lion's mane

What Does Lion's Mane Do?

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom that has transitioned from traditional medicine to a staple in modern nootropic pre-workouts. Unlike caffeine which stimulates the central nervous system, Lion's Mane works by supporting the health and function of your brain cells, making it ideal for the 'Focus' category.

• Neurogenesis Support: It stimulates the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein essential for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons.
• Enhanced Mind-Muscle Connection: By improving cognitive clarity, it helps you better visualize and execute specific muscle contractions during your workout, leading to better form.
• Reduced Brain Fog: It helps mitigate the 'crash' often felt from high-stimulant products, keeping your mental state stable throughout the session.
• Anxiety Modulation: It may help lower exercise-induced stress and cortisol, allowing for a more composed and tactical approach to heavy lifting.

Clinical vs. Gym Bro Dosing

Key Insight: The 500mg recommended dosage is the gold standard for most users. When checking a label, ensure the product specifies 'Fruiting Body' extract, as this typically contains higher concentrations of the active hericenones and erinacines compared to cheaper mycelium grown on grain.

Side Effects & Warnings

• Digestive Discomfort: Some individuals may experience mild stomach cramping or nausea, particularly when combined with high doses of caffeine on an empty stomach.
• Skin Sensitivity: In rare cases, users have reported a mild 'itchy' sensation or skin rash, though this is uncommon at standard doses.
• Mushroom Allergy: If you have a known allergy to fungi or mushrooms, you should avoid this ingredient entirely.

Contraindications: While generally safe, if you are on blood-thinning medication or have an upcoming surgery, consult a professional as Lion's Mane may have mild anti-coagulant effects.