Lion's Mane: this is what you need to know about the wig mushroom
When talking about a special mushroom in terms of function and appearance, you can only talk about one species: the Lion's Mane. Known in the Netherlands as the wig mushroom. With its white and graceful strands hanging down, it is a unique picture. The power of the mushroom is also unique, because if we are to believe its predecessors, the mushroom A stimulating effect on the brain. Find out all about the wig mushroom here!
The Lion's Mane is an edible and medicinal mushroom and is also known in the Netherlands as the wig mushroom or the ape head. In Latin, the mushroom is called the Hericium erinaceus. The latter word means 'hedgehog', referring to the long spines of the Lion's Mane mushroom. The literal Dutch translation is 'lion's mane'. Indeed, the mushroom's appearance is often compared to a lion's white mane. Ultimately, it is just how you look at it, as the French name 'Pom pom blanc' actually refers to the white pompoms of cheerleaders.
White Lion's Mane mushroom, also known as the Pruikzwam or Hericium Erinaceus
Where does Lion's Mane grow?
If you come across this mushroom in the wild, it looks anything but a 'normal' mushroom. The Lion's Mane has long, white spines that hang down. This makes the mushroom look very dainty unlike most mushrooms. You can find the wig mushroom on the trunk of old deciduous trees. These are often beeches, but the mushroom can also be found on oaks and acacias.
Which countries use Lion's Mane and why?
The mushroom is mainly found in North America and Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine, Lion's Mane has been used for centuries for various reasons. For instance, a number of active substances lower sugar levels and may potentially serve as antioxidants. The mushroom is also used in medicines to fight stomach ulcers and oesophageal cancer. In Japan, the mushroom is called the 'priest of the mountain' due to its restorative and supportive effects on the mind.
Buddhist monks used the mushroom before meditating so that they could concentrate better during a long-term meditation session. In Europe, you can encounter the wig mushroom, but it is very rare there. The Netherlands and Belgium have even listed the mushrooms as 'endangered', so it will be very difficult to come across the lion's mane mushroom here.
Culinary uses of the wig mushroom
Lion's Mane can be used for both culinary and medical use. In cooking, the flavour is described as mild and sweet. In doing so, some foodies say the flavour is comparable to that of lobster. Chinese cuisine often even uses the mushroom as a meat substitute. In the Netherlands, the bush mushroom is less well-known in the kitchen. Indeed, we more often opt for the mushroom, the portobello or the chestnut mushroom, for example.
What are the active ingredients in Lion's Mane?
Lion's Mane has a number of active ingredients in which it excels. Think triterpenes, polysaccharides and antioxidants. The mushroom's most special feature is the action of hericenone and erinacin. These two substances in the wig mushroom stimulate the production of nerve growth factor, called NGF. This is an indispensable protein in the brain. This allows the associated cells to improve the brain process and information in the brain is transmitted optimally. So a nerve growth factor helps signal transmission between cells in the brain. This means more focus, more concentration and a positive effect on memory. Exactly what the Buddhist monks used the mushroom for!
How do you use Lion's Mane?
Lion's Mane mushroom can be used in several ways. Here, the most common way is through an extract, such as Lion's Mane capsules. An extract contains a higher concentration of active substances compared to Lion's Mane powder. As a result, the effect of an extract is more powerful. It is also possible to make tea with the mushroom. This involves using ready-made tea bags containing Lion's Mane extract. In combination with coconut milk powder, matcha tea powder, coconut sugar and cinnamon powder, you benefit from several ingredients at once.
Buy Lion's Mane
At HEMP i SHOP, you can buy Lion's Mane products from different brands, such as Pure Mushrooms and Mushrooms4life. The products on offer are all certified organic. You can choose between capsules and tea bags. We can understand that you are curious about users' experiences. There are many experiences and reviews on our webshop and other websites. Take a look at the product reviews on our website to find out what users think of Lion's Mane.
Would you like to buy Lion's Mane? Then always read the packaging before using it, so that you are immediately aware of the maximum dosage, the effect, possible side effects and how to store the product.
EN 
NL 
FR 
DE 
IT 
PT 
ES 
