Lion's Mane Mushroom
- Chinese
- 猴头菇
- Pinyin
- Hou Tou Gu
- Latin
- Hericium Erinaceus
Known in TCM as Hou Tou Gu (猴头菇), this sweet, neutral herb enters the Spleen and Stomach. Traditionally, it tonifies the Spleen and Stomach and nourishes the internal organs; strengthens digestion and relieves bloating and poor appetite from Spleen deficiency, most often applied for digestive weakness, poor appetite, and gastric ulcer. Modern research has identified Hericenones among its active constituents.
Part used: Fruiting body (fungus)
Also Known As
Latin: Hericium Erinaceus | Pinyin: Hou Tou Gu | Chinese: 猴头菇
TCM Properties
- Taste
- sweet
- Temperature
- neutral
- Channels
- Spleen, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach and nourishes the internal organs; strengthens digestion and relieves bloating and poor appetite from Spleen deficiency
- Traditionally used to support recovery from chronic gastritis and digestive weakness
Secondary Actions
- Has a calming effect that may support sleep and reduce mental fatigue
Classical References
- Documented in Chinese food-medicine tradition as a prized edible fungus for strengthening the Spleen and Stomach
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Hericenones (fruiting body)
- Erinacines (mycelium)
- Polysaccharides
Studied Effects
- Hericenones and erinacines stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, crossing the blood-brain barrier to support neurotrophic activity
- Erinacine-enriched mycelium supplementation shows cognitive benefits in randomized controlled pilot studies
- Studied for potential benefit in mild cognitive impairment and neuroprotection
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Cautions
- Mushroom allergy or sensitivity
Conditions
- Digestive Weakness Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Poor Appetite Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Gastric Ulcer Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Cognitive Decline Research ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lion's Mane Mushroom used for?
Lion's Mane Mushroom is traditionally used to Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach and nourishes the internal organs; strengthens digestion and relieves bloating and poor appetite from Spleen deficiency, Traditionally used to support recovery from chronic gastritis and digestive weakness. Research has investigated its effects on: Hericenones and erinacines stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, crossing the blood-brain barrier to support neurotrophic activity; Erinacine-enriched mycelium supplementation shows cognitive benefits in randomized controlled pilot studies.
What are other names for Lion's Mane Mushroom?
Lion's Mane Mushroom is also known as Monkey Head Mushroom, Hericium. In TCM: 猴头菇 (Hou Tou Gu); Hericium Erinaceus.
Is Lion's Mane Mushroom safe during pregnancy?
Lion's Mane Mushroom is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.