Also called lion’s mane, it has a white color and rounded shape with compact filaments that hang downwards. It grows spontaneously throughout the Northern hemisphere on trunks of different broad-leaved trees even at several meters above the ground. It is a very delicious edible mushroom that after cooking has a lobster aftertaste. For its antibacterial properties it was used by the indigenous peoples of North America as a healing agent to stop the bleeding of wounds.

– Hericium erinaceus is important for all gastric and digestive problems; it acts in particular at the level of the gastric and intestinal mucosa with a regenerating action of the epithelia. It restores the bacterial flora and is very useful in dysbiosis resulting from treatment with antibiotics. In case of chronic gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori, Hericium has an antibacterial action by inhibiting the development of the parasite. Repeated use over time regulates digestive function and increases the protective mucus of the gastric wall; it is useful for reducing bloating and stomach heaviness. The use is indicated for people who tend to develop gastrointestinal problems especially from nervous somatization. It is used in the treatment of heartburn, for gastroesophageal reflux,

– Studies conducted in Japan by Dr. Mizuno since 1991 have highlighted the ability of Hericium erinaceus to induce the synthesis of neuronal growth factor (NGF), the main protein capable of regenerating the damaged parts of neurons. The compounds extracted from the fungus (Ericenones isolated from the mycelium and Eracine obtained from the carpophore) are able to pass through the blood brain barrier and induce the repair of the myelin sheath that lines the nerves. Other researches have demonstrated the ability of the fungus to stimulate the regeneration of nervous tissue with multiple and articulated effects and the important property of protection of neuronal cells from damage caused by neurotoxic substances of chemical origin or induced by stress of the endoplasmic reticulum. Other studies highlight the ability of the fungus to protect neurons from degenerative phenomena due to aging with the effect of improving memory and concentration. In a 2009 study of patients aged 50 to 80 with mild dementia, taking Hericium for 4 months improved cognitive function. The patients were observed for another 4 months and there was a noticeable improvement in the subjects treated with Hericium compared to those given a placebo. Another clinical study was carried out in Japan on 100 people with cerebrovascular or neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease, spino-cerebellar degeneration, dementia, diabetic neuropathy and vertebral trauma). Half of them took 5 grams of dried mushroom a day for 6 months with very satisfactory results. 100% of the patients showed improvements both physical (walking, dressing, eating …) and cognitive (understanding, communication, memory …).

– Hericium erinaceus can be useful for improving sports performance and for reducing muscle fatigue. A study showed that taking the mushroom for 28 days improved energy metabolism. After intense sports activity, the amount of glycogen present in the muscles and liver was higher than in the sample that did not take Hericium. Furthermore, blood lactic acid levels and urine nitrogen levels were lower than in the groups that did not receive the fungus.