Frequently Asked Questions

All of our mushroom extracts contain 30 doses. One for each day.

Scientific studies using 1000mg doses failed to report any noticeable side effects. Our extracts are dosed at 250mg per dose (2ml) so you can rest, assured that up to 4 doses per day is fine.

We have users “mega-dose” as well, up to 10 doses per day for faster resolution of acute issues with no reported side effects.

We do NOT recommend placing the extract under your tongue. Doing so does not increase the effectiveness of the extract.

We recommend everyone mix the extracts in at least 6oz of water or your preferred beverage. A little bit of sparkling water and a splash of juice is a nice refreshing elixir to start your day.

My favorite mix is:

8 Oz Sparkling Water

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Pinch of himalayan sea salt

1 tsp lemon/lime juice

(Vanilla liquid stevia if you need it to be sweet)

Heat is totally fine! So long as you’re not exposing the extract to a rolling boil. Part of our two-step handcrafted extraction process includes a low, slow boil. So the extracts are already exposed to heat and it will not damage the extracts effectiveness in any way to re-introduce them to mild heat (under 200 degrees Fahrenheit).

In general, anything you take on an empty stomach will absorb more quickly into your bloodstream (excluding fat soluble vitamins).

Lion’s Mane’s focus and mood benefits come from its ability to influence your neurotransmitters (think serotonin and dopamine). This effect will take place regardless if it’s consumed on a full stomach or an empty stomach. The quicker the absorption into your bloodstream (taking on an empty stomach), the quicker you will feel the effects.

Lion’s mane also provides memory support benefits by increasing Nerve Growth Factor leading to brain cell repair, nerve cell repair, and new brain cell growth. This effect is not something you feel immediately. It takes time to build and repair brain cells. So it really doesn’t matter how quickly the supplement is absorbed for the memory support, so long as the lion’s mane is in your system.

In summary, to feel maximum focus, consume on an empty stomach or as close to empty as possible. If you eat every 3 hours and want to dose multiple times each day, simply take your 2nd/3rd dose before you eat your next meal.

The same advice goes for the Reishi, and Cordyceps extracts if you want to feel the maximum relaxation from Reishi, or maximum energy from Cordyceps.

For the Defend and Healer, the objective of these extracts is to heal inflammation and support immunity. There are no psychoactive effects on these, so you can take them at any time and receive the benefits.

You are welcome to start with all 5 of our extracts at once. There is no need to start slow. You may take all 5 at once but we have a strategic dosing protocol to get the most out of your experience here.

1. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Production: Lion's Mane contains compounds like hericenones and erinacines that stimulate the production of NGF, a protein crucial for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. NGF promotes neural plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory.
2. Neuroprotection: Studies suggest that Lion's Mane has antioxidant properties that can protect neurons from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation, factors that can negatively affect brain health.
3. Enhancing Myelination: Myelin is the protective sheath around neurons, essential for efficient signal transmission. Certain compounds in Lion's Mane may support the myelination process, thus improving the speed and quality of neural communication.
4. Synaptic Growth and Repair: By promoting NGF production and providing antioxidants, Lion's Mane can support synaptic growth and repair. Synapses are the points where neurons connect and communicate, playing a critical role in memory and learning processes.
5. Reducing Cognitive Decline: Preliminary research indicates that Lion's Mane may have potential in reducing the rate of cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, possibly due to its neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects.
6. Mood and Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest that Lion's Mane can have a positive impact on mood and cognitive function, potentially reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can indirectly benefit memory and brain function.

1. Enhanced Bioavailability: The extraction process can increase the bioavailability of the active compounds. This means that the body may absorb and utilize these compounds more efficiently when they are in an extracted form compared to their raw state.
2. Concentration of Active Ingredients: Liquid extracts can concentrate the active components of the mushroom, providing a more potent dose of its beneficial compounds compared to consuming the same amount of raw mushroom.
3. Combination of Water-Soluble and Alcohol-Soluble Extracts: Dual extraction typically involves using both water and alcohol as solvents. This is significant because different beneficial compounds in Lion's Mane are soluble in different solvents. Water-soluble compounds, like polysaccharides, may support immune function, while alcohol-soluble compounds, like hericenones and erinacines, are believed to support brain health. Dual extraction aims to capture a broader spectrum of these compounds.
4. Easier Digestion and Absorption: Extracts can be easier for the body to digest and absorb compared to raw mushrooms, which contain chitin, a tough material that makes up the cell walls of fungi. Chitin can be difficult for humans to digest efficiently.
5. Standardized Dosage: Liquid extracts allow for a more standardized and controlled dosage of the mushroom’s active compounds. This standardization can be beneficial for therapeutic use, ensuring consistency in the amount of active ingredients consumed.
6. Longer Shelf Life and Convenience: Extracts often have a longer shelf life than raw mushrooms and are more convenient to store and use. They can be easily added to different foods or drinks or taken directly.

