What is Lions Mane?

A look at how this fruiting mushroom can be great for your health

Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and species. Some are just plain delicious, others can provide a wealth of medicinal value. The fungi kingdom is full of mushroom species that are great for our health. Today we will be discussing the Lion's Mane mushroom. This beautiful mushroom is both delicious and great for your health! If you are allergic or sensitive to fungus, you should use caution and discuss consuming Lion's Mane with your Dr. 


What is Lion's Mane?

Lion's Mane, known by the species name Hericium Erinaceus, is an edible mushroom belonging to the tooth fungus group. They grow only on dying hardwood such as oak, walnut, beech, sycamore and maple. They have these long shaggy little spines that remind me of the Havanese breed of dog with it's long dreadlocks, but these spines aren't cute puppy dreadlocks, they are the part of the mushroom that produces spores. They are always positioned perpendicular to the earth so the spores can be ejected onto the forest floor and be carried away to their next hardwood home.


What are the potential health benefits of Lion's Mane?

The following are some of the potential health benefits of Lion's Mane:


  • Immune System Support & Booster - Animal models show that Lion's Mane boosts immunity by increasing the activity of the intestinal immune system, protecting the body from pathogens that enter into the body and down to the gut.
  • Heart Disease Risk Reduction - There are many risk factors for heart disease and Lion's Mane has been shown to help with some of these. Test tube studies have shown a significant reduction in oxidized cholesterol in the blood stream which can attach to the walls of arteries and cause them to harden, which we know can lead to heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.
  • Neuroprotectant with regenerative properties - Lion's Mane is one of the only mushrooms that stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF. This is huge because BDNF is an extremely important protein that strengthens brain cells and stimulates production of new ones. BDNF also increases neuroplasticity, making your neuro pathways more flexible to stress and damage.
  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
  • Relief of mild depression and anxiety - Many animal studies have shown promise in anti-inflammatory properties, improved hippocampus function, and brain cell regeneration.  One small study even concluded that consuming Lion's Mane for one month reduced self-reported anxiety in menopausal women.
  • Lion's Mane is also showing promising results in Multiple Sclerosis
  • Cognitive Function Improvement - There have been multiple animal studies regarding Lion's Mane and cognitive function.  One study concluded that Lion's Mane improved object recognition and recognition memory. There have been other studies showing promise in Alzheimer's & Parkinson's Disease but much more research needs to be done in this area. 


What is the method of consumption for Lion's Mane?

There are many ways to consume Lion's Mane including teas, capsules, tinctures, and eating this delicious mushroom.


How do you cook Lion's Mane Mushrooms?

There are so many recipes for cooking and consuming Lion's Mane mushrooms. They are very absorbent so be careful when washing and do not let them stay wet. You can squeeze the excess water from the mushroom without too much damage. They have a flavor and stringy texture similar to lobster or crab. The best way, in my opinion, to prep cook the Lion's Mane is to dry saute until most of the water is out and then add your fat to finish. I will link just a few for you to check out and try. 



There are many many more recipes using Lion's Mane to search and try, these were just a few of the ones I intend to try out for my family! Let me know which ones you try! 

Rustic Oils CBD Of Lee's Summit LLC Blog

By Rachel Crawford January 28, 2026
We’ve all had that moment.... . During a belly rub, you feel it—a new "lump or bump" that wasn't there last week. Your heart sinks, and suddenly, nothing else matters than the health of your fur baby This is where the ancient wisdom of mushrooms like Turkey Tail and Reishi steps in. Think of them as nature’s quiet protectors. I have given them to Abbey for a couple of years but I so wish I would have started from the beginning. Turkey Tail is the "Immune Architect." It’s packed with beta-glucans that help the body’s natural defenses recognize and respond to cellular changes. It’s like giving your dog’s immune system a pair of glasses so it can see exactly where it needs to go to work. Reishi is often called the "Mushroom of Immortality," but for our pups, it’s the "Mushroom of Zen." It supports longevity, helps manage the body’s response to occasional stress, and provides much-needed relief for those pesky seasonal allergies. When we combine these in our homemade treats or as a food topper, we aren't just feeding them; we’re fighting for more "zoomies," more tail wags, and more years of companionship. Why We Trust Verdant Leaf When it comes to our pets, "good enough" isn't an option. That’s why I’ve always been uncompromising about the brands I bring into the shop. Verdant Leaf is the gold standard for clean, reliable supplements for a few very specific reasons: Purity First: Their powders are free from the fillers, grains, and "fluff" that often plague commercial pet supplements. You are getting 100% functional mushroom power. Transparent Sourcing: They prioritize high-quality extraction methods, ensuring the beneficial compounds (like those vital beta-glucans) are actually bioavailable for your dog to absorb. Tested & Trusted: Every batch is held to rigorous standards, so you can feel confident that what’s on the label is exactly what’s in the bowl. Using a clean brand like Verdant Leaf ensures that your "fur baby" is getting the support they deserve without any of the junk they don't. Here are links to Verdant Leaf Turkey Tail & Verdant Leaf Reishi Recipes you can make at home! I actually use these powders as a topper for Abbey's food or I make a mushroom broth for her to drink, but you can also create these yummy treats at home for pups that are a little pickier "Immune-Boost" No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Best for: Quick prep and masking the earthy mushroom taste. Ingredients : 1 cup Oat flour (or blended rolled oats) 1/2 cup Natural peanut butter (ensure it is Xylitol-free) 1/4 cup Unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Verdant Leaf Powder: 1/4 {1/8 tsp each species, or 1/4 tsp if you are using only one species} tsp per 10 lbs of dog weight (totaled for the batch size) Instructions : Mix the mushroom powder into the peanut butter and applesauce until well-blended. Stir in the oat flour until a dough forms. Roll into bite-sized balls based on the dog's daily dosage needs. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer. Sweet Potato & Reishi "Cookies" Best for: Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Ingredients: 1 cup Mashed cooked sweet potato 1 1/2 cups Brown rice flour (or whole wheat flour if tolerated) 1 Egg Verdant Leaf Powder: Calculate total dosage for the number of cookies (e.g., if making 20 cookies and the dog needs 1/2 tsp daily {1/4 tsp each species, or 1/2 tsp of any single species}, add 10 tsp to the batch). Instructions : Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).Mix all ingredients into a dough. Roll out and cut into shapes. Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm. Golden Mushroom Bone Broth (Liquid Topper) Best for: Older dogs who might enjoy a warm topper on their meals. Ingredients : 2 cups Low-sodium beef or chicken bone broth (onion/garlic-free) 1/2 tsp Turmeric (for extra anti-inflammatory benefits) Dash of black pepper (needed to activate anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric) 1 tsp coconut oil, beef tallow, or fish oil Verdant Leaf Powder: Whisk in 1/4 {1/8 tsp each species, or 1/4 tsp if you are using only one species} tsp per serving. Instructions : Warm the broth slightly (not boiling).Whisk in the mushroom powder and turmeric until dissolved. Pour over kibble or freeze in ice cube trays for "pupsicles." MUSHROOM DOSING GUIDELINE * Daily Maintenance Dosage (Give once daily for general health) Under 20 lbs: 1/4 teaspoon 20 to 50 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon 50 to 90 lbs: 3/4 teaspoon Over 90 lbs: 1 teaspoon Therapeutic/ Loading Dosage (Give for "lumps and bumps" or the first 2 weeks of use) Under 20 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon 20 to 50 lbs: 1 teaspoon 50 to 90 lbs: 1 & 1/2 teaspoons Over 90 lbs: 2 teaspoons *The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require this notice.
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