Posted by Martha Bolt
on May 24, 2026
Lion's Mane has quickly become one of the most talked-about functional mushrooms in the UK. From coffee blends to capsules and powders, beginners everywhere are curious about what it does, how to use it, and whether it actually works.
If you’ve been wondering whether Lion’s Mane is worth trying, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What is Lion’s Mane?
Lion’s Mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a white, shaggy mushroom that looks like a lion's mane. It often grows in the wild on dying hardwood trees and is found either high up on standing trees or on fallen logs. The mushroom has been used for centuries for holistic healing and traditional wellness practices, especially in Asia.
Unlike psychedelic mushrooms, Lion’s Mane does not contain any psychoactive elements so will not make you high. Instead, people associate Lion’s Mane with helping cognitive function, focus and mental clarity.
Typically, the part used for supplements in the fruiting body (the cap with ‘hairs’). This is because it is rich with beneficial compounds like hericenones which are known for supporting brain health.
How does Lion’s Mane help?
Lion’s Mane works primarily by stimulating the production of enzymes that support brain health. Specifically, the mushroom encourages the making of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and myelin, which protect and repair neurons. The active compounds found in Lion’s Mane (hericenones and erinacines) may help support brain health by crossing the blood-brain barrier, potentially improving memory, enhancing cognitive performance, and easing mild feelings of anxiety or depression.
Many people find that Lion’s Mane can help with cognitive function, nerve health, mental clarity, mood balance, focus and concentration. The current research is still ongoing and results may vary from person to person.
How can I take Lion’s Mane?
Lion’s Mane can be taken in many different forms, including capsules, powder and even mushroom coffee.
Capsules are great as they are pre-dosed for you, meaning you don’t have to do any measuring. They are also portable so you can take them on the go if you have a busy lifestyle.
Powder is an incredibly versatile way of taking Lion’s Mane. You can mix it into a smoothie, protein shake, porridge or simply into water.
Coffee is great if you need to incorporate function mushrooms into a pre-existing routine. Just make the switch from your regular blend to a Lion’s Mane brew, and you are getting all your benefits without the extra hassle.
You can read more about how to best take functional mushrooms in this blog here!
How much Lion’s Mane should I take?
The amount of Lion's Mane definitely depends on the person, however the daily average suggests between 1000mg - 1500mg but always read the packaging of your chosen supplement to be sure.
If you are ever unsure on how much to take, or if you should be taking Lion’s Mane at all, always speak to your GP or a qualified herbalist.
