Lion's Mane is a medicinal mushroom known for its potential cognitive and mental health benefits. However, the time it takes to experience these benefits varies depending on individual factors, dosage, and consistency of use.
Generally, short-term effects like increased energy and focus may be noticed within a few days to a few weeks, while long-term benefits such as cognitive improvements and mental health support can take several months of consistent use. In most cases, however, it takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks for the benefits of Lion's mane mushrooms to become apparent.
There is no consensus on the time to use Lion's Mane products before enjoying their benefits. The time varies from one person to the other as people react differently to this functional mushroom. Therefore, taking Lion's Mane consistently long-term is advisable to enjoy maximum benefits.
How Long Does It Take For Lion's Mane To Work For Different Conditions?
For Cognitive Function
Some people may experience improvements in cognitive function, such as memory and focus, within a few weeks of taking Lion's mane supplements. However, others may not notice any improvements until they take the supplement for several months.
Research studies have found that daily supplementation with Lion's mane extract for 4-12 weeks may improve cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and other age-related cognitive declines.
One study conducted in 2019(1) concluded that taking Lion's mane mushrooms for 12 weeks prevents cognitive decline, reducing the risk of diseases like dementia. This period may also be enough to boost overall brain function and fight nerve damage.
For Depression And Anxiety
There is limited research on the effects of Lion's Mane on depression and anxiety, and more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness for these conditions. However, some animal and human studies suggest that Lion's Mane may have potential mental health benefits, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In a small human study(2), individuals with depression and anxiety who took Lion's Mane supplements for four weeks showed significant improvements in their symptoms compared to a placebo group.
For Inflammation And Oxidative Stress
While no detailed studies look into the time it takes for fresh Lion's mane mushrooms or supplements to produce anti-inflammatory effects, anecdotal evidence suggests that taking Lion's Mane for four weeks reduces oxidative stress. However, the time it takes for Lion's Mane to work for inflammation and oxidative stress may depend on the severity of the condition and the dosage and duration of the supplement.
For Diabetes
Research studies suggest that Lion's mane mushroom powder takes about 4 to 6 weeks to improve blood sugars and regulate insulin in people with diabetes.
A study conducted in 2013(3) showed that Lion's mane mushroom decreased serum glucose levels and improved insulin levels in diabetic rats after four weeks. A 2015 study(4) determined that after six weeks of consuming Lion's mane extract, diabetic rats enjoyed reduced nerve pain and lower blood sugar levels.
Read More: See how Lion's Mane fights diabetes.
For Fighting Obesity
In addition to fighting high blood pressure and arthritis and promoting the growth of the nerve growth factor, Lion's Mane promotes weight loss. Research suggests that taking Lion's mane medicinal mushrooms for about four weeks can help fight obesity. Research also indicates that the fungi may need about 28 days to balance cholesterol, reducing bad cholesterol while boosting good cholesterol in the users.
In a study(5) examining the potential anti-obesity effects of Lion's mane mushrooms, mice were fed a high-fat diet and given daily doses of Lion's Mane for 28 days. The researchers observed that Lion's Mane significantly reduced the rats' body fat accumulation, weight gain, and blood lipid levels by the end of the study period.
For Alzheimer's Disease
Since Alzheimer's disease is a more complicated disease that affects brain function, often leading to memory loss, one may need to take a Lion's Mane product longer to fight its symptoms. For example, one study conducted in 2020(6) determined that taking one gram of Lion's Mane daily for 49 weeks significantly improved the cognitive test scores in individuals with mild Alzheimer's disease.
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For Stomach Ulcers
Science has verified that Lion's Mane is one of the best mushrooms for gut health. In addition, more research studies indicate that taking Lions mane powders for 2 to 4 weeks can help fight stomach ulcers.
In a research study conducted in 2016(7), individuals diagnosed with ulcerative colitis were given a supplement containing 14% lion's mane extract. The results showed a significant reduction in symptoms and an overall improvement in the participants' quality of life within three weeks.