Some studies suggest potential for lasting cognitive improvements, but these effects are not yet well established. It's also possible that any benefits might diminish once supplementation is stopped, particularly if the benefits are tied directly to the active compounds in the mushroom that are no longer being ingested.

Brain cells and neural networks operate by the “use it or lose it” principle. Meaning, if you use lion’s mane to stimulate the growth of new brain cells that support a new function in your brain (say, problem solving, increased communication) and you continue to use those new behaviors, theoretically, those new neural networks should stay active.

Personally, if I’m traveling and forget to bring it along, I have had no noticeable decline in mental performance when taking a few weeks off. Though, I feel great when using it so I do not anticipate stopping, ever.

Some sources suggest that pairing Lion's Mane with Vitamin C-rich foods or supplements might help improve its delivery and effectiveness in the body. Vitamin C is known for its role in enhancing absorption of various nutrients, and it might help in maximizing the benefits of Lion's Mane.

Lion's Mane will take immediate effect on neurotransmitters (15-30 minutes) where a subtle boost in focus or concentration often occurs.

For memory support, it’s more common for its benefits to build up over time. Some of its active compounds, like hericenones and erinacines, may stimulate nerve growth factors, but this is a process that generally doesn't produce instant results.

Many users report beginning to notice benefits within a few weeks to a couple of months of regular use. This timeframe can depend on factors like individual health conditions.

The absorption and effectiveness of Lion's Mane can be influenced by factors such as the user's digestive health.

Consistency is Key: Regular, consistent use is often necessary to see noticeable benefits. The effects may diminish if the supplement is not taken consistently.

It's important to note that individual responses to Lion's Mane can vary. Some people may experience significant cognitive or health improvements, while others may notice subtler changes.

Neurodiversity is the main driving factor between who FEELS it and who feels it.

I acknowledge that this answer might not be sufficient for some.

But the truth is, human minds are complex. We all have different neurochemical profiles and it’s impossible to tell, with our current scientific limitations, who might feel it more than others and why.

If you need reassurance, we encourage you to read our reviews, both good and bad, to see if this is something you want to try for yourself.

And rest assured, knowing that we have a 90 day money back guarantee, if you are not feeling improvements. We stand by this 100% and proudly have a less than 2% refund rate on all purchases.

The more you take, the more active lion’s mane compounds enter your bloodstream with the potential to take effect. You are welcome to experiment with higher doses and find what’s right for you.

If you have a higher bodyweight, or higher tolerance to things like coffee, it could be a good move to give it a shot and see how the higher doses feel.

I, personally, feel best on 2-3 doses per day, but 1 dose is more than enough to get the brain boosting compounds into your system.

All of our mushroom extracts are currently the same strength (250mg of fruiting bodies per serving).

Your extract may has different shades of color than your previous order, depending on the color of the latest flush of mushrooms. Mushrooms, like plants, have variations in color, and this is completely natural. 

Variations in color do not mean variations in potency, as all of our extracts are meticulously made in equal strength.

The same goes for taste. Not all peaches will taste alike, even from the same tree. Minor variations in taste are completely normal. Some may be a tad more bitter or a tad more sweet, that’s perfectly okay.

Understanding the Role of Alcohol in Lion's Mane Mushroom Dual Extracts

Essential for Effective Extraction: Alcohol is a critical component in creating a potent and effective extract. It's incredibly efficient at drawing out the beneficial compounds from lion's mane mushrooms, including hericenones and erinacines. These are the compounds that support memory, clear brain fog, and give you your focus back. The alcohol ensures that these vital elements are fully extracted, enhancing the overall efficacy of the product.

Minimal Alcohol Content: It's important to understand that the actual amount of alcohol in the final product is minimal. This small quantity is necessary for preservation and maintaining the integrity of the extract. It ensures that the beneficial compounds remain active and potent over time.

