What Lurks In The Mane? Lion's Mane Mushroom Side Effects Explored

You’ve been hearing good things about Lion's Mane mushroom, but what exactly does it do? Is there a catch to it if it’s as good as everyone says? Does it have unwarranted or annoying side effects?

We’re proud to say we can answer some of your questions about this wonderful nootropic, so join us as we explore what lurks in the mane of this majestic mushroom! Let’s explore its history, possible benefits, potential side effects, and dispel a few myths about Lion's Mane.

If you want a more in-depth look at Lion's Mane mushroom, check out this article, too! Otherwise, keep reading, sneak a peek at our delicious mushroom gummies, or learn more about us.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) are shaggy, white edible mushrooms with long, cascading spines that look like a lion's mane. They’re sometimes called bearded tooth mushrooms, pom-pom mushrooms, monkey’s head mushrooms, or hedgehog mushrooms because they look like those, too.

These mushrooms freely grow in the wild across North America, Europe, and Asia, and they feature a uniquely savory and sweet flavor. More than that, they’re believed to offer many beneficial effects, such as promoting brain injury recovery, reducing anxiety, and improving cognitive and heart health.

Essentially, Lion's Mane has an abundance of antioxidants, polysaccharides, and beta-glucans,¹ which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It also contains compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which are said to provide cognitive-enhancing effects.²

The Chinese have been using Lion's Mane mushrooms as far back as 206 BC to 220 AD, during the Han Dynasty.³ They used to call it “hou tou gu” or monkey’s head mushroom, and they consumed it to treat stomach issues and improve digestion. 

Traditionally, Lion's Mane had also been thought to strengthen the spleen, enhance the gut, and go against cancer.⁴ People would then gather Lion's Mane mushrooms grown in the wild – the first artificially cultivated Lion's Mane mushroom didn’t exist until 1988.⁵

From there, more studies involving Lion's Mane have been conducted, making it the mushroom we all know and love today. 

Did you know that Lion's Mane may possess some anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective potential?⁶ Of course, further studies are needed to fully confirm those, so let’s talk about other Lion's Mane mushroom benefits first:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the biggest life-altering events you can experience. Recovery may feel daunting, slow, and sometimes hopeless – even “mild” TBI patients may continue suffering injury-related life difficulties years after the injury.⁷

It feels quite like a losing battle… except, some studies now suggest that brain injury recovery may be sped up with Lion's Mane mushrooms. 

For instance, in a study done in 2013, it was believed that this majestic mushroom’s neurotrophic properties may promote nerve and brain health,⁸ which would be useful in cases of injury or even just aging. Regular consumption may prevent damage, act as a protectant when an injury is sustained, or speed up nerve recovery.

Likewise, a study done in 2021 found that Lion's Mane may reduce the amount of inflammation and oxidative stress caused by a brain injury and promote nerve cell regeneration.⁹ The compounds found in Lion's Mane may act as nutritional products¹⁰ to help reduce the long-term effects of a brain injury and speed up the recovery process. 

You may benefit from Lion's Mane mushrooms if you’re a constant sufferer of stress and anxiety. A four-week study of 36 females in 2010 concluded that Lion's Mane mushroom consumption may reduce depression and anxiety.¹¹ Researchers divided the women into two groups, and those who had consumed Lion's Mane cookies reported lower levels of stress, anxiety, and irritation than those who consumed placebo cookies.

Next to this, a study done in 2020 suggests that Lion's Mane may significantly treat depressive disorders using its neurotrophic and anti-inflammatory properties.¹² Lion’s mane is believed to reduce stress by decreasing brain inflammation, protecting the brain’s nerves, and regulating one’s mood overall.