Factors Affecting How Long It Takes Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplements To Work
1. Dosage
The dosage of Lion's Mane can vary depending on the supplement or product used. Higher dosages may produce more immediate effects, while lower dosages may take longer to show noticeable results. We recommend talking to a healthcare professional to determine how much Lion's Mane to take for different conditions.
2. Duration Of Use
The duration of Lion's Mane supplementation can also impact how long it takes to see any benefits. Therefore, consistent and long-term use of Lion's Mane may be necessary to see significant results.
For example, if you aim to boost your immune system, benefit from the antioxidants in Lion's Mane, or reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, taking Lion's mane mushroom extracts or fruiting body daily is recommended. You may take Lion's mane mushroom extract for up to several months to see maximum results.
3. The Severity Of Condition
More severe or chronic conditions may take longer to improve, while milder or acute conditions may show faster improvements. For example, while Lion's mane mushroom is highly effective in fighting all conditions related to brain health, the time needed to combat brain fog may be shorter than that required to fight an illness like Parkinson's. Moreover, it will take the fungus longer to fight cancer cells compared to enhancing your energy production.
Read More: See how Lion's Mane fights cancer cells.
4. Individual Factors
Individual factors such as age, health status, and genetics can also influence how long Lion's mane fruiting bodies and supplements take to work. Some individuals may experience benefits more quickly than others due to variations in their metabolism and physiology.
It is also worth noting that some people may need to avoid Lion's Mane—for example, those allergic to the mushrooms. Therefore, the medicinal mushroom may provide numerous potential health benefits for some, while others may need to avoid the hedgehog mushroom for safety reasons.
5. Other Medications Or Supplements
Other medications or supplements may also affect how long it takes for fresh mushrooms and other herbal supplements to work. Interactions between supplements or medications can impact the absorption and effectiveness of Lion's Mane, potentially delaying or reducing any benefits.
When taking Lion's Mane as part of your treatment, consult your doctor before using traditional Chinese medicine alongside other medications. This can help you avoid dangerous interactions between Lion's Mane and other drugs, reducing the risk of side effects like liver damage.
How to Maximize the Benefits of Lion's Mane
Choose a High-Quality Supplement
To ensure you receive the many potential health benefits of Lion's Mane, selecting a high-quality Lion's mane mushroom supplement is crucial. Look for products that contain a significant amount of bioactive compounds, specifically Hericium Erinaceus extract, the scientific name for Lion's mane medicinal mushroom.
This extract stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) production, which plays a crucial role in the health and maintenance of nerve cells and brain cells. You can find these supplements in health food stores and online retailers.
You can also try foraging mushrooms like fresh Lion's Mane. If you forage for this mushroom, be aware of Lion's mane look-alikes.
Use an Ideal Lion’s Mane Dosage
The optimal dosage of Lion's mane mushroom extract varies depending on age, health, and individual needs. As a guideline, consider starting with the manufacturer's recommended dosage, which typically ranges from 500mg to 3000mg per day. It's essential to follow the dosage guidelines to experience the benefits of Lion's Mane, including the potential to alleviate brain fog and support cognitive function.
Combine Lion's Mane with a Healthy Lifestyle
Maximizing the benefits of Lion's Mane goes beyond simply taking Lion's Mane mushroom supplements. Instead, incorporate the mushroom into your daily routine by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep.
Traditional Chinese medicine has long recognized the value of medicinal mushrooms like Hericium Erinaceus in combination with a holistic approach to health. By adopting this mindset, you can enhance the efficacy of Lion's Mane and enjoy improved brain function and reduced brain fog.
Monitor Your Progress and Adjust as Needed
As you begin to experience the health benefits of Lion's Mane good, monitoring your progress and making adjustments when necessary is essential. Track improvements in brain fog, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
Research on Hericium Erinaceus has shown promising results in addressing Early Alzheimer's disease and supporting nerve growth factors. However, individual responses to Lion's mane mushroom extract may vary.
By paying close attention to your body's reactions to functional mushrooms like Lion's Mane, you can make informed decisions on dosage adjustments, frequency, and other medicinal compounds to optimize the benefits of these bioactive compounds.
