The nervous system is complex and essential to the body, sending signals throughout the body that control almost every cell, tissue, and function. Brain or spinal cord injuries can damage nerves, causing symptoms such as paralysis and loss of mental functions. Lion?s mane mushrooms may help heal these injuries by reducing inflammation and protecting against the oxidation of brain cells.

Lion’s mane mushroom coffee is a drink made from ground-up mushrooms (typically reishi, turkey tail and chaga mushrooms) and other herbs such as ashwagandha and maca. It is often touted as a health tonic that increases energy and concentration. A review of studies involving 18 dietary ingredients claimed that mushroom coffee is effective in enhancing cognition and improving mood, but the authors warned that more research is needed.

The Power of Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane for Brain Health

Lion?s mane mushrooms have been shown in animal studies to promote the growth of neurons and to protect against damage to nerves from toxins, but the research is still early. They contain chemicals called hericenones and erinacines that may have antidepressant effects by changing the release of nerve growth factor, a chemical in the body that regulates brain cell survival.

If you are concerned about possible allergies or asthma, check with your doctor before consuming lion?s mane, either as food or as a supplement. Some mushroom supplement labels carry warnings that you shouldn’t take them if you have these conditions, and some people experience allergic reactions to lion?s mane.