Read time: 5 minutes
Contents: Interactions With Anticoagulants l Interactions With Diabetes Medications l Interactions With Anti-depressants l Lion's Mane Safety FAQs
Lion's Mane supplements have made their way into the mainstream of brain health. With many eager to purchase a host of different mushroom products, many ask themselves, is Lion's Mane safe?
In this article we take a deep dive into safe uses for all lion's mane supplements and potential risks they can cause for those on certain medications.
If you have a chronic medical condition it's always best to consult your physician or naturopath to see if certain supplements are right for you. But, if you're one of the many asking themselves does Lion's Mane interact with medications? You've come to the right place.
In the case of Lion's Mane, powders, extracts and even culinary applications are relatively safe. They have a robust history of use in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and continue to be studied for their various health benefits.
However, there are three classes of medications where Lion's Mane may pose a negative or unexpected reaction. Continue below to see if any of them pertain to you.
Studies have shown that Lion's Mane can inhibit collagen-induced platelet aggregation. This process plays a key factor in the production of blood clots.
For healthy individuals not on anticoagulant medications, Lion's Mane's inhibitory effect on blood clotting is unnoticeable and can even be beneficial. For individuals who are on anticoagulant medications, slower healing times and easy bruising might be a side effect of taking Lion's Mane Extract.
Lion's Mane has been shown to exhibit antiglycemic properties(1). Simply put, it can potentially lower your blood sugar. For most, this effect can be beneficial, especially if you're using Lion's Mane to enhance your focus.
For those on antidiabetic medications to regulate blood sugar, taking Lion's Mane may lower your blood sugar more than expected. That is why it is important to continually monitor your blood sugar if you are diabetic and plan to take Lion's Mane for long periods of time.
Some of the key benefits of Lion's Mane is its ability to lift brain fog, promote creativity, and improve sleep. This ability stems from its rich concentration of erinacines and hericenones. These two compounds show brain stimulating activity like myelin reproduction and synapse repair. Because of this, many view Lion's Mane Extract as a natural mood stabilizer and stress reducer.
Studies show that taking Lion's Mane Extract for four weeks may lead to the reduction of depression symptoms (2). Furthermore, there is virtually no scientific research outlining any potential negative interactions with depression or anxiety medications.
What Does Lion's Mane Do?
Lion's Mane is a type of medicinal mushroom scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and has gained popularity for its potential health benefits.
One of the key potential benefits of Lion's Mane is its impact on brain health. Research suggests that Lion's Mane may have neuroprotective properties and can support cognitive function. It contains bioactive compounds, including hericenones and erinacines, which may stimulate the growth and repair of nerve cells in the brain. This mushroom is believed to enhance memory, concentration, and overall mental clarity.
Additionally, Lion's Mane may have mood-boosting effects. Some studies have indicated that it could have antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties by regulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
Furthermore, Lion's Mane is known for its potential ability to support the nervous system and help with nerve regeneration. It may aid in the management of conditions related to nerve damage or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Other potential benefits attributed to Lion's Mane include immune system support, anti-inflammatory properties, and digestive health improvement.
Is Lion's Mane psychedelic?
Psychedelic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain mind altering compounds known as psilocybin and psilocin. In the past these mushrooms were viewed as recreational drugs that may pose serious health concerns. However, much of the latest research shows that psychedelic mushrooms promote a brain repairing process known as neurogenesis.
Through neurogenesis, brain tissues known as myelin that connect neurons, synapses, and other brain tissues are revitalized and repaired. It can also promote well-being on a mental and emotional level. Studies show that neurogenesis promoted by psychedelic mushrooms can help people overcome depression, anxiety, addition and overall improve mental health (3).
While venturing on a mind altering mushroom journey is not for everyone, there is still a way to help promote neurogenesis without the psychedelic experience.
Studies show that Lion's Mane is the only non-psychoactive mushroom that can help support neurogenesis. That is mainly due to two brain supporting compounds it contains: erinacines and hericenones.
While these compounds have no psychedelic effects on the brain, regular use of Lion's Mane extracts can help support enhanced cognition and better mental health.
Is Lion's Mane Safe During Pregnancy?
The safety of consuming Lion's Mane during pregnancy has not been extensively studied. There is limited information available on its potential effects on pregnant women and developing fetuses. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use caution and avoid the use of Lion's Mane as a supplement during pregnancy unless specifically advised by your physician or naturopathic doctor.
When Is The Best Time To Take Lion's Mane?
The best time to take Lion's Mane can vary depending on your specific needs and goals. However, here are a few general recommendations:
1. Morning: Many people prefer to take Lion's Mane in the morning as it may provide cognitive benefits and support mental clarity throughout the day. It can help enhance focus and concentration, making it a good choice for starting the day.It's important to note that the effects of Lion's Mane can vary from person to person, and some individuals may find it more effective at different times of the day. Additionally, if you are taking Lion's Mane as a supplement, be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Where Can I Buy Lion's Mane?
Lion's mane supplements come in many different forms and are produced by a host of different brands.
Many people starting out initially try convenient powders and mushroom coffees that can be easily added to their morning routines. The only downside to these products is that they usually contain a mushroom byproduct called mycelium.
Mycelium can be found on product labels as myceliated oates, myceliated brown rice, or myceliated grain. What it is exactly, is the fungal roots of the mushroom grown on these grains. They don't actually contain real mushroom fruiting bodies and it is still being debated through various studies if they have any real benefit.
For this reason, we created our Lion's Mane liquid extract that is made from organically cultivated Lion's Mane. It contains no mycelium and is 100% sourced and produced in the United States.
Works Cited
The numbers in parenthesis are clickable links to the sources cited in this article.
]]>Lion's Mane Mushroom, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Known for its distinctive shaggy appearance, this unique fungus has gained considerable attention for its potential health benefits, which are now being investigated by modern science.
Hericium erinaceus is a significant subject of research for its potential neurotrophic effects. These effects refer to the growth and differentiation of neurons, which are critical for maintaining the proper functioning of the nervous system. A study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that Hericium erinaceus contains hericenones and erinacines, compounds that can induce the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in nerve cells. The NGF is essential for the maintenance of the basal forebrain cholinergic system, which plays a crucial role in memory and cognition1.
The mushroom has also been studied for its potential utility in the treatment of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Research has shown that oral supplementation with Hericium erinaceus can result in significant improvements in novelty-seeking behavior and novel object recognition in mice, suggesting potential applications in improving recognition memory. However, the same study found that these improvements did not extend to spatial memory, suggesting that the benefits of Hericium erinaceus may be selective and specific to certain types of cognitive function.
Another critical health benefit of Hericium erinaceus is its antioxidant activity. A study found that oligosaccharides, carbohydrate molecules extracted from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus, have substantial antioxidant effects. The study suggests that these compounds could potentially serve as a source of natural antioxidant compounds, indicating that Hericium erinaceus could be used as an effective health food.
In addition to cognitive enhancement, Lion's Mane Mushroom may also have potential benefits for mental health. Some research suggests that the mushroom might have antidepressant and anxiety-reducing effects. This is thought to be linked to its ability to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor, which not only supports neuron growth but also has been linked to mental health.
The immune-boosting properties of Lion's Mane Mushroom are another area of potential benefit. The mushroom is rich in beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide that is known for its immune-enhancing effects. By supporting immune health, Lion's Mane Mushroom may help the body to better resist pathogens and illness.
Despite its potential benefits, it's also important to be aware of potential side effects and contraindications associated with Lion's Mane Mushroom. Some people may experience digestive upset after consuming the mushroom, particularly if they are not accustomed to it. Additionally, those with mushroom allergies should avoid Lion's Mane, as they could potentially have an allergic reaction.
It's also worth noting that the safety of Lion's Mane Mushroom in pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been thoroughly studied. As such, these individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation.
For those interested in the potential health benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom, there are several ways to incorporate it into one's diet. The mushroom has a seafood-like flavor, similar to crab or lobster, which makes it a delicious addition to a variety of dishes. It can be sautéed, baked, or grilled, and is a popular ingredient in soups and stews.
In addition to its use in cooking, Lion's Mane is also available in supplement form. These supplements, which often come in the form of capsules or powders, can be a convenient way to incorporate the benefits of Lion's Mane into your daily routine. However, as with any supplement, it's important to choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer.
While research on Lion's Mane Mushroom is still ongoing, preliminary studies suggest significant potential health benefits, particularly in the realm of cognitive function and antioxidant activity. However, it is important to note that most of the research thus far has been conducted on animal models, and more extensive human trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Lion's Mane Mushroom is a unique and fascinating fungus that offers a variety of potential health benefits. From cognitive enhancement to immune support, the research surrounding this mushroom is promising. However, as always, it's important to approach any new dietary supplement with caution and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting use.
Despite the need for more human trials, the current research provides compelling reasons to consider Lion's Mane Mushroom as a beneficial addition to a healthy diet. Whether consumed as a delicious ingredient in meals or taken as a supplement, Lion's Mane Mushroom is a natural remedy that has the potential to support overall health and well-being.
As the saying goes, "let food be thy medicine," and in the case of Lion's Mane Mushroom, it seems that this ancient wisdom holds true. So, why not consider adding this unique, health-boosting fungus to your diet? Start shopping for quality Lion's Mane Mushroom Extracts now.
[Links to research papers]
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Read Time: 9 minutes
Contents: Traditional Chinese Medicine | Cordyceps Militaris: The Sustainable Choice | Health Benefits | Endurance | Immune Support | Cardiovascular Support | Anti-Inflammatory | Anti-Cancer Support
Cordyceps is an incredibly energizing mushroom! Cordyceps is prized for promoting energy, vitality, sexual performance, and athletic prowess. Rich in adenosine, it works on a cellular level to help increase the body's natural building blocks for long-lasting energy.
Since you're on this page, you're probably curious about cordyceps mushrooms for one of two reasons.
Either:
1) You're interested in all those health benefits of cordyceps that I just mentioned.
Or:
2) You heard about a crazy mushroom that turns bugs into zombies, and you want to know more.
Either way, I'll help you out. Today, I'll introduce the gruesome, wild Cordyceps sinensis. We'll also dive into the top 5 health benefits of a more sustainable species, Cordyceps militaris.
Cordyceps mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 1,000 years.
Physicians and healers throughout Asia prize cordyceps as a tonic for energy, endurance, vitality, athletic prowess, and sexual potency. But for centuries, the cordyceps species used most in Asia was the rare Cordyceps sinensis.
Wild Cordyceps sinensis has been foraged to the brink several times over the centuries. At one time, it was so scarce that only royalty could use it!
Cordyceps sinensis is rare because it only grows inside a particular kind of caterpillar. The wild-harvested mushroom that makes its way into pricey Chinese markets is actually a dead caterpillar with a mushroom growing out of its head.
