The Midlife Mushroom: Why Lion’s Mane is Turning Heads in Brain Health

Why Lion’s Mane Is Turning Heads: Supporting focus, mood, and cognitive resilience during menopause by Sophie Barrett, Medical Herbalist and Naturopath, Head of Education – Hifas da Terra UK & Ireland.

Women in midlife may find it increasingly difficult to think clearly, remain stable and calm in their moods, and stay mentally sharp. However, more and more herbalists and researchers are making note of the potential of a unique natural ally in this transition: the medicinal mushroom, known as the Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), used in traditional folk medicine throughout Asia.

Focus, Mood, and Memory in Midlife

“Menopause is a time of big changes for women in midlife. While many focus on the hormonal shifts, it can also bring alterations to cognitive functioning, mood, and mental resilience. One herb that is gaining attention for its potential is Lion’s Mane, and with good reason: a small clinical trial found that a 12-week treatment of 900 mg of Lion’s Mane fruiting body per day enhanced cognitive function in older adults (1). As a medical herbalist, I see this herb as a natural complement to support women navigating a wide range of health changes at this time in their lives. It is not a quick fix in a pill, but rather a natural ally to support memory, focus, and mood.”

Immediate and Long-Term Cognitive Support

“Like how owls have mane-like hair around their neck, so called for their sharp vision, so too might ‘Lion’s Mane’ contribute to enhanced clarity of thought. The existing data is too scanty to say for sure whether it leads to instantaneous increases in focus and mental acuity, but a small double-blind study on healthy volunteers did find their Stroop task performance improved at 1 hour for those who took 1.8 g, a relatively immediate measure of attention and cognitive speed. At 28 days, there was also a notable, if tentative, decrease in reported stress. So long-term use might have an emerging trend of support for stress-resilience as well.”

Brain Repair and the Gut–Brain Connection

“Another mushroom that warrants mention is the potential neuro-restorative effects of Lion’s Mane on the gut-brain axis that is so crucial for mid-life women. While there is little research on this mushroom for human application, lab studies have demonstrated its ability to increase nerve growth factor and boost neurogenesis in animal models.³ Of course, we need more human trials, especially in perimenopausal women, but initial preclinical studies demonstrate that this mushroom may help support the nerves as well as modulate the microbiome. In theory, making it a great candidate for the longevity-minded woman to incorporate into her daily regimen.”

Supporting Sleep During Hormonal Shifts

“Blood sugar stability, morning sunlight, and evening relaxation are all crucial for helping women through menopause find better sleep. But let’s be real – sleep disruptions can make everything else harder to manage! They can make mood regulation and concentration more challenging. While Lion’s Mane isn’t a sedative, supporting the nervous system and allowing it to come back into balance over time can make a big difference for women dealing with sleep disturbances due to anxiety.”

Clearing Brain Fog

“Instead of humming along at full voltage, many women at midlife feel as though the light has dimmed – they’re experiencing what’s often called “brain fog.” As an otherwise healthy fungus, Lion’s Mane appears to act as a tonic to the mind, gently and patiently helping to brighten the mind’s focus once again. Laboratory and in-vitro experiments have demonstrated its ability to encourage the outgrowth of neurites and to protect brain cells from oxidative stress. Smaller clinical trials with humans have reported positive results in subjects’ ability to concentrate and remember. It’s not an overnight cure, but rather a way to support the brain’s own potential for regenerative rebuilding.”

“Unlike many trendy superfoods, Lion’s Mane is more than a passing trend. It is a powerful food medicine backed by thousands of years of traditional use and now, growing science. For women in midlife, clarity of mind, emotional stability, and a peaceful nervous system may be the key to ultimate wellness. At the root of these benefits is the mushroom’s ability to ease inflammation, support the gut–brain axis, and stimulate the growth of new nerve cells. We’ve only scratched the surface in terms of fully understanding the mechanisms behind the effects of this amazing food, but one thing is for sure: it works. And that’s why it’s been used for generations before us.”

References

1. Mori K. et al., “Improvement of mild depression and anxiety by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus” (2010). Biomedical Research 31(4):231–237. PubMed
2. The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults (2023). PMC
3. Nagano M. et al., “Promotion of functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury by oral administration of Hericium erinaceus” (2006). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 8(3):285–289.
4. Saitsu Y. et al., “Effects of Hericium erinaceus on cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment” (2019). Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. PubMed