Mushroom

Lion's Mane Mushroom

BotanicalHericium erinaceusAlso calledYamabushitake, Bearded tooth mushroom, Hou tou gu

A shaggy white mushroom with a mild, sweet, almost seafood-like flavor, enjoyed in broths, stir fries and gentle simmered teas.

Lion's Mane Mushroom, fruiting body (dried)

Lion's mane looks like a waterfall of soft white icicles, or a pom-pom, growing out of the side of a hardwood tree. Fresh, it tears into tender strands that brown beautifully in a pan and taste mild and a little sweet, often compared to crab or lobster. Dried, it simmers into a gentle, savory broth.

It has a long history as a food and tonic in China and Japan. Lion's mane is not part of classical Ayurveda and we have not found a reliable Ayurvedic description of it, so we share it here simply as a nourishing mushroom from another tradition.

Ayurvedic Properties

Not described in classical Ayurveda, and we have not found a reliable modern Ayurvedic profile, so most of its energetics are shown as unknown. It is valued as both a food and a tonic in Chinese and Japanese tradition.

RasaTastes
  • Sweet
ViryaHeating or cooling
Not known
VipakaPost-digestive effect
Not known
AgniEffect on digestion
Neutral for agni

A mild, cooked food mushroom with little direct effect on digestive fire.

GunaQualities
Not known
TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
  • Vata: not known
  • Pitta: not known
  • Kapha: not known
  • decreases (calms that dosha)
  • increases (can aggravate it)
  • neutral or balancing
  • not known
  • V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha

With no classical or reliable modern Ayurvedic profile, we do not assign lion's mane a dosha effect. As a cooked food it is mild and easy to enjoy; vata types may like it best warm, in a broth or sauteed in a little ghee.

Traditional Uses

  • Traditionally used to support clear thinking and focus.
  • Traditionally used to support comfortable digestion in East Asian food traditions.
  • Traditionally used to support steady, nourished energy.

How People Use It

  • TeaSimmer about 1 tablespoon of dried lion's mane in 3 to 4 cups of water, covered, for 30 to 60 minutes. Strain and sip the mild, savory broth.
  • FoodSoak dried pieces in warm water for 20 minutes, squeeze dry, then saute in ghee or oil until golden, or add them to soups, dals and stir fries.
  • GheeFresh lion's mane, torn into strands and browned slowly in ghee with a pinch of salt, makes a simple, satisfying side.
Try This

Golden Lion's Mane and Ginger Broth

A light, savory bowl for a quiet lunch.

  • 1 tablespoon dried lion's mane
  • 3 thin slices fresh ginger
  • 4 cups water or vegetable stock
  • 1 teaspoon ghee
  • A small handful of greens
  • Salt and a squeeze of lime to taste
  1. Simmer the lion's mane and ginger in the water or stock, covered, for 30 to 45 minutes.
  2. Lift out the lion's mane, chop it, and brown it in the ghee in a small pan.
  3. Return it to the pot with the greens and simmer for 2 more minutes.
  4. Season with salt and lime and serve warm.

Pairs Well With

Cautions

  • Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been studied beyond normal food use. Avoid concentrated amounts during pregnancy or while nursing unless your doctor or midwife approves.
  • Avoid lion's mane if you are allergic to mushrooms. Allergic reactions have been reported, including one serious lung reaction in a man taking lion's mane supplements.
  • Side effects in studies have been uncommon and mild, such as stomach upset, loose stools and headache.
  • If you take medicines for blood sugar or blood clotting, or have surgery coming up, ask your doctor before using lion's mane in more than food amounts.
  • Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using lion's mane regularly.

In Our Shop

Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom

Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom, from $10.00. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.

Shop Lion's Mane Mushroom →

Sources and Further Reading

This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.