FAQs About How Long Does It Take For Lion's Mane To Work
How Long Should You Take Lion's Mane?
The duration for taking Lion's Mane supplements can vary depending on the reason for taking them and the individual's response to the supplement. Therefore, consult with a healthcare provider before taking Lion's Mane supplements, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or taking other medications.
If you take Lion's Mane for cognitive functioning and your nervous system, it may take several weeks to months to notice any improvements. Therefore, take Lion's Mane supplements for at least four to six weeks before assessing their effectiveness.
Suppose you are taking Lion's Mane to build a strong immune system (to boost immunity) or for general health benefits. In that case, take the mushroom continuously as part of a daily supplement regimen.
How Often Should You Take Lion's Mane?
The frequency of taking Lion's Mane supplements can depend on the formulation and dosage, the individual's health goals, and response to the supplement. Therefore, consult a healthcare provider before taking Lion's Mane supplements to determine the appropriate frequency and dosage for your needs.
Lion's Mane supplements are typically taken once or twice daily with meals. The recommended dosage may vary depending on the formulation and brand of the supplement. Therefore, following the instructions on the supplement label and not exceeding the recommended dosage without consulting a healthcare provider is essential.
How Does Lion's Mane Make You Feel?
When taken as a supplement, some people report feeling an improvement in their cognitive function, such as increased focus and mental clarity.This may be due to Lion's Mane's potential ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that helps support brain nerve cells' growth and survival.
Lion's Mane may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and promote overall health and well-being. However, it is essential to note that the effects of Lion's Mane can vary from person to person.
Is Lions Mane Better In Morning Or Night?
No specific time of day is considered better for taking Lion's Mane supplements, as it may depend on the individual and their response to the supplement. For example, some people may take Lion's Mane in the morning to support cognitive function and energy levels throughout the day. In contrast, others may prefer it in the evening to promote relaxation and restful sleep.
Taking Lion's Mane supplements with meals is generally recommended to enhance absorption and reduce the risk of digestive upset. However, it is also essential to follow the instructions on the supplement label and not exceed the recommended dosage without consulting a healthcare provider.
Interesting Read: See the best time to take Lion's Mane.
How Long Does Lion's Mane Remain In The Body?
The length of time that Lion's Mane remains in the body can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's metabolism, the dosage and formulation of the supplement, and the method of ingestion.
Lion's Mane is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. Any excess amounts are typically excreted through the urine within a few hours to a day after ingestion. However, the active compounds in Lion's Mane, such as erinacines and hericenones, may have longer-lasting effects on the body, particularly regarding cognitive function and nerve growth.
Research on the pharmacokinetics of Lion's Mane supplements is limited. More studies are needed to fully understand how long the supplement remains in the body and how it is metabolized.
Key Takeaways
The effects of Lion's mane mushroom are not immediate; you may need to wait until the mushroom builds up in the body to see the results. This may take anywhere between a few weeks to several months. However, on average, Lion's Mane works after about 2 to 4 weeks.
Consistent use and taking the correct dose are crucial to getting the desired result. Studies in animals and humans indicate that this mushroom that grows in Europe, North America, and Asia effectively fights various health problems. Therefore, before you assume that Lion's mane capsules, tea, or other products are not working for you, take the mushroom for at least a few months.
Have you tried Lion's Mane? How long have you used the mushroom so far? Have you noticed the desired results? Please share your experience with us in the comments section.
References
- Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus, (1)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31413233/
- Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake, (2)https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/biomedres/31/4/31_4_231/_article
- Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus in experimental diabetic rats, (3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3852124/
- Protective Effect of Ethanol Extracts of Hericium erinaceus on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Neuropathic Pain in Rats, (4)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4415746/
- Yamabushitake mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) improved lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet, (5)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20622452/
- Prevention of Early Alzheimer’s Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study, (6)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7283924/
- Effect of a Medicinal Agaricus blazei Murill-Based Mushroom Extract, AndoSan™, on Symptoms, Fatigue and Quality of Life in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis in a Randomized Single-Blinded Placebo Controlled Study, (7)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26933886/
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