Several studies show Lion's Mane mushroom to be a potential powerful superfood to help alleviate depression and anxiety.
It’s that time of year — holiday joy, and seasonal depression.
The days are short, the air is cold, and while some are immersed in the joy of the season, others are suffering.
Could one remedy for your seasonal depression lie in a funny-looking mushroom that you can add to your morning coffee or tea?
Lion’s Mane Mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus or Yamabushitake, is a mushroom that resembles as, you guessed it, lion’s mane, and has long been known as a brain enhancing superfood.
It’s valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its support of vitality and longevity. Tibetan Monks used this mushroom to create a tea to enhance meditation and improve mental clarity.
Studies also have found that Lion’s Mane can help treat depression.
This 2018 study found that Lion’s Mane may be able to raise dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps boost mood, motivation, and attention.
This 2010 study among thirty females displayed the potential reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks consuming lions mane mushroom.
This 2019 paper found that Lion’s Mane “significantly ameliorates depressive disorder” and finds that the mushroom has the “potential role” as “complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of depression.”
In addition to treating depression, Lion’s Mane also has been found to benefit nerve growth factor, myelin sheath, brain health, memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s.
Where can you get Lion’s Mane?
Cultivate Elevate provides Lion’s Mane powder, which you can add to your morning coffee or tea, that is free of preservatives and added fillers.
Their products do not contain fillers, such as maltodextrin, potassium sorbate, rice starch, microcrystalline cellulose, citric acid, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, soy lecithin, GMOS, wheat, gluten, lactose, soy, artificial colors and flavoring.
All of Cultivate Elevate’s products are lab tested, with each batch tested for heavy metals and pesticides.
Learn more about the health benefits of Lion’s Mane here.