Hericium: Wirkung & Anwendung des Igelstachelbarts

FocusNov 10, 20219 Min. Lesezeit

Hericium: Effects & Uses of Lion's Mane

Are you looking for a natural source of well-being and health? Then the medicinal mushroom Hericium is just what you need. Learn everything you need to know about the effects and uses of Hericium here.

Hericium and its effects – here you'll find everything you need to know!

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the effects of Hericium, also known as lion's mane, monkey head mushroom, or lion's mane mushroom, have long been recognized. This medicinal mushroom is used there, for example, to treat nervous disorders, increase vitality, and alleviate inner restlessness. Current scientific research also demonstrates its effectiveness on the gastrointestinal tract and against inflammation, and is even investigating the link between the mushroom and cancer. However, keep in mind that the mushroom is not a cure-all. For serious illnesses such as cancer, you should consult a doctor. After consulting with your doctor, you can then take Hericium as a complementary therapy.

We'll show you the promising effects and where the Hericium medicinal mushroom is used. Some of these health benefits can be explained by Hericium's action as an antioxidant and immunomodulator. This means that the active ingredients protect body cells from free radicals, thus preventing damage. At the same time, the immune system is positively influenced. There is also further evidence of antidiabetic, blood pressure-lowering, and wound-healing effects, which are said to promote overall health.

The effect on the stomach, intestines and in cases of reflux

Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium) is traditionally used to treat stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastritis, and stomach and esophageal cancer. The mushroom is considered an activator of mucous membranes and is therefore believed to be helpful for the chronic inflammatory bowel diseases ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. However, clinical studies are lacking in this area. Current knowledge in this field is based solely on anecdotal evidence. Due to Hericium's effect on the gastric mucosa, it is also plausible that the mushroom is used for heartburn (reflux), a symptom of gastritis. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating it and potentially leading to inflammation and even cancer.

Hericium's effects on the stomach, intestines, and reflux

The immune-boosting effect of Hericium can also be derived from its effects on the gastrointestinal tract. There is a strong connection between a healthy intestinal lining and a healthy immune system. An intact intestinal lining contains a multitude of beneficial bacteria, which train the immune system to defend against disease-causing pathogens.

Because Hericium is used as an antibacterial substance, the fungus is also employed against Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium can attach to the stomach lining and cause painful inflammation. Laboratory studies have already demonstrated that Hericium extract has a growth-inhibiting effect against Helicobacter. This holds great potential in the fight against stomach cancer, as Helicobacter is the only bacterium considered carcinogenic. An infection triples the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Hericium and the nervous system

One of the best-known uses of Hericium in traditional naturopathy is for fatigue. For this reason, research teams have investigated the effects of Hericium erinaceus on the nervous system with remarkable results: extracts have shown positive effects on the growth and regeneration of nerve cells, as well as the stimulation of neuronal differentiation, in several studies. Anti-inflammatory effects have also been demonstrated in the nervous system. These findings clearly illustrate the great potential of this medicinal mushroom and the diverse range of applications. Hericium's use in treating nerve pain, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, nerve damage, and post-stroke conditions will therefore be investigated further.

Looking at multiple sclerosis, for example, it quickly becomes clear why the mushroom is beneficial. In this autoimmune disease, the body's own immune system attacks the myelin sheath of nerve cells. In other words, nerve impulse transmission slows down. Extracts of Hericium are said to regenerate damaged nerve fibers and activate myelin-producing cells. But even for healthy individuals, current knowledge suggests potential benefits such as increased mental strength or inner balance.

Does Hericium make your brain grow?

Scientists have isolated certain substances called hericenone and erinacine from Hericium and found that they promote nerve growth. Erinacine appears to be significantly more effective. Specifically, these substances stimulate the production of nerve growth factors (NGF) in the brain. This neuropeptide plays a crucial role in the differentiation and survival of neurons. This is believed to improve learning and memory function.

A useful bonus for lucid dreamers: While we sleep and dream, we process what we experienced during the day and new connections are formed in the brain. Anecdotal evidence suggests that lucid dreaming, i.e., conscious dreaming, is made easier with Hericium.

The effect on mood

Bad moods, winter blues, and other ailments can be incredibly frustrating for you and those around you. But it doesn't have to be that way. You can combat these issues with adequate vitamin D intake, sufficient sleep, and exercise. Furthermore, some medicinal mushrooms have a positive effect on your mood. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Hericium has positive effects on sleep disorders, anxiety, and menopausal symptoms.

Scientific studies also show promising effects of lion's mane mushroom (Hericium) on depressive moods. However, research in this area is still in its early stages, so further studies are needed before Hericium can be used as a standalone therapy. With current knowledge, however, it can be taken as a complement to conventional treatment. The exact reason for its antidepressant properties is not yet fully understood. It is suspected that a combination of various active ingredients from the mushroom, such as anti-inflammatories and nerve growth factors, is responsible. Take advantage of Hericium's effects now for inner restlessness, malaise, and sleep disturbances.

Hericium's effect on mood

Positive influence on fat metabolism

Elevated blood lipid levels pose a health risk. The causes are varied, including an unhealthy lifestyle, a diet high in sugar and fat, and genetic factors. Lowering these levels is crucial for overall health, as it increases the risk of arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, and circulatory disorders. A research team from South Korea demonstrated in an animal model that Hericium fungus can positively influence lipid metabolism. Total plasma cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and the arthrogenic index were all reduced. Furthermore, HDL cholesterol levels increased; this specific type of cholesterol has a beneficial effect. These positive effects are attributed to specific proteoglucans from the mushroom.

Hericium erinaceus – what exactly is it?

