Where to Buy Lion's Mane Mushrooms
One of the most distinctive mushrooms in the world is the Hericium Erinaceus, which grows in woodland areas of North America and Asia. The most notable feature, as the name implies, is the resemblance to a lion's mane. With large, shaggy-looking white fruiting spines, it's difficult to mistake it with any other type of superfood mushroom. It also has the look of a snowball and is known as 'monkey's head,' 'old man's beard,' or 'hedgehog mushroom' in traditional Chinese medicine terms.
This type of fungus would most likely be encountered in nature on a dead oak, walnut, beech, maple, or sycamore tree. Lion's mane is typically found growing on decaying stumps or logs.
The uses for this mushroom are countless, but most notably, lion's mane is known to support overall cognitive functioning - including improved focus, memory, stress levels, and mood - due to its effect on NGF (nerve growth factor) and BDNF (brain derived neurotropic factor) on the brain.
Many studies, such as this one published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, claim to have investigated lion's mane and the role it plays in neuropathy.
Naturally, there are numerous methods for extracting lion's mane, and it can be manufactured in a variety of forms. Some are more expensive than others, and some are better suited to specific needs and sensations.
With so many lion's mane supplements, tinctures, and powders available, it can be difficult to know what you're looking for. This article will walk you through some of the most common extraction methods, so you'll know what to look for when purchasing lion's mane.
Whole Fruit vs Mycellium on Grain
Lion's mane mushrooms are an interesting choice for a dietary supplement. The primary active component in lion's mane is hericystin, a polysaccharide that has been shown to have immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, hericystin has been shown to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production. NGF is a protein that helps to support the health of neurons and has neuroprotective effects.
There are two main types of lion's mane supplements on the market: whole food supplements and mycellium supplements. So, what's the difference?
Whole food mushroom supplements are made from dried, powdered lion's mane mushrooms. These supplements typically contain a higher concentration of hericystin than mycellium supplements. Additionally, whole food supplements may also contain other compounds that are beneficial for health, such as beta-glucans and terpenoids.
Mycellium lion's mane supplements, on the other hand, are made from the mycelium of the lion's mane mushroom.
The mycelium is the root system of the mushroom and is composed of a network of thread-like cells called hyphae. Mycellium supplements typically have a lower concentration of hericystin than whole food supplements. However, they may be more easily absorbed by the body due to the smaller particle size of the mycelium.
So, which type of supplement is best? There is currently no definitive answer. However, some experts believe that whole food supplements may be more effective since they contain a higher concentration of hericystin. Additionally, whole food supplements may provide other benefits due to the presence of other compounds, such as beta-glucans and terpenoids.
If you're considering taking a lion's mane supplement, talk to your healthcare provider to see if it's right for you.
8:1 extraction vs. 1:1 extraction
Full-spectrum lion's mane (or 1:1 extract) is the whole mushroom that has been dissolved in hot water to break down the cells. Because the beta-glucans are trapped within the mushroom cell walls, this method increases bioavailability. The beta-glucans are liberated by breaking down these cell walls (known as chitin). The lion's mane is then collected, dried, and ground into a powder. Expect to get every beneficial part of the mushroom with a 1:1 extract. Best for immune system support, digestive issues, memory, focus, and a happier mood.
Typically, the 8:1 lion's mane extract is a solvent extract. Some lion's mane compounds are only soluble in ethanol. These are primarily the nerve growth factor (NGF) effects associated with lion's mane. Using ethanol in the extraction process allows for more of these 'better cognitive functioning' related compounds to be extracted. * To make a single kilogram of lion's mane 8:1 extract, 8 kilograms of lion's mane mushroom must be used.
8:1 extract is made by dissolving the whole mushroom in a solvent, typically alcohol. The solution is then evaporated to remove the solvent, leaving behind a concentrated extract. This type of extract is more potent than 1:1, but it may not be as bioavailable, since some of the beneficial compounds are lost in the extraction process.
1:1 extract is made by breaking down the mushroom cells with hot water and then collecting, drying, and grinding the resulting powder. This method preserves all of the beneficial compounds in the mushroom, making it more bioavailable. However, it is not as potent as 8:1 extract.
So, which is better? It depends on your needs. If you are looking for a more potent extract, go with 8:1. If you want the most bioavailable form of lion's mane, choose 1:1.
Getting the Best Quality Lion’s Mane
Always read the labels to ensure that your product is certified organic and of high quality. The final product should have a high concentration of beta-glucans and a low concentration of starch.
Always ensure that both powders and tinctures have been analytically tested and that they contain the beneficial compounds. You should also ensure that the product was created in a sustainable manner, with non-GMO ingredients and a commitment to purity. Making sure you're buying from a reputable company is a quick way to ensure you're on the right track when determining what to look for when buying lion's mane.
When it comes to finding the best quality lion's mane, you want to make sure you're getting it from a reputable source. There are a few things to look for when choosing a supplier, such as:
- Make sure the company is certified organic. This means that their products are free of pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals.
- Choose a company that offers a money-back guarantee. This shows that they stand behind their products and are confident in their quality.
- Find a supplier that uses sustainable harvesting practices. This ensures that the lion's mane population is not being harmed in the process.
By following these guidelines, you can be sure that you're getting the best quality lion's mane possible.
Where to Buy Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
With so many options on the market in 2023, how do you know where to buy Lion's Mane?
Mighty Microdose is a certified organic, gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO product that contains 6 mushrooms, including lion's mane. It is formulated to promote physical and emotional well-being, as well as focus and function. You can purchase it online from the NeuroFlow website or from Amazon.com.
If you're looking for a dietary supplement that can help you improve your overall health and well-being, consider trying Mighty Microdose. This all-natural product contains Lion's Mane mushroom, which has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments. According to recent studies, Lion's Mane mushroom extract can help improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation. Mighty Microdose is also gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO, with no artificial sweeteners, sugars, or nasties. Try it today and feel the difference!