Lion's Mane Ultra Strength

Lion's mane is a type of mushroom named for its white, shaggy cap. Known for its ability to help increase cognitive function, this mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to support longevity and brain health. Most plentiful in late summer and fall months, lion’s mane grows wild in North America, Asia and Europe. As a powerful adaptogen, meaning a food that helps the body better adapt to stress without depleting the body’s innate resources, lion’s mane can help increase physical and emotional resiliency. Due to its calming effect on the nervous system and its ability to improve mood and memory, lion’s mane is a potent, nutritional powerhouse deserving to be in everyone’s supplement drawer! Here’s how it can help you on your path to wellness: 1. Helps regenerate the nervous system For those who’ve experienced trauma or damage to their nervous system, a study shows that extracts of lion's mane mushrooms have been linked to encouraging nerve cells to grow and repair. These mushrooms activate nerve growth factor (NGF) needed by the brain and neurons for their development and maintenance. 2. Can help improve memory and brain function Since lion’s mane promotes NGF to help the brain process and transfer information, the mushroom can help to increase concentration, attention, focus and memory retention. By supporting increase nerve growth, it can also potentially slow or reverse cell degeneration in the brain, which is characteristic of diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. 3. Can improve gut health Lion’s mane helps to reduce inflammation and increase the growth of healthy gut bacteria. A report suggests that this mushroom also has antibacterial properties to improve digestion and reduce harmful bacteria in the gut, such as the H. pylori bacterium which is linked to stomach ulcers. 4. Supports heart health Research shows that lion’s mane may help lower LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Another study linked lion’s mane to encouraging the reduction of blood clots that may contribute to strokes. 5. Helps reduce depression Although there can be many causes of depression, inflammation can be a major factor. Lion’s mane helps reduce inflammation, and may even help regenerate brain cells and improve the hippocampus’ ability to process memories and emotions. The perfect addition to your diet if you’re looking for support in increasing your focus, memory, and mental health, try our Memory.

Let’s face it, we're pretty stressed. That may mean that we struggle to maintain balance in our over-stimulated and fast-paced culture. When we are chronically stressed, our body struggles to keep up with the demands of our life, leading to illness, mood disorders, physical ailments, and overall poor health. However, what if there was a natural way to better adapt to life’s stressors and become more resilient in the face of adversity? Enter adaptogens! Used for thousands of years in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adaptogens are plants, herbs and mushrooms that help counteract the harmful effects of stress. Called adaptogens due to their unique ability to “adapt” their function according to your body’s specific needs, they can help heal a host of health issues or simply help ease stress by bringing the body back into balance (otherwise known as homeostasis). Why is this important? In order for our bodies to thrive, we must have a constant internal environment. This means that everything from our body temperature, blood sugar levels, and water content must be controlled and balanced for our cells and bodily systems to function optimally. When we’re exposed to life’s stressors our homeostasis is disrupted, and so are the systems of the body. Adaptogens can help improve our resistance to stress (emotional stress, physical trauma or injury, illness, fatigue, pollution) and normalize our body’s functions. This allows us to maintain a more regular state of homeostasis for optimal health. How do adaptogens work? Our stress levels and response are controlled by a system of glands called the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The central nervous system helps regulate and normalize the HPA axis to help us better cope with stress. Adaptogens ease stress response by releasing Hsp70 and Hsp72 (1), which are "stress sensor" proteins. This helps the central nervous system come out of fight-or-flight mode and back into a balanced state. Without easing our stress response, our bodies can either be over-functioning or under-functioning, often leading to neurodegeneration, chronic inflammation, and even cancer. The benefits of using adaptogens on a regular basis: Improved quality and quantity of sleep Boosted energy (without the crash you get from caffeine) Improved emotional well-being and resiliency Increased concentration and cognitive function Balanced stress and sex hormones Normalized digestive functioning Strengthened immune system Increased detoxification and liver health Stronger resistance to stress Start by adding your favourite adaptogen into your morning smoothie and observe the improvements you may feel. Remember, adaptogens can help make lasting changes to your health, but it won’t happen overnight. When you stay consistent, keep up with your self-care practice, and make small, sustainable changes you can create your healthiest, most joyful lifestyle. Learn more about our adaptogens

