Renowned mycologist Paul Stamets is a strong advocate for the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms, including lion’s mane mushroom.
Known for its long, cascading white tendrils, lion’s mane has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine.
Modern research has now confirmed many of its touted benefits, especially for brain health.
In this post, we will cover everything Paul Stamets has shared about lion’s mane, how he uses it for better health, and a guide to get started taking it yourself.
Let’s dive in!
Paul Stamets Recommendation
Lion’s Mane: Host Defense
Pair with Niacin: NOW
Best on a Budget: Double Wood
Why Paul Stamets Takes Lion’s Mane Daily
On the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Stamets shared that he personally takes lion’s mane mushroom every day.
He first discovered the mushroom’s benefits in 1994 after reading research by Japanese scientists.
They found that lion’s mane contains unique compounds called hericenones and erinacines that can regenerate myelin along nerve axons.
Myelin acts as a protective sheath around nerves. When it deteriorates, nerve transmission suffers.
Loss of myelin contributes to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.
Stamets realized lion’s mane could potentially help treat or prevent these conditions by restoring myelin.
In his book Mycelium Running, Stamets writes:
“Kawagishi (2002) noted that lion’s manes’ low molecular weight compounds pass through the blood-brain barrier intact. Kolotushkina and colleagues (2003) further substantiated the neurological benefits from extracts of this mushroom through its myelin-generating influence on nerve and cerebellar glia cells in vitro.”
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Paul Stamets Lion’s Mane Benefits
Today, lion’s mane is best known as a nootropic or supplement that supports cognitive function.
Research shows it can enhance memory and concentration, support nerve growth, and help with anxiety.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Improves Cognitive Function | Enhances memory, focus, clarity |
| Supports Nerve Health | Stimulates nerve growth factor; regenerates myelin sheaths |
| Protects Against Neurodegeneration | Reduces amyloid plaques; alleviates Alzheimer’s symptoms in studies |
| Eases Anxiety and Depression | Balances mood; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression |
| Boosts Immune System | Stimulates and balances immune response |
| Aids Digestion | Soothes GI issues; relieves ulcerative colitis in studies |
In studies on mice, lion’s mane extracts improved maze navigation, curiosity, and cognition.
The mushrooms also reduced amyloid plaques and reversed demyelination in the brain.
Paul Stamet Lion’s Mane Recommendation
Stamets suggests taking 1,000-3,000 mg of lion’s mane mushroom extract daily.
It can be taken as a capsule, powder, or tincture.
The extract should contain 10-20% polysaccharides, which are the active compounds.
For maximum benefit, he recommends stacking lion’s mane with niacin.
Niacin helps drive the mushroom’s effects on the peripheral nervous system when taken together.
Related: Mr. Happy Stack: A Complete Guide
Trying Lion’s Mane for Yourself
As an edible mushroom, lion’s mane can also be incorporated into recipes.
It has a unique texture and lobster-like flavor.
However, cooking may reduce its potency. Supplements offer a convenient way to gain the full nootropic benefits.
- Brain Support and Immune Health
- Grown and Manufactured in The USA
- Third Party Tested
Paul Stamets’ personal passion for fungi shines through in his enthusiasm for lion’s mane and its brain-boosting abilities.
While more research is still needed, current studies offer compelling support for making lion’s mane part of a daily health regimen, as Stamets does.
FAQ
Why does Paul Stamets take lion’s mane mushroom daily?
Stamets takes lion’s mane daily because of its ability to regenerate myelin along nerve axons.
What does Stamets say about lion’s mane dosage?
Stamets recommends taking 1,000-3,000 mg daily of a standardized lion’s mane extract containing 10-20% polysaccharides. He prefers capsule or tincture formulations.
Does Stamets think lion’s mane should be stacked with other supplements?
Yes. For maximum neurological benefits, Stamets suggests stacking lion’s mane extract with niacin.
Where does Stamets say the best lion’s mane extracts come from?
Stamets believes mycelium-based lion’s mane extracts are most effective since they contain erinacine A, which is not found in the fruiting bodies.
Does Stamets think lion’s mane can boost immunity like other mushrooms?
Yes. Stamets states lion’s mane supports a balanced immune response. When depressed, immunity falters, so lion’s mane helps here too.
What does Stamets say about cooking lion’s mane mushroom?
He recommends using it to add flavor in recipes, but cautions cooking may reduce potency. Supplements ensure maximum medicinal benefits.