To fruit into a mushroom, C. sinensis needs to infect a host caterpillar. Ghost moth caterpillars who encounter the C. sinensis fungus underground become infected by the fungus’s mycelium. The mycelium spreads throughout the caterpillar’s tissues, digesting the caterpillar from the inside, and replacing the caterpillar’s tissues with its own mycelium.
Eventually, the fungus manipulates the caterpillar to move to the perfect position just below the soil’s surface. C. Sinensis then grows a single fruiting body (mushroom) up through the caterpillar’s head. The mushroom emerges into daylight, while the unlucky grub stays entombed below the soil. (Unless, of course, a sharp-eyed forager excavates it.)
Lab techs have attempted to grow C. Sinensis in captive caterpillars in laboratory conditions, with some success. From a sustainability standpoint, lab farming is better than over-harvesting wild cordyceps. However, the lab process is extremely expensive.
Neither wild nor lab-cultivated Cordyceps sinensis extracts are vegan. However, there is a vegan option available in North America that is also more sustainable!
Cordyceps militaris is a North American cordyceps species. Militaris also inhabits caterpillars in the wild. However, ecologically conscious growers can cultivate Cordyceps militaris without caterpillars.
Our organic growers at Mycopolitan cultivate Cordyceps militaris sustainably, without caterpillar zombies. Our organic Cordyceps militaris is cultivated on brown rice, and we utilize both the mushroom fruiting body and the myceliated biomass for maximum benefits.
Why Not Wild?
Cordyceps militaris is one of the only mushrooms we prefer cultivated vs. wild for three reasons:
Leading mycologist Dr. Christopher Hobbs has conducted extensive DNA testing on products labeled as cordyceps. He has not found any Cordyceps sinensis in products available in US markets—even among those labeled as Cordyceps sinensis.
DNA testing showed that US products labeled as Cordyceps sinensis actually contain the fungi Tolypocladium inflatum, or Bionectria ochroleuca, or Cordyceps militaris.
In short, products claiming to contain Cordyceps sinensis are likely mislabeled—or, worse, intentionally misleading. We advise clients to be wary of any products claiming to contain Cordyceps sinensis.
Purchase products labeled “Cordyceps militaris” from a trusted source. You want to know what you are actually getting!
For centuries, various cordyceps species have been prized for promoting energy, vitality, sexual performance, and athletic prowess. Modern clinical and lab studies have shown that Cordyceps militaris has antioxidative, antihyperglycemic, antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects (1).
Studies point to five different ways that cordyceps promotes energy and vitality. Cordyceps militaris:
The bioactive compounds that provide these benefits include:
Read on the learn more about each of the amazing health benefits of Cordyceps militaris mushroom extract!
A number of studies show that Cordyceps militaris can promote endurance during physical activity, backing up its traditional use as an energy tonic. Cordyceps has been promoted by Olympic coaches and scientific researchers as a functional food for endurance (3).
Cordyceps’s endurance benefits are likely due to adenosine and polysaccharides. The two nutritional compounds each promote energy metabolism, and cordyceps has them both!
Adenosine is the primary molecule for transferring energy among cells. Adenosine is key to:
Polysaccharides are long-chain carbohydrates that give plants and some hard-shelled animals their structure and strength (5, 6). Together, these bioactive nutrients work together to help resist fatigue.
Studies have shown that cordyceps mushrooms can improve exercise performance in healthy adults (7, 8). Patients in a 12 week study took cordyceps supplements before cycling. They showed improved metabolic functioning and respiratory functioning. Their VO2 max increased by 8.5%. (The control group showed no change in VO2 max, so the change wasn’t due to increased fitness from cycling for the twelve weeks of the study!) A second study showed similar results.
In a swimming test, mice who were fed polysaccharides isolated from Cordyceps militaris had significantly better endurance than the control group. The cordyceps-treated mice also had lower concentrations of serum lactic acid, and increased liver and muscle glycogen content (9).
Cordyceps militaris also supports endurance by improving respiratory function. Extracts made from cordyceps' fruiting body were found to modulate airway inflammation in asthmatic mice (10).
The benefits of taking cordyceps increase with time. Short-term supplementation with cordyceps can improve endurance during high-intensity exercise, but long term supplementation may provide even greater benefits (11). One study indicated that twelve weeks was the threshold for experiencing optimal benefits (11).
Cordyceps extracts support healthy immune responses holistically, operating at the immune system's cellular level.
Laboratory studies have shown cordyceps influencing immune activity by:
By supporting healthy immune response, Cordyceps militaris also shows anti-viral activity. Reseachers tested cordyceps's effect on influenza A virus, and found that mice had more natural killer cells when given Cordyceps militaris extract. They also fared better overall, with lower mortality than those who did not receive cordyceps (12).
Cordyceps militaris supports healthy cardiovascular function in two ways: 1) by increasing antioxidant capacity of heart tissue and 2) by reducing high cholesterol.
Cordyceps militaris extracts made from the mushroom’s fruiting body are powerful antioxidants. Lab studies have shown that Cordyceps militaris extracts increased total antioxidant capacity in liver, kidney, and heart tissues. They concluded that Cordyceps militaris extracts modulate antioxidative enzymes in healthy organisms (12).
Antioxidants are especially important for protecting heart tissue. Cardiovascular cells communicate using reactive oxygen species molecules (ROS), which they create themselves. When there are plenty of antioxidants available to balance these oxygen species, the system is safe.
However, when there are not enough antioxidants present in the heart’s tissues, those ROS molecules can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids. This can harm the heart’s structure and cardiovascular function (13).
The system is safely balanced when there are enough antioxidants available. Antioxidant foods can help support a healthy balance.
The second way Cordyceps militaris supports heart health is by reducing high cholesterol. High levels of low-density cholesterol (LDL) are associated with heart disease. A study showed that daily doses of bioactive Cordyceps militaris components reduced LDL cholesterol in hamsters, as well as reducing triglycerides and total cholesterol (14).
Cordyceps’s antioxidant power and immune-modulating effects (which we explored above), make cordyceps an anti-inflammatory food.
Extracts made from Cordycep militaris mycelium alleviated symptoms of acute colitis in mice. The researchers noted that Cordyceps militaris mycelium could be harnessed as a preventative food and treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases (12).
The Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine recommends Cordyceps militaris for those with chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and asthma (15).
Research into the benefits of cordyceps mushroom as an anti-cancer food show that there are unique benefits to both the mycelium and the fruiting body. That’s because the mycelium itself contains anti-cancer properties that are distinct from the anti-cancer properties of the fruiting body.
The fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris has been shown to increase the level of interferon secretion by macrophages (12).
Macrophages are immune cells that act like sentinels, patrolling and removing dead cells. Macrophages are part of the immune system’s anti-tumor response (16). Interferon secreted by microphages “plays a key role in activation of cellular immunity and subsequently, stimulation of antitumor immune-response” (17).
Researchers proposed that Cordyceps militaris could be used “as an immune activator or antitumor agent” (12).
The mycelia of cultivated Cordyceps militaris is a potential cancer-fighter because it reduces angiogenesis (12). Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels.
In order to grow and form large tumors, cancer cells need a blood supply. Reducing angiogenesis reduces or prevents tumors from gaining a blood supply, limiting their size and growth.
Lab studies showed that extracts made from cultured mycelia had a more potent anti-angiogenesis effect than fruiting body extracts (12).
The stressors of the modern world take a toll on our bodies. If we feel fatigued, unmotivated, or detached, it’s easy to see why we might lose connection with the people and projects that matter to us. Luckily, our wild bodies know how to get the most out of superfoods like cordyceps mushroom extract.
Plus, with every purchase of Wild Kingdom extracts, you heal your connection with the earth by helping to reforest our planet. Every sale from our store donates to One Tree Planted, an organization that shares our mission for sustainability by planting trees worldwide.
Works Cited
The numbers in parenthesis are clickable links to the sources cited in this article.
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Read Time: 9 minutes
Contents: Smart Sleep | Lion's Mane Before Bed | Brain Health | Cortisol | Circadian Rhythm | REM | Chronic Pain | FAQs | Buy Lion's Mane Extract
Have you ever sacrificed a few hours of sleep to get ahead, then watched your productivity crash the next day?
Maybe you were “in the zone” that night or chasing a deadline.
But, the next day, you felt a little fuzzy around the edges. Edgy. Frustrated. Slow to get a joke. Despite the extra cup of coffee, you couldn’t stop the brain fog from creeping in.
That's because you need sleep! Sleep helps the brain maintain the neurological pathways necessary for memory, learning, and quick thinking.
Fortunately, we can eat smart to sleep smart. Lion’s mane mushrooms and other neuroprotective foods can support brain health while we sleep.
Read on to learn about the top five ways lion's mane supports healthy sleep. You’ll even find tips for taking lion’s mane before bed to support daytime cognition!
The brain regulates sleep and sleepiness. Several brain regions work together to track your time spent awake, to initiate sleepiness, and to guide the detoxification that happens during sleep.
Really quickly, we’ll go over three of those regions: the hypothalamus, the pineal gland, and the amygdala, which is active during REM sleep.
The hypothalamus is the “control center.” When it begins getting dark, the hypothalamus sends signals to the pineal gland to increase production of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps you feel sleepy and fall asleep. After your natural melatonin guides you to sleep, you go through stages of light, deep, and REM sleep.
The amygdala is a region of the brain involved in processing emotions. It becomes very active during REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep). It’s likely that memories and emotional memories are consolidated during REM sleep (1).
If you aren’t spending enough time in each stage of sleep (light, deep, and REM), the brain isn’t able to process what you’ve experienced during the daytime. This is why each stage of the sleep cycle is important for memory and cognition.
Can taking lion's mane before bed really help with sleep and memory? According to traditional folk medicines and emerging scientific research, yes!
Here are the five brain benefits of taking lion's mane extract before bed:
Is your brain feeing tickled? We'll go into each of these potential health benefits in more detail. Keep reading to learn more!
Lion’s mane’s scientific name is Hericium erinaceus. In the 1990’s, scientists discovered two compounds in the mushroom, which they named “hericenones” and “erinacines.” While it may not have been very creative to name the compounds after the mushroom’s scientific name, it’s clear that hericenones and erinacines are unique to lion’s mane mushrooms!
Scientists studying the health benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms usually focus on hericenones and erinacines. Studies have shown they are “bioactive,” which means they interact with the human body.
Studies have shown that lion’s mane mushroom extracts improve mild cognitive impairments in humans and other mammals, and it is being studied as a nutritional intervention for Alzheimer's disease and dementia (2, 3, 4, 5).
Lion’s mane’s hericenones and erinacines support enhanced cognitive function by stimulating natural production of nerve growth factors (NGF) in the brain and throughout the nervous system (5, 6, 7).
Nerve growth factors (NGF) are proteins that the body uses to grow neurons and create neuronal connections. NGF helps maintain healthy nerve cells in the central, sensory, and automatic nervous systems (6, 7).