Hericium, Lion's Mane, Monkey Head Mushroom, and Yamabushitake – they all refer to the same medicinal mushroom. It is native to Europe, North America, and Asia. However, you will hardly find it growing wild in this country, as the mushroom is rare. Due to its increasing popularity as a medicinal mushroom, it is being cultivated more and more frequently, processed into extracts or powders, and marketed as a dietary supplement.

Hericium effects: What ingredients make the mushroom so valuable?

Incidentally, Hericium is also used as an edible mushroom. Its slightly lemony aroma and fibrous flesh make it a popular meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian diets. You can enjoy the monkey head mushroom by slicing it into thick pieces and frying it similarly to a schnitzel.

What ingredients make the medicinal mushroom so valuable?

The benefits of Hericium as a supplement to a healthy diet and its diverse effects are due to various ingredients:

Essential amino acids: Our bodies need 20 different amino acids to build proteins. Some of these amino acids are essential, meaning the body cannot produce them itself and therefore you must obtain them through your diet. The medicinal mushroom Hericium contains all essential amino acids . Especially with a vegan or vegetarian diet, it's not always easy to get all the essential protein building blocks. For this reason, protein-rich plant-based foods should be consciously included in your diet.
Valuable minerals: The Hericium medicinal mushroom contains several minerals, including iron. Potassium and sodium are present in a ratio of 31:1, which is beneficial for humans. The overall mineral content is comparable to other edible mushrooms.
Vitamin D: This "sunshine vitamin" can be produced in the skin during the summer months when exposed to sunlight. However, some people don't get enough of this vitamin in winter, as very few foods contain it. These include some types of fish and mushrooms such as lion's mane.
Effective polysaccharides: The effects of Hericium are largely due to various polysaccharides (glycans). These are special carbohydrates. Two novel polysaccharides, HEP-1 and HEP-2, have been discovered in Hericium. A total of 15 different structures have been isolated from the fungus to date that may have an immunostimulating effect. Examples include xylans and heteroglucans.

Hericium side effects

Even though medicinal mushrooms are natural substances, side effects are theoretically possible. Fortunately, very few side effects have been reported with the use of Hericium erinaceus. Therefore, from today's perspective, its use is considered safe. Gastrointestinal problems may occasionally occur in the first few days until the body adjusts to the new active ingredients. For this reason, it can be helpful to start with a low dose and then gradually increase it to the recommended daily dose. In general, you should use dietary supplements wisely. Pay attention to the package instructions and the recommended daily dose. You should not exceed this amount. Furthermore, supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle.

Occasionally, individual testimonials can be found reporting an initial worsening of symptoms after taking lion's mane. The term "initial aggravation" originates from homeopathy. It describes a reaction of the body to the active ingredients, which initially leads to a worsening of symptoms. However, this is followed by a significant improvement. This initial reaction is therefore nothing to worry about; it simply indicates that your body is reacting to the ingredients.

Integrating Hericium and its benefits into everyday life

To harness the full power of medicinal mushrooms, we at smaints ensure our products are processed thoughtfully and effectively, without any unnecessary fillers. Our highly concentrated liquid extract, in particular, is obtained through an innovative and gentle dual extraction process. This guarantees that all active ingredients are extracted from the mushroom and made optimally bioavailable ( absorbed by the body). Here's an overview of all the advantages over conventional Hericium products:

To ensure optimal Hericium effect with smaints , we have compiled and answered frequently asked questions for you:

Hericium: when to take? - You can incorporate Pure Focus into your morning routine, it helps you overcome your midday slump, supports you during long periods of concentration, such as in your studies or at work, and can be useful during sports, as it is combined with the mushroom Cordyceps.
Hericium: Dosage? - Follow the recommendations on our products. For our liquid extract, this corresponds to 4 ml (1 tsp) per day. You can also start with a lower dose to give your body enough time to adjust to the new substances.
How to prepare Lion's Mane mushroom? - You can use our products in many ways. For example, stir a teaspoon of liquid extract into your coffee, tea, or water. You can also use it in cold dishes such as salad dressings, (vegan) yogurt, or hummus. Since we don't dissolve the extracts in alcohol, you won't notice any unpleasant aftertaste. On the contrary, the liquid extract has a slightly sweet taste.
Hericium: for whom? - Biohackers, students, athletes and all health-conscious people who need more focus and concentration.
Hericium & Cordyceps : Why this combination? - We've combined the power of two medicinal mushrooms for optimal effectiveness. The effects of Hericium are ideally complemented by the TCM medicinal mushroom Cordyceps . Nothing now stands in the way of your focus and increased brainpower.

Hericium Effects & Uses: Everything at a glance

Lion's mane is a well-known medicinal mushroom from traditional Chinese medicine that is enjoying renewed popularity. Proven applications include:

Relaxation for an irritated stomach or intestines (e.g., reflux, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome)
Adjunctive treatment for nerve diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
Improved learning through increased NGF production in the brain
Calming relief from inner restlessness, discomfort and sleep disorders
Positive influence on the immune system

The effects of Hericium and its beneficial influence on a healthy diet are explained by its various ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and polysaccharides. However, this medicinal mushroom has not yet been studied in every detail. Further scientific studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in some areas. The good news is that side effects have been reported very little so far. Therefore, you can try the mushroom yourself, following the motto "the proof is in the pudding," and see for yourself the effects of Hericium. We at smaints are convinced of the power of medicinal mushrooms and have therefore developed high-quality products containing Lion's Mane mushroom for you. Vegan, alcohol-free, and with high bioavailability through dual extraction are just some of our quality features. Become a "biohacker" now and optimize your body's performance with the natural power of Hericium.

smaints liquid extract with Hericium and Cordyceps

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