Monday, October 13, 2014

October 13, 2014 - Lion's Mane Mushroom


The Lion’s Mane mushroom is in the Maine forest now that it’s autumn, and it can be found growing low to the ground on hardwood trees.  It’s a medicinal and edible mushroom, best eaten when young.  Some people say the taste and texture is a bit like lobster or shrimp, and it is popular as a meat replacement in Asian dishes.  About 20% of its weight is in the form protein, and it has become sought after by the vegetarian crowd.  I think it’s quite delicious!

Many Asian grocery stores carry it fresh and dried, but I’ve never seen it in a non-Asian grocery store.  It’s fairly easy to cultivate, so perhaps it will start appearing in more stores.  You can buy kits online to grow this yourself.  You can also get it in capsule form in health stores, but I’d rather just harvest my own in the woods.  It is considered a choice edible by many, although it has to be thoroughly cooked to take out any bitterness.  This particular clump I found measured about 8 x 8 inches.  It was a nice find.

Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus).

Many studies have been done on this mushroom because of its nerve-stimulating properties.  It has shown the ability to regenerate peripheral nerves following crush injuries, and it has also been shown to stimulate myelination in vitro.  This is hopeful news for those who suffer from multiple sclerosis, although further study must be done.  In addition to this, a double-blind placebo-controlled study has shown this mushroom to improve cognitive ability in those with mild cognitive impairment.  Studies done on mice have shown that this mushroom can reduce the size of plaques that cause Alzheimer Disease.  Furthermore, clinical studies have shown that Lion’s Mane can reduce anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women while improving the ability to concentrate.

All of this, and it’s pretty, too.  I love seeing it growing everywhere!  I harvest some but leave most of it where I find it.  I’m lucky to live here in Maine and be able to forage for a lot of my food, but I think even if you live in a city area, mushrooms abound.  Now is the time for this particular mushroom, so if you are a city person and there’s a park near you, go on a Lion’s Mane hunt!  It’s very rewarding to find your own food.

(Yes, I have to put a disclaimer in.  This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any ailment.  If you need medical advice, seek a physician.  Always use several sources to identify wild mushrooms.  If you cannot identify a mushroom, don’t use it.  When in doubt, throw it out.)