The erinacines in lion’s mane extract can even cross the blood brain barrier. Neurons can absorb lion’s mane’s erinacines directly from the bloodstream, so it’s likely that they improve cognition by acting directly on the central nervous system (8).
The circadian rhythm regulates daily cycles of sleeping and waking. Lion’s mane research suggests extracts support healthy circadian cycles in two ways:
Lion’s mane mushrooms are “adaptogens,” which means they improve the body’s ability to adapt to stress (9). Lion’s mane’s adaptogenic properties are likely due to the way it promotes brain and nerve health.
Adaptogens support sleep by helping the adrenal gland close. You might be familiar with the adrenal gland’s function in responding to stressful events by releasing cortisol and other stress hormones. Did you know there is also a “circadian cortisol” cycle?
The circadian cortisol cycle helps regulate daily sleeping and waking.
A healthy circadian cortisol cycle generates cortisol in the morning. This helps the body transition from sleeping to waking, and contributes to feelings of alertness early in the day. By afternoon, the amount of cortisol circulating should be much lower, and reach its lowest point at night.
However, stress can cause the adrenal gland to release cortisol all afternoon and even into the evening. When this happens, the body is alert in the evening, making sleep difficult (9).
Adaptogens like lion’s mane help the adrenal gland close. With the adrenal closed, circulating cortisol can wane, and the body has a chance to prepare for sleep.
Does Lion's Mane make you sleepy? Not exactly! The NGFs stimulated by lion’s mane support the circadian rhythm’s cycles of sleepiness and wakefulness.
A 2015 study showed lion’s mane extract helping to reduce stress and insomnia among university students who were accustomed to staying up late studying and socializing.
After the students took lion’s mane before bed for one month, researchers measured fewer symptoms of insomnia and significant declines in fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression (10).
Lion’s mane also promotes deep REM sleep, the sleep cycle necessary for integrating memories. As far as we know, there haven’t yet been any studies directly measuring the relationship between whole lion’s mane mushrooms and REM sleep. But there has been research showing that NGF plays a role in initiating REM sleep! (11).
Since we know taking lion‘s mane before bed promotes NGFs, and NGFs promote REM sleep, it’s reasonable to think lion’s mane extracts may support REM sleep.
A number of biohackers and medicinal mushroom lovers have done their own informal “experiments.” By tracking her REM sleep with Oura Ring data, sleep consultant Katie Moore discovered that taking lion’s mane mushroom extract before bed elevated her REM above her pre-lion’s-mane average. She even had her highest-ever REM measurement after taking lion’s mane before bed.
Taking lion’s mane before bed may support sleep for chronic pain sufferers by relieving pain symptoms both in the short term, and over time.
Lion’s mane extracts support pain relief in two ways:
Obviously, pain can disrupt sleep.
And, unfortunately, people dealing with ongoing pain often experience worsening sleep over time.
Chronic pain can create a pain-sensation cycle that outlasts the original source of pain. This is due to neurology. When a part of the body sends the same pain signal to the brain over and over again, the nervous system may stop relaying real-time signals. Instead, it assumes that the pain is always present. This can cause the brain to experience pain sensations even when the original source isn’t flaring up.
In some cases, the nervous system doesn’t “catch on” when a chronic injury heals. It may continue causing pain sensations after the original source of pain is treated.
NGFs support the growth of new nerve branches and connections, potentially supporting pain relief at a cellular level.
Note that lion’s mane is not a pain killer or a medication. It won’t dull pain immediately after each dose, the way narcotic pain medications can. Instead, lion’s mane is a non-addictive, nutritional source of support. Taking a dose of lion’s mane extract before bed each night has the potential to support long-term relief and recovery.
Should I take lion’s mane before bed or in the morning?
We advise our clients with sleep concerns to take lion’s mane extract before bed each evening.
For clients focused on daytime focus and cognitive performance, we sometimes recommend taking lion’s mane first thing in the morning.
For those seeking overall support for sleep and cognitive performance, lion’s mane extract can be taken twice each day, both in the morning and before bed.
What is the best way to take lion's mane extract?
Our convenient extracts can be taken by placing one dropper-full under the tongue. They can also be added to tea or your favorite beverage.
What is the recommended dosage?
The suggested dose for our extract is 1ml, or one dropper-full. The best time to take Lion's Mane for better sleep is about 30 minutes before going to bed.
How does lion’s mane make you feel?
Lion’s mane is a nootropic. That means it supports cognitive performance and focus. Some people report sensations of alertness or mental clarity.
Lion’s mane’s adaptogen activity also supports relaxation. It has been shown to alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression over time. (In this study, participants reported reduced symptoms within four weeks of use).
Does lion’s mane help with brain fog?
Lion's mane supports cognition and brain health. Some users experience reduction in brain fog, as well as increased feelings of clarity, with daily use.
Forager's Kingdom founder and in-house health coach Neil frequently recommends lion’s mane for brain fog. He uses lion’s mane to prevent the brain fog that used to be a daily symptom of his neurological lyme disease.
Is lion’s mane stimulating?
Lion’s mane mushroom is a nootropic, and supports cognitive performance and focus. Some people may experience their enhanced focus as contributing to feelings of clarity or alertness.
However, lion’s mane does not have the stimulant effects caused by some other nootropics, like caffeine.
Lion’s mane is not a stimulant, not a narcotic, and not a hallucinogenic.
How long does lion’s mane take to work?
Some people notice the benefits of lion’s mane extract the first day they use it. Others notice benefits emerging gradually, over several weeks of use.
We advise our clients to use mushroom extracts daily for one month before expecting optimal results. The best time to take Lion's Mane for better sleep is somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes before bed.
The stressors of the modern world take a toll on our bodies. If we feel fatigued, unmotivated, or detached, it’s easy to see why we might lose connection with the people and projects that matter to us. Luckily, our wild bodies know how to get the most out of superfoods like lion's mane mushroom extract.
Plus, with every purchase of Forager's Kingdom extracts, you heal your connection with the earth by helping to reforest our planet. Every sale from our store donates to One Tree Planted, an organization that shares our mission for sustainability by planting trees worldwide.
Read Time: 10 Minutes
Contents: Causes of Poor Sleep | Mushrooms for Sleep | Adaptogens Support Sleep | Adaptogenic Mushrooms | Reishi Mushroom For Sleep | Lion’s Mane and Circadian Cycles | Lion’s Mane and REM | FAQs | Buy Lion's Mane & Reishi
You roll over in bed to check the time, and groan. It’s late. Again. You calculate the number of hours of sleep still possible tonight.
Pressing your head deeper into the pillow, you wonder, Why am I not sleeping? You tick down a list of possible remedies. Should you get a snack? Should you watch some TV to get your mind off things? How can you salvage this sleepless night?
Your loudest thought: Why is this happening?
We all have an internal clock called the circadian rhythm. With it, our bodies know when to initiate sleepiness and sleep, when to rouse and become alert, and when to metabolize food and energy.
When that clock gets disrupted, our sleep suffers. Positive cycles of healthy sleep get replaced by negative cycles of insomnia, poor sleep, and fatigue.
Unfortunately, voluntary behaviors are often responsible for disrupting our circadian rhythm. Modern living provides us with electricity, artificial light, refrigerators, microwaves, and entertainment around the clock. Our ancestors didn't have these, and their sleep cycles were based on sunrise and sunset.
Over-using our modern conveniences can cause poor sleep. The circadian rhythm can be disrupted by:
Most adults in our fast-paced, demanding world know all too well that stress disrupts sleep.
There’s a good reason that stress disrupts sleep. Essentially, the body responds to environmental stress by energizing you so that you can respond safely to threats.
However, the body doesn’t really know how to sort through the stress of modern life. It responds to all environmental stressors as though they were tigers. But our stressors can be social, physical, biochemical, hormonal, mental, or emotional (1).
In response to stress, the body releases activating hormones that include adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones impact cardiovascular performance, respiratory system, muscle tension, digestion, and metabolism.
After prolonged stress—or even a single intense event—the relationship between these body systems can become dysfunctional. The body’s stress responses can even cause damage to the body, disrupting the body's ability to rest, recover, and restore healthy functioning (1). Some psychologists even presume that a chronic lack of sleep may lead to depression and anxiety.
Fortunately, you can give your body the support it needs to recover from stress and restore health.
A wild foraged Reishi mushroom.
Mushrooms before bed? Yep, that’s right! Reishi and Lion’s Mane are the two best mushrooms for sleep.
These are not psychedelic or magic mushrooms. They are functional mushrooms, also called medicinal mushrooms. They have long histories of use in traditional medicines around the world. In this article, we’ll dive into the modern science supporting the use of these mushroom extracts for sleep support.
We'll go into each of these points in detail. Keep reading to learn about the individual sleep benefits of taking both Reishi and Lion’s mane before bed.
Mushrooms and herbs that help the human body adapt to stress are called “adaptogens.”
Adaptogens are natural bioregulators. They improve the human body’s ability to adapt to stress. They also help the body avoid damage that could be caused by these stressors (1).
Adaptogens support sleep in two ways.
First, they promote relaxation. It’s easier to drift asleep when muscles aren’t tense. Adaptogens help your body unwind so it can rest comfortably.
Secondly, adaptogens balance circadian cortisol. A healthy cortisol cycle peaks in the morning and wanes through the afternoon, reaching its lowest at night. A stressed adrenal gland can pump cortisol throughout the day, disrupting the cycle and preventing sleep (1).
Adaptogens help the adrenal gland close. This limits the amount of cortisol circulating, allowing the body to recover its natural circadian cortisol cycles.
Reishi mushroom is one of the “most powerful adaptogens present in nature” (2). Reishi contains many bioactive compounds, including:
The abundance of triterpenoids in Reishi’s fruiting body are likely the reason it is such a powerful adaptogen (2).
Reishi has been shown to improve the efficiency of adrenal secretion, so the body doesn't make too much. It can also help the adrenal glands stop producing cortisol at the end of a stressful event (3).
Lion’s Mane mushroom’s adaptogenic properties are likely due to its abundance of two compounds that promote brain and nerve health:
The bioactive compounds in Lion’s Mane mushrooms show antioxidant, anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-hyperglycemic properties (4).
If each mushroom has so many benefits on its own, why pair them for sleep? I’m glad you asked! Read on to learn how Lion’s Mane extract and Reishi extract each target specific sleep benefits.
Several studies have shown Reishi mushroom extracts can help improve sleep. Reishi mushroom extracts helped subjects 1) fall asleep sooner and 2) sleep more soundly.
A 2007 study showed that Reishi mushroom extracts “increased sleeping time, non-REM sleep time, and light sleep time,” on mammal test subjects. The sleepers also showed fewer restless movements during sleep (5).
