Can You Take Lion's Mane & Chaga Together?

As Westerners become more acquainted with the mushroom species used medicinally for thousands of years in the east, their powerful benefits continue to unfold. While the various species have certain elements in common, each also contains unique attributes that can be used for specific needs. Scientists and medical researchers continue to explore these natural powerhouses that by virtue of their place in the ecosystem food chain contain powerful, bioactive ingredients. 

Certain species of mushrooms are classified as functional foods, meaning they are natural, edible, and can provide more benefits than simple nutritional support. As natural plants and fungi, these mushroom species are largely safe in moderate quantities, and for this reason, many people are embracing their use and incorporating them into their daily wellness routines.

As you learn about the different species and their individual support for health and wellness, you may be wondering how they work in conjunction. For example, can take lion’s mane and chaga be taken together? 

Continue reading to get answers to your questions.

What Are the Benefits of Functional Mushrooms?

Functional mushrooms have earned that name because they are different from the culinary mushrooms we consume as food. Historically, these unusual species have been harvested, dried, and used as medicinal foods in the ancient and traditional medicine practices of several Asian cultures. Some species were also used across the northern hemisphere from Siberia and Scandinavia to North America. 

As a group, functional mushroom species provide the following benefits:

• Promote healthy aging^‡
• Immune-supporting polysaccharides support modulation of the immune response^‡
• Prebiotic fibers promote the growth of healthy gut flora which supports digestion and blood sugar levels^‡
• Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals and prevent damage from oxidative stress^‡

There is some overlap in benefits that provides a synergistic effect. For example, the antioxidant properties support heart health, while a healthy gut flora helps to modulate the immune system.^‡     

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus in scientific nomenclature, is a shaggy, edible mushroom that grows on hardwood trees in the northern hemisphere; it tastes a bit like seafood. It is a natural nootropic, a substance that can support memory and brain performance. Due to the power of two types of compounds, hericenones from the mushroom fruit body and erinacines from its mycelium, lion’s mane has the potential to support:

• Cognitive functions, including memory^‡
• Nerve cell growth and differentiation^‡
• Improved mood and reduced anxiousness^‡ 

The research studies listed above found that supplementation with lion’s mane supported mental functioning. This nootropic effect lasted while older adults consumed the powdered mushroom but faded when supplementation was discontinued.

Chaga

Chaga is an odd-looking fungus that grows on birch trees in the colder regions of the northern hemisphere. With a woody consistency too hard to eat and containing natural vanillins, chaga has been ground and consumed as a fragrant tea or coffee substitute. 

Whereas lion’s mane’s unique properties support the brain and nervous system, chaga is known for its adaptogenic potential. An adaptogen is a natural plant or fungal product valued in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for supporting the body’s response to physical, chemical, and biological stress. An adaptogen supports the body’s homeostatic balance, which has implications for blood pressure and stress hormones.^‡

In terms of antioxidants, chaga has one of the highest levels available in foods. This may support healthy aging as antioxidants counteract the tissue damage caused by oxidative stress. Chaga has been used to support healthy, skin, hair, and nails.^‡

Can You Take Lion’s Mane and Chaga Together?

To get the combined nootropic and adaptogenic benefits of lion’s mane and chaga, you can take both of them together. This may be accomplished in different ways. Om Mushroom has a variety of high-quality products made from organic mushroom powder to support your wellness efforts.

If you wish to benefit from the individual whole mushroom powders by taking a dose of each, start by stirring a teaspoonful of Om Lion’s Mane Organic Mushroom Powder blend into your morning coffee and dressing it up as you usually do with cream and/or sugar. This will provide 2g of lion’s mane fruit body and mycelial biomass with all its bioactive substances. Remember to swirl your cup slightly as you drink to avoid leaving any of its superfood powder behind. Or, try our delicious Lion’s Mane Gummies. 

Later in the day, perhaps before bed, brew a cup of chaga tea by stirring a teaspoon of Om Chaga Organic Mushroom Powder blend and a bit of sweetener into hot water. As an alternative, both lion’s mane and chaga powders are available in a convenient capsule form. You can also stir both mushroom powders into recipes like stews and soups to add their benefits and subtle flavors to your cooking.

Are Lion’s Mane and Chaga Available in a Single Product?

If you prefer to get the benefits of both lion’s mane and chaga in a single, easy-to-use product, Om has you covered. For a soothing beverage that combines lion’s mane and chaga with reishi, turkey tail, and ashwagandha, a botanical adaptogen, try Om Hot Chocolate Blend Organic Hot Drink Mix in packets or canister sizes.  This specially curated blend provides adaptogenic and immune system benefits while also supporting mental clarity and focus.^‡ 

By selecting functional mushrooms with benefits that support your wellness goals and combining their superfood powers, you can easily incorporate them into your daily routine. Whether you combine two single species products or try one of our special blends will depend entirely on your own needs and preferences. In either case, you can’t go wrong with Om Mushroom products which are cultivated in California under strict quality standards.

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^‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Functional mushroom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.