Lion’s mane may help people with tremors. Tremors can be debilitating, affecting daily activities and diminishing one's confidence. But what if a simple mushroom could make a difference?

Article Jumplinks:

What are tremors?

Does lion’s mane help with tremors?

What are the neurological benefits of lion’s mane?

Can lion’s mane help with Parkinson’s disease?

What are the benefits of lion’s mane?

Can lion’s mane be harmful?

Do you want to take lion’s mane for tremors?

How much lion’s mane should you take for tremors?

How much lion’s mane is in Forij granola?

Join us as we uncover the emerging research on lion's mane and its potential therapeutic benefits for tremors.

From its neuroprotective properties to its impact on brain health and Parkinson’s disease, we explore how lion's mane could be a game-changer in managing tremors naturally.

What Is Lion’s Mane?

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an adaptogenic mushroom that’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is still considered one of the healthiest mushrooms in the world. It commonly grows in the cooler climates of northern Europe, northern Asia, and North America.

To learn more about how this and other adaptogens work, read our guide to adaptogenic mushrooms.

What Are Tremors?

Tremors refer to involuntary rhythmic movements or shaking of body parts, typically caused by a rhythmic contraction and relaxation of muscles.

There are various types of tremors, including essential tremors, which are the most common and often affect the hands, as well as Parkinsonian tremors associated with Parkinson's disease, cerebellar tremors related to disorders of the cerebellum, and dystonic tremors seen in people with dystonia.

Different types of tremors have different causes. Essential tremors, for example, are believed to have a genetic component and can be aggravated by stress or certain substances like caffeine. Parkinsonian tremors are associated with the degeneration of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain involved in motor function.

Some common tremor symptoms include:

• rhythmic shaking or oscillation of body parts, such as hands, arms, legs, or head
• worsening of tremors during movement or while attempting to hold a posture
• tremors that may reduce or disappear during sleep
• tremors that are exacerbated by stress, fatigue, or emotional factors
• difficulty performing tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as writing or holding objects steadily
• mild to severe impact on daily activities and quality of life, depending on the severity of the tremors

Does Lion’s Mane Help with Tremors?

Research suggests that could help reduce the frequency and severity of tremors. This mushroom can also promote nerve cell growth and provide neuroprotective effects that aid in the overall health of your brain, spinal cord, and entire nervous system.

Let’s look at how lion’s mane interacts with the nervous system.

What Are the Neurological Effects of Lion’s Mane?

According to research, the fruiting bodies of lion’s mane mushrooms contain compounds that stimulate neurite outgrowth by stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis.

A study, published in 2013, found that “Hericenones and erinacines isolated from the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus can induce NGF synthesis in nerve cells.” This study concluded that “the aqueous extract of H. erinaceus contained neuroactive compounds which induced NGF-synthesis and promoted neurite outgrowth in NG108-15 cells.”

Researchers from another recent study, published in 2023, agree that lion’s mane appears to promote neurogenesis. This study concluded that two compounds found in Hericium erinaceus had a significant impact on nerve cell growth:

N-de phenylethyl isohericerin (NDPIH), an isoindoline compound from this mushroom, together with its hydrophobic derivative hericene A, were highly potent in promoting extensive axon outgrowth and neurite branching in cultured hippocampal neurons…demonstrating potent neurotrophic activity.

Hericium erinaceus compounds. Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jnc.15767

To learn more about this, check out our guide to lion’s mane and neurogenesis.

Does the Lion’s Mane Mushroom Regenerate Nerves?

Lion’s mane appears to aid in nerve regeneration, which can certainly be helpful for people with tremors. A recent animal study examined the effects of lion’s mane on nerve damage caused by crush injury in rats.

According to this study, daily Hericium erinaceus intake significantly improved regeneration of injured peroneal nerves in Sprague-Dawley rats in the early stages of recovery:

Analysis of [the peroneal functional index] indicated that return of hind limb function occurred earlier in rats of aqueous extract…compared to [the] negative control group. Regeneration of axons and reinnervation of motor endplates in extensor digitorum longus muscle in rats of aqueous extract…developed better than in [the] negative control group.

Nerve injury repair benefits are among the many nootropic benefits of lion’s mane. Read about the nootropic properties of Hericium erinaceus to learn more.

Does Lion’s Mane Calm the Nervous System?

Yes, lion’s mane can calm the nervous system. A human study on this topic shows that lion’s mane reduced symptoms of anxiety and stress in undergraduate students during a stressful exam season.

Another study found that lion’s mane appears to calm the nervous system by promoting hippocampal neurogenesis, at least in animals. This study concluded that “chronic HE administration can exert anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, possibly by enhancing adult hippocampal neurogenesis.”

There is still no research on how the calming properties of lion’s mane affect tremors. However, since there are no side effects to consuming this mushroom, it can’t hurt to add it to your daily supplement regimen.

