SuperFeast Lion's Mane - [REVIEW]

Lion’s Mane – for focus, immunity and digestion

Growing as a soft & spongy tissue (much like the human brain), lion's mane is thought to help with rebuilding nerve cells, fighting off heart disease by eliminating fats in the blood, reinforcing the stomach lining for healthy digestion, and boosting the body's immunity. 

SuperFeast call lion’s mane “a rockstar nootropic" as it is famous for its use in improving concentration, focus and cognitive abilities. If you are plagued by waning memory, stagnant creativity, or a lack of motivation, then you’ll want to try out the hedgehog mushroom for yourself!

SUPERFEAST LION’S MANE REVIEW BY DARCY - BIRCHER BAR FOUNDER & OWNER:

What I Like About It:

Noticeable Boost In Focus & Concentration – Lion's mane has become a massive hit with high-performers looking to boost productivity and clarity due to its potent 'nootropic' properties. I've personally been using it for years now, for this exact reason. I do a lot of computer work and definitely notice a boost in focus and concentration about half you after taking it. It's not as much of a punch as a coffee but more subtle and longer-lasting.

Easy To Take – It is also extensively used and well-known as a 'culinary mushroom' - perfect for savoury cooking and adding into coffee.

Super High-Quality Product & Company – SuperFeast is one of our favourite producers as they are completely transparent with their processes and practices. All of their products are dual extract for maximum potency, sourced from small family-run operations and independently tested for contaminants and heavy metals. This one is no different.

A Word Of Caution About It:

It is generally seen as very safe (even in large doses) however, there have been a few very isolated cases reported of respiratory and skin issues occurring in people with mushroom allergies.

As with any of our reviews or articles, none of this information is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illnesses - always make sure to consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

In Summary:

PROS

• May help protect the stomach and digestive tract
• May improve cognitive performance
• May elevate mood and help with treating depression
• A high-quality and ethical product from an outstanding company

CONS

• Could cause an allergic reaction in some people

Where To Buy SuperFeast Lion's Mane?:

Head to the top of this page and click the big blue button (or click any of the banners in this review) to go directly to the SuperFeast website to place an order!

Before you do though - as a Bircher Bar reader you can get 15% off your entire order! All you need to do is join our email list (link in our header menu) and you'll receive a code to input upon checkout. 

What is Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)? 

It’s no coincidence that the Latin name for lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) literally translates to hedgehog mushroom - once you see the characteristic orb-shape and long spines of the fruiting body, it all makes sense.

It goes by many different names nowadays such as hou tou gu, yamabushitake, satyr’s beard, bearded tooth fungus, bearded tooth mushroom and of course, lion's mane!

This incredible fungus typically grows on decaying coniferous trees mostly located in Asian countries, although it's also found in parts of the Americas and Europe. SuperFeast wild-grows its lion’s mane in highly specific regions of the Chinese wilderness on wild oak, as ancient techniques dictate (known as Di Tao). 

Check out this video to see SuperFeast founder Mason Taylor at their Lion's Mane farm in the Hei Longjiang Provence of far North East of China

Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane:

Lion’s mane’s healing ability has been revered in ancient cultures for thousands of years and has recently come into popularity in Western cultures as an immune-boosting tonic and brain-boosting qualities.

Used extensively in modern “biohacking” communities, it is fast becoming the go-to medicinal mushroom for those who want rapid-fire thinking and a boost to overall health.

Inspired by the thousands of years of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, modern science is starting to conduct a lot of research into the benefits, but as with most 'alternative' health supplements - more human trials are needed.

To briefly outline some of the most commonly recognised and researched benefits:

• Widely used as an immune-boosting tonic
• May help with the regeneration of the brain and nervous system
• Used to boost cognitive function 
• May help regulate blood cholesterol
• Can help alleviate stress and anxiety
• Used to help reduce inflammation
• May help with gastrointestinal problems 
• Shown to slow cell ageing
• May help reduce the risk of heart disease
• Can help with digestion and fortify the stomach lining
• Aids with protection against neurological conditions

Let's dive deeper into some of the most evidence-backed benefits below.

1.) Repairs and Protects the Brain and Nervous System: 

Containing two compounds known as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) - studies have shown lion's mane can help regrow brain and nerve cells.

These compounds help stimulate the growth of new cells and pathways, build neuroplasticity, repair damaged nerve tissue, regenerate nerve fibres, and improve communication between nerve endings.

