lion’s Mane affects the immune system, it may not be suitable for people with autoimmune diseases or those taking immunosuppressant medication.
Additionally, Lion’s Mane mushroom tea may cause digestive upset in some people. If you experience any adverse effects after consuming Lion’s Mane mushroom tea, discontinue its use and consult with your healthcare practitioner.
Conclusion
Lion’s Mane mushroom tea has an impressive range of health benefits that make it an excellent choice for people looking to improve their cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and support cardiovascular health. Whether you’re looking for something to help you concentrate better or want to support immune function, Lion’s Mane tea is a delicious way to boost your health.
While it’s not necessarily a cure-all, Lion’s Mane mushroom tea has plenty of research to back up its potential benefits, and it’s a tasty addition to your daily routine. Try adding a cup of Lion’s Mane mushroom tea to your morning ritual and see if you notice any improvements in your health and wellbeing.
