The mystery of nature is often the source of various myths that keep people away from its blessings. This is also the case with Lion's Mane.
For some reason, many believe that Lion's Mane causes headaches. But is there any truth to this belief? Read on to find out if Lion's Mane causes headaches and what it can really do for your brain health.
What is a lion's mane mushroom?
Lion's mane is a type of mushroom that some people believe has various health benefits.
People eat many types of mushrooms, both wild and cultivated, for their nutritional and medicinal value.Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants., which help protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals.
Lion's mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is an edible mushroom known as porcupine mushroom, pompom mushroom, or bearded tooth mushroom. The fungus grows on dead or dying trees, especially American beech. Due to its health-promoting properties, it has a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine.
What are the health benefits of Lion's Mane?
Western medicine has some catching up to do when it comes to medicinal mushrooms. Fortunately, some studies have already highlighted several potential benefits of Lion's Mane. Let's take a look at some of them.
Supports brain health
Lion's mane mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, but only recently have modern scientific studies explored the mushroom's potential.nootropic(cognitive enhancement) benefits.
The main bioactive compounds in this fungus are hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate special brain cells called nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is responsible for the growth of neurons and is crucial for cognitive function.
In onefor studyTwenty-eight people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) took a dietary supplement containing 1,000 mg of lion's mane daily for 16 weeks. At the end of the study, those taking Lion's Mane supplements showed significant improvements in mental speed, alertness, and memory compared to a placebo group.
Another study conducted in Japan found that Lion's Mane mushroom extracts may be beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.Parkinson's diseaseand dementia. The researchers concluded that these compounds may help prevent nerve cell damage and improve cognitive function.
Lion's mane mushroom may help fight cancer
Lion's Mane contains two unique compounds, Erinacine and Hericenone, which may help fight cancer by stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
test tubestudiesdiscovered that extracts from lion's mane mushrooms can reduce the growth of certain types of cancer cells, although they may not affect healthy cells.
Additionally, a test-tube study found that erinazines may help target and destroy leukemia cells without affecting healthy blood cells.
Lion's Mane can help reduce anxiety and depression
Depression is the most common cause of disability, affecting more than 300 million people worldwide. Studies suggest that Lion's Mane may help ease feelings of anxiety and depression.
Thirty participants with mild cognitive impairment received Lion's Mane or a placebo for 16 weeks in one study. Those who consumed Lion's Mane experienced lower levels of melancholy, anxiety, and irritation.
in otherfor study28 menopausal women received Lion's Mane or placebo for four weeks. Those who consumed Lion's Mane experienced significantly reduced feelings of depression but a slight increase in irritability.
Promote heart health and reduce blood pressure.
The function most commonly associated with lion's mane is its ability to promote heart health and lower blood pressure.
Lion's Mane contains a chemical called hericenone that helps lower cholesterol, which may help reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
One study found that Lion's Mane extractreduced blood pressurein hypertensive rats. Researchers have suggested that hericenones may have a protective effect on the heart by lowering blood pressure and increasing blood flow. There is also information to support the intake.Pre-Workout Löwenmähne.
Immune System Support
The two main components of Lion's Mane are its polysaccharides (similar to beta-glucans) and glycosides (similar to lectins). Polysaccharides stimulate the immune system by increasing the activity of white blood cells, stimulating macrophages (generally used to destroy invaders), and recruiting neutrophils (generally used to fight pathogens).
indigestion treatment
Lion's Mane's medicinal properties have been found to improve inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcers, gastritis, constipation, and other digestive disorders. This is because lion's mane contains the compound erinacin, which helps absorb amino acids into the body.
Promote skin health and wound healing.
Studies show that lion's mane extract and powder may promote healing and reduce inflammation.
In one study, rats with wounds were fed a diet containing 0%, 1%, or 5% lion's mane mushroom powder. After seven days, the wounds of the mice given the highest dose improved significantly compared to those given the lowest dose.
Another animal study showed that an ethanolic extract of H. erinaceus promoted wound healing in mice, suggesting that it may have similar effects in humans.
memory improvement
Lion's Mane mushrooms are a powerful natural nootropic. Nootropics are compounds that improve cognitive function and memory.
Specifically, it can helpto improve mental clarity, concentration, focus and memory. They also encourage creativity and support healthy brain function.
What can cause a migraine?
