Chaga offers more support in terms of overall physical health, namely supporting immunity, digestion, and a healthy stress response. Lion's mane offers immune support as well, however, it's main benefits center around improving mood, focus, and productivity, as well as supporting nerve health.
As lion's mane stimulates trophic factors, while chaga has protective properties, the result is a synergistic combination that is great for supporting brain function. I believe this is one of the best daily habits you can introduce to support your nervous system.
In fact, one study found that H. coralloides has even higher levels of antioxidants than lion's mane. However, lion's mane mushroom is the mushroom that has been extensively cultivated, so it is the Hericium mushroom that you can find and buy most easily.
(13) Lion's Mane is used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote mental clarity and memory and is known to help improve sleep quality. Chaga is a mushroom that grows on birch trees in Siberia. Chaga is also used in traditional medicine to strengthen the immune system and to prevent infections.
Medicinal mushrooms, especially lion's mane, reishi, and chaga, have been used for centuries as natural remedies to soothe and heal the body. These popular medicinal mushrooms can support digestion, energy, mental clarity, mood, relaxation and sleep, and the immune system [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].
Bleeding Disorders: Lion's Mane has been shown to have blood thinning properties. If you have a bleeding disorder and take blood thinner (anticoagulant/antiplatelet) medication, you should avoid taking Lion's Mane mushroom supplements, as it may slow down blood clotting or cause bruising.
Meanwhile, lion's mane supplements are generally well-tolerated and noted as safe when up to 750 milligrams (mg) are taken orally daily for up to 16 weeks (some research has shown safety at higher doses), “but because research is limited, universal dosing recommendations have not been established [and potency differs ...
Lion's Mane is great for supporting cognitive health, Ashwagandha is an amazing adaptogen that may support stress and restful sleep, and the Triphala Transcendent Elixir is a digestion tonic. You can start with a slightly smaller dose of each to see how you feel and then gradually take the recommended dose size.
Chaga mushroom tea is made with a fungus known to be high in anticancerous elements, while you may add lion's mane mushrooms for their cognitive-function benefits, helping to improve focus, memory, and nervous system functions (1).
While Chaga may provide more cosmetic benefits, it's still effective in providing immune support to the body. Reishi, on the other hand, is beneficial for active people looking for an all-around body and mood enhancer.
If you have a medical condition or a history of asthma or allergies, consult your doctor before you try lion's mane. “Lion's mane is generally well tolerated, but the most common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and a skin rash,” says Dr. Watson.
One of the most commonly reported side effects are difficulty breathing and skin rashes. If you are one of the few people who experience these after consuming Lion's Mane mushrooms or any variation of their extracts, there's a high chance you're allergic to mushrooms.
Depression and Anxiety
Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend lion's mane for any specific health condition. 2 If you're considering the use of lion's mane for a chronic condition, make sure to consult your physician before starting your supplement regimen.
In a study conducted in 2018, it was found that taking a combination of reishi, Chaga, and turkey tail mushrooms had a positive effect on the immune system. The study concluded that this combination could be beneficial for those looking to improve their overall health and well-being.
Lion's Mane is all about brain function and mood support, while Reishi (otherwise known as the 'mushroom of immortality') is linked to its immunity support, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Both mushrooms are beneficial in their own right. And together, they may be even better.
Chaga stimulates the endocrine system, which aids the body's ability to produce melatonin and serotonin naturally.
Lion's mane mushrooms are considered the holy grail for those who suffer from poor memory, poor focus, and brain fog.
Scientific studies show that Lion's Mane, Reishi and Chaga mushroom are the three most effective medicinal mushrooms for brain health. They help protect the brain from neurodegeneration, boost cognitive function scale, improve memory, mood, focus and concentration, and support diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia.
Hericium erinaceus a culinary and medicinal mushroom is a well established candidate for brain and nerve health.
For a comprehensive mushroom supplement, try the Solaray Fermented Mushroom Complete or Om Mushroom Master Blend. For cognitive support, go with the Nordic Naturals Cognition Mushroom Complex or Four Sigmatic Lion's Mane. For immune support, the Host Defense MyCommunity supplement is best.
If you exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety, taking both supplements can do wonders for your health as they complement each other. Take Lion's Mane to look after your cognitive health and Ashwagandha to promote a stress-free environment up there.
Hunter Focus — best nootropic with lion's mane for cognitive support. Hunter Focus is a comprehensive formula that includes 500 mg of organic lion's mane, in addition to several nootropics and vitamins to support brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, phosphatidylserine, ashwagandha, and L-theanine, amongst others.
You can do this up to twice a day. This is a comfortably safe amount, and sufficient to enjoy the mushroom's many potential benefits to your wellbeing. Remember to take a break after six to eight weeks of using lion's mane.
* NGF is a type of protein which contributes to a healthy functioning nervous system. This is why thebest time to take lion's mane mushroom is traditionally considered to be in the morning to early afternoon - to give the mushrooms a chance to work with brain function throughout the day, while you are awake.
Some people have likened Lion's Mane effects to those they get after drinking a cup of coffee, but without the crash or any jitters. So, since you're aiming for better mental clarity and a bit of extra get-up-and-go, it's generally advised to stick to servings in the morning to early afternoon.