I am amazed by the medicinal mushroom called Lion’s Mane!
It’s been used for thousands of years. Initially it was used to treat stomach difficulties, because it has such powerful anti-inflammatory effects, but my interest in Lion’s Mane began with its effects on improving cognition and memory. It contains several types of neural growth factor, which is both neuro-protective and neuro-regenerative. Simply put, Lion’s Mane builds brain function, decreases brain inflammation, and also dissolves amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Lion’s Mane enhances acetylcholine production, a neurotransmitter associated with improved memory. Acetylcholine production usually decreases with age, so Lion’s Mane is very helpful in combating the cognitive decline and memory loss that can occur with aging.
In addition to these positive effects, Lion’s Mane also has been shown to decrease blood sugar in both diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Because it’s both neuro-protective and neuro-regenerative, Lion’s Mane can offset the neurodegeneration we see in up to 70% of diabetics. I'm amazed at the holistic impact this medicinal mushroom can have on our health and wellbeing.
Lion’s Mane is anti-inflammatory, neuro-regenerative, and neuro-protective, but it also can help with anxiety and depression. Because of this, Lion’s Mane may be the perfect post-menopausal herb.
Lion’s Mane’s ability to rebuild and regenerate neurons is another positive effect resulting in improved cognitive ability. Many human studies coming out of Japan demonstrate Lion’s Mane’s powerful improvements on cognition and memory, while simultaneously treating anxiety and depression.
Lion’s Mane also has anti-cancer effects. It inhibits circulation to cancerous tumors, and specifically attacks certain cancers, such as colon and breast cancers. Lion’s Mane is truly a holistic herb.
I’m excited about Lion’s Mane, and this medicinal mushroom has established itself as part of my regimen for rebuilding cognition and memory. Additional elements of this brain-enhancing protocol include the use of Alpha-GPC and long chain omega-3s, which can interact with Lion’s Mane in a positive way toward building a better brain.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 cups vertically sliced shallots (about 6 large)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/3 cup dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 12 silver dollar-sized lion's mane mushrooms (about 12 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into 12 pieces
- 1 tablespoon sliced fresh chives
How to Make It
Preheat oven to 425°.
Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add shallots, thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; sauté 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add sherry; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until very tender. Stir in vinegar and black pepper. Remove from heat; keep warm.
Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil; swirl to coat. Add mushrooms, fuzzy side down; cook 4 minutes or until browned. Turn mushrooms over; top each with 1 butter piece. Place pan in oven; bake mushrooms at 425° for 5 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spoon about 1/2 cup shallot mixture onto each of 4 plates; top each serving with 3 mushrooms. Drizzle any pan juices over servings. Sprinkle evenly with chives.
Where can one buy it premade.?
The best way to cook these mushrooms is to first slice 1/4 inch and brown without oil or butter until the mushrooms release their liquid (both sides).
After mushrooms “sweat”, then add your seasoning such as oil, sherry, etc.
These mushrooms are like sponges and heating first helps to retain the unique flavor and texture.