Migraines are often described as throbbing or throbbing pain on one side of the head. The pain is often accompanied by sensitivity to light, sound, and smells, nausea, or vomiting. Migraines can cause moderate to severe pain that can last for hours or even days.
Migraine attacks can occur several times a month or less than once a year. Some people who suffer from migraines also have auras, which are visual disturbances that include flashing lights, zigzag lines, and temporary vision loss.
A combination of factors can trigger migraines. These include:
- Hormones.Many women get headaches when their estrogen levels fluctuate. For example, oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy can make migraines worse. Therefore, switching to another form of birth control can help in certain situations.
- Food.Some people are sensitive to aged cheeses, salty foods, and processed foods, which can trigger migraines. Skipping meals can also trigger an attack.
- Food Additives.The artificial sweetener aspartame and the preservative monosodium glutamate (MSG), which are found in many foods, can trigger migraines in some people.
- Drinks.Migraines can be triggered by alcohol, especially wine and caffeinated drinks.
- To emphasize.Some people get migraines due to stress at work or at home. Oddly enough, relaxing after a stressful incident can trigger a migraine episode, possibly due to changes in blood flow.
Can lion's mane cause headaches?
Lion's Mane does not cause a harmful headache, it kills your mood.
Increases the production of NGF - Nerve Growth Factor. If you are deficient in NGF, Lion's Mane can give you a headache. NGF is a growth factor that promotes the differentiation and survival of neurons (brain cells). It is crucial for brain development and repairs damaged nerve cells.
To make NGF, your body needs:
- Choline: Found in eggs, meat, fish, soy lecithin, cabbage, spinach, and broccoli.
- B vitamins: found in meat, nuts, seeds, legumes, and green vegetables.
- Ascorbic acid: found in citrus fruits, red and green peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes, etc.
How to Avoid Lion's Mane Headache
Although many people take lion's mane mushroom for its cognitive health benefits, some have reported that this medicinal mushroom can cause headaches. To make sure you're getting the most out of your daily dose of Lion's Mane, we've put together a list of helpful tips on how to prevent Lion's Mane headaches.
The first thing to consider is your dosage. Lion's Mane Mushroom is safe in higher doses, but as with any supplement, it is advisable to start small and work your way up. If you are taking Lion's Mane in powder or capsule supplement form, start with one gram per day and increase the dose by one gram every few days until you are comfortable with the higher dose.
Whether you're cooking with dried lion's mane mushrooms or aliquid dye, the recommended starting dose is one teaspoon a day and should be increased by one teaspoon every other day until you find the right amount for you. It should also be noted that some people take longer than others to find the right dosage, since everyone processes supplements differently.
lion's mane mushroom for migraines
We know it sounds counterintuitive, but Lion's Mane mushroom may be the best natural supplement for migraines.
The medicinal mushroom has been tested in several studies, all of which have confirmed its high efficacy against debilitating headaches. AStudy 2014from China found that it was as effective as a migraine headache medication and caused fewer side effects.
Lion's Mane for Migraines works by blocking pro-inflammatory compounds called cytokines that are associated with migraine pain.
In fact, Lion's Mane mushroom has so many benefits that it makes sense to take it every day instead of waiting until you have a migraine to pop a pill. Studies have shown that it improves concentration and memory, improves mood and reduces anxiety, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, and even aids in nerve regeneration (which can help those with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's).
Can you take the lion's mane at night?
although there is no specific oneIt's time to take Lion's Mane, it can be especially beneficial to do it at night.
This is because it can increase serotonin, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and melatonin, the hormone that helps us feel sleepy. Likewise, lion's mane supports better sleep patterns. A recent study found that rats that ate lion's mane had more restful sleep than those that did not.
What side effects can Lion's Mane have?
Few research studies have looked at the side effects of lion's mane, but there is some evidence that it can cause:
- Digestive problems include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.
- Allergic reaction. These can include skin rashes and difficulty breathing.
There are no known interactions between Lion's Mane and any other medication or substance, but that does not mean that interactions cannot occur.
Additionally, there are no research studies that have examined the safety of lion's mane in young children.pregnant woman, or lactating mothers. For these reasons, it is best to consult your doctor before using any type of Lion's Mane supplement if you fall into any of these categories.
