Lion's Mane and Chaga: 5 Benefits of Taking Them Together
Like peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese and tomato soup, and chocolate and strawberries, some things just go better together. However, this isn’t always true with supplements. While some supplements have amazing synergistic effects, others can interact and create negative side effects.
The good news is that lion’s mane and chaga fall into the former category. These mushrooms aren’t just buddies — they’re a verifiable power couple. Read on to learn the benefits of taking lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms together, as well as how to go about adding both of these super ‘shrooms to your daily routine.
What Are Functional Mushrooms?
No, they won’t make you see unicorns or talk to your houseplants. Rather than being psychedelic, functional mushrooms like lion’s mane and chaga have real, science-backed health perks. Think cognitive support, top-notch immunity, and fewer feelings of stress, all without the weird side effects that come with some medications.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) looks like a fluffy pom-pom, but you’d be remiss if you didn’t take this mushroom seriously. Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, lion’s mane is packed with hericenones and erinacines, fancy compounds that can help support the body’s natural production of nerve growth factor (NGF).
This can help your brain repair itself, help you think faster, and maybe even help you remember where you left your keys. Studies show lion’s mane can support cognitive function, mood, and even gut health.
Chaga
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) isn’t your typical mushroom. It looks more like a chunk of burnt wood than anything edible. But don’t judge a mushroom by its cover — chaga is jam-packed with antioxidants, melanin, and beta-glucans. Traditionally used in Russia and Siberia as a health tonic, Chaga can help fight oxidative stress and support immune function.
5 Benefits of Taking Lion’s Mane and Chaga
So, why should you take lion’s mane and chaga mushroom together? At first glance, these mushrooms might look totally different. And that’s exactly where the magic of taking them together lies. Read on to learn exactly how these mushrooms can work together to transform your health.
1. Supports Mental Clarity
Lion’s mane is famous for encouraging the production of NGF, which supports neuron growth and brain plasticity. Meanwhile, chaga is extremely high in antioxidants (yes, even higher than blueberries), protecting your brain cells from oxidative damage.
Research suggests oxidative stress is a key player in cognitive decline, so protecting those precious neurons is kind of a big deal. Together, these two mushrooms can help you think more clearly, feel more focused, and stay sharp.
2. Encourages the Immune System
Chaga’s rich supply of beta-glucans can support the production of white blood cells, your body's first line of defense against illness. Lion’s mane brings its own immune contributions to the table by supporting gut health, where around 70% of your immune system actually lives.
By tag-teaming both your gut and your immune cells, this duo can help you stay sniffle-free during cold and flu season — or at least more comfortable than your mushroom-less coworkers.
3. Helps You Feel Less Stressed
Studies show lion’s mane can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression by supporting the brain’s hippocampus, the center of your mood regulation. Chaga, on the other hand, helps your body avoid the physical stresses of sickness and oxidative stress.
Beyond simply feeling more relaxed, why is this important? Because when it’s left unchecked, stress can actually lower the number of immune cells in your body. If you’ve ever felt like you get sick more easily around the holidays, you might want to blame seasonal stress over colder weather.
4. Supports Gut Health
Chaga and lion’s mane are both loaded with prebiotic fibers that feed your beneficial gut bacteria, keeping your microbiome strong and balanced. Meanwhile, lion’s mane specifically can support gut lining health and can encourage a strong mix of bacteria in your gut microbiome.
This can help keep your digestion on track, help you absorb nutrients better, and keep you from getting bloated at the worst possible moments. You might notice less indigestion, fewer food intolerances, and even more glowing skin, as the gut and skin are more connected than you’d think.
5. Encourages Feelings of Energy
If you’re tired of feeling like you need three lattes just to feel alive, the good news is that lion’s mane and chaga can provide a natural pick-me-up. Chaga’s antioxidants can help protect mitochondria (the “powerhouse of the cell,” if you remember from middle school), while lion’s mane can minimize feelings of exhaustion and promote endurance.
Together, they can help you fight off that afternoon crash and stay energized without the jitters or crash that comes from too much caffeine.
How To Take Lion’s Mane and Chaga
Adding lion’s mane and chaga to your life is easier than pronouncing their Latin names (trust us on that one). You can find them in capsule and powder form, but why mess with these boring supplements when you can get a hefty dose of both of these mushrooms with our Mushroom Coffee+?
Our mushroom coffee contains both chaga and lion’s mane, as well as L-theanine to help you feel relaxed and sleep easily. Plus, each dose contains about 4g of grass-fed Brazilian bovine collagen, which can help support your gut lining and stabilize your energy levels. And, of course, all of these ingredients are wrapped up with the smooth flavor of our low-caf coffee extract.
When shopping, look for products that are based on fruiting bodies (not mycelium on grain) and third-party tested. And remember that these mushrooms really work best when you’re consistent and give them time, which is exactly why it’s so important to choose a supplement you know you won’t forget to take.
The Bottom Line
Lion’s mane and chaga might be trendy supplements, but you’ll understand the hype once you get a taste of the research-backed benefits. From supporting brainpower to encouraging your immune system, they’ve got your back (and your gut, and your mood).
Adding these two mushrooms to your routine can support your health inside and out, and with our mushroom blends, it’s even easier than you’d think. From our classic mushroom coffee to our fan-favorite mushroom matcha, you’re sure to find a combo you’ll fall in love with.
Sources:
Yes, There Is Such a Thing as Stress Sickness | Cleveland Clinic
Immunomodulatory Activity of the Water Extract from Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus | PMC
If you want to boost immunity, look to the gut | UCLA Health
Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines | PMC