A 2019 study demonstrated triterpenoids from Reishi mushroom extract showing “obvious” anti-inflammatory effects and “significant” analgesic and sedative effects on mice (6).
Studies also showed that sleepers who took Reishi mushroom for sleep showed more delta brainwave activity during non-REM sleep (7).
A 2021 study showed that after just three days of receiving reishi mushroom before sleeping, animal tests subjects’ total sleep time and non-REM sleep “significantly increased.” (8).
A brand new 2021 study examined how Reishi provides these sleep-promoting effects. Researchers measured increased levels of sleep-promoting neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus, which regulates sleep and wake cycles. They also discovered Reishi enriched gut bacteria correlating with longer sleep times! The scientists concluded that Reishi promotes sleep by influencing gut-brain pathways (9).
Reishi extract is especially supportive during the non-REM part of the sleep cycle. Lion’s mane extract is the perfect compliment, because it supports deep and REM sleep. These two functional mushrooms used together, can greatly help improve sleep patterns.
Lion’s mane mushroom promotes NGFs, which support natural rhythms of sleep and wakefulness.
A Japanese study of college students—who have notoriously poor sleep habits—showed that Lion’s Mane mushroom extract helped reduce stress and insomnia. After four weeks of taking Lion’s Mane before bed, the students reported fewer symptoms of insomnia. Specifically, the reports showed significant declines in fatigue, irritability, depression and anxiety (10).
While the researchers didn’t prove how Lion’s Mane mushroom extract provided these sleep benefits, there is good reason to think that it’s a result of three special brain-supporting compounds: hericenones, erinacines, and NGF.
In the 1990s, scientists studying Lion’s Mane mushrooms discovered two brain-supporting compounds called hericenones and erinacines. Further research showed that hericenones and erinacines stimulate production of Nerve Growth Factor proteins (NGF) in the brain and improve cognitive functions.
What is Nerve Growth Factor? It’s just what it sounds like. NGF is a protein that neurons use to grow new branches and make new connections. More recent studies have shown that NGF also helps regulate naturally-occurring cycles of sleep and wakefulness (11).
So, taking Lion’s Mane before bed not only supports a healthy night’s sleep. It may also support healthy daytime wakefulness regulated by the circadian rhythm.
This may be why some people report great results using Lion’s Mane extract in the morning, rather than before bed. While we recommend trying Lion’s Mane before bed, some people say that they feel very alert after using it. If that’s the case for you, try using Reishi just before you sleep, and Lion’s Mane first thing in the morning.
Some of you may have caught our interview with sleep consultant Katie Moore. (Check it out below!) Recently, Katie personally tested the popular claim that taking Lion’s Mane before bed helps with REM sleep.
Katie created her own personal experiment based on a year of sleep data she collected with her Oura Ring. She discovered that, while taking Lion’s Mane mushroom extract for just one week, her REM sleep stayed above average every night.
She even had her highest-ever REM measurement after taking Lion’s Mane before bed:
In technical terms, Katie’s success taking Lion’s Mane before bed is “anecdotal.” That means it’s a personal experience, which doesn’t prove that taking Lion’s Mane before bed will improve REM sleep for everyone.
As far as we know, the sleep scientists studying Lion’s Mane mushroom haven’t yet conducted a study to measure the relationship between Lion’s Mane extract and REM sleep. So we can only share anecdotal experiences as we discover them.
(That said, traditional medicinal wisdom was accumulated one patient and one healer at a time. A lack of data about traditional practices doesn’t discredit them, either.)
Fortunately, healthy behaviors can help restore the circadian rhythm to its natural cycles. Replacing late-night activity with a sleep ritual is one way to do that.
Three simple steps to creating a healthy sleep ritual:
What is the best way to take Reishi and Lion's Mane extract?
Our convenient extracts can be taken by placing one dropper-full under the tongue. They can also be added to tea or your favorite beverage.
What is the recommended dosage?
The suggested dose for Reishi and Lion's Mane extract is 1ml, or one dropper-full. For optimal results, we recommend taking two servings per day, in both morning and evening.
We recommend one dropper-full of Reishi extract in the morning, and one dropper-full of Reishi extract before bed.
Likewise, we recommend one dropper-full of Lion's Mane mushroom extract in the morning, and one dropper-full of Lion's Mane extract before bed.
The stressors of the modern world take a toll on our bodies. If we feel fatigued, unmotivated, or detached, it’s easy to see why we might lose connection with the people and projects that matter to us. Luckily, our wild bodies know how to get the most out of superfoods like reishi mushroom extract and lion's mane mushroom extract. Paired together, they make the best mushrooms for sleep.
Plus, with every purchase of Forager's Kingdom, you heal your connection with the earth by helping to reforest our planet. Every sale from our store donates to One Tree Planted, an organization that shares our mission for sustainability by planting trees worldwide.
Evidence Based
By Neil Thenier, Certified Health Coach.
Read Time: 6 minutes
Contents: What is Neurogenesis? | Lion's Mane & Neurogenesis | Mushroom Ecology | Sustainable Harvesting | FAQs
Since you've landed on this page, chances are that someone told you to check out an amazing, brain boosting mushroom called "lion's mane."
Mushrooms? you may have wondered. How can an edible, non-psychedelic mushroom be food for thought?
There are many potent mushrooms that promote natural healing throughout the body, and lion's mane mushrooms are true "brain food."
Lion's mane mushrooms promote neurogenesis, and can support neurological health, brain health, memory, focus, and cognition. (I've had great success using lion's mane for my own neurological Lyme disease!) Read on to learn more about the research that's boosting this medicinal mushroom's popularity around the world.
“Neurogenesis” refers to the growth of new nerves and new brain cells. A few decades ago, the scientific community believed that nerve cells in the brain could not grow during adulthood. However, research has since proven that our brain and nerve cells are actually incredibly adaptable! They have the ability to heal, repair, and grow new cells throughout our lifetime.
However, neurogenesis does slow with age. A typical adult continues to use their existing, healthy neurons and brain cells to think, recall information, and form new memories. Meanwhile, neurogenesis slows down, sometimes stopping altogether (1).
This may be why some people experience “brain fog” after their early twenties. Of course, brain fog can also be caused by poor sleep, illnesses, and other circumstances that place high demands on the nervous system.
Through neurogenesis, brain fog is lifted, memory improves, and cognition is enhanced. That’s why neurogenesis is a fascinating area of research.
Lion's Mane has taken center stage as the best mushrooms for nuerogenesis. It supports cognitive function due to its abundance of brain boosting compounds called “hericenones" and "erinacines.”
In the early nineties, organic chemist Hirokazu Kawagishi made a fascinating discovery while studying lion’s mane mushrooms. He discovered two unique organic compounds that he named "hericenones" and "erinacines" after the mushroom’s scientific name, Hericium erinaceus.
In study after study since the 1990’s, hericenones and erinacines have been reported to stimulate neurogenesis, stimulate neuron regeneration, and rebuild neurons’ protective myelin sheaths (2, 3, 4).
The research has also shown potential success with treating cognitive disorders like Alzheimers and Parkinson's disease (5).
Personally, I used lion's mane mushroom extract to treat neurological Lyme disease that plagued my life for over four years. After only two weeks of steady use, my migraines, insomnia, and brain fog were virtually nonexistent. It's that powerful.
A wild lion's mane mushroom I foraged.
Lion's mane has a huge role to play in human health, just as it also plays a vital role in wild eco-systems.
Lion's mane grows on dying or dead deciduous trees such as oak, beech, and sometimes maple. It has but one mission: to convert dead trees and wood back into soil. Fungi with this objective are known as “saprophytes.”
In this jaw-dropping process, the lion's mane’s mycelium grows inside the trees and wood, producing enzymes that break it down. (The mycelium functions somewhat like a plant’s roots function, and isn’t very good for eating). As the mycelium spreads, it collects the tree’s nutrients and stores them in the mushroom’s fruiting body. After the fruiting body grows into a robust, golden-fringed mushroom, we harvest it and turn into into a medicinal mushroom extract.
A close-up of lion's mane mushroom and its spores.
Lion's Mane typically starts to grow its fruiting bodies from early fall to early winter, when temperatures are cool but not freezing. During this time, the fruiting body will mature and begin to release its spores.
You can think of spores as little tiny mushroom seeds that get carried by the wind. When our mushroom foragers pick ripe lion’s mane mushrooms, they shake loose those spores, helping them spawn the next generation of lion’s mane mushrooms.
We harvest Lion's Mane only after sporulation has occurred and the mushroom is at its peak nutritional potency. Harvesting before then would hurt the mycelium and could potentially destroy it.
Watch our video on sustainable mushroom foraging:
Should I purchase extracts made from mycelium or fruiting bodies?
Every mushroom, whether farmed or wild, contains two components: the mycelium (roots) and the fruiting body (reproductive organ). Kawagishi discovered Lion's Mane's erinacines in the fruiting body. He produced an ethanol (alcohol) and aqueous (water) extract to harness their cognitive abilities. We replicate Kawagishi’s dual extraction method using wild lion's mane fruiting bodies.
While Forager's Kingdom has taken all measures to produce extracts that rank highest in potency and support sustainable foraging, we advise you to be wary of other lion's mane products made from mycelium. To make mycelium, growers inoculate mushroom spores onto grains like oats or rice. Once the mycelium spreads through the grain, they grind the myceliated grain into a powder, which is the basis for their extracts.
This mycelium-only method is still being debated by mycologists all over the world regarding its efficacy, since no actual mushrooms are present in the extraction. Furthermore, with clever marketing and labeling, consumers are tricked into thinking they are taking a mushroom extract when in fact, it is mostly just grains.
Click here to learn more about our Lion's Mane Dual Extract made from wild harvested mushroom fruiting bodies.
What is the best way to take lion's mane extract?
Our convenient extracts can be taken by placing one dropper-full under the tongue. They can also be added to tea or your favorite beverage.
What is the recommended dosage?
The suggested dose for our extract is 1ml, or one dropper-full.
How long does lion’s mane take to work?
Some people notice the benefits of lion’s mane extract the first day they use it. Others notice benefits emerging gradually, over several weeks of use.
We advise our clients to use mushroom extracts daily for one month before expecting optimal results.
Do people use mushrooms for brain fog?
Functional mushroom supplements help support relief from a wide variety of health conditions. Primarily, Lion's Mane is the best mushroom for lifting brain fog.
It's rare to find people who are able to keep up with the demands of modern life and stay energized and focused. It's equally as rare to find a company that can provide quality products and cares about the health of our planet.
By purchasing our products, you get potent mushroom extracts sourced from the wild that support your health and wellbeing and help reforest our planet.
Every sale from our store donates to One Tree Planted, an organization that shares our mission for sustainability by planting trees worldwide.
Updated December 11, 2021.