We hope you have enjoyed this article. Check out our other resourcesLion's mane and erectile dysfunctionand follow VYU for the latest on functional mushrooms!
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FAQs
What are the side effects of lion's mane? ›
What side effects does lion's mane have? Fresh lion's mane is generally well-tolerated. But there are some side effects associated with lion's mane supplements, including abdominal discomfort, nausea, and skin rash. It may also interact with blood-clotting medications (such as warfarin) and diabetes treatments.
Can mushroom supplements cause headaches? ›Other side effects of reishi mushrooms include dry mouth, rashes, upset stomach, diarrhea, headache, nosebleed, and dizziness.
When should you not take lion's mane? ›Bleeding Disorders: Lion's Mane has been shown to have blood thinning properties. If you have a bleeding disorder and take blood thinner (anticoagulant/antiplatelet) medication, you should avoid taking Lion's Mane mushroom supplements, as it may slow down blood clotting or cause bruising.
How do you feel after taking lions mane? ›How Does Lion's Mane Make You Feel? A lion's mane mushroom supplement can reduce anxiety and make you feel calmer. Therefore, if you're prone to feeling anxious or are feeling stressed, taking lion's mane herbal supplements could alleviate these symptoms.
Who should not take lions mane mushroom? ›Animal studies suggest that lion's mane mushroom and its extracts are very safe, even at high doses. However, allergic reactions in humans have been reported, so anyone with a known mushroom allergy should avoid it.
Can Lions Mane make you sick? ›When taken by mouth: Lion's mane mushroom is possibly safe when used in a dose of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks. Side effects are mild and may include stomach discomfort.
Why do supplements give me headaches? ›Multivitamins that offer large amounts of fat-soluble vitamins can be harmful, as excess levels of these vitamins can build up in the body. For instance, excess intakes of vitamin A may cause headaches, liver damage, weaker bones, and birth defects ( 11 ).
What supplements cause headaches? ›The excessive ingestion of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A and D, and some water-soluble vitamins, including the various B vitamins and vitamin C, has the potential for serious side effects. Niacin may cause headaches.
What herb can cause headaches? ›...
Potentially Harmful Remedies for Migraines
- Echinacea.
- Garlic (in large doses)
- Ginkgo biloba.
- Ginseng.
- St. John's wort.
- Valerian root.
- Grapefruit.
It's best to take lion's mane in the morning or early afternoon. That way you'll reap its energizing benefits throughout the day. Taking lion's mane later in the day could make you feel restless and unable to fall asleep.
Should I take lion's mane at night or day? ›
This is why thebest time to take lion's mane mushroom is traditionally considered to be in the morning to early afternoon - to give the mushrooms a chance to work with brain function throughout the day, while you are awake.
Does lion's mane make it hard to sleep? ›Adaptogenic mushroom extracts are brain boosters and may provide stimulant effects similar to caffeine. Therefore, you should avoid taking a lion's mane mushroom supplement before bed, especially if you're sensitive to caffeine, as it may make you restless and unable to fall asleep.
Can lions mane make you feel weird? ›We get a lot of questions about the potential psychedelic effects of lion's mane mushrooms. Spoiler alert: there are none. Hericium erinaceus is not psychoactive. The only “high” you'll get is extra clarity and focus.
What does lion's mane do to your brain? ›Preclinical studies suggest that Lion's mane may reduce inflammation and biological markers of Alzheimer's (i.e., amyloid plaques), improve cognition, and increase the release of nerve growth factor, a protein that can increase the length of nerve cell processes [3; 4; 5; 6; 7].
Does lion's mane affect blood pressure? ›Research also suggests that lion's mane may protect nerves from disease or decline, according to a 2015 abstract in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The same study concludes the mushroom displays additional health-promoting benefits, such as: Regulates blood sugar. Reduces high blood pressure.
Does lions mane affect serotonin? ›May help to manage anxiety and depression symptoms
Studies have shown that Lion's Mane works in the brain to modulate neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin – the “feel good chemicals” which are released when we feel happiness.
Does Lion's Mane Affect Hormones? Lion's mane mushrooms have the potential to affect the production of hormones by promoting the growth of nerve cells, particularly in the hypothalamus. Hericium erinaceus appears to stimulate neurogenesis and is a known nootropic.
