Lion’s Mane Mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus in Latin, is a unique and fascinating mushroom that has gained much attention recently due to its potential health benefits.
One of the most common questions people have about Lion’s Mane Mushroom is whether it has any psychedelic properties.
Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom Psychedelic?
The short answer is no. Lion’s Mane Mushroom is not psychedelic. Psychedelic substances alter perception, mood, and cognition and can induce hallucinations, delusions, and altered states of consciousness. Although you can definitely eat it. As many have for thousands of years.
While Lion’s Mane Mushroom has been reported to have some cognitive-enhancing effects, it does not cause psychedelic experiences.
Lion’s Mane is considered a ‘Functional’ mushroom. Which means it can be used as a regular edible source of food. Like a supplement. Lion’s Mane has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation in the body, and potentially even have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
It is also considered safe to consume and can be consumed in various forms, including capsules, powders, teas, and even cooked as food. Its versatility, and potential health benefits (Most recently as a jet lag pill), make it quite popular among those who prefer natural remedies.
There has been some confusion and misinformation about the potential psychedelic effects of the Lion’s Mane Mushroom due to its association with another mushroom called Psilocybe erinaceus, also known as the Hedgehog Mushroom.
This mushroom contains Psilocybin, a potent psychedelic compound that can induce intense visual and auditory hallucinations and profound changes in perception and mood.
However, Psilocybe Erinaceus is an entirely different mushroom species than Lion’s Mane Mushroom, and the two should not be confused.
Are Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Psychoactive?
While Lion’s Mane Mushroom is not a psychedelic, it does contain compounds that have been shown to have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
These compounds, such as hericenones and erinacines, have been shown to stimulate the growth and repair of nerve cells in the brain and may have potential therapeutic applications for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
In addition, Lion’s Mane Mushroom has been reported to have mood-enhancing and cognitive-enhancing effects, such as improving memory and concentration.
However, these effects are not considered psychoactive and are not associated with altered states of consciousness.
Are Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Hallucinogenic?
No, Lion’s Mane Mushrooms are not hallucinogenic. Hallucinogenic substances are those that induce profound alterations in perception and cognition, including visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions, and altered states of consciousness.
While Lion’s Mane Mushroom may have some cognitive-enhancing effects, it does not induce hallucinations or altered states of consciousness.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom may have potential therapeutic applications for mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Does Lion’s Mane contain some Psilocybin?
Despite its popularity, Lion’s Mane mushroom does not contain Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms.
Lion’s Mane mushroom is generally safe for most people, but individuals with mushroom allergies or those taking certain medications should consult their healthcare provider before consuming Lion’s Mane mushroom.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Lion’s Mane Mushroom is not psychedelic or hallucinogenic.
While it may have some cognitive-enhancing and mood-enhancing effects, it does not induce altered states of consciousness or hallucinations.
However, Lion’s Mane Mushroom is a fascinating and unique mushroom with potential therapeutic applications for various health conditions, particularly neurological disorders.
If you are interested in trying Lion’s Mane Mushroom for its potential health benefits, it is essential to do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
As with any supplement or natural remedy, it is crucial to be cautious and research before trying Lion’s Mane Mushroom. While it is generally considered safe, it may interact with certain medications or have side effects in some individuals.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom is a promising natural remedy with potential health benefits, but more research is needed to understand its effects and mechanisms of action fully.
Below is a summary with some key takeaways.
- Lion’s Mane is not psychedelic or hallucinogenic: Despite any misconceptions, Lion’s Mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) do not contain psychedelic properties, meaning they don’t alter perception, mood, or cognition to induce hallucinations or altered states of consciousness.
- Confusion with Psilocybe erinaceus: Some confusion might stem from the similar Latin names, but Psilocybe erinaceus (Hedgehog Mushroom) is a different species entirely and does contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin.
- Neuroprotective and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Lion’s Mane does contain compounds, such as hericenones and erinacines, that have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These compounds can stimulate the growth and repair of nerve cells in the brain, which may have therapeutic applications for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
- Cognitive and Mood-Enhancing Effects: Despite not being psychoactive, Lion’s Mane may have mood-enhancing and cognitive-enhancing effects, such as improving memory and concentration.
- Potential Therapeutic Applications: Lion’s Mane may have potential therapeutic applications for mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, but more research is required to confirm these effects.
- Does Not Contain Psilocybin: Lion’s Mane mushrooms do not contain psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms.
- Possible Side Effects: Some potential side effects of consuming Lion’s Mane mushrooms include allergic reactions, digestive issues, and skin irritation.
- Caution with Combining Substances: While some are exploring combining Lion’s Mane with psychedelics, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider before trying to mix any substances for consumption.
- Synthetically Produced Psychedelic Lion’s Mane: The possibility of synthetically produced psychedelic Lion’s Mane in the future is undetermined.
- Cognitive Functions Enhancement: Lion’s Mane can help influence nerve growth factor (NGF), which may improve brain function and performance.
- Natural Happiness: Lion’s Mane can create a “high on life” state due to its potential to enhance cognitive functions, leading to better performance in daily tasks and overall natural happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions that people ask when it comes to Lion’s Mane being psychoactive or what not . . .
What are the potential side effects of consuming Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Some potential side effects of consuming Lion’s Mane Mushroom include allergic reactions, digestive issues such as diarrhea or stomach pain, and skin irritation.
It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before adding Lion’s Mane Mushroom to your diet, especially if you have any preexisting health conditions or are taking medication.
Is it a good idea to mix Lion’s Mane with Psychedelics? Considering its brain-enhancing nature?
Although people are trying this, it is entirely your decision. We recommend consulting with your local healthcare provider before trying to mix any substances you plan to consume.
Recently, a startup has also received funding to mix Lion’s Mane and Psychedelics. We’ll keep you posted on how this turns out. Lion’s Mane and mushrooms have a bright future, and we are excited about the possible outcomes.
Are there plans to re-introduce a synthetically produced psychedelic version of Lion’s Mane?
We are still determining this one, but anything is possible in the future. It could be interesting, but I prefer the natural version we have today.
If Lion’s Mane has no psychoactive properties, how does it change the brain’s cognitive functions?
Lion’s Mane achieves this naturally. Not to undermine any other mushrooms out there, but the two components of Lion’s Mane specifically help influence NGF or nerve growth factor, which may help the brain function, and perform much better than before.
Can Lion’s Mane still get me high?
Lion’s mane has no drug like properties. It is not meant to get you “high” or create “trippy” visuals.
Lion’s Mane is a very natural and edible mushroom that comes with properties that may enhance your cognitive functions.
This may help you feel more confident in doing your daily tasks, thus creating a “high on life” like state. Natural happiness if you may.
At least that’s how things have been for me. Lion’s Mane has been a game changer for me and I can’t recommend it enough.
Hope you get a chance to try it out, and then you can decide if it’s right for you or not.