If you’re at risk for cognitive decline or heart issues, you may find it nice to know that Lion's Mane mushrooms may benefit you. In 2019, a study spanning 12 weeks had shown that Lion's Mane intake significantly improved cognitive performance and prevented deterioration.¹² 

It was believed that the mushroom’s compounds, largely the hericenones alongside others, contributed greatly to enhancing the brain’s neural networks and improving cognitive functions.¹³ This had the researchers thinking Lion's Mane mushroom consumption may be a safe and highly convenient way to prevent dementia.

Now, remember when we also mentioned oxidative stress? Oxidative stress happens when there are too many free radicals or unstable and highly-reactive molecules in the body compared to antioxidants. And when you’re under oxidative stress, your brain isn’t the only thing affected – your heart health suffers, too. 

Basically, when you’re experiencing constant oxidative stress, you’ll eventually suffer from cellular dysfunctions that will lead to various heart diseases.¹⁴ That’s very bad news for most of us, especially in this fast-paced world, where it’s hard to keep up with our health and self-care!

Luckily, that’s where Lion's Mane mushrooms come in. According to a 2014 study, Lion's Mane mushrooms may possess the ability to prevent oxidative stress-induced issues and help people suffering cardiovascular complications and strokes.¹⁵

Interested in adding Lion's Mane mushrooms or other nootropics to your daily routine? Seek your doctor’s advice first, and then check out BATCH’s first-ever non-CBD product: mushroom gummies! 

BATCH’s brain booster mushroom gummies feature three mushroom types so you can get the best possible results: Lion's Mane mushrooms, cordyceps, and reishi mushrooms. The gummies come from 100% fruiting bodies and naturally grown substrates. They also feature USDA certification and no psychedelic effects! 

Now that you have some understanding of how Lion's Mane mushrooms may improve your health, let’s finally uncover what lurks in the mane: what are the possible side effects of taking Lion's Mane mushrooms?

There actually aren’t many studies to fully confirm Lion's Mane mushroom side effects just yet. Most known side effects come from people who have reported it themselves or talked to others about their experience, and only a few studies can support some claims.

A 2020 study involving Lion's Mane had four subjects drop out due to nausea, abdominal discomfort, and skin rash.¹⁶ It is speculated that nausea may come as an allergic reaction to Lion's Mane mushrooms or from the mushroom’s hericenone content, which has been linked to nausea in some cases. 

As mentioned before, Lion's Mane may cause abdominal discomfort, which can include stomach cramps, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. The most common cause of this discomfort is due to its high fiber content and polysaccharides, which can cause gas and bloating. 

This side effect may also be caused by an allergy to Lion's Mane mushrooms. In 2022, a report confirmed that a 43-year-old male experienced such an allergy, and it resulted in abdominal pain, diarrhea, swelling, and hives within minutes of Lion's Mane consumption.¹⁷ The symptoms were relieved after the man took Benadryl, but of course, if you think you’re experiencing an allergic reaction from anything you consumed, always consult your doctor before anything else!

Lion’s mane may slow blood clotting, so take note of this if you’re taking blood thinners or have a history of blood clotting disorders! Lion's mane mushrooms contain polysaccharides, which have been shown to interfere with the body's ability to form blood clots.¹⁸ This means that consuming Lion's mane mushrooms may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. 

So far, allergic reactions to Lion's Mane mushrooms are rare. Still, you should know there’s a chance you could be allergic to it, so watch out for allergic reaction symptoms like itching, swelling, hives, difficulty breaking, and anaphylaxis. Seek immediate medical attention if that happens!

Also, you need to be careful about adding supplements to your diet if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Most supplements don’t have enough studies or research to confirm how they may affect you or your baby. It’s best to consult your doctor for advice first.

There aren’t any studies to confirm it yet, but some people have reported experiencing a decrease in libido upon Lion's Mane consumption. This may be because Lion's Mane has the potential to reduce stress and anxiety alongside libido.

It could also be loosely related to some findings that suggest red reishi, another Chinese mushroom, significantly reduces testosterone levels,²⁰ if we assume that Lion's Mane may have the same effect.

Of course, don’t feel down just yet – these effects aren’t universal and may vary from person to person!

