How Long Does Lion’s Mane Take To Work? The Mushroom Effect!

Key Takeaways

• Lion’s mane may help alleviate symptoms of brain fog caused by stress, anxiety, and sleep issues.

• Studies suggest lion’s mane improves memory, focus, and cognitive function, acting as a natural nootropic.

• Its effects build gradually, with noticeable benefits typically appearing between three days and two weeks.

• Consistent use is key for sustained results, as benefits may diminish within weeks of stopping consumption.

• There is minimal risk of side effects or addiction, making lion’s mane a safe option for most users.

• Lion’s mane may stimulate nerve growth and repair, showing promise for conditions like MS and nerve damage.

• Results may vary depending on dosage, frequency, and an individual’s unique constitution.

• Lion’s mane promotes long-term brain health, but patience and consistency are essential for optimal benefits.

For centuries, lion's mane mushroom has been a trusted and widely used treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

As the demand for alternative medicine continues to grow, lion's mane is now booming in popularity in the West, with more and more people taking it to treat various ailments.

As we'll explore later, science is now beginning to support many of the benefits and 'wonder claims' surrounding lion's mane, piquing the interest of millions of alternative medicine users globally.

If you're thinking of jumping on the bandwagon, you may have some questions - and rightfully so.

Just how effective is lion's mane? How long does it take to work? Read on below as we take you through what you need to know.

What Is Lion's Mane?

Despite what the name might suggest, lion's mane has nothing to do with lions! ;)

Lion's mane is a type of edible and medicinal mushroom that's been used as an ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years.

The mushroom grows naturally in China, Japan, Korea, and other parts of Asia.

It's also grown commercially in Europe and North America, where it's often referred to as Lion's Mane or Lion's Hair.

The mushroom contains high levels of vitamin B1, which helps boost energy levels and improve moods. It also contains trace amounts of vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and much more.

These mushrooms are white and globe-shaped with long, distinctive spines. Some say they're even structurally similar to a cauliflower!

Does Lion’s Mane Work With Brain Fog? 

Brain fog isn’t a medical condition as such - it's a symptom or a certain set of symptoms, that can affect your ability to think and function normally.

If you’re experiencing brain fog, you may feel confused, have trouble concentrating, focusing, speaking and more.

Although there’s no specific research on the links between lion’s mane and brain fog, we do know that lion’s mane may improve the symptoms of conditions that can cause it.

Brain fog can be caused by a number of different things including:

• Stress
• Anxiety and Depression
• Medication
• Sleep Disorders

Two of the most common causes of brain fog are anxiety and depression - and lion’s mane is thought to help alleviate some symptoms of these conditions.

This is thought to be due to high levels of L-tryptophan which is a precursor to serotonin.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that's thought to help with regulating emotions, sleep cycles, appetite, and pain sensitivity.

One four-week study gave patients lion's mane mushroom powder cookies.

Each cookie contained 0.5g of lion’s mane mushroom, and each patient was advised to eat four cookies a day (total daily dosage of 2g).

Ultimately, the study concluded that there was good evidence to suggest lion's mane can help significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Do the Benefits of Taking Lion’s Mane Make You Smarter?

I’m not really sure how you can define smarter - but, lion's mane is definitely a powerful nootropic.

This means it improves brain function by increasing memory, concentration, focus, and learning ability.

In one study, patients were given 250 mg of lion's mane four times a day for sixteen weeks. This was a daily total dose of 3g.

The effects were observed against a placebo group, and the study concluded that the group given lion's mane saw a notable improvement in their cognitive functioning with no side effects.

There’s also evidence to suggest that lion’s mane may promote the production of neurons in the brain, which are responsible for receiving sensory information, and how our brains communicate with our muscles.

What’s more, lion’s mane may stimulate the growth of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).

Our brains use these proteins to create new brain cells and maintain and support existing ones.

This can help the brain rewire itself and modify connections, as well as encourage the insulation of nerves and allow electrical impulses to travel effectively through the nerves.

So, although there’s no definitive answer to this question, the evidence suggests that lion’s mane may support our brain health and may improve cognitive function.

How Does Lion’s Mane Make You Feel?

This question obviously changes from person to person - however, generally speaking - extracts of the lion’s mane mushroom may reduce anxiety and stress levels, and commonly make users feel calmer.

Some patients who take lion’s mane regularly describe it as feeling like a ‘clean slate.’

If you’ve been feeling stressed, anxious, and like you’re walking through life in a daze, lion’s mane may help you to feel calmer and experience life with more clarity.

If you’re looking for a high or a buzz, you may be disappointed. Lion’s mane doesn’t work in this way.

So, How Long Does It Take To Work?

Like plenty of other medicines, lion's mane may not have an immediate effect and its treatment will require consistent use to build up in your system before seeing any noticeable results.

The time lion's mane takes to work may also depend on the reasons you're taking it and your desired outcome. However, the average time it takes for users to report noticing a change seems to sit somewhere between three days and two weeks.

