Lion's Mane Mushroom: What It Is and How to Take It

Lion's mane is one of the most talked-about mushrooms in the UK, and also one of the easiest to recognise. This guide explains what it is, where it grows, how it is eaten, and the label details that separate one lion's mane capsule from another: fruiting body or mycelium, extract or powder, polysaccharides or beta-glucan.

What is lion's mane?

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom. Instead of a cap and gills, it forms a white, rounded clump of long, soft, hanging spines, which is where names such as lion's mane, bearded tooth and pom pom mushroom come from. As it ages, the white turns creamy yellow.

Lion's mane is a food and a food supplement ingredient. It is not a vitamin or a mineral, and no health claims are authorised for it in Great Britain.

Where does it grow?

In the wild, lion's mane grows on dead or dying hardwood trees, especially beech and oak, across Europe, Asia and North America. In Britain the wild mushroom is rare and legally protected, so it must not be picked. Lion's mane used in food and supplements is cultivated, usually on logs or on sawdust-based growing blocks.

Lion's mane in the kitchen

Lion's mane has been eaten for centuries in China and Japan, where it is known as hou tou gu and yamabushitake. Fresh lion's mane has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a soft, stringy texture that cooks often compare to crab or lobster. It is usually torn into pieces and pan-fried in butter or oil until golden. You can sometimes find fresh, cultivated lion's mane at farmers' markets and specialist grocers in the UK.

Reading a lion's mane supplement label

Fruiting body or mycelium

The fruiting body is the mushroom you can see and cook. The mycelium is the thread-like root network that grows before the mushroom forms. Mycelium is often grown on grain such as oats or rice, and some products are sold with the grain still in them, which adds starch. A good label says which part is used. Ours uses fruiting body only.

Extract or powder

Dried mushroom powder is simply the ground mushroom. An extract is made by soaking the mushroom, usually in hot water, and concentrating what is drawn out. Extracts are normally described by a ratio or by their standardisation.

Polysaccharides and beta-glucan

Polysaccharides are long chains of sugar units. Beta-glucans are one particular type, and they are found in the cell walls of mushrooms. A polysaccharide figure can include starch from grain, so a separate beta-glucan figure is more specific and makes products easier to compare.

Our Lion's Mane capsules

Our Lion's Mane Mushroom 500mg Vegan Capsules contain:

• 500 mg lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) fruiting body extract per capsule
• Standardised to 50% polysaccharides and 40% beta-glucan
• Vegan HPMC capsule, no fillers or binders, made in the UK
• Suggested use: 1 to 2 capsules daily with a large glass of water
• Packs of 60, 120, 180 and 360 capsules

You can compare it with reishi and cordyceps in our Mushrooms collection, or read Reishi, Cordyceps and Lion's Mane: Three Mushrooms Explained.

How people take lion's mane

• Follow the serving on your label and do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
• Take it with water, with or without food, at a consistent time of day.
• Check blends you already take. Lion's mane often appears in multi-ingredient formulas, and the amounts add up.

Who should check with a doctor or pharmacist first

• Mushroom allergy. Do not take lion's mane if you are allergic or sensitive to mushrooms or moulds.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not suitable.
• Under 18. Our products are not intended for anyone under 18.
• Medication. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist first if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelets), medicines for blood sugar, or any other prescription medicine, or if you are under medical supervision.
• Surgery. Tell your surgeon and stop at least two weeks before a planned operation.

Frequently asked questions

Is lion's mane a magic mushroom?

No. Lion's mane is an ordinary edible mushroom. It is not psychoactive.

Can I pick lion's mane in the wild in the UK?

No. Wild lion's mane is rare in Britain and protected by law. Buy cultivated mushrooms instead.

What is the difference between fruiting body and mycelium?

The fruiting body is the mushroom itself; the mycelium is its root-like network. Mycelium products may be grown on grain, so check the label for the part used and for a beta-glucan figure.

Is lion's mane vegan?

The mushroom is suitable for vegans. Our capsules use plant-derived HPMC shells and are suitable for vegans.

This article is general information and is not medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.