To learn more about the anxiolytic properties of lion’s mane, read our article on lion’s mane and anxiety, as well as our guide to the spiritual benefits of lion’s mane.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom for Parkinson’s Disease

Clinical studies on lion’s mane and Parkinson’s disease suggest that this mushroom may reduce Parkinson’s disease symptoms, and even slow down the progression of this illness.

According to a 2019 study, lion’s mane reduces symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, at least in animals. This study found that a compound found in lion’s mane called erinacine A “may be a potentially valuable neuroprotective and therapeutic agent that could be used to improve pathological conditions and behavioral deficits during Parkinson’s disease treatment.”

This study also associated lion’s mane consumption with significant improvements in the density of a  tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH positive) neuron in the substantia nigra, a part of the brain responsible for Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

Another study, published in 2020, also shows promising results. This study found that the lion’s mane mycelium “performs significant protection of dopaminergic neurons under severe conditions and is very effective in the treatment of damaged neurons in the brain to recover in the case of Parkinson’s disease.”

Learn more about how lion’s mane can help you fight Parkinson’s disease.

Lion’s Mane Benefits

Lion’s mane mushrooms have captured the attention of researchers and health enthusiasts alike, and for good reason. From bolstering cognitive functioning to combating inflammation, they exhibit a remarkable range of health-boosting properties. Here's a glimpse into their superpowers:

• Lion's mane shows promise in supporting brain health and addressing cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.
• The mushroom's potent antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress, a culprit behind various health issues.
• Lion's mane improves cognitive function and memory, offering potential benefits for individuals with mild cognitive impairments.
• Studies suggest that lion's mane may help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving lipid profiles and lowering triglyceride levels.
• The lion's mane mushroom lowers blood sugars, potentially aiding in diabetes management.
• Preliminary research indicates that certain compounds in lion's mane mushrooms may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce cancer cell death.
• Lion's mane reduces inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
• This mushroom exhibits potential antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, offering a natural approach to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

These impressive benefits highlight the potential of lion's mane mushrooms as a valuable addition to a well-rounded approach to health and well-being. To learn more, read our guide to the health benefits of lion’s mane.

Lion’s Mane Side Effects

Lion’s mane is safe for most people. However, there are some contraindications to taking lion’s mane mushrooms. If you have allergies to mold, yeast, or other fungi, or are on medication that may interact with the lion’s mane mushroom, be cautious when you first start taking it.

To learn more about whether you should be taking lion’s mane, read our blog post on lion’s mane side effects.

Are You Interested in Taking Lion’s Mane for Tremors?

If you want to take lion’s mane for tremors, why not try our adaptogenic mushroom granola? Our delicious granola is vegan, gluten-free, contains a hyperconcentrated lion’s mane extract, and is made with organic, high-quality ingredients.

And, if you want more adaptogenic mushroom benefits, we also offer a premiumturkey tail mushroom extract, which was also shown to provide benefits for optimal health and wellness. Learn more about the turkey tail mushroom here.

What Is the Ideal Lion’s Mane Dosage for Tremors?

There is no ideal lion’s mane dosage for tremors that will work for everyone. Start with a low dosage (about 250 mg) if you're not used to adaptogenic mushrooms and steadily increase the dose until you reach about 3000 mg or start noticing an improvement in your symptoms.

To learn more about lion’s mane dosages, read our lion’s mane dosage guide.

How Much Lion’s Mane Is in Forij Granola?

Forij granola uses high-quality lion's mane extracts made from whole medicinal mushrooms. Our dual extraction method extracts both water-soluble beta-glucans as well as alcohol-soluble triterpenes. Our decoction process breaks down the indigestible chitin cell walls of the mushroom to get much more of these compounds out than ordinary processes do.

One serving of our granola provides 250 mg of hyperconcentrated lion's mane mushroom extract, which is eight times more concentrated than a regular mushroom supplement. Therefore, you get as much lion's mane potency as you would if you were taking a 2000 mg lion’s mane mushroom powder, all in one bowl of granola.

FAQ on Lion’s Mane and Tremors

Are there any lion’s mane mushroom stroke benefits?

Yes, lion’s mane appears to have neuroprotective properties and could aid stroke victims in their recovery journey. This effect of lion’s mane was examined in a 2018 study review. This review concluded that “preclinical studies have shown that there can be improvements in ischemic stroke…if H. erinaceus mycelia enriched with erinacines are included in daily meals.”

What is the optimal lion’s mane dosage for Parkinson’s disease?

Though there is no optimal dosage of lion’s mane that will work for every Parkinson’s patient, people report taking upwards of 3000 mg of lion’s mane powder per day to get the neuroprotective benefits of this mushroom.

If you are new to this adaptogen, start with a low dosage (about 250 mg) if you're not used to adaptogenic mushrooms and steadily increase the dose until you reach about 3000 mg or start noticing an improvement in your symptoms.

Are there any chaga mushroom Parkinson’s benefits?

While chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties, scientific research on their specific benefits for Parkinson's disease is limited. Chaga mushrooms are known to be rich in antioxidants and have immune-modulating properties, which may provide general health benefits for people with Parkinson’s disease. 

