Can you take lion’s mane and reishi together?

Mushrooms. We know them, we love them, we’re in awe of them. The world of adaptogen mushrooms is vast and compelling, with each variety targeting different areas of the body and mind.

Some mushrooms are experts in brain function, memory and focus.

Others can help to alleviate stress and anxiety.

While some work to boost sexual stamina and performance.

Yep, it may seem like there’s a mushroom for anything and everything (hint: there kinda is). And two of the most famous medicinal mushies, lion’s mane and reishi, tick a lot of medicinal and nutritional boxes.

But, can you take lion’s mane and reishi together?  

In most cases, yes.

Lion’s Mane is all about brain function and mood support, while Reishi (otherwise known as the ‘mushroom of immortality’) is linked to its immunity support, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. 

Both mushrooms are beneficial in their own right. And together, they may be even better.

But first, let’s recap on what makes these mushrooms so great individually.... 

Benefits of lion’s mane

Repeat after us: when it comes to the brain, think lion’s mane.

Known in some circles as hericium erinaceus, lion’s mane gets its popular name from its shaggy white appearance, with long white hairs that resemble — you guessed it — a lion’s mane. 

But that’s not the reason it’s the king of the fungi jungle. Lion’s mane is among the mushrooms that produce the highest amount of antioxidants, plays an important role in strengthening the immune system, and can also add energy to the body, which in turn, can increase focus and concentration. Think of lion’s mane as the ultimate brain food, with the ability to help you achieve mental clarity, focus and stronger memory.

But that’s not it. Lion’s mane can also have a positive impact on mental wellbeing and mood. It works to stimulate the growth of new neurons while supporting existing ones, which also applies to neurons within the hippocampus (the area of the brain that’s in charge of emotional response).

Benefits of reishi

Reishi is a mushroom of many talents.

The best way to describe Reishi is as a nutritional powerhouse due to its high concentration of organic germanium, polysaccharides, triterpenes and other medicinal compounds (scientific words for good stuff).

This makes reishi powerful in boosting immunity (it can actually train our immune system to work a little better). One of the ways it’s believed to do this is by strengthening our white blood cells which can help to reduce inflammation. And as inflammation is linked to a wide range of ailments and diseases (including cancers, arthritis and chronic illness), we can see how reishi gets its good reputation. 

Like lion’s mane, reishi is a super powerful adaptogen, which means it can help support our body and mind when we’re stressed. It’s believed that naturally occurring compounds (triterpenes) within the mushroom help to relieve psychological and physical stressors through their calming effect on the nervous system. Triterpenes are also linked to improving sleep and reducing fatigue, which can help to give your body that natural energy boost it needs during times of stress. 

Ok, but can you take reishi and lion’s mane together?

Some things just work better together: bacon and eggs. Soap and water. And of course, lion’s mane and reishi.  

While each mushroom is beneficial on its own, they can work even better when their healing and revitalising properties combine. Otherwise known as “stacking,” combining medicinal mushrooms can achieve the perfect symbiosis — and more specifically, combining lion’s mane and reishi is one of our favourite synergies.

Taking lion’s mane and reishi together can help improve cognitive function, stress response and sleep quality (perhaps even more so than if you take them separately).

Most notably, stacking lion’s mane and reishi can be beneficial to your sleep cycle, with each mushroom having its own benefit to sleep. While reishi promotes longer sleep, lion’s mane supports a stable circadian cycle. While lion’s mane improves REM sleep, reishi helps you to fall asleep quicker and sleep more soundly. See how they can work together?

While a solid night’s sleep is good, the benefits of improved sleep are even better, playing an important role in reducing the effects of stress and premature aging.

Finally, the things that set reishi and lion’s mane apart are just as strong as the things that tie them together. While your body benefits off the symbiotic powers of the two mushrooms stacked together — it’s also their individual properties that make them potent.

Are there any risks to taking Reishi and Lion’s Mane together?

To date, there haven’t been any recorded risks or side effects to stacking reishi and lion’s mane. But as with anything, we always recommend consulting your doctor or health care professional before incorporating mushroom supplements into your diet.

If you’re interested in trying a reishi and lion’s mane stack yourself, there are a few different ways you can easily add them into your diet: 

• We have individual Lion’s Mane and Reishi mushroom powders which can be added to your smoothie, coffee or morning oats. 
• If you’re not a fan of powdered supplements, we also have both Lion’s Mane and Reishi available in dual liquid extracts (drop them straight into your mouth)
• Our Aussie Mind, Body & Spirit liquid extract bundle is perfect for stacking mushroom supplements, and includes Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Turkey Tail.