Does Lion's Mane Mushroom Make You Trip? The Psychedelic Truth

Does Lion's Mane Mushroom Make You Trip?

Lion's mane mushroom is an edible fungus gaining popularity for its potential health benefits. Some people wonder if it can make you "trip" or experience psychedelic effects like magic mushrooms. Here's a look at the evidence on lion's mane and psychedelic experiences.

What is Lion's Mane Mushroom?

Lion's mane mushroom, also known as hou tou gu or yamabushitake, is a large, shaggy mushroom native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It gets its name from its long, cascading tendrils that resemble a lion's mane.

Lion's mane can be eaten or taken as a supplement. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine.

In recent years, lion's mane has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, including:

• Boosting cognitive function
• Reducing anxiety and depression
• Protecting against dementia
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Neuroprotective effects
• Immune system modulation

These benefits are attributed to a group of compounds found in lion's mane called hericenones and erinacines. However, research is still early.

Does Lion's Mane Contain Psilocybin?

Psilocybin is the psychedelic compound found in "magic mushrooms" that induces hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. Unlike magic mushrooms, lion's mane does not naturally contain any psilocybin or psychoactive compounds.

In fact, lion's mane belongs to an entirely different fungal family than psilocybin mushrooms. It lacks the biochemical pathways to produce psilocybin or similar psychedelic chemicals.

Eating lion's mane mushrooms or taking supplements will not cause a psychedelic experience on its own. There is no risk of intoxication or impaired mental functioning.

Lion's Mane Effects on the Brain

While lion's mane does not have psychedelic effects, some research suggests it supports brain health and function in other ways that may indirectly affect mood and cognition:

• Nerve growth factor (NGF) - Lion's mane contains hericenones that stimulate NGF production in the brain. NGF supports neuron health.
• Cognition - By increasing NGF, lion's mane may help with memory, focus, and clarity. However, more studies are needed.
• Anxiety and depression - Components may help regulate mood by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
• Neuroprotection - Lion's mane extracts show potential to protect neurons from damage leading to improved cognitive functioning.

So while lion's mane is not psychedelic per se, it may have mild effects on mood, focus, and cognition by supporting overall brain health.

Risks of Psychedelic Lion's Mane Products

While pure lion's mane mushroom has no psychedelic properties, there are some risky products that combine lion's mane with drugs to create a psilocybin-like high:

• Psilocybin liquid extracts - Illegal products extract psilocybin from mushrooms and add it to lion's mane tinctures.
• Lion's mane mushroom cubes - Dried lion's mane can be injected with a liquid psilocybin solution.
• Combination mushroom powders - Powdered psilocybin mushrooms blended with lions mane capsules or powders.

These altered products can cause hallucinations, anxiety, increased heart rate, nausea, and other adverse effects. Purchasing from disreputable suppliers also raises the risks of contamination.

Safe and Effective Use

When used properly, lion's mane mushroom offers a host of potential wellness advantages without negative side effects. Here are some tips for safe use:

• Purchase reputable, third-party tested supplements clearly labeled as 100% lion's mane.
• Research the mushroom's source, growing conditions, and extraction methods.
• Cycle supplementation by taking breaks of 1-2 weeks between use.
• Start with smaller doses around 500mg then gradually increase as tolerated.
• Talk to your doctor before use if you take any medications or have underlying health conditions.
• Avoid combining lion's mane supplements with other drugs, herbs, or psychedelics.

Other Non-Psychedelic Mushrooms for Wellness

If you're looking to experience the benefits of mushrooms safely and legally, here are some other options to consider:

• Reishi - An adaptogenic mushroom used to manage stress and promote longevity.
• Cordyceps - Boosts exercise performance and may balance hormones.
• Turkey tail - Contains anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing polysaccharides.
• Chaga - An antioxidant-rich fungus used to support immunity.
• Shiitake - Provides a nutrient boost and may help heart health.

The Bottom Line

Unlike psilocybin mushrooms, lions mane does not contain hallucinogenic compounds and cannot induce a psychedelic trip. Carefully vetted supplements may offer cognitive and mood support without adverse side effects. However, always avoid questionable products that have been altered with illegal or unsafe ingredients.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.