coneflower on a tree

Hedgehog soplolly - Lion's mane

Hedgehog soprano, also known as Lion's Mane or Hericium erinaceus, is an edible mushroom that looks like a lion's mane. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is also available in supplement form. See if it's worth including in your diet!

Lion's Mane: action

Studies show that coneflower contains beta-glucan and antioxidants. Proponents say it can help with Alzheimer's disease, depression, dementia and Parkinson's disease. It is most likely to relieve inflammation and feelings of anxiety, as well as lower blood cholesterol levels. In addition, researchers say Lion's Mane boosts the immune system, improves digestion and protects against cancer. If you want to include mushroom in your diet, reach for the extract of coneflower. It contains a wealth of bioactive substances that improve the body's condition. Some scientists say it can provide relief from stomach and duodenal ulcers.

Current research - has confirmed that Lion's Mane can help treat diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer, as well as hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia. It is also likely to improve mood and concentration.

What does coneflower help with?

Studies have shown that lion's mane has immunomodulatory and anti-tumor properties. Patients who took Hericium erinaceus during chemotherapy or radiation treatment experienced fewer side effects.

One clinical study confirmed the positive effects of Lion's Mane on cognitive function. It used the following dosages:

  • 750 mg/day, participants took 1 250 mg tablet, containing 96 percent dry powder of coneflower, 3 times a day for 16 weeks,
  • 3 g/day in tablet form for 16 weeks,
  • 5 g/day of fruitcake added to soup.

Japanese researchers in 2009 tested Hericium erinaceus on men and women aged 50-80. Compared to a control group, participants who took Lion's Mane performed better on tests of cognitive function at various stages of the study.

 It should be noted that 4 weeks after they stopped taking the supplement, their scores dropped again. Thus, it can be concluded that Hericium Erinaceus supports brain function, but the effects are not permanent.

Sophora coneflower: properties

The large, shaggy, white fungus is under strict species protection in our country, while in Asia it is grown in plantations. It usually overgrows dead wood or a deciduous tree. It consists of a fleshy fruiting body and reproductive stamens, resembling a lion's mane or icicles of ice.

Studies have shown that coneflower has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This means it can help treat damaged nerves. It is likely to slow down the progression of neurodegenerative disease, as well as minimize the intensity of the patient's reported discomfort. Lion's Mane contains erynacins, substances that stimulate the production of nerve cells. In this way, the mushroom accelerates the metabolic processes of cells, facilitates memory, and improves mental performance and concentration.

 In addition, coneflower is a good source of vitamin A, C, H, zinc, iron, germanium, potassium and selenium. It also provides essential amino acids. Some experts suggest that it can be a great substitute for meat in a vegetarian diet. 

How does the "lion's mane" affect the nervous system?

Hedgehog soprano belongs to vital mushrooms, or mushrooms that have vital properties. Researchers say it can help get rid of negative emotions. Lion's Mane strengthens the nervous system, while promoting nerve growth in the hippocampus. However, it does not alter neurotransmitter activity as most antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs do. The hippocampus is a small brain structure that is responsible for memory and feeling emotions.

Sophora coneflower boosts energy for action, regardless of its benefits for cognitive function. In addition, it accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration, suggesting that it may aid in recovery from injury. Gut microflora affects the central nervous system. Lions' Mane supports the gastrointestinal tract, thereby improving mental performance. 

How to grow coneflower?

Lion's Mane has white, white-brown or white-pink fruiting bodies. They can be grown on sawdust or the wood of deciduous trees. In the open, they are harvested in spring and autumn. On the other hand, the fruiting bodies are sensitive to weather variation, so many experts recommend growing on sawdust. To maximize the results, the sawdust substrate should be enriched with protein and carbohydrates. Grain middlings or wheat bran will work well here. The suggested additives can make up a maximum of 20 percent of the substrate.

Sophora coneflower: recipes

Keep the lion's mane in a paper bag in the refrigerator, so you can let it breathe freely. Place it in the top of the refrigerator to give it good airflow. Rinse Lion'Mane quickly to remove any dirt. Don't soak it for too long, however, or it will soak up water. It will then become rubbery and soggy.

When cooked, coneflower is juicy, tender, crisp and meaty. It delights with its mild, nutty, slightly sweet taste. You can add it to pasta or salads.

Wondering how to cook sea urchin soplat? Use our hints! First, cut the bottom of the mushrooms, then slice them. Cut off the dirty part. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then cook Lion's Mane over medium heat, for 2 minutes. Turn the mushrooms over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Once they have browned on both sides, you can season them with soy sauce, a pinch of salt and garlic powder.

How to eat coneflower?

You can eat the suggested mushrooms raw, dried or cooked. And if you like to experiment in the kitchen, put the mushroom in a cup and pour boiling water over it. This will conjure up a tea with a unique flavor and aroma. You can also fry the sea urchin soplat in a frying pan, after slicing it. It will also work well as a delicious snack. If you like to explore new flavors, put it on a sandwich or add it to fried cauliflower or tofu.

Lion's Mane: dosage

Hedgehog supplements are available in liquid, tablet, capsule and powder form. Before using them, check with your doctor to determine the right dosage. 

You can mix the proposed supplement with tea, cocoa, coffee or a smoothie. Manufacturers recommend that you take 500 mg of the supplement three times a day. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Drink the beverage immediately after preparation.

Hedgehog soplite reviews

 Researchers say that most of the benefits are due to the possible neuroprotective properties of Hericium erinaceus. However, additional studies are needed to confirm this claim.

Some people say that sea urchin soplat reminds them of lobster in taste. They appreciate the health benefits of its regular use. Lion's Mane improves mood and concentration, and facilitates memory. In addition, it strengthens the immune system, so it is worth taking during the autumn and winter.

Sophora coneflower: contraindications

To date, no side effects have been observed from taking lion's mane-based supplements. However, it should be avoided after transplantation, as it could affect organ rejection. 

Here about the mushroom CHAGA - sounds almost like CHANGA 😉 - and here about CORDYCEPS, or the CORDISM

Hedgehog Soplum

About Soplówka Jeżowata in Poland - you can read more at Atlas of Fungi of Poland.