Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Posted on by jamesfray

Lion’s Mane mushroom is an amazing fungus that is not only a choice edible with a lobster like taste, but also a deeply powerful medicinal product.

In Chinese Medicine, Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a traditional medicine used for digestive tract ailments such as ulcers and colitis. In Native American cultures, an extract of the mushroom was used to stop bleeding and heal scrapes.

Lion’s Mane shows anticancer effects as it contains unique polysaccharides that have immune-enhancing properties.

Finally and perhaps most promising, Lion’s Mane stimulates something known as Nerve Growth Factor or NGF. This is a specialized protein that is necessary for the growth of sensory neurons. When taken, the mushroom promotes the growth and health of the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is the protective layer in nerve transmission. Without a healthy myelin sheath, the nerves would be like frayed wires, leading to mental fog, confusion, fatigue, and anxiety. Because of this amazing effect, Lion’s Mane is helpful in reducing effects of cognitive decline associated with the aging process, dementia or trauma.

Simple Lion’s Mane Recipes

Mind Ease Tea

  • 1 sprig Rosemary
  • 1 t turmeric powder
  • 1/4 lb lions mane mushroom (diced)
  • 3 cups filtered water
  • Stevia or honey (optional)
  1. Add contents to a pot and bring to a boil, simmer 10 minutes.
  2. Strain contents, press liquid from mushrooms, drink warm with stevia or honey.

Lion’s Mane Meat

  • Boiled lions mane (from above recipe)
  • 1 T coconut oil
  • 2 t soy sauce (coconut aminos or tamari for soy or gluten free)
  • 1/2 t apple cider vinegar
  • 1 t hot sauce (sriracha or tapatio)
  • 1/2 t smoked paprika (optional but delicious)
  1. Heat frying pan or cast iron until very hot.
  2. Add oil and then boiled lions mane. (lower heat to medium)
  3. Stir every 30 seconds for 3-5 minutes until they begin to brown.
  4. Shut off heat and immediately add soy sauce, cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Stir vigorously until liquid has evaporated.
  5. Remove from pan and toss with smoked paprika. Eat as meat substitute in tacos, stir fry, noodles, or curry.
  6. ****To reheat, just add to pan with a teaspoon of little water or oil, cover until hot)

For more recipes and ideas for healthy living, follow Kosmic Kitchen on IG.

I always get my mushrooms from Laura’s Locals here in Tucson AZ.

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