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The therapeutic effects of medicinal mushrooms make a great addition to holistic wellness. Lion’s mane and reishi mushroom, in particular, have been gaining a lot of interest for their body and mind benefits. But which one should you choose?
In this article, we’re looking into reishi vs Lion's mane mushroom to see which one you should choose. Stick around for the benefits of both and how to select the best mushroom supplement for you.
What is Lion's mane mushroom?
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Lion’s mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, grows in damp forests. It’s a large fungus, with long white tendrils that clump together to look like a beard or ‘mane.’
It has a taste similar to seafood and has been used for centuries for cooking and medicinal purposes. You can get Lion’s mane supplements as Lion’s mane extract, powder, or capsules.
What are the benefits of Lion’s mane?
Organic Lion's mane mushrooms are popular because of their tremendous health benefits. Here are the advantages of regularly taking Lion’s mane:
Clears brain fog and increases focus
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Brain fog is when you struggle to concentrate and focus. You may stare at your screen without typing a single letter or read a page repeatedly, unable to take in the information. Sometimes you walk into a room and forget why you’re there.
Lion’s mane is well-documented for its ability to reduce brain fog and boost mental clarity because it contains hericenones and erinacines. These chemicals encourage nerve growth factor (NGF), a neurotrophic hormone that triggers neurons to fire in the brain. This is likely why Lion’s mane mushroom is also referred to as the ‘smart mushroom.’
Read more: Does Lion's Mane Help With Brain Fog?
Excellent for hydrating your skin
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Lion’s mane is abundant in niacin, which you may have encountered in skincare. However, did you know you can consume niacin rather than using it topically? No, not by eating your skincare products! But by taking Lion’s mane.
Niacin, or B3, hydrates your skin by contributing towards a tight derma barrier to prevent water loss. When the barrier weakens, you lose water molecules, making your face dry and irritated. However, the niacin in Lion’s mane recovers the barrier for a plumped-up and fresh complexion.
Improves your mood
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Some evidence suggests that Lion’s mane could help reduce symptoms of mild anxiety and depression. A 2020 study gave mice extract of Lion’s mane mushroom for a month and found that it enhanced their mood by increasing dopamine production.
Dopamine is a happy hormone that stimulates pleasure, happiness, and motivation. When you are depressed, stressed, or anxious, dopamine levels dip. Take Lion’ mane extract as a natural mood booster to feel better.
What is reishi mushroom?
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Reishi mushroom is a large fungus. It fans out, starting as a deep burgundy and transitioning to an ombre of orange and yellow, ending with a white border. It grows in a shelf-like fashion from damp trees in the humid climates of Asia.
The mushroom has long been used in cooking and for mental health benefits. You can get reishi supplement extract and reishi mushroom supplement capsules.
What are the benefits of reishi mushroom?
Reishi mushroom has a host of wellness benefits when consumed as a supplement. Read on to discover the advantages of consuming a reishi supplement.
Supports a healthy immune system
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Reishi is excellent at bolstering your immune system because it contains compounds that help produce white blood cells. These cells are also known as ‘kill’ cells because they create antibodies which defend your body by attacking invasive bacteria.
The white blood cells surround the invasive cells and get inside. The antibodies then release substances that break down the pathogen, killing it off. Therefore, taking reishi regulary could help your body develop more antibodies for a better defence system.
Great for looking after your heart health
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Reishi is abundant in antioxidants, which minimises swelling in your artery walls. When the cells in your artery walls are inflamed it narrows the blood vessels. Blood carrying oxygen and nutrients have to squeeze through instead of circulating with ease. This causes your heart to pump harder to keep blood flowing.
Overtime, the strain on your heart can lead to heart disease and heart attacks. Take a reishi supplement to reduce swelling in your arteries for better blood circulation
Excellent at boosting your mood
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Reishi may contain antidepressant potential. In a 2018 study researchers gave rats displaying depressive symptoms a water-soluable dosage of reishi mushroom extract. After taking the extract the rats depressive symptoms reduced, indicating that it lowered their stress levels and improved their wellness.
The mushroom is also excellent at lessening the stress hormone cortisol, which (when too high) can make you feel irritable and down. Taking a reishi supplement may decrease the hormone to balance your nervous system and lift your mood.
Lion’s mane vs reishi mushroom: Which should you choose?
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Lion’s mane is excellent for focus, gaining mental clarity, and boosting your mood. Its main spotlight benefits are improved cognitive function. So, Lion’s mane a great option if you’re looking for something to benefit your studies or you’re struggling with brain fog.
Reishi may be better for looking after your heart and your immune system as well as providing antidepressant effects. So, if you’re after a mushroom that supports your overall health, try reishi.
However, both mushrooms hold similar properties and are known to enhance energy, boost mood and contain antioxidants to lower inflammation. Therefore, you’ll enjoy the benefits no matter which mushroom you choose.
Can you take Lion’s mane mushroom and reishi mushroom at the same time?
Yes, you can take Lion’s mane and reishi mushroom supplements together, as they both provide great benefits. However, check with a doctor first if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.
Get the best Lion’s mane and reishi mushroom products with Grape Tree
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We have excellent mushroom supplements for both reishi and Lion’s mane. Check out our best mushroom supplements below and balance your body and mind with Grape Tree.