Read Time: 9 minutes
Contents: Wild Chaga | Chaga Health Benefits | Immune Support | Diabetes | Chaga Antioxidant | Anti-Inflammatory | Anti-Viral | Chaga Tea | FAQs
Wild chaga mushroom is one cool character. Chaga, also called Inonotus obliquus, thrives in the taiga snow forests ringing the arctic circle. Chaga is resilient, stable, and patient.
Chaga mushroom is, technically, a parasite, living and growing with its host tree for up to twenty years. Chaga prefers to pair with birch trees, where its mycelium spreads, fluffy and white, along the heartwood, until it is ready to grow a conk. Chaga is sun-sensitive, so the sturdy black conk emerges from the tree’s trunk covered in rich melanin. It is easily mistaken for charcoal.
Chaga has to be resilient, both to survive and to keep its host tree alive as long as possible.
Together, the chaga and the tree will be targeted by burrowing insects happy to plunder the delicious conk. But the rough, tough growth is packed with protective mechanisms.
Chaga survives because its conk is made of hard polysaccharides called chitins, the same compounds in a lobster’s shell (1).
Chaga Mushroom Extract's Superfood Secret
Chaga mushroom’s conk is a nutritionally-dense superfood. This is a product of decades of hard work.
You see, Chaga lives with the host tree for many years. Over that time, chaga harvests nutrition from the tree.
Chaga needs somewhere safe to store all that nutrition, which it will eventually use to reproduce.
So the chaga creates a sort of storage cache on the tree’s trunk, called a conk or canker.
Golden orange at the core, the conk is shielded by its melanin-rich outer layer. Its burnt-looking appearance gives chaga the other names cinder conk, black mass, and birch canker.
Eventually, the tree host will die, but chaga mushroom has perfect timing. Sensing the tree is nearly depleted, chaga initiates its reproductive cycle by growing a fruiting body.
Chaga's fruiting body feeds on the conk, using up its nutritious cache. Medicinal chaga must be harvested while the tree is alive, and before the fruiting body depletes the conk.
Mycophile Tip: Chaga’s conk is not, technically, chaga’s mushroom. In scientific terms, only the reproductive bodies of fungus are their mushrooms. Since chaga’s conk is sterile, it is not a mushroom, per say. However, since the conk is the food aspect of chaga, it is commonly referred to as chaga mushroom.
You may be wondering, is chaga really good for you?
Chaga Mushroom Extracts have been used in folk medicine throughout its native regions in North America, Eurasia, and Japan for centuries. As a traditional medicine, chaga was used to treat (2, 3):
Laboratory studies have analyzed chaga’s biochemical makeup and examined its bioactivity in lab cultures and mice. To the best of our knowledge, human trials have not yet been conducted. Thus, the benefits reported by practitioners of traditional medicines and their patients are considered anecdotal.
Chaga Extract’s known bio-active compounds:
Here are five ways chaga mushrooms may support health:
Read on to learn more about how the bioactive nutrients in wild chaga support health in these five incredible ways!
The biochemical basis for chaga’s resilience lies in its cell walls.
Chaga, like other fungi, contains polysaccharides, special long-chain carbohydrates that give plants and crustacean shells structure and strength (1, 4).
A special group of these polysaccharides, called glucans, are immune system modulators. This means that they help the immune system regulate, either stimulating or suppressing immune response (5, 6).
Since ancient times, chaga extracts, tinctures, and teas were used to activate the immune system and support healthy responses to infections, cancers, and toxins.
Now, research scientists are exploring chaga’s potential as a therapeutic treatment for patients who are recovering from chemotherapy and have compromised immune systems. One study showed that Chaga promoted recovery of bone marrow, a vital player in the immune system (2).
In the wild, chaga is steady. It lives with the host tree for many years, patiently gathering nutrients in rhythm with the tree’s cycles. Chaga’s steadying influence may support healthy blood sugar.
Laboratory studies have shown that chaga influences two enzymes that cause blood sugar to rise after meals.
Polysaccharides in chaga inhibit the activity of the enzymes α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Present in the small intestine, α-glucosidase converts dietary carbs into blood sugar. Produced in saliva and the pancreas, α-amylase breaks carbs down into simpler sugars.
By inhibiting these two digestive enzymes, chaga shows two mechanisms for inhibiting a rise in blood sugar after meals (7, 8).
The rise in blood sugar that follows meals is a contributing factor in type 2 diabetes (9). Because chaga’s polysaccharides slow the absorption of dietary carbohydrates, further research might lead to therapeutic use of chaga to prevent diabetes.
As we’ve seen, chaga is one cool character. Hanging out in snow forests with its own built-in armor, not much phases chaga. In fact, chaga mushroom thrives in its harsh habitat, accumulating enough protective compounds to rank as one of the world’s most powerful antioxidants.
Studies have shown that chaga extract’s bioactive polysaccharides scavenge for free radicals that damage DNA and cause oxidative stress (10).
In fact, chaga is fifteen times more anti-oxidant than blueberries. With one of the world’s highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) ratings, superfood chaga is stronger than even acai, cacao, and turmeric (11).
Studies have also shown that chaga is genoprotective, protecting DNA from damage (12).
According to a series of laboratory tests, chaga water extractions and chaga alcohol extractions each capture different antioxidants (13). Neither extraction alone captures chaga’s full antioxidant range.
Dual extracts in both water and alcohol release a more complete antioxidant profile. Our favorite, of course, is our very own wild chaga dual extraction.
Chaga's inherent chill and its intense antioxidant profile may be the basis for its traditional reputation as a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Oxidative stress—which antioxidants prevent—is a well-known source of chronic inflammation.
Initially, inflammation is part of the body’s immune response. After detecting tissue damage or foreign bodies, the immune system rushes a flood of healing resources to the site. The rush of resources causes swelling and inflammation that are necessary in the short term (14).
But long term inflammation can disrupt immune function, hormonal balance, and digestion, as well as cause pain and nervous system dysfunction (14).
Laboratory tests have shown chaga extracts inhibiting and reducing inflammation (15, 16).
Chaga extract is especially good for fighting gut inflammation and inflammation caused by autoimmune disorders like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
A 2010 study showed chaga extract alleviating IBD, and a 2007 study showed chaga extract reducing DNA damage and oxidative stress (17, 18).
In the wild, it takes chaga as much as twenty years to reproduce.
Since it needs to survive so long in harsh conditions, chaga needs to resist invasive bacteria, fungi, and insects, and heal from any attacks. It makes sense that chaga has potent anti-microbial properties.
Laboratory studies have shown chaga to be effective against viruses including HIV, Hepatitis-C, Influenza A & B, Herpes Simplex type 1, and a stomach virus (19, 20, 21).
According to several studies, betulin and betulinic acid are responsible for chaga’s inhibitory effect on influenza, HIV, Herpes Simplex 1, and ECHO 6 virus (21, 23, 24).
Betulin and betulinic acid are triterpenes derived from birch trees (22). Cultivated chaga, usually grown on grains, does not contain these terpenes. Thus, wild foraged chaga has anti-microbial advantages over cultivated chaga.
Humans do not have the enzymes necessary for breaking down chaga’s robust cell structure. Therefore, chaga must be prepared using hot water or alcohol extractions.
Note: Brewing chaga tea is a water-only extraction. It will not release chaga’s full antioxidant profile (13).
For more antioxidants, opt for a dropperful of our dual-extracted chaga. Add to any tea or coffee for a quick and easy DIY chaga tea.
If you prefer to select a teabag or chaga powder, verify the quality of the product before you purchase.
Products using only the golden center of the chaga will not have robust levels of the antioxidant melanin, which is concentrated in chaga’s dark outer layers (25). Cultivated chaga does not contain the betulin and betulinic acid of wild chaga (22).
Chaga cannot reproduce without a conk. If every conk on a tree is removed, then both tree and chaga will die, and no new chaga will grow.
Sustainable harvesting means participating in chaga’s life cycle. It must be allowed to propagate. Never harvest from a tree with only one conk. If there is more than one conk, harvest only the conk larger than a grapefruit. Always leave a conk on the tree.
Sustainable harvesting also means doing no harm to the host tree. Some harvesters, eager to take as much chaga as possible, saw into the tree’s bark or wood to remove every morsel. This leaves the tree vulnerable to insects and other invaders. If the tree dies before the chaga can fruit, no new chaga will grow.
The safest way to harvest chaga is to use only your hands. This ensures the tree will not be damaged. If that is not possible, never place a cutting tool against the tree trunk. Make your cut an inch or two out from the trunk. Do not damage the bark.
What is the best way to take chaga?
Our convenient chaga extract can be taken by placing one dropper-full under the tongue. It can also be added to tea, coffee, or your favorite beverage.
What are the side effects of chaga mushroom?
Despite chaga’s respected use in traditional medicines, human clinical trials have not yet been conducted to determine side effects or ideal dosage. Several chaga studies using animals showed chaga extracts were taken regularly without toxic effects (3).
Because of chaga’s influence on blood sugar, diabetics and anyone taking insulin should consult their doctor before adding chaga to their diet. Chaga might affect blood clotting (26). Taken in high doses over time, chaga may cause kidney issues, as indicated by these studies on individual patients with preexisting conditions: 27, 28.
You should always consult your physician with questions about your individual health, especially if you are taking medication.
The stressors of the modern world take a toll on our bodies. If we feel fatigued, unmotivated, or detached, it’s easy to see why we might lose connection with the people and projects that matter to us.
Luckily, our wild bodies know how to get the most out of superfoods like chaga mushroom extract!
Plus, with every purchase of Wild Kingdom extracts, you heal your connection with the earth by helping to reforest our planet. Every sale from our store donates to One Tree Planted, an organization that shares our mission for sustainability by planting trees worldwide.
Updated August 17, 2023.
Read Time: 6 minutes
Contents: Lion's Mane Benefits | Cognition | Alzheimer's & Dementia | Nerve Damage | Healthy Digestion | Cancer | Buy Lion's Mane Extract
Wild lion's mane mushrooms can be found on dying maple, oak, and beech trees. Lion’s mane is a saprophytic fungus, which means it decomposes dead trees. Lion’s mane mushrooms essentially digest its host trees, collecting the nutrients accumulated over the tree’s lifetime.
In traditional Chinese medicine, lion's mane has a reputation as a longevity tonic. It is used as a folk treatment for improving cognition, treating nerve pain, and delaying or preventing degenerative brain diseases. Many recognize Lion's Mane as one of the most well known and studied medicinal mushrooms of today.
Despite the use of lion's man in traditional medicines, you might be wondering: can a humble tree mushroom really support health?
Well, let's dive into the research! According to recent lab studies, lion’s mane supports cognition, supports healthy digestion, fights cancer, and shows promise as a supplement to cancer treatments (1).
In this article, we'll explore each of these lion's mane mushroom health benefits:
Ready to explore? Read on!
In the 1990’s, a scientist named Hirokazu Kawagishi examined lion’s mane mushrooms and made an important discovery. He identified two unique bioactive compounds: hericenones and erinacines.