So, are you thinking about adding Lion's Mane mushrooms to your diet? Here’s our take on the recommended dosage of Lion's Mane mushrooms:

Studies suggest that Lion’s Mane mushroom consumption is relatively non-toxic, and you can take up to 1000 mg/kg of Lion’s Mane mushrooms.²¹ The exact dosage will depend on your personal effects and needs and your consumption method.

For instance, if you’re taking Lion’s Mane capsules, powders, or tablets, it’s best to stick to 500 to 3000 mg, depending on how your body reacts. For gummies, you should limit it to one to two a day, or sometimes at other times as needed. Finally, it’s best to limit your dose to 30 to 90 drops if you’re taking liquid Lion’s Mane tinctures.

Again, adjust your dosage to your needs. We always recommend starting on a low dose and then gradually increasing it to be on the safe side.

The fun thing about Lion’s Mane mushroom is that you can consume it in so many ways! It’s a mushroom, so you can easily take it raw or cooked, drink it as tea, or consume its extract or take it in a supplement form.

Cooked: You can have fun with this: Lion’s Mane mushroom can be added to soups, stews, stir-fries, and other dishes. It can also be used as an ingredient in sauces and marinades.

Tea: If you want to take Lion’s Mane as a morning booster or at night as a way to unwind, you can drink it! Simply add the mushroom to boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and add honey or other sweeteners.

Extract: Lion's Mane mushroom extract is a concentrated form of the mushroom. Extracts are typically taken in liquid form and can be added to beverages or foods.

Supplement: This includes Lion’s Mane capsules, tablets, powder, and liquid. Always follow the instructions on the label for proper dosage and usage!

Let’s talk about the commercial forms of Lion’s Mane mushrooms! They’re so versatile you can basically find them in all forms, like gummies, powders, liquids, capsules, and tablets.

You know how CBD gummies exist to make taking it more fun? Lion’s Mane mushrooms are the same! Gummies are a convenient way to get the benefits of Lion’s Mane without needing to prepare a meal. They’re also easy to carry and can be taken on the go! 

If you love smoothies, soups, and other things along those lines, you’ll love Lion’s Mane powder. It’s also a great option if you don’t like the taste of the mushroom itself. The powder is easy to measure and can be stored for long periods without losing potency.

Not a fan of taking supplements as powders or gummies? Maybe you’ll like taking Lion’s Mane mushroom in liquid form. These liquids are made by extracting the active ingredients from the mushroom and then combining them with a carrier oil or other liquid. The extracts are then bottled and sold for consumption. 

Capsules are one of the most popular forms of Lion's Mane mushroom supplements. They’re filled with powdered Lion's Mane mushroom, which is typically freeze-dried to retain its potency. The recommended dosage is two capsules per day, and you should always ensure that the capsules are free of additives, fillers, and preservatives. 

Tablets are easy to carry and store and can be taken anywhere. If you want to go this route, look for a trusted source, ensure that the tablets are made with organic ingredients, and check if the dosage is clearly stated. Some tablets may contain other ingredients, so check the label carefully!

With popularity comes notoriety, of course! Or gossip, at most – misconceptions and myths, if you want to be precise. So, let’s briefly discuss some of Lion’s Mane mushroom’s most common myths and dispel them.

Some people have complained of headaches after taking Lion’s Mane mushrooms, but no studies have confirmed the correlation between Lion’s Mane mushrooms and headaches yet. 

Some speculate that Lion’s Mane boosting your nerve growth factor production may cause headaches, while others suggest interactions with other medications may bring on headaches.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are not psychoactive, so they won’t alter your perception. Instead, they contain hericenones and erinacines, which are believed to stimulate the production of NGF in the brain. They also contain antioxidants, which can reduce inflammation and protect your brain and heart from free radicals. 

Most of us believe good things will always have a catch, right? So, if Lion’s Mane mushroom can give you pretty good potential benefits, could it be addictive? Not really! You don’t risk becoming addicted to Lion’s Mane or developing physical dependency.

