We know you’ve heard of it, the shaggy mushroom taking the world by storm. This mushroom is not only delicious when cooked, but has amazing health benefits that sound almost too good to be true! This unique mushroom, resembling a lion's mane with its cascading white spines, has been revered in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. One popular and effective way to utilize Lion's Mane is by using a tincture. Here, we will explore the health benefits of taking a daily Lion’s Mane tincture and even learn how to make one yourself!
Lion's Mane Tincture and its benefits
Lion's Mane tincture has captured attention for its ability to improve memory and focus. Lion's Mane stimulates the production of nerve growth factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which play a crucial role in neuronal growth and maintenance. By promoting neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, Lion's Mane tincture has the potential to enhance cognitive function, memory retention, and overall mental clarity.
Furthermore, Lion's Mane tincture shows promise in slowing down cognitive decline with age. Many studies support this notion, making it a hot research subject in treatment of neurodegenerative disease like dementia and Altzheimer’s disease.
How Lion's Mane Tincture can improve memory and focus
We now know that Lion's Mane promotes the production of nerve growth factors, like BDNF, which plays a vital role in neuronal growth and maintenance. By stimulating neurogenesis (creation of new neurons), cognitive function is increased. Cognitive function encompasses ability to focus, memory and attention span. It has also been reported to increase creativity in individuals as well. This means no more procrastinating that assignment because of “writer’s block!” Lion’s Mane is truly the perfect NATURAL supplement for students, creatives, elderly, and just anyone that wants to stay sharp and on top of their game!
The potential of Lion's Mane Tincture to slow down brain aging
If we haven’t given you enough reason to love this mushroom already, here’s another. It protects your brain from damage as you age! The bioactive compounds, erinacines and hericenones, in Lion’s Mane, protect your neurons from natural age-related damage. Specifically, it prevents oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain. Oxidative damage and inflammation are two of the main factors that lead to neurological issues later in life. For this reason, there has been a surge of research in Lion’s Mane for treating diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Lion’s Mane has so far shown the most promise as a non-pharmaceutical agent in preventing these neurological diseases aside from having a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise.
The role of Lion's Mane Tincture in reducing anxiety and depression
In addition to its cognitive benefits, Lion's Mane tincture may have a positive impact on emotional well-being. Research suggests that Lion's Mane can modulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which play crucial roles in mood regulation. Preliminary studies on animals have shown promising results in reducing anxiety and depression-like behaviors. While further research is needed to fully understand its effects in humans, Lion's Mane tincture holds huge potential as a natural alternative to conventional treatments like antidepressants.
How to make Lion's Mane Tincture
So you’ve read about the benefits of Lion’s Mane tincture and want to make your own huh? There are many resources online giving you a step-by-step tutorial on the process, but here's an overview.
Creating the tincture begins with drying your Lion’s Mane mushrooms. Using a dehydrator is probably the best way to do it. Once dried, you will finely grind your dried Lion’s Mane into a powder. This can be done with a blender. Then pour the powder into a glass jar (size will depend on the amount of mushrooms you used). High-proof alcohol, such as vodka or grain alcohol, will then be poured over the powder to completely submerge it. Tightly seal the jar tightly and let it steep in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks, with occasional shaking. After the steeping period, the tincture is strained through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, and the liquid should be transferred into glass dropper bottles for storage. This is the simplest version of a single-extraction alcohol tincture.
If this sounds like too much work, good news, we’ve done it for you. Our Lion’s Mane Dual Extract Tincture is both alcohol and water extracted (this means you’re getting more of the beneficial compounds).
Comparison of Lion's Mane Tincture with other nootropics
Lion’s Mane falls into a category of supplements known as nootropics which improve cognitive function. Two of the most popular nootropics are Piracetam and Modafinil, both of which are synthesized and are used to increase focus and alertness. Paracetam is thought to enhance brain metabolism and increase the efficiency of neurotransmission. While some studies suggest positive effects on cognitive function, the evidence supporting Piracetam's effectiveness is mixed, with inconsistent results across different individuals and conditions. Modafinil is a prescription drug primarily used to promote wakefulness and combat daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy. Modafinil works by affecting various neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and histamine. Modafinil has been extensively studied and has demonstrated significant cognitive benefits in certain populations, such as individuals with sleep deprivation or shift work sleep disorder. However it is not as beneficial for those without sleep disorders.
Potential side effects and precautions when consuming Lion's Mane Tincture.
While Lion's Mane tincture is generally considered safe for consumption, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and precautions. Some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort, such as stomach upset or bloating, although this is rare. Allergies to mushrooms should also be considered, and individuals with known allergies should use caution. Additionally, Lion's Mane may lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure, so individuals with diabetes, hypoglycemia, or taking medications for blood sugar or blood pressure control should monitor their levels closely. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using Lion's Mane tincture if you have any underlying medical condition or are taking medications. Lastly you want to ensure that you are using a quality product that has been third-party tested, like Mālama Mushrooms. Not to mention all mushrooms are derived from 100% fruiting body (click here to read why this is important).
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Overall, Lion’s Mane is the perfect mushroom for anyone who wants to keep their brain sharp. From students to working professionals, young and old, everyone can reap the benefits of Lion’s Mane mushroom.
We want to make it easier for you to incorporate Lion’s Mane into your routine, so we have a discount for you to shop our Lion’s Mane line. Here you will find a tincture, powder and even cacao mix to give your brain the boost it needs! Use code MALAMABLOG for 15% off your order!