Since then, hericenones and erinacines have received a lot of attention. They have been shown to protect and boost brain function and to stimulate the natural production of nerve growth factors (NGF) in the brain and throughout the nervous system.
About Nerve Growth Factors (NGF)
NGF is a protein that the body uses to grow and maintain nerve cells in the central, sensory, and automatic nervous systems (2, 3). The hericenones and erinacines in lion’s mane are proven to stimulate NGF, even helping neurons grow new branches and, ultimately, make new connections (4).
The erinacines extracted from lion’s mane are special because they can cross the blood-brain barrier. This means neurons can absorb lion’s mane’s erinacines right from the bloodstream. They may act directly on the central nervous system to improve cognition (4).
The rich concentration of hericenones and erinacines in lion’s mane mushrooms is likely the basis for lion’s mane’s reputation in traditional medicines as a memory booster and sleep aid.
Because lion’s mane extracts stimulate NGF production, researchers are examining it as a nutritional intervention for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia is the general term for cognitive decline that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Unfortunately, the neurological changes that cause dementia usually occur long before dementia symptoms themselves are evident. This makes the disease especially difficult to study and treat. Scientists are still working to pinpoint the specific causes and progressions of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Scientists believe that Alzheimer’s interferes with cognition by interfering with brain cells’ ability to repair and heal. This would cause brain cells to die. When enough brain cells die, the brain struggles to process information, memory, and new experiences.
One of the ways Alzheimer’s causes this damage involves “beta-amyloid plaques.” The protein beta-amyloid can form plaques around nerve cells in the brain. Those plaques interrupt communication between neurons. Researchers think this is one source of the cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer’s sufferers.
Once amyloidβ plaques begin to form, they create a “traffic jam” situation because other proteins cling to them. This chain reaction creates permanent protein tangles, permanently interrupting neural activity around those cells.
Because Alzheimer’s seems to start with beta-amyloid plaques, scientists are looking for dietary interventions that prevent plaques from forming. One promising intervention is lion’s mane mushrooms.
Lion’s mane studies show that erinacines slow the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques. If scientists are right about beta-amyloid causing Alzheimer’s, then lion’s mane mushroom extracts have the potential to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (1).
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—and experts say this is especially true for Alzheimer’s disease. Preventing plaques may prevent Alzheimer’s before its symptoms arise.
The nervous system reaches throughout our bodies. Neurons aren't found only in our brain. We have neurons all the way to our fingertips! If nerves anywhere in the body are damaged, they may stop sending signals or misfire, sending uncontrolled pain signals to the brain.
Researchers have found several benefits of lion’s mane for nerve regeneration as it blocks certain pain signals and helps regenerate nerves by stimulating NGF (1). This suggests that lion’s mane offers two-fold treatment for nerve pain and is one of the leading mushroom for nerve damage in general.
Nerve pain is often treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (5, 6). Unfortunately, those drugs can damage the stomach’s protective mucosal layer, especially with long-term use (7). Wildly enough, lion’s mane has anti-inflammatory properties that can protect and repair the stomach’s lining.
Lion’s mane reduces inflammation and prevents tissue damage in the stomach and intestines thanks to its antioxidant activity. It can even treat ulcers caused by NSAIDs use.
Lion’s mane studies show the superfood inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, protecting the stomach lining, and reducing the symptoms of painful intestinal diseases. One study showed that patients with ulcerative colitis who took a lion’s mane extract reduced their symptoms and improved their quality of life in just three weeks (8).
Gastric and intestinal conditions which may be soothed by lion’s mane extract include: stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease.
Photo courtesy Alfred Crabtree.
Lion’s mane has been shown to fight cancer both directly and indirectly.
Lion’s mane has anti-inflammatory properties, especially for tissues in the stomach and intestine. Cancer is caused by malformed DNA, and inflammation increases the likelihood that DNA will become malformed. This is because inflammation creates free radicals and other DNA-damaging molecules, while also increasing the rate of DNA replication. Together, these scenarios increase the risk of cancerous mutations.
That is why anti-inflammatory foods like lion’s mane extract help reduce the risk of cancer (9). Because lion’s mane specifically reduces inflammation in the stomach and intestines, it may support the prevention of cancer in those tissues.
Lion’s mane also fights cancers more directly. One study showed that lion’s mane accelerated the death of cancer cells from liver, colon, stomach, and blood cancer. A lung cancer study showed that lion’s mane slowed the cancer’s spread by 69%. A third study showed that lion’s mane extract slowed tumor growths better than traditional cancer treatments, with fewer side effects (8).
Many cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatments experience nerve pain as a side effect. Because lion’s mane promotes nerve growth factors and alleviates certain nerve pains, nerve pain caused by chemotherapy may be alleviated by lion’s mane extracts (6).
As with any medical regimen, cancer patients should consult their physician before adding nutritional supplements to their diet.
The stressors of the modern world take a toll on our bodies. If we feel fatigued, unmotivated, or detached, it’s easy to see why we might lose connection with the people and projects that matter to us. Luckily, our wild bodies know how to get the most out of superfoods like lion's mane mushroom extract.
Plus, with every purchase of Forager's Kingdom's extracts, you heal your connection with the earth by helping to reforest our planet. Every sale from our store donates to One Tree Planted, an organization that shares our mission for sustainability by planting trees worldwide.
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While their are many species of this fascinating mushroom occurring all over the world, Ganoderma Tsugae, or the Eastern Hemlock Reishi is native to North America and grows once a year throughout late May and Early June. Acting as both a saprophyte and endophyte, Reishi can either help regulate the forest by killing hemlock trees that can no longer be supported nutritionally or help struggling trees get the nutrition they need.
In either case, as the Reishi mushroom fruiting bodies begin to form on hemlock trees, they start consuming nutrients from their hosts tree bark which will be transformed into bioavailable medicinal compounds that our bodies can use for a variety of lasting health benefits. Here are the top ways Reishi mushroom can help increase your health and longevity.
1. Reishi Modulates Your Immune System
There are many reasons why our body's immune system can suddenly become compromised, but many doctors and scientists would agree that stress is by far, the number one reason.
Stress accumulates in the body from all angles, including mental, emotional, physical, and work related stress. Over time, chronic stress can lead to weakened immune systems where viruses and bacterial infections can take hold. Chronic stress can also cause autoimmune disorders where the body's immune system suddenly becomes triggered into a hyperactive state as is the case in Hashimoto's and Grave's disease.
Perhaps the most fascinating thing about Reishi is that its immune modulating polysaccharides have the ability to not only help your body adapt to stress (referred to as an adaptogen) but can also trigger the immune system to become more or less productive. Another way to explain this is when we become sick from a viral or bacterial infection, our immune systems fall below their desired baseline of optimal performance. When the immune system becomes autoimmune, it is operating above the desired baseline as well. In both cases, Reishi mushroom's polysaccharides have the ability to modulate the immune system back into balance, much like the fine tuning of a radio dial.
2. Reishi Acts As An Antimicrobial Agent
Some of the biggest threats to our immune systems are viruses and bacteria. While bacteria themselves can pose serious threats to our health, they often times are carrying viruses that can further complicate our health and slow our recovery dramatically. Luckily, Reishi's immune modulating polysaccharides once again offer a unique line of defense against thee two pathogens.
As part of the immune modulating process, Reishi's polysaccharides are able to detect bacteria cells and signal an immune response that increases the production of macrophages and white blood cells that target and eliminate pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, if a virus has broken through this line of defense and begins replicating in healthy cells, there are another set of medicinal compounds found in Reishi called Triterpenoids which have an inhibiting effect on viruses which prevents them from replicating and ultimately causes them to die off.
3. Reishi Inhibits The Synthesis of Bad Cholesterol
When your doctor tells you your cholesterol is too high, what they are referring to is your bad cholesterol or your LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol count. While diet and nutrition does play a huge role in your LDL count, it's not the cholesterol rich food like grass-fed red meat and cheeses that will increase your LDL to the danger zone, but inflammatory foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids like poor quality plant based oils and grains, i.e. soybean oil, vegetable oil, conventional wheat and corn, corn and soy fed animal products.
These poor quality oils and grains are more often than not found in fast food cuisine and are super rich in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and super deficient in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. This imbalance leads to the production of free radicals in the body which is nothing more than inflammation of the soft tissues, arteries, and veins. All this inflammation triggers and immune response which your body that starts producing excess cholesterol to patch up inflamed areas. When left untreated, the over accumulation of cholesterol and inflamed tissues can lead to heart disease.
Reishi mushroom is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory terpenes that help undo free radical damage to the body. These compounds literally hunt down free radicals and turn them back into healthy functioning cells which eventually eases and soothes inflammation. As this process unfolds, the body ceases cholesterol production thanks to the root cause being addressed.
In summary, avoiding inflammatory foods and taking Reishi mushroom is the best way for success in lowering your LDL cholesterol.
4. Reishi Improves Your Respiratory & Cardiovascular Health
Another bodily system that may suffer from chronic stress is our respiratory system. Poor oxygen uptake due to shallow breathing and inflamed alveoli can lead to increased blood pressure, fatigue, and heart disease. The triterpenoids found in Reishi have been shown to enhance the oxygen absorbing capacity of alveoli and increase oxygen levels in the blood.
Chinese scientists have found that this oxygen increasing effect of Reishi mushroom can also help treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and increase athletic stamina.
Studies have also shown that polysaccharides are able to increase coronary flow (blood flow to the heart) by enhancing vasodilatation (the relaxing of muscles found inside arteries and veins that decrease blood pressure).
5. Reishi Acts As a Natural Antihistamine
When we think of chronic allergies, we often think of an excess of pollen in the air during the spring and summer months that causes allergic reactions within the body and stuffs up our nose and airways.
Truth be told, allergic responses start in the gut caused by imbalances and build up of bad bacteria caused by poor diet and chronic stress. These imbalances can cause inflammatory states within the body and create a build of of histamine which can wreak havoc on our airways.
Reishi mushroom two fold, has immune modulating polysaccharides and anti-inflammatory triterpenoids which lower inflammation have naturally suppress histamine response leading to a better gut and open airways.
Increase Your Longevity—and Plant Trees—with Reishi Mushroom Extract
The stressors of the modern world take a toll on our bodies. If we feel fatigued, vulnerable, or blue, it’s easy to see why we might lose connection with the people and projects that matter to us. Luckily, our wild bodies know how to get the most out of superfoods like Reishi mushroom.
And by purchasing our products, you heal your connection with the earth by helping to reforest our planet. Every sale from our store donates to One Tree Planted, an organization that shares our mission for sustainability by planting trees worldwide.
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Contents: What is Pine Pollen? | Pine Pollen Benefits | Immune Support | Stress Recovery | Hormone Balance | Testosterone Support | Libido Booster | FAQS | Purchase Pine Pollen Tincture
At first glance, pine pollen may seem too commonplace to be a nutritional powerhouse. There are millions upon millions of pine trees throughout the northern hemisphere. Is nature really that generous with a superfood?