Are there any reishi mushroom Parkinson’s disease benefits?

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) have been studied for their effects on Parkinson's disease. While research is ongoing and limited, some studies suggest that reishi mushrooms may have neuroprotective properties and could potentially help alleviate certain symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. For example, a 2019 animal study found that this mushroom reduces MPTP-induced parkinsonism.

What is the best vitamin for tremors?

There is no single vitamin that has been identified as the definitive solution for tremors. Certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium, and coenzyme Q10, may have a positive impact on tremor symptoms in certain people, but more human studies are needed to fully understand these benefits.

How do you calm tremors naturally?

While natural methods may help calm tremors, it's important to note that their effectiveness can vary among individuals.

Some strategies that help include practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation, managing stress levels, getting regular exercise, ensuring proper hydration, avoiding triggers such as caffeine and certain medications, and maintaining a balanced diet.

Additionally, techniques like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and using assistive devices can assist in managing tremors. Consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized recommendations for managing your tremors naturally.

When does lion’s mane start working?

Depending on what you’re taking it for, lion’s mane can start working immediately or after a few weeks of regular use. You’ll likely feel its anxiolytic effects as soon as you start taking a lion’s mane supplement, but its antiinflammatory properties won’t be apparent immediately. For more information about this topic, read our blog post on how long it takes for lion’s mane to work.

Does lion’s mane lower dopamine?

Lion's mane does not exactly lower dopamine, but it does help regulate dopamine levels. A 2018 animal study examined the underlying mechanisms of the antidepressant effects of lion’s mane in mice. The results of this study suggest that the dopamine levels in these mice stabilized after taking lion’s mane, even though they were still exposed to stressful stimuli.

Does lion’s mane help neurons?

Yes, lion’s mane appears to repair neuronal cells and aid in the production of new neurons. These mechanisms can help improve your neurological activity, and even slow down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and ALS. Learn more about the benefits of lion’s mane for people with ALS here.

Should you take lion’s mane everyday?

It’s not only completely safe but highly beneficial to take lion’s mane mushrooms every day. Long-term benefits of lion’s mane, such as improving cognitive functioning, become more pronounced the longer you use this mushroom, and there are no adverse effects associated with its long-term use.

Is it difficult to grow lion’s mane mushrooms?

Growing lion's mane mushrooms can be a bit challenging, but not overly difficult. They require specific growing conditions and some attention to detail. Using an organic lion's mane mushroom growing kit can simplify the process for beginners as it provides the necessary materials and instructions.

With proper care, including maintaining the right temperature, humidity, and providing suitable substrate, you can successfully cultivate lion's mane mushrooms at home. Regular monitoring and adherence to proper growing techniques will increase your chances of a successful harvest.

And, if you want a high-quality lion’s mane product without having to grow your own mushrooms, we’ve got you covered. With the regular price of just $29.99, you can’t beat our lion’s mane extract powder made from 100% organic lion’s mane mushrooms.

Resources

1. Lai, P. L. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the lion's mane mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International journal of medicinal mushrooms, 15(6), 539–554. https://doi.org/10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i6.30
2. Martínez‐Mármol, R. (2023). Hericerin derivatives activates a pan‐neurotrophic pathway in central hippocampal neurons converging to ERK1 /2 signaling enhancing spatial memory. Journal of Neurochemistry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15767
3. Wong, K. H. (2011). Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Following Crush Injury to Rat Peroneal Nerve by Aqueous Extract of Medicinal Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/neq062
4. Okamura, H. (2015). The effects of Hericium erinaceus (Amyloban® 3399) on sleep quality and subjective well-being among female undergraduate students: A pilot study. Personalized Medicine Universe, 4, 76–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmu.2015.03.006
5. Ryu, S. (2018). Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain. Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(2), 174–180. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2017.4006
6. Lee, K. F. (2020). Post-Treatment with Erinacine A, a Derived Diterpenoid of H. erinaceus, Attenuates Neurotoxicity in MPTP Model of Parkinson’s Disease. Antioxidants, 9(2), 137. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9020137
7. PP, Y. (2020). Hericium erinaceus Mycelium Exerts Neuroprotective Effect in Parkinson’s Disease-in vitro and in vivo Models. Journal of Drug Research and Development, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.16966/2470-1009.150
8. Li, I. C. (2018). Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines. Behavioural Neurology, 2018, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5802634
9. Ren, Z. L. (2018). Ganoderma lucidum extract ameliorates MPTP-induced parkinsonism and protects dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress via regulating mitochondrial function, autophagy, and apoptosis. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 40(4), 441–450.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41401-018-0077-8
10. Chiu, C. H. (2018). Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelium Produces Antidepressant-Like Effects through Modulating BDNF/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling in Mice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(2), 341. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19020341

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The information provided in this article is meant for informational purposes and not intended to provide medical advice, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or illness. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).