Where to Buy Lion's Mane Mushrooms
The unique lion's mane mushroom offers a range of potential wellness benefits. With its growing popularity, many people want to know where they can find and purchase lion's mane. Here is an overview of both in-person and online stores that sell this emerging medicinal mushroom.
Overview of Lion's Mane
First, lets cover some lion's mane basics. Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of edible mushroom native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It gets its name from its long, cascading tendrils that resemble a lions mane.
Lions mane has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, modern research has taken interest in its bioactive compounds that may support brain, nerve, digestive, and immune health.
This mushroom can be enjoyed cooked or steeped into tea. But it also comes in supplemental forms like powders, capsules, and extracts to concentrate its medicinal compounds.
Health Food Stores
Health food stores focus on natural, organic, and holistic products. This makes them a logical place to find dried, fresh, or supplemental forms of lions mane mushroom. Large chains to search include:
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods is a major natural grocer found in most states. Check their mushroom section for fresh lions mane. The supplements aisle may also carry it in capsule, tincture, or extract form.
Sprouts Farmers Market
Similar to Whole Foods, Sprouts carries many natural health products. See if your local Sprouts sells dried lions mane mushrooms near other specialty fungi.
Earth Fare
Earth Fare provides an extensive selection of herbal supplements, including mushroom blends. Look for lions mane capsules or powders here.
The Fresh Market
Although stock varies by location, The Fresh Market is another chain that sometimes sells fresh lions mane among their specialty produce.
Co-ops and Natural Markets
In addition to chains, smaller independent co-ops and health markets are worth checking. These include:
Food co-ops
Member-owned food co-ops stock extensive natural products. Ask if they can special order or source dried lions mane mushrooms.
Natural grocers
Smaller natural health stores may carry lions mane tea, tinctures, or capsules. Stores specializing in herbs, supplements, or mushrooms are good bets.
Farmers' markets
Some farmers' markets have vendors offering medicinal mushrooms, including potential fresh lions mane.
Online Stores and E-Commerce
Along with physical retail locations, lion's mane products can also be easily found through various online stores and e-commerce sites. Top sites to purchase lions mane mushroom include:
Amazon
Amazon provides instant access to a huge selection of lions mane capsules, powders, and extracts from major brands. Prime members get quick shipping.
iHerb
This major supplement retailer ships globally and carries lions mane in many forms - capsules, liquid extracts, mushroom blends, and even dog treats.
Vitacost
Vitacost is a popular site to buy affordable supplements in bulk. Find discounted lions mane powders, teas, and capsules.
Mushroom Revival
Mushroom Revival offers high-quality mushroom supplements, including organic lions mane extract capsules and powders.
Real Mushrooms
Real Mushrooms produces pure lions mane extracts for cognitive and nerve support. Buy directly from their site.
Herbal Shops
Specialty herbal medicine shops may carry lions mane tea, dried mushrooms, or simple capsule formulas. These smaller businesses include:
Apothecaries
Historic apothecaries sell herbs and folk remedies that may include lions mane fungus. Ask shop keepers for assistance.
Holistic centers
Some holistic and naturopathic centers have small retail sections selling natural products like organic mushrooms.
Acupuncturists and TCM practitioners
Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine may suggest places to buy dried lions mane mushroom near you.
Asian Supermarkets and Groceries
Since lions mane mushroom is used in Asian cuisines, Asian food supermarkets are a prime place to find it. Check shops specializing in:
Chinese ingredients
Markets carrying Chinese goods may stock fresh, dried, or pre-packaged lions mane mushrooms and mycelium.
Korean foods
Korean markets also sometimes sell lions mane mushroom supplements or dried whole mushrooms.
Japanese foods
Specialty Japanese stores may offer lions mane mushrooms pickled in brine or jarred in broth.
Natural Pharmacies
Some pharmacies aim to provide professional natural medicine advice. Stop by these pharmacies to ask about lions mane availability:
Compounding pharmacies
Skilled compounding pharmacists can specially formulate personalized lions mane supplements.
Nutritional pharmacies
Pharmacies focusing on nutrition may stock or order lions mane capsules, extracts, or mushroom powder blends.
Holistic pharmacies
Specialty pharmacies offering holistic remedies and consultations may sell lions mane tea blends or tinctures.
Online Direct from Brands
Many supplement companies sell lions mane direct to consumers through their own online stores. Browse these sites:
Host Defense
Paul Stamets' Host Defense brand offers certified organic lions mane capsules, extracts, and teas.
Om Mushroom Superfood
Om sells pure lions mane mushroom extracts, capsules, and powders on their site harvested from certified organic mushrooms.
Four Sigmatic
Four Sigmatic produces instant lions mane coffee and cocoa drink mixes infused with real mushroom powder.
FreshCap
FreshCap makes dual-extracted lions mane liquid tinctures available for order through their online shop.
How to Choose Quality Lion's Mane
When buying lion's mane mushroom supplements, here are some tips for selecting a quality product:
Check the ingredients
Read the label to ensure the product contains real mushroom extract or powder, not just mycelium grown on grain.
Look for certifications
See if the product has certifications like USDA Organic, non-GMO verified, or cGMP to ensure quality standards.
Research the brand
Buy from reputable supplement brands known for purity and rigorous quality control.
Understand the processing
Dual extraction maximizes beneficial compounds. Hot water and alcohol extracts offer different benefits.
Consider the form
Powders provide nutritional benefits, while extracts concentrate compounds. Choose capsules for convenience.
With a little searching both online and locally, you should be able to readily find lions mane mushroom supplements or dried whole mushrooms to try out and experience the many benefits this unique fungus offers.FAQs
Is lion's mane mushroom safe to eat?
Yes, lion's mane mushroom is generally recognized as safe to eat. It has a long history of use as an edible mushroom and herbal medicine in Asia. Some people may experience mild digestive upset.
What's the best way to take lion's mane supplements?
Capsules provide the most convenient way to take lion's mane. But powders can be incorporated into smoothies or teas. Speak to a knowledgeable retailer or naturopath about what's best for your needs.
Should I take lion's mane mushroom every day?
Most manufacturers recommend taking lion’s mane capsules or powder once or twice per day. Cycle on and off every few weeks. Talk to your doctor before taking long-term.
Is ordering lion's mane mushroom online safe?
Ordering lion’s mane supplements from reputable online retailers is generally safe. Check for verifications like cGMP certification to ensure you receive a quality product.
Can I find fresh lion's mane mushroom locally?
Fresh lion’s mane is rare in grocery stores but may be seasonal at some farmer’s markets or specialty stores. Dried lion’s mane is more widely available year-round.
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.
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