Lion's Mane is a shaggy white mushroom that has a rich history in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is revered for its powerful ability to support brain health. In the realm of wellness and functional ingredients, it has grown in popularity for its potential benefits to enhance cognitive function and support overall health as a potent adaptogen. If you’re considering adding this neuroprotective mushroom to your supplement routine, you may be wondering: when’s the best time to take Lion's Mane to reap its benefits?

In this article, we’ll explore when to take a Lion's Mane supplement, the recommended frequency of consumption, its benefits, and how to begin integrating this functional mushroom into your daily routine.

What Time of Day Should You Take Lion's Mane?

When it comes to consuming Lion's Mane mushroom, there is no "best time" to take it. Currently, no research specifies the most effective time of day for receiving its brain-supportive benefits. Because of this, the optimal time for you to take Lion's Mane is whenever it fits best into your routine and allows you to be consistent. As an adaptogen, Lion's Mane works with your body to support what it needs. However, as one of the best mushrooms for energy, many people like to take it in the morning to help improve brain function and improve mental clarity.

To make it easier to remember, try habit stacking—combine taking Lion's Mane with an existing ritual or practice in your day. For example, if you prefer taking it in capsule form, you might include it in your morning supplement routine. If you opt for a powder form, you could add it to your morning coffee, tea, or afternoon smoothie for a brain boost. Integrating it into your daily life in a way that works for you will make it easy to enjoy its benefits consistently.

How Often Should You Take Lion's Mane?

Though Lion's Mane has been used and beloved throughout history in traditional Chinese medicine, it is not approved by the FDA as a treatment for symptoms or diseases, so there are no official guidelines for its consumption. It's best to follow the dosage instructions listed on the supplement label and maintain consistency.

As an adaptogen, Lion's Mane supports the body when taken in adequate amounts over an extended period. You may not experience immediate benefits, but with regular use, it can help the body manage stress and provide potential cognitive and overall health benefits. If you’re wondering how long it takes Lion’s Mane to work, keep in mind that it may vary from person to person. However, most people report that they start seeing some changes after a couple of days, with more significant results within 2-3 months of following a daily routine.

Reasons to Take Lion's Mane

Research has identified a range of potential benefits associated with taking a Lion's Mane supplement, from cognitive and anti-inflammatory to immune and nerve health. We'll delve into the research supporting these benefits below.

Cognitive Enhancement

Research on Lion’s Mane has shown promising cognitive benefits. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 30 adults aged 50 to 80 with mild cognitive impairment, those taking Lion’s Mane powder for 16 weeks had significantly higher cognitive function scores compared to the placebo group. However, these improvements decreased after stopping the supplement. Another double-blind study on 41 young adults found that a single dose of Lion’s Mane improved performance on a psychological test and reduced subjective stress after 28 days of supplementation.

While these findings are exciting, both studies had small sample sizes, so further research on Lion’s Mane consumption is needed to confirm these effects on the general public. With that said, many people still use Lion’s mane for brain fog, when they need a cognitive boost.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Lion’s Mane mushrooms have shown major anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Research shows they are a rich source of natural antioxidants. In animal studies, Lion’s Mane has been found to suppress inflammation levels in mice with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and increase antioxidant enzyme levels. Lion’s Mane has also been shown to reduce markers of inflammation and suppress oxidative damage in the brain.

These findings suggest that the Lion’s Mane mushroom may offer protective benefits against inflammation and oxidative stress. However, more research on humans is necessary to further validate these initial findings.

Immune System Support

While many people take Lion’s Mane for focus, this wild mushroom may also boost the immune system by activating the intestinal immune system. Research has found that Lion’s Mane can upregulate the secretion of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and activate certain cellular signaling pathways in the intestine, which is crucial for immune response. Lion’s Mane has also been shown to alter gut bacteria makeup in ways that stimulate the immune system.

These findings reveal that Lion’s Mane could play a role in enhancing immune function, but more human studies are needed to confirm these effects and assess the long-term impact.

Nerve Regeneration

This mushroom is abundant in bioactive compounds that have potential neuroprotective and neuroregenerative benefits. An animal study on Lion’s Mane extract has found it’s able to promote nerve regeneration after injury. However, more research is needed on humans to further explore the impact this mushroom can have on nerve health benefits.

Health Considerations

Due to Lion's Mane's potent effects, it should be avoided by individuals with specific health conditions. Given its potential immune-boosting effects, those with autoimmune conditions or taking immunosuppressant medications should avoid it. Additionally, Lion's Mane has been shown to lower blood glucose levels, so individuals with diabetes should talk with their healthcare provider before adding it to their supplement regimen. Individuals allergic to mushrooms should also steer clear of Lion's Mane due to its fungal nature. If you’re unsure if Lion’s Mane is right for you, run it by your healthcare provider to ensure it suits your particular health status and wellness goals.

Take Brain Dust for Lion’s Mane Benefits

An easy way to integrate Lion’s Mane into your daily routine is by taking Brain Dust®. It’s a nootropic focus supplement that combines Lion’s Mane mushrooms with adaptogens and herbs like Ginkgo, Rhodiola root, organic Ashwagandha, Astragalus, and Maca to target stress and support focus, mental stamina, concentration, and alertness. Slightly bitter and malty in taste, it pairs well when added to tea, coffee, or smoothies. To use this mushroom powder, blend 1 teaspoon of Brain Dust® to the drink of your choice.

Takeaways

Lion’s Mane has gained popularity for its brain-boosting benefits. If you’re considering adding it to your routine for its adaptogenic powers, you’ve likely wondered, "When’s the best time to take Lion’s Mane mushroom?" The reality is, there’s no research showing a specific optimal time for consumption. So, take it whenever it’s most convenient and easy for you to remember. Follow the dosage instructions on the supplement label for how much and how often to consume it. As an adaptogen, effects may not be noticeable during first use, but consistency may lead to benefits over time.

Integrating Lion’s Mane into your day can be simple—whether in quick capsule form or as a powder added to your morning beverage like Brain Dust®, an adaptogen and herb powdered supplement that includes Lion’s Mane to support stress resilience, concentration, and focus. Whatever method you choose, consider your health status and consult with your healthcare provider before taking it if you have specific health concerns.