The short answer: yes!
For two thousand years, it has been a longevity tonic in traditional Chinese medicine. The golden powder is a "micronutrient storeroom," rich in amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and flavonoids (1). In this article, you'll learn the nutritional benefits of pine pollen tincture and the top five ways it can support health.
It starts with pinecones.
Pine trees have male and female cones.
Male cones create pollen. Pine pollen travels on the wind to land on female cones, fertilizing them. The fertilized female cones germinate and grow into trees.
Each speck of pollen must be potent enough to fertilize and stimulate the growth of a whole new tree. This makes pine pollen a cocktail of vitality.
In fact, a traditional Chinese text calls pine pollen "micronutrient storerooms." It's as though each cell is a pantry with a full spectrum of nutrients! Those nutrients make it possible for a fertilized seed to survive winter and grow into a sapling.
According to laboratory studies, pine pollen contains:
Keep reading to learn about the potential health benefits of each of these all-natural compounds!
Pine pollen has been popular for millennia. According to traditional Chinese medicine, consuming pine pollen promotes a happy life. It is believed to support overall good heath, fertility, and longevity.
Traditionally, pine pollen supplements were used in the treatment of fatigue, viruses, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and prostate diseases (1).
It is considered both a food and a medicine. Pine pollen must be prepared for digestion by extracting in hot water or alcohol (or both, as with our own dual extraction). Humans can't digest raw pine pollen. The powder can also be cooked into foods.
Scientific curiosity in pine pollen's anti aging properties is only now catching up with tradition's fascination. So far, most studies have been conducted in vitro or on non-human mammals.
Many bioactive nutrients have been identified in pine pollen. Studies on these nutrients derived from other sources show them supporting immune response, stress recovery, endocrine function, and libido.
Here are the top five ways pine pollen supplements may benefit health:
Read on to learn more about how the bioactive nutrients support health in these five incredible ways!
It contains powerful growth stimulants and nutrients.
These natural, plant steroids help fertilized pine seeds germinate and thrive in a competitive ecosystem. They are powerful food for humans, too.
The brassinosteroids, gibberellins, and polysaccharides in natural pine pollen have immune-activating properties (6).
Brassinosteroids are plant steroids that help seedlings develop (3). They are similar to naturally-occurring animal steroids and have been shown to be biologically active in mammals. Brassinosteroids have also been shown to have antiviral properties and stimulate the immune system in mice (4).
Gibberellins, another plant steroid found in pine pollen, show both immune-activating and anti-inflammatory properties (5,6). They help reduce inflammation throughout the body by finding and eliminating free radicals.
Polysaccharides are long-chain carbohydrates that give plants strength and structure (7). One special polysaccharide, arabinogalactan, is abundant in the pine family and in wild-harvested pine pollen (6, 8).
Arabinogalactan derived from larch trees was proven to stimulate the immune system’s natural killer (NK) cells, which play a major role in the destruction of virally infected cells (6, 9).
Stress is a given.
And, despite the overused mantra "no pain, no gain," you will not grow tougher, stronger, or more resilient by ignoring signs of stress in your body.
But if you listen to your body's signals, you can become more resilient to stress in the long term!
Unfortunately, stress reduces dopamine and immune function by preventing your body from entering rest-and-digest mode.
This is one reason chronic stress causes fatigue.
Under chronically stressful conditions, the body isn’t able to regulate energy, metabolism, or mood efficiently.
Stress was useful to our ancestors, motivating them to seek out safe places to eat, rest, and raise families. Reactivity to stress kept them alert to hazards. But modern human habitats often lack the peace that allowed our ancestors to recover from stress.
Modern life is pushes the limits of our natural stress response. Today, our environments are louder, brighter, and relentlessly fast-paced.
This causes extraordinary stress. For example, studies have shown that some regions of the brain will always feel unsafe while riding in a car. Just riding in a car can trigger a stress response over and over (10)!
Fortunately, nutrition can support recovery from stress.
DHEA is a key player in the human endocrine system (6, 13). DHEA contributes to metabolism and to the production of hormones like testosterone and estrogen. Under stress, the adrenals reduce production of DHEA so they can make adrenaline and cortisol instead. Pine pollen may supplement low DHEA caused by frequent or ongoing stressors.
Phenylalanine is an important amino acid that helps stimulate dopamine levels in the brain (11, 12). Our neurons need dopamine to fire up pleasure and satisfaction. When dopamine is present, motivation and focus increase as spirits rise.
The natural combination of these two compounds in pine pollen may give a double boost of support for recovery from chronic stress.
Ladies and gentlemen, here is a service announcement that you won't hear often enough:
A healthy ratio of testosterone and estrogen is crucial for both women and men.
Pine Pollen Benefits for Women
While testosterone is sometimes referred to as a “male hormone,” women also produce—and need—testosterone. Men typically have more of it, but testosterone is not exclusively male.
In fact, women’s ovaries produce testosterone (16), and women need testosterone to create new blood cells. Menstruating women, of course, must make new blood cells every month.
In women, low testosterone can cause lethargy and muscle weakness, and can affect libido, sexual satisfaction, and mood (17).
In men, low testosterone can cause fatigue, irritability, and insomnia. It can also lead to fragile bones, hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, and reduced libido (18).
On the other hand, estrogen is often referred to as the “female hormone.” However, estrogen also plays a critical role in male sexual function (23).
The presence of both testosterone and estrogen is crucial for male and female health. Excess estrogen in women can cause fatigue, anxiety, restless sleep, and decreased libido. In men, high estrogen can cause infertility, erectile dysfunction, and growth of their breast tissues, which is called gynecomastia (19).
There can be many causes for hormonal imbalances, including environmental toxins, excess dietary estrogen, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise (14, 15).
Pine pollen may help balance depleted testosterone or excess estrogen. This is because pine pollen contains DHEA, testosterone, and the androgen stimulants androsterone and epitestosterone (13).
DHEA is one of the key players in the hormone system because the body converts DHEA into either testosterone or estrogen, depending on what the body needs. Thus, the DHEA in pine pollen can support hormonal balance, whether the body is craving more testosterone or more estrogen.
These natural hormone precursors may contribute to feelings of motivation, will-power, satisfaction, and a sense of well-being.
Pine pollen tincture is a trifecta of support for low testosterone. This is because it contains DHEA, testosterone, and gibberellins (the all-natural plant steroid we mentioned earlier) (20, 6).
Even the shape of a male pinecone is suggestive of virility. Check out this cone preparing to release pollen:
Its is rich in testosterone and DHEA (6, 13). Since DHEA is essential for testosterone production, natural pine pollen offers two ways to support healthy testosterone levels.
Gibberellins, the plant steroids with immune-activating properties, are so structurally similar to testosterone that they bind to testosterone receptors in the human body (6, 21). Thus, they mimic the physiological effects of testosterone to stimulate energy, libido, and sexual performance (6). Gibberellins may even help regulate the prostate, preventing atrophy or reducing an enlarged prostate (6).
The naturally-occurring levels of testosterone, DHEA, and gibberellins in pine pollen tincture can be enough to raise testosterone levels within minutes of consumption (6).
It is amazing how synced the human body is with nature.
Pine pollen is the trees' method of love-making. Or, well, making little baby trees, at least.
Would you be surprised to learn the compounds that make pine pollen virile enhance human libido too?
Pine pollen is a natural aphrodisiac for both women and men! Since the fine, golden powder will spread in the wind to find its mate, it makes sense that pine pollen is a highly-concentrated cocktail of vitality.
As well as containing testosterone, androgens, and DHEA, pine pollen also contains a rich amino acid profile supporting libido.
Two of these amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine, are L-dopa precursors. L-dopa is metabolized into dopamine in both the heart and the brain.
By increasing L-dopa, the amino acids in pine pollen tincture increase sexual interest and arousal, and can enhance male performance (6, 22).
Should I purchase a tincture or a powder?
Traditionally, pine pollen was most often prepared as a tincture or by cooking into food. (Some polysaccharides cannot be digested raw. Consumed raw, they will simply pass through the gut).
Extracts and tinctures prepare the pollen for digestion and absorption. The pine pollen is soaked in alcohol, hot water, or both. This opens the pollen's cell walls so the gut can absorb the available nutrients. Some tinctures typically use only alcohol or only hot water. Our wild-harvested pine pollen tincture uses both methods for maximum efficiency.
Tinctures are concentrated in liquid form, making them easy-to-use and travel-friendly. Tinctures can be consumed alone, or added to culinary dishes or beverages.
Packaged pine pollen powders are often raw and may be added to culinary dishes or blended beverages, like smoothies. Powders can be messy, which sometimes leads to wasted product.
What is the recommended dosage?
Too few medical studies have been conducted to establish an optimal dosage for pine pollen. Labels on supplements will typically suggest the recommended dose to start with. Always talk to your health care provider if you have questions about adding pine pollen to your diet.
What are potential pine pollen side effects?
Too few medical studies have been conducted to establish whether there are side effects. If you have a pine allergy, or are nursing or pregnant, you should not use pine pollen. Children and teens should not use pine pollen. If you have concerns about high testosterone, you should be monitored by a health care professional before and while using pine pollen.
If you have any questions or concerns about using a pine pollen supplement, be sure to discuss them with your health care provider.
Does drinking Pine Needle Tea support testosterone?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that pine needle tea supports testosterone levels. The precursors to free testosterone are found primarily in the pollen of pine trees. It is recommended to use pine pollen for testosterone support, not the needles.
Are there any pine pollen benefits for women?
Yes, pine pollen has a host of micronutrients and androgenic compounds that women will find highly beneficial. There benefits for women include:
Nutritional support: Pine pollen is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, which are essential for overall health and well-being. These nutrients may help support women's nutritional needs.
Hormonal balance: Pine pollen contains phytohormones and plant sterols, which some claim may help balance hormone levels in the body.
Energy and vitality: Some individuals believe that pine pollen may help boost energy levels and enhance vitality.
The stressors of the modern world take a toll on our bodies. If we feel fatigued, unmotivated, or detached, it’s easy to see why we might lose connection with the people and projects that matter to us. Luckily, our wild bodies know how to get the most out of superfoods like pine pollen tincture.
Plus, with every purchase of Forager's Kingdom extracts, you heal your connection with the earth by helping to reforest our planet. Every sale from our store donates to One Tree Planted, an organization that shares our mission for sustainability by planting trees worldwide.
Works Cited
The numbers in parenthesis are click-able links to the sources cited in this article. Stephen Buhner's book, Pine Pollen: Ancient Medicine for a New Millennium, is available at Barnes & Noble. We do not receive any proceeds through these links.
Below you can listen to Episode 9 of The Mushroom Hour Podcast and hear founder, Neil Thenier explain it all!