2.) Improves Cognition, Memory, & Focus:

There are many scientific studies showing the potential of lion's mane as a cognition, memory and focus booster.

Human studies have indicated its ability to help increase mental function in the elderly as well as significant improvements in short-term memory.  

3.) Can Aid With Mild Depression and Anxiety:

While there are many causes of depression and anxiety, research indicates that the anti-inflammatory and nootropic properties of yamabushitake can aid with reducing symptoms of stress and depression, as well as potentially improving memory recall and emotions.

4.) Heals and Strengthens the Stomach:

Stomach ulcers are sores that form in the lining of the stomach, typically caused by an overgrowth of a bacteria called Heliobacter pylori. Studies have shown that lion’s mane can help protect the stomach lining by inhibiting the growth of H. pylori, while also helping to reduce inflammation in the digestive system (aiding with IBS as well).

How to Take Lion’s Mane:

Being both 'culinary' and 'medicinal', lion's mane is not only a health powerhouse but also a delicious addition to many drinks and recipes.

The flavour seems to differ depending on where it's sourced and natural variations, however, SuperFeast describe their extract as tasting like "honeycomb, burnt butter and dry wood chips".

I personally love this powder extract in mushroom coffee with a bit of added Neural Nectar for a noticeable boost in mental performance. 

As for dosage - start with ¼ to ½ tsp daily, and work up from there to a 1 tsp as your body adjusts.

FAQs:

What is Di Dao?:

Di Dao is an ancient practice where herbs are sourced from their "spiritual homeland", resulting in a product that medicinally robust and potent.

Why do SuperFeast use a water extraction for their Lion's Mane?:

Again, following the practice of the Daoist Tonic Herbalists who used a water extraction method to prepare their Lion's Mane. There are several studies show that using the aqueous extract of Lion’s Mane can support brain health and be beneficial in the regeneration of nerve tissue.

Is Lion's Mane safe to take while pregnant/breastfeeding?:

Tonic herbs are generally warming, building and nourishing, and work to create harmony and strength within your body. However, pregnancy is a very individual journey and so it is always important to check with your healthcare provider before starting on any herbs or supplements.

Customer Reviews:

SuperFeast is widely regarded as one of the best producers of mushroom and tonic herbs anywhere. Check out some of my favourite reviews below:

• "I love this product and the taste yuuuuummmmm. amazing. I am now a big fan of Superfeast. Can't wait for my other ones to arrive. Yay!” -Dani O 
• "I have just started incorporating Lion's Mane into my regime and have noticed improved memory recall, focus and mood. Impressive for a single product. To all the staff at Superfeast, thank you and keep up the excellent work." – Nice T
• "Delivery was so quick and everything was just so easy (from ordering to receiving it!) Thank you for the efficient service!" – Katherena K

Favourite Alternatives:

The products below are as much 'complimentary' as they are 'alternatives' and are definitely worth checking out to amplify the health benefits or substitute if you can't take lion's mane for some reason.

1.) Teelixir Lions Mane

Another brand we absolutely love is Teelixir. With the same Di Dao sourcing practices and the rigorous "gold standard" testing they carry out on all their products, Teelixir has fast become one of Australia's most respected and well-reviewed Australian producers.

2.) Life Cykel Lions Mane

Unlike SuperFeast and Teelixir, Life Cykel is one of very few companies producing a Lion's Mane liquid extract. If you don't have the time on a morning to mix your powdered herbs into a drink, Life Cykel's liquid extract could be just what you need, simply drop some under your tongue and you're good to go!

3.) SuperFeast Reishi

Known as the "mushroom of immortality", Reishi is another powerful tonic herb for alleviating stress and anxiety. It works beautifully independently, or alongside Lion's Mane, to help improve concentration and keep you on task. 

Read our full review of SuperFeast Reishi Mushroom.

Conclusion:

Lion's mane is the favourite immune-boosting tonic of thousands of people across the world. The last few years have seen it explode in popularity due to its noticeable benefits on focus, clarity and concentration. This product, in particular, is one of the highest quality extracts available, from a company with outstanding principles and ethics.

There are numerous reviews attesting to its benefits, but everyone's constitution is different. As a reasonably priced product with very little risk of side effects - I highly recommend you grab a jar and try it out for yourself!

If you'd like to check out our other recommended producers of super high-quality lion's mane - click here.