Safe and Non-Intoxicating: The amount of alcohol present in a typical serving of the extract is very low, similar to or even less than what you might find in over-the-counter products like mouthwashes or certain cough syrups. It is non-intoxicating and safe for regular consumption as directed. Plus, the alcohol we use is USDA Organic certified.

Customary in Herbal Preparations: Alcohol has been used for centuries in traditional herbal preparations for its effectiveness in extracting and preserving the active constituents of plants and mushrooms. Its use in lion's mane mushroom extract is consistent with these time-honored herbal practices.

Absolutely not. There will be zero amount of any floaty or high feeling when using our lion’s mane (or any of our products). Quite the opposite. You will feel more grounded and in control of your thoughts. More in tune with yourself and your surroundings. More present. Alert. Coordinated.

As of now, there is limited scientific research specifically studying the interactions between lion's mane mushroom extracts and medications.

I wish I could give you a definitive answer here, but it’s best to ask your doctor if you are on serious medications and get their opinion.

I will say, out of serving over 25,000 customers at the time of writing, we’ve received zero emails or calls about drug interactions, and we have thousands of customers over 65 years old who are certainly taking meds.

We are in this business to help people, not hurt people, so if I hear of any interactions popping up, I will update this article. But the truth is, I haven’t heard any.

The number one risk for side effects will address those with mushroom allergies. If you have known mushroom allergies, you may experience skin rashes, difficulty breathing, or itching.

Although rare, some people might experience digestive upset, including gas, bloating, or diarrhea, after consuming mushroom supplements. This is often dependent on the individual's digestive sensitivity and if the individual has an underlying mushroom allergy.

The suggestion that lion's mane mushroom may have blood-thinning properties is still quite speculative and not well-established in scientific research. Some laboratory studies have indicated that certain compounds in lion's mane might have antiplatelet or anticoagulant effects. However, these effects have not been robustly studied or confirmed in humans.

I’ve got a close eye on the newest research being released, and will keep you updated if I learn anything new. For now, what I do know is that none of our seniors using our product for years have had any issues with medication interactions. And I’m certain that many of them are using blood thinners daily.

Absolutely. 33% of our customer base is over 70 years old and they are our biggest fans of the product. We always recommend checking with your doctor (especially if on medications, to be safe) but in general, yes it’s super safe. You’re going to love it.

Your child's safety is our top priority. We adhere to strict quality control standards and ensure that our products are made with the highest quality and meet all regulatory requirements. However, the decision to use any supplement for a child, especially one with special needs, should always be made in conjunction with a healthcare professional.

In other words, our website would be shut down if I answered that question directly. We can’t address specific health conditions head on, legally. Feel free to email/call us and we can share some success stories.

During pregnancy and when trying to conceive, it is generally advisable to err on the side of caution regarding supplements, especially those not extensively studied in pregnant populations, like lion’s mane. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the potential benefits against any unknown risks. 

I would personally lean towards just waiting until afterwards if my future wife were asking for my advice. Though, if you’re cleared by a doctor you trust, go for it.

Yes. For more serious recovery or a more major boost in cognitive performance we recommend experimenting with “Megadosing” the extracts. This entails tripling the dose on the bottle for a few weeks, say 3 weeks, to expedite and amplify results. 

To be clear, megadosing is NOT needed to feel the effects of our extracts. It is an option you have. A tool in your toolkit, to use if/when needed.

You may megadose the extracts indefinitely.

Our “Healer” Extract, by far.

We can’t answer to specific diseases, unfortunately, but research suggests that lion’s mane’s ability to increase Nerve Growth Factor may provide memory support and brain cell growth.

Both Alzheimer’s and Dementia run in my dads side of the family and I have him taking our products to make sure he has a strong, resilient, and healthy brain

Some preliminary research, primarily in laboratory and animal studies, suggests that compounds in lion's mane mushrooms, such as hericenones and erinacines, may support nerve growth and have neuroprotective properties. These studies indicate a potential for lion's mane to aid in nerve regeneration and repair.

Our “Healer” extract. Without a doubt.