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Contents: Chaga Ecology l Medicinal Properties l Wild Chaga vs. Cultivated l Dual Extraction Method l Chaga Tea Recipe l Buy Chaga Extract
Chaga is a fungus found on birch trees throughout the northern hemisphere. While it sometimes gets mistaken for a wood burl, it actually has the highest antioxidant content of any superfood in the world.
It is a parasitic fungus that helps regulate ecosystems by killing off trees that can no longer be supported. After Chaga has killed a birch tree and caused it to fall to the forest floor, other saprophytic mushrooms like Turkey Tail and Lion's mane will recycle the dead tree back into new soil.
Chaga has a lifespan that can vary depending on various factors such as environmental conditions and the health of the birch tree it grows on. However, chaga typically lives a lot longer compared to many other fungi.
The lifespan of an individual chaga growth can range from 5 to 20 years or more, depending on the circumstances. Some sources suggest that exceptionally old chaga specimens could potentially live for 50 years or longer.
If you encounter chaga in the wild, it's essential to practice responsible harvesting, ensuring the survival of the fungus and the health of the host tree.
Chaga has a long history throughout folk medicine as a natural anti-inflammatory, gut soother, and immune enhancer. Today, science confirms that the anti-inflammatory terpenes, antioxidants, and immunomodulating polysaccharides contained in Chaga can help people overcome conditions like leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammation caused by autoimmune disorders. While the health benefits of Chaga range far and wide, here are its top medicinal properties.
1. Chaga Antioxidant Activity (Chaga is a mushroom antioxidant powerhouse)
You've probably heard about the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric, blueberries, and acai as they've been celebrated for their ability to reduce inflammation. That's because they are rich in antioxidants which help fight against free radicals. They also help the body recover from the effects of oxidative stress.
While they may be categorized as potent anti-inflammatories, Chaga is up to five times more concentrated in antioxidants than any of these foods. It is particularly rich in the antioxidant known as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD).
SOD is super beneficial to the skin as it has been shown to reduce free radical damage and ultimately prevents wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. More impressively, it has also been shown to play a huge role in the minimizing of cancer cells throughout the body (H. Younus, 2018).
2. TerpenesAnother set of nutrients that gives Chaga its anti-inflammatory effects are terpenes. It extracts them from the bark of its host tree and concentrates them in its tissues. While they aid in the reduction of inflammation throughout the body, they also play a huge role in the antimicrobial properties of Chaga.
One terpene known as Betulinic Acid, shows great activity in reducing the threat of viruses, fungi, and bacteria. One study on the biological activity of betulinic acid showed it having an inhibitory effect on the HIV virus and other less threatening viruses like Influenza and Hepatitis-C (Mansour Ghaffari Moghaddam, Faujan Bin H. Ahmad, Alireza Samzadeh-Kermani, 2012).
3. Immune Modulating PolysaccharidesAlongside its anti-inflammatory properties, Chaga also contains unique polysaccharides that play a huge role in supporting our body's immune system.
Polysaccharides are long chain sugar molecules that are found in the bark of Chaga's host trees. They act as immune modulators in our bodies. This means it has the ability to increase or slow down our body's immune response.
To fully understand how this works, I like to think of our immune system as an AM/FM radio.
Tuning the dial up and down to find a clear signal is much like modulating the immune system. The clear radio signal is equivalent to a properly functioning immune system. If the immune system is tuned too far down, our health is compromised and illness can set in. Alternatively, if it is tuned too far up, we can experience a state of autoimmunity where our immune system is attacking our own body.
No matter where your immune system is functioning on the frequency spectrum, Chaga's immune modulating polysaccharides help modulate your immune system back to the desired clear signal.
Out of the 2 million+ mushroom species that have been discovered today, less than 100 of them have been successfully cultivated by mushroom farmers around the world. Chaga is one of those mushrooms that cannot be cultivated. However, mycologists have found a way to grow Chaga mycelium (roots of a mushroom) on grain which companies can grow on a commercial scale and market as Chaga Mushroom.
The only problem with this is that many mushrooms like Chaga extract their medicinal compounds from the wood they grow on in the wild. In the case of betulinic acid, which is extracted by Chaga from birch trees, grain grown Chaga mycelium is absent in this important nutrient because grains do not contain betulinic acid in them at all.
Knowing this critical information, we at Forager's Kingdom use only 100% wild-harvested Chaga Mushrooms in our products and use the dual extraction method to ensure we have fully captured all the medicinal qualities of Chaga.
To learn more about our Wild Harvested Chaga Mushroom Extract, click here.
Most of the medicinal compounds discussed in the article would not be obtained if one simply made a hot cup of Chaga tea every day. That is because all medicinal mushrooms have two sets of nutrients: alcohol soluble nutrients, and water soluble nutrients.
The anti-inflammatory terpenes we discussed earlier are alcohol soluble and the antioxidants and polysaccharides are water soluble. The dual extraction method simply entails performing two separate extracts of alcohol first, then water, and combining them together at the end. The alcohol we use is organic cane alcohol which is free of allergens, and helps deliver the mushroom's medicinal compounds through the salivary glands. For the water extraction we use mineral rich purified spring water.
You may have seen mushroom enthusiasts throughout social media sipping on Chaga Tea. It's a great way to enjoy the benefits. It is made simply by boiling chaga chunks (whole chaga) in water for 15 minutes or more. While the method is simple, the upkeep is quite the headache.
Many people find that Chaga ruins their pots and pans over time. The potent dark material in chaga known as chitin, leaves a dark residue that is almost impossible to remove. Plus, keeping your chaga chunks fresh can also be a nightmare.
Here's a simple recipe that uses our Chaga extract to make a beneficial tea that is easy and headache free.
Fill your favorite mug with hot water and add ⅓ of a dropper full of our chaga extract to the water. Next, add in one teaspoon of lemon juice from a fresh lemon and one tablespoon of maple syrup. Feel free to adjust the lemon juice or maple syrup to taste.
We at Forager's Kingdom are not only invested in creating quality mushroom products for our customers, but we also are passionate about sustainability and ensuring that our planet is habitable for the next generations to come. That is why we donate a portion of every sale from our online store to One Tree Planted, an organization that plants trees worldwide. When you buy one of our extracts, you are also supporting reforestation and helping heal our planet.
References:
1. H. Younus,Therapeutic potentials of superoxide dismutase
2. Mansour Ghaffari Moghaddam, Faujan Bin H. Ahmad, Alireza Samzadeh-Kermani, Biological Activity of Betulinic Acid: A Review
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Immune supporting is an understatement when describing the role this incredible mushroom plays on human health. Growing naturally in deciduous forests around the world, the primary function of Turkey Tail in the wild is to recycle dead wood and turn it back into soil. But, if we are nature savvy enough to harvest it in late fall, when its fruiting bodies have fully matured and begun to release their spores, we can process them into mushroom extracts that upgrade, up-regulate, and greatly boost our immune systems.
As the most studied medicinal mushroom to date, the evidence is clear that Turkey Tail is loaded with immune modulating compounds known as polysaccharides that help keep your immune system functioning optimally. If this is your first time hearing the phrase "immune modulating," and are eager to understand its function, think of your immune system as an AM/FM radio. Modulating the immune system is much like tuning the radio up and down to find the right frequency and receive a clear signal. When our immune system is functioning properly, it is generating that same clear signal. When we fall ill, our immune system gets tuned down and struggles to fight off pathogens. The immune modulating polysaccharides in Turkey Tail bolster the immune system and work to tune it back up; the signal is now clear and pathogens are being killed off. In the case of autoimmunity, when the immune system is working over time, and is tuned up, so much so that it begins attacking healthy cells, the polysaccharides once again supports the immune system and begins tuning it back down to regain the clear signal.
We created the diagram below to further outline the process.
One specific polysaccharide found in the fruiting bodies of Turkey Tail that is receiving much attention from scientists is PSK (polysaccharide K). This polysaccharide has shown incredible success in reducing metastasis of various cancers and is prescribed as an adjunct treatment for cancer patients who are going through chemo and radiation therapy. Not only can PSK directly reduce the threat of tumors, but it has been shown to help cancer patients overcome the negative effects of chemo and radiation by restrengthening their immune systems.
For more information on the effects of Turkey Tail against various cancers, check out this article from Bastyr College.
If Turkey Tail has not yet completely won you over as a necessity for strengthening immune function, then it's time we talk about its incredible antimicrobial properties derived from yet another special polysaccharide: PSP (polysaccharide peptide). This compound up-regulates the immune system's production of microphages, cells that target and kill pathogens. Able to target bacteria, viruses, and fungal pathogens, PSP acts as software update to the immune system, making it stronger, smarter, and fast acting. We particularly love celebrating Turkey Tail for this compound it contains because it clearly demonstrates a greater intelligence that is carried by the mushroom and delivered to our bodies with intentions of making us better.
Turkey Tail For Rebuilding The Microbiome
It has been said that our immune system is only as strong as our gut. That is because our beneficial gut bacteria that make up our microbiome also play a huge role in regulating our immune system. They have the ability to produce chemicals that help kill pathogenic bacteria, yeasts, and pathogenic fungi. Turkey Tail helps them do so by acting as a prebiotic.
Prebiotics feed and strengthen the beneficial bacteria and get them producing their healing chemicals. The fruiting bodies of Turkey Tail are loaded with these substances and help correct common digestive issues like bloating, gas, and candida.
The Best Method For Obtaining Turkey Tail's Immune Supporting Properties
PSK, PSP, and the microbiome rebuilding prebiotics of Turkey Tail are all found in the mushroom's fruiting bodies and are extractable with alcohol and water. Using these two solvents for extraction is commonly referred to as the dual extraction method. We at Wild Kingdom, not only use this method to ensure the active compounds in Turkey Tail have been properly obtained, but we also source 100% wild harvested fruiting bodies for our extractions.
Alternatively, there are many Turkey Tail products out there made from the mycelium or "the roots" of the mushroom. To make mycelium, growers inoculate mushroom spores onto grain substrates like oats or rice. They then grind the myceliated grain into a powder and perform their extractions.
This mycelium only method is still being debated by mycologists all over the world regarding its efficacy as no actual mushrooms are present in the extraction. Furthermore, with clever marketing and labeling, consumers are tricked into thinking they are taking a mushroom extract when in fact, it is mostly just grains.
For more information on our dual extracted Turkey Tail extract made from wild harvested fruiting bodies, click here.
More Reasons To Try Wild Kingdom's Turkey Tail Extract
We at Wild Kingdom are not only invested in creating quality mushroom products for our customers, but we also are passionate about sustainability and ensuring that our planet is habitable for the next generations to come. That is why we donate a portion of every sale from our online store to One Tree Planted, an organization that plants trees worldwide. When you buy one of our extracts, you are also supporting reforestation and helping heal our planet.
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