Remember: this may also vary depending on dosage, your unique constitution and how frequently you're taking lion's mane.

Is Lion’s Mane Addictive?

There appears to be no risk of addiction or dependency when taking lion’s mane mushrooms.

Even when taken at high doses, existing studies have not reported any damaging effects caused by addiction or dependency.

Side effects and adverse reactions are also extremely rare, so for most people, lion’s mane is a safe mushroom supplement.

However, those with a sensitivity or allergy to mushrooms should avoid taking lion’s mane and you should always consult your GP before taking any alternative medicines.

Is Lion’s Mane Good For MS?

Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a disease that can affect the spinal cord, brain and optic nerves, and it can cause a multitude of symptoms, including:

• Mobility issues
• Fatigue
• Numbness and tingling
• Anxiety and Depression
• Pain
• Muscle spasms, weakness, and stiffness
• Vision issues

MS can be mild, but in some cases, it can cause serious disability. Unfortunately, MS is a lifelong condition, and there’s currently no cure.

Although it’s not fatal, it can seriously impact a person's quality of life.

There is some interesting early and ongoing research that supports the benefits of using lion’s mane to manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Researchers believe that the primary bioactive ingredient in lion’s mane, erinacine A, may promote the nerve growth factor (NGF), which can help regulate the development and growth of certain brain neurons.

However, research in this area has been limited largely to animals and much more human research is needed to discern whether the same results are present in human participants.

One of the main causes of MS is damage to the nervous system.

This damage is responsible for the majority of the symptoms we see with MS, and this damage can also be associated with other conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

However, one study discovered that lion’s mane may promote the growth and repair of nerve cells and although far more studies are needed to confirm this, it’s a promising discovery for people living with MS.

How Long Does Lion’s Mane Last?

If you’re already enjoying the benefits of lion’s mane, you might wonder how long its effects last once you stop taking it. The answer depends on several factors, including dosage, frequency, and your body’s individual response.

Lion’s mane mushroom works by stimulating the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). These proteins are crucial for maintaining and regenerating brain cells, but they don’t produce immediate, short-term results. Instead, lion’s mane gradually builds up its effects through consistent use over time.

A 2010 study conducted in Japan tested lion’s mane on older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The participants consumed 3 grams of lion’s mane daily for 16 weeks and showed significant improvements in cognitive function compared to the placebo group. However, when the participants stopped taking lion’s mane, their cognitive improvements diminished within four weeks. This suggests that while the effects of lion’s mane can be powerful, they may not be permanent without consistent use.

Generally, lion’s mane health benefits such as improved focus, memory, and reduced brain fog are reported to last for a few weeks after stopping. However, if the underlying causes of symptoms—like stress or sleep issues—persist, you may notice the effects fading sooner.

For lasting results, experts recommend incorporating lions mane into your long-term wellness routine. You can cycle off occasionally to give your body a break, but regular use ensures you’re maintaining its cognitive and neuroprotective benefits. Consistency, as always, remains key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Does Lion's Mane work straight away?

Lion’s mane typically does not produce immediate effects. Most users notice benefits such as improved focus or reduced brain fog within three days to two weeks of consistent use.

Q2. How do you know if lions mane is working?

You may experience better concentration, improved memory, reduced brain fog, or a calmer mood. Subtle changes often become noticeable after regular use over a few days or weeks.

Q3. What happens when you start taking lion's mane?

Initially, you may feel calmer and more focused as lion’s mane supports mood regulation and cognitive function. Over time, it may promote long-term brain health and improved neural connections.

Q4. Are lions mane mushrooms good for you?

Yes, lion’s mane mushrooms offer several health benefits, including boosting brain function, supporting the nervous system, and potentially alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Q5. Does eating mushrooms protect brain health?

Certain mushrooms, like lion’s mane, may promote brain health by stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production, which helps maintain and repair brain cells. They may also support cognitive function and prevent neurodegeneration.

The Bottom Line

Lion's mane has been used as a medicinal treatment for centuries and seems to have a particular edge when it comes to brain health and function.

Although the science suggests it works (and the thousands of people who reap its benefits will agree, too), it may take a while before you see any noticeable results.

The effects of lion's mane mushrooms aren't immediately observable like other medications, such as Xanax or other prescription drugs.

Instead, you'll need to take the correct dose consistently before the drug can build up in your system. This may take anywhere between a few days to two weeks, sometimes even longer.

Remember: when you start taking lion's mane, be patient. Consistency is key!

P.S. - if you’re lucky enough to live in a region where you can forage for fresh lion’s mane mushroom - here’s a great way to cook them up and eat them!

Darcy Ogdon-Nolan

Holding a Bachelor Of Science (Hons.) combined with close to a decade now in the health food and wellness industry, I believe I'm uniquely positioned to provide a depth of knowledge and first-hand experience on emerging health products, trends and ideas! From greens powders and medicinal mushrooms through to protein powders and workout nutrition - I'm particularly interested in what modern science can uncover about what human cultures have been using to treat ailments for millennia!