TLDR: How long does Lion’s Mane take to work? In this blog we take a look at this. Patience is key when it comes to introducing new supplements into your diet. Start low and allow time.
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If you are considering taking Lion’s Mane for its benefits, then you may be wondering how long it takes for Lion’s Mane takes to start working. In this article, we will provide an overview of Lion’s Mane – from how it works and how long it takes for it to start working – so that you can make an informed decision.
Please note, we aren’t doctors and if you are worried about anything we really recommend you speak to your doctor. This product is not intended to treat or cure any disease and if you are worried please consult your doctor.
What Is Lion’s Mane?
Lion’s Mane is a mushroom, and quite a funny looking one too. It has got it’s name from the fact is is a little bit shaggy, and kind of looks like a Lion’s Mane.
How cute are the illustrations of it on our packaging!
So essentially, Lion’s Mane is a mushroom. Just a little different from the one you buy at your local veg shop.
It’s official name is Hericium erinaceus and it has been used for centuries in East Asia as a medicine.
It is believed to have a range of benefits and is what is referred to as a ‘functional mushroom’ meaning people believe it has health benefits beyond it’s nutritional value.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Lion’s Mane?
As we have mentioned, Lion’s Mane has been used for centuries as a medicine in East Asia as it is believed to have so many benefits to our health.
Personally I love it for my productivity and creativity levels, it makes me feel so much more focused. Here’s a few other benefits:
- Brain Health: Lion’s Mane is believed to help your brain stimulate new brain cells and could even help protect against dementia and alzheimers.
- Mood enhancement: Maybe because you’re extra productive, Lion’s Mane is thought to make you in a better mood, so it’s great for overall health. This study shows there was a great improvement over mood and mental health in a group of people taking Lion’s Mane versus a group taking a placebo.
- Lower levels of anxiety and depression: Another study published in this Pub Med article reported people who microdose on functional mushrooms experience lower levels of anxiety and depression
- Focus and clarity: I have been taking Lion’s Mane for a while now and the levels of productivity I feel is amazing, so I feel I can vouch for this one!
How Does Lion’s Mane Work?
So, you’re wondering exactly how Lion’s Mane works? Lion’s Mane mushrooms contains hericenones and erinacines, which are two compounds that may stimulate the growth of brain cells, but there is much more to it than just that. As far as studies show, Lion’s Mane may have the ability to:
- Enhance brain function and memory capacity
- Fight depression and anxiety
- Ward off alzheimers and dementia
- Provide increased levels of focus and clarity
The mushroom also contains antioxidants which may help fight off free radicals within the body. Free radicals may damage cells, leading to disease and ageing.
What Dosage Should I Take for Maximum Effect?
Finding the right dosage of Lion’s Mane is very personal, and important! It really depends on your height and weight and how you usually take to things. I know that I am 5 foot 5 and 8 stone, so would need a lot less than someone who is 6 foot 5 and 16 stone.
It also depends if you are taking it in powder or capsule form. Our Capsules are 1500mg which is right in the middle of the daily recommendation. If you are taking Lion’s Mane capsules you can take between 1000mg – 3000mg a day. So you can take up to two of our Lion’s Mane capsules and still be within the daily recommended dosage.
It’s important to get an accurate measurement – if you take too little, you won’t feel any effects, and if you take too much, you may experience adverse side effects. Additionally, some people need to take more or less than the recommended dosage to achieve the desired result. It is best to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to determine what exactly is right for your individual needs, if you feel worried.
We sell 1500mg capsules, which you can get here.
How Long Does Lion’s Mane Take To Work?
When taking Lion’s Mane, you may be wondering how long it takes to see results. While it will vary depending on your individual needs and other factors such as age or the severity of symptoms, there are some general guidelines for when you can expect to start seeing the effects of Lion’s Mane.
On a personal note, I was taking it for 2 weeks before I started to notice a difference. I also take it due to the benefits to my brain, so I am also thinking long term here. If it helps ward off something as awful as dementia, I’m in!
Here’s how long it might take Lion’s Mane to work:
Immediately
There is no evidence at all to say Lion’s Mane works right away, sorry but you’re going to need to have patience for this one!
After One – Two Weeks
After one – two weeks of taking Lion’s Mane, some users have reported feeling more focused and more productivity. Studies have found that after just one week of taking Lion’s Mane daily, participants experienced an increase mental clarity. This could be down to the fact it is thought Lion’s Mane helps stimulate the growth of new brain cells.
The effects can be minimal at first, so not all users report experiencing these effects this quickly.
After 30 Days
If you’ve been taking Lion’s Mane for 30 days or more, you might find that your overall wellbeing has improved significantly, and possibly even your sleep. Hopefully you are walking into rooms and remembering what you went in for, and if you suffer with brain fog them hopefully that has lifted.
Lion’s Mane can also act as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce pain, so you may notice some old aches and pains have gone, and possibly even have less period cramps (for those who menstrate)
After Three Months
Researchers observed it was around 8-12 weeks before they noticed cognitive improvement in participants.
It is the long term effects of Lion’s Mane and it’s potential to benefit brain health that has people really interested in this functional mushroom, so you want to take it consistently for the best results.
How To Maximise Effects Of Lion’s Mane
To maximise the effects of Lion’s, it is important to understand the right dosage and timing. Start with a low dose and gradually increase it as recommended by your healthcare provider or a qualified herbalist, until you reach the full benefits.
I start with one capsule a day and I take it in the morning, as I like the impact it has on my focus throughout the day.Some days I take 2, especially Monday to Friday when I need to knuckle down with work.
It is also important to remember that Lion’s Mane works best when taken regularly. Taking it on alternate days can help create a steady and sustained effect over time, if you don’t want to take it every day (or forget!)
Finally, as with any supplement, there can be side effects from taking too much Lion’s Mane, but it isn’t very likely. As such, it is important to begin with small doses and only increase as your body gets used to the supplement.
I now take 2 x 1500mg capsules each morning, and only experience the positive effects.
Potential Side Effects of Taking Lion’s Mane
While Lion’s Mane is a natural remedy and generally safe to take, there are some potential side effects that you need to be aware of. It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplement.
Common side effects from taking Lion’s Mane may include:
- Jittery (if taking too much!)
- Allergy to mushrooms – do not take if allergic to mushrooms
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Stomach upset
It is important to note that research on taking Lion’s Mane when pregnant is limited, and the same can be said for taking Lion’s Mane when breastfeeding. Sorry Mummas, there is isn’t research done on pregnanct and breastfeeding women!
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to remember that everyone is different and everyone’s body will react differently to Lion’s Mane. The amount of time it takes for Lion’s Mane to start working varies from person to person, but most people begin to feel benefits after a few weeks of regular use. However, for the best results, it is advised that you take a regular Lion’s Mane supplement for at least 2 to 3 months.
Read more about the benefits of Lion’s Mane here >>
Be sure to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, as everyone’s body reacts differently to these supplements, if you have any worries at all.
