Mushrooms are everywhere in the nutrition and wellness space right now, from capsules to coffee blends, the reported benefits of medicinal mushrooms are far-reaching and hold benefits to women’s health at any age. 

One mushroom currently in the spotlight is Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) a medicinal mushroom also known as ‘Yamabushitake’, or ‘Hedgehog mushroom’ because of its unusual look of long white spines that give it the look of a majestic Lion's mane! These fungi grow in predominantly beech and oak forests in many regions of the world and has been used culinarily and medicinally throughout Japan, India and China for thousands of years. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) it is said to be ‘nourishing to the five internal organs, including the liver, lung, spleen, heart and kidneys’.

These ‘functional fungi’ show a great deal of promise for women’s health, particularly hormonal balance, menopausal symptoms, digestive function, antioxidant status, mental well-being and cognition, so let’s explore more below!

Lion's Mane mushrooms & cognitive health

It is thought that Lion’s mane can support brain function, especially in older adults. Lion’s mane contains two compounds called hericenones and erinacines that have been found to maintain healthy brain function and support memory, learning and information processing. The beneficial properties also promote a compound in the brain essential for neuron health called nerve growth factor, which is often found to be low in conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease.  

Lion's Mane & mood

There is a growing interest in the anti-depressant-like effects of medicinal mushrooms. Several mechanisms may be responsible for the mood-enhancing effects of Lion’s mane, most notably the mushroom’s potential to increase compounds in the brain, which have been found to be low in those with depression. It has been found to interact with different pathways in the brain and influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which could explain its mood-enhancing effects.

During menopause, women often experience mood changes and cognitive shifts. One study looking at menopausal women found that Lion’s mane had positive effects on reported feelings of anxiety and depression after just four weeks.

Lion's Mane & digestive health

Lion’s mane contains compounds called polysaccharides, which have potent prebiotic effects. Prebiotics have a positive influence on the microbiome, by promoting levels of beneficial bacteria and supporting a diverse ecosystem. Research has found that it can also support the mucosal lining of the digestive tract and offer anti-inflammatory effects, helping to soothe the digestive tract. This may be beneficial for conditions such as gastritis. 

Lion's Mane mushroom & immunity

Lion’s mane contains polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, which are great for immune support!  As well as having anti-inflammatory properties, which can play a role in immune function, it has also been found to enhance the activity of immune cells. 

This also links back to Lion's mane activity in the digestive tract, as good gut health can play a big role in immune health. Did you know that 70-80% of your immune system resides in your gut? 

Many women find Lion’s mane a great addition to add into their supplement regime to support:

• Hormonal balance during menstruation and into menopause
• Cognitive function – to support brain fog, studying or help reduce the risk of cognitive decline
• Emotional health and well-being – antidepressant and anti-anxiety-like effects
• Digestion – to support the microbiome and intestinal lining
• Immune health – to maintain overall health, especially coming into the winter months