Can lion's mane cause inflammation? ›According to Delk, lion's mane decreases inflammation, which may help relieve depression and anxiety. She names one study, published in 2019 in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, in which overweight and obese patients with mood disorders were given lion's mane supplements for eight weeks.
Can lion's mane be poisonous? ›Like many jellyfish, lion's mane jellyfish have long tentacles that they use for protection and to obtain food. These tentacles can sting, and that sting is painful to humans. While the sting of a lion's mane jellyfish isn't poisonous, it can cause severe allergic reactions in some people.
Does lion's mane heal the brain? ›Lion's Mane May Promote Nerve Growth in Humans
Human studies (such as the one on the effects of Hericium erinaceus on mild cognitive impairment in Japanese adults) show promising results, but the body of evidence is not sufficiently robust to conclusively say that lion's mane promotes nerve regeneration in humans.
Does Lions Mane need to be taken daily? ›
Lion's mane can be taken up to three times per day, though it is not recommended to exceed this limit. Daily dosages of 250mg to 750mg have also been shown to be effective. We recommend mixing one scoop of lion's mane powdered mix into your tea or coffee, once a day for a two week period.
Does fish oil give you a headache? ›Headache. Some people have reported headaches as a side effect of taking fish oil, but studies have also shown that omega-3s can be a headache reliever. In fact, taking a fish oil supplement is often a recommendation for people who suffer from chronic migraines.
Can brain supplements cause headaches? ›Headaches are one of the most commonly reported side effects of taking nootropics. This is often caused by one or more of the following factors: Nootropics containing stimulants. Stacking nootropics that don't work well together.
Can too much b12 cause headaches? ›High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea.
What deficiency causes daily headaches? ›Vitamin B2 Deficiency
The B vitamins help to protect from headaches, according to the National Headache Foundation, but it is B2 (riboflavin) that really stands out and where a deficiency may lead to headaches.
Vitamin A toxicity can be acute (usually due to accidental ingestion by children) or chronic. Both types usually cause headache and increased intracranial pressure. Acute toxicity causes nausea and vomiting.
Can magnesium give you a headache? ›Magnesium deficiency may occur for several reasons, such as inadequate intake or increased gastrointestinal or renal loss. A large body of literature suggests a relationship between magnesium deficiency and mild and moderate tension-type headaches and migraines.
Can herbs make your head hurt? ›The researchers found studies that some herbal remedies -- ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John's wort and valerian root -- also may cause or worsen migraine or cluster headaches in people prone to them, the researchers say.
Can plants trigger migraines? ›We studied 3,935 migraine patients and 1,163 with tension-type headache. Results: There were headaches triggered by plant foods after 90.5 ± 7.9 minutes of ingestion in 40.3% (1,584/3,935) of migraine patients and none with tension-type headache.
What gets rid of a headache fast? ›- Try a Cold Pack.
- Use a Heating Pad or Hot Compress.
- Ease Pressure on Your Scalp or Head.
- Dim the Lights.
- Try Not to Chew.
- Hydrate.
- Get Some Caffeine.
- Practice Relaxation.
Does lion's mane make you stay awake? ›
If Lion's Mane Clears Brain Fog, Will It Keep Me Awake? Although lion's mane is generally recognized for supporting occasional mental clarity and focus, it doesn't have any reported side effects in keeping you awake.
Is lions mane a stimulant? ›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.
Should lion's mane be taken on an empty stomach? ›It's completely safe to take lion's mane on an empty stomach, but it may cause digestive issues if you're not used to adaptogens. If you're taking lion's mane mushroom capsules, it's best to take them right before your breakfast.
Is it good to take lion's mane everyday? ›It's not only completely safe but highly beneficial to take lion's mane mushrooms every day. Long-term benefits of lion's mane—such as their ability to prevent diabetes and alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease—become more pronounced the longer you use this mushroom.
Does lion's mane have lasting effects? ›Lion's mane improved performance on a cognitive test, but cognitive performance declined after the treatment period ended, suggesting that it may not have lasting benefits [1].
What does lion's mane do to hormones? ›Lion's Mane supplements have been found to increase levels in both depression and stress hormones like cortisol, while also reducing symptoms associated with mood disorders.
Should I take lion's mane in the morning or night? ›This is why thebest time to take lion's mane mushroom is traditionally considered to be in the morning to early afternoon - to give the mushrooms a chance to work with brain function throughout the day, while you are awake.