Lion's Mane may actually positively affect dream recall and sleep quality! More research is needed to confirm these findings, but so far, a 2019 research found that Lion's Mane supplements improved sleep disorders in patients affected by obesity, and the participants reported better sleep quality and improved mood.²²

At BATCH, we’re committed to providing you with as much transparency as possible. Our priority is to give you the best natural supplements for your needs, so let’s talk about this: Lion's Mane is a powerful mushroom with a range of potential health benefits, but who should take it, and who should avoid it? 

Those Who Should Try Lion's Mane Mushroom: If you want to increase your mental alertness or give your brain a boost, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your heart health, you can consider trying Lion’s Mane. Of course, you should clear it with your doctor first to ensure you won’t have allergic reactions or anything similar.

Those Who Should Avoid Lion's Mane Mushroom: Lion's Mane mushroom is generally safe for most people, but those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a weakened immune system should avoid this supplement. Additionally, those taking blood thinners or other medications should speak to their doctor before taking them.

So, are you thinking of buying Lion’s Mane Mushroom? Consider these things first:

Check the source: Look for a reputable company that sources their mushrooms from natural and organic sources. This will ensure you get a product with the highest quality and potency.

Read the label: Look for a product that contains only the mushroom and not any fillers or additives. Also, check the dosage to see if you’ll get the right amount for your needs.

Look for certifications: Look for certifications such as organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free. These ensure that the product is free of any contaminants.

Consider your budget: Look for a product that is within your budget but still offers quality ingredients. Some companies offer discounts for bulk orders, so if you plan on taking the supplement regularly, it may be worth it to buy in bulk.

Talk To Your Doctor: Your doctor can help you decide if Lion's Mane mushroom is right for you and can advise you on the proper dosage for your needs.

Are you ready to explore the wonderful world of nootropics and think that Lion’s Mane can help you out? Come and experience empowering wellness with BATCH’s Brain Boost Mushroom Gummies!

Let go of limiting beliefs and take charge of your wellness today. Find a brand that cares about your wellness as much as you do and prioritizes giving you all the information you may need on your journey. 

All our products, including BATCH’s mushroom gummies, are Winconsin-farmed, formulated by in-house chemists, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, vegan, non-GMO, organic, third-party tested, and contains no fillers or additives. Everyone deserves only the best when it concerns their health!

We hope you enjoyed exploring what lurks in the majestic mane of the Lion’s Mane mushrooms with us! We’ve talked about what Lion’s Mane mushrooms potentially bring to the table in terms of benefits and side effects, learned about the forms it can come as, and dispelled common misconceptions.

Now, it’s your turn to make a move! Would you like to see the effects of Lion’s Mane mushrooms for yourself, or maybe browse our shop to see what else we have to offer? Feel free to contact us anytime for inquiries!

Want to know more about Lion's Mane mushrooms? Check out these articles:

Lion’s Mane Mushroom: The Ultimate Guide for 2023

Head to Head: Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps Showdown

Can Lion’s Mane be Detected in a Drug Test? Uncover the Truth!

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Lion’s Mane vs. CBD for Sleep

Lion's Mane mushroom is not toxic. It is a safe and natural supplement that can be consumed without any adverse effects. However, it is important to speak with your doctor first, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

Consuming Lion's Mane mushroom is legal in most countries. It is considered a dietary supplement and is widely available in health stores and online.

You can take Lion's Mane mushrooms every day, but you should talk to your doctor before doing so to ensure it is safe for you to do so.

Cooking Lion's Mane mushroom does not destroy its benefits. Instead, cooking can help make the mushroom more digestible and increase the bioavailability of its active compounds.

Lion's Mane mushrooms should have a white, fleshy appearance. It shouldn’t have signs of mold or discoloration. If the mushroom has an off-putting smell or is slimy to the touch, it’s best to discard it.