***You do NOT need to refrigerate our extracts.

As with all consumable health products, they will expire. But the alcohol content and black bottles help give our product a longer shelf life than anything on the market. We recommend consuming your extracts within:

6 months, left unopened 

60 days after opening

Will it be okay to consume if you don’t fall within these timeframes? Sure. Within reason. 

Many factors play into shelf life like, how long did you leave the cap off when you took your last dose… Is it sitting in sunlight or temperature fluctuations, are there cats on the table licking your bottle when you’re not looking, etc…

We will not raise the price past our current price point $59 per bottle. We often run sales to make it easier to afford as well. So it’s never going to cost more. Only less. Keep an eye out for those sales!

Yes, absolutely. Currently we have a 20% off savings when you subscribe, PLUS, we’ll send you a free bottle of your choice when you pass the 3 month threshold (after your 3rd month order on subscription).

We are obsessed with quality control to the finest detail from mushroom sourcing to the final bottling procedures.

All of our mushrooms are grown and sourced in the USA, nearby our mushroom extraction facility in Portland, Oregon. They are VERY fresh.

We could cut our costs and boost profits by a huge margin by purchasing bulk mushroom powders from overseas (China) like our competitors do, but we refuse to compromise quality by doing so.

We need to know where the mushrooms are grown and in what conditions. Thankfully, mushroom quality is very easy to identify. Bad mushrooms look different, smell different, and of course, taste different. 

If anything is not up to the highest standard, we throw it out. Only the best of the best fruiting bodies go into our product. No mycelium mischief.

Absolutely. We do regular third party testing where we send off ample amounts of our finished extracts to be verified for purity and safety. We pay extra to get all of the bacteria, lead, and heavy metal screenings.

In addition to that, we go above and beyond by refrigerating a few bottles from every batch we create in permanent storage. So if anything were to go wrong, we could pull that bottle out, test it again, and see exactly what we’re dealing with.

We utilize an advanced dual extraction process.

It starts with a 2-4 week organic alcohol soak where the alcohol acts as a powerful solvent to extract the beneficial compounds from our mushroom fruiting bodies.

Once the alcohol extraction is complete, we separate the solids and move to the second extraction, a water extraction.

The hot water extraction is a 12-24 hour low, slow boil where the remaining beneficial compounds are gently extracted from the mushroom fruiting bodies.

When the water extraction is complete, we carefully combine the two extractions to complete our ultra potent mushroom extracts before bottling.

You can see our detailed breakdown on why to choose liquid extracts over powders here.

In a nutshell, most lion’s mane powders are simply dried and ground up lion’s mane slapped in a bag or crammed in a capsule.

Mushrooms, similar to plants, have defense mechanisms to interfere with digestion and in the mushrooms’ case, it’s called “chitin”. Chitin is a tough, indigestible fiber that blocks the absorption of the mushroom’s beneficial compounds.

Our dual extraction process methodically breaks down and removes these tough indigestible fibers to increase bioavailability of the extracts. Also, our alcohol helps preserve these beneficial compounds that normally break down quickly over time.

In essence, lion’s mane powders are harder to absorb, less potent, and often not able to be utilized by the human body.

Dual liquid extracts give you the most benefits you could possibly reap out of mushrooms.

1. We are advanced dual extracted with organic alcohol
2. We use lion’s mane fruiting bodies only (and a lot of them)
3. We are both USA grown AND extracted
4. We are packaged in black bottles (impenetrable by light degradation)
5. We use zero fillers of any kind. No gimmicks. No “natural” flavors

Not an ounce. We use fruiting bodies only.

Nope! All clear.

Whereas there’s no regulation in the mushroom industry about milligrams claims per bottle, you can literally see the difference in our extracts.

We have the most potent extracts on the market. Our reviews speak for themselves.

For safety, we do regular third party testing where we send off ample amounts of our finished extracts to be verified for purity and safety. We pay extra to get all of the bacteria, lead, and heavy metal screenings.

In addition to that, we go above and beyond by refrigerating a few bottles from every batch we create in permanent storage. So if anything were to go wrong, we could pull that bottle out, test it again, and see exactly what we’re dealing with.

Certainly. We stand by our products with a 90 day money back guarantee. 

If you are not experiencing the results you’re after, we don’t want your money.

We are proud to have a less than 3% refund rate where the supplement industry average is over 8-10%+.

If you are unsatisfied with your purchase all you need to do is email our team at: support@lionsmaneextracts.com and they will assist you with a full refund.