Ever feel off kilter or out of balance? Not 100%? In the past year, that has been true for most of us, most of the time! Between an uncertain world, a never-ending to-do list, and our own expectations, it’s challenging to feel on top of things – let alone relaxed and rested. What if there was something to help your body and mind to better cope with the stresses of life? Luckily, adaptogens might just be for you! Let’s dive into this peculiar class of plants and how it can benefit your daily life. Shop Adaptogens What are adaptogens? ‘Adaptogen’ is the term for the plants, herbs and mushrooms that help our bodies to adapt or adjust to the challenges life throws at us. Stress can cause one or more systems in our bodies to overwork or under-function, and if we can’t adapt to or handle chronic stress, we increase the risk of disease. Adaptogens help to bring the body into balance, whichever way it’s required, and allow us to feel better. Can I use adaptogens for stress? Our central nervous system (CNS) works to control and influence activity in all parts of our body. As it receives information and passes along commands, its goal is to keep us as safe as possible. One of the systems the CNS controls is called the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This system of glands and hormones directly affects outcomes like our response to stress levels as well as blood sugar, inflammation, and immune reactions. Adaptogens work by affecting and regulating the CNS and the HPA axis. This means they can actually help to prevent and reverse the effects of too many stressors. Are adaptogens safe? Yes, adaptogens are safe at standard doses for most people. Like anything, how you react specifically may be different than another person. If you experience any undesirable side effects, stop taking the products immediately. Consult with your medical professional if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, on medication, or have an upcoming surgery. Reishi mushroom Reishi mushrooms, or Ganoderma lucidum, help to balance many body systems. Used for at least four thousand years in many Asian countries for its medicinal properties, countless modern scientific studies prove what our ancestors put into practice. Reishi mushroom benefits Calm the body and mind. By improving the health of adrenal glands, where cortisol and other stress hormones are produced, reishi may help reduce anxiety, nervousness, and muscle tension. Modulate the immune system. Reishi improves immune function to protect the body more optimally from viruses, bacteria and cancer cells. It is also shown to be beneficial to an overactive immune system, with autoimmune challenges, allergies, and sensitivities. Shop Balance reishi powder Lion’s Mane mushroom Lion’s Mane mushroom, latin name Hericium, is a white spongy-looking edible mushroom that tastes a bit like shrimp or lobster when cooked. It is generally known for its role in improving memory and brain function. Lion’s mane benefits Protect and regenerate nerve cells. Lion’s mane induces nerve growth factor (NGF), required by the brain and neurons for development and maintenance. Modulate our gut immune system. This can positively affect inflammation and microbes in the digestive system. Shop Memory lion's mane powder Chaga mushroom Chaga mushrooms, or Inonotus obliquus, is a fungus naturally found growing on the outside of birch trees in very cold climates. Very hard, it usually requires an axe or saw to harvest. Chaga mushroom benefits Extremely high antioxidant content. This helps combat free radicals and damage caused by all types of stress on the body. Decreasing effects on anxiety and overwhelming feelings. The high levels of antioxidants allow us to handle stress more effectively. Shop Calm chaga powder Ashwagandha root Ashwagandha, known as Withania somnifera or Indian Ginseng, is a root commonly used in Ayurvedic traditional medicine. Ashwagandha benefits Help balance our mood and increase a feeling of happiness. It has a positive effect on the thyroid, which controls many of our emotional hormones. Normalize weight and food cravings. This positive benefit stems from its thyroid balancing properties. Shop Mood ashwagandha powder Tremella mushroom Tremella fuciformis is also known as snow mushroom, silver ear or white jelly mushroom. It is particularly popular in East Asia, where it has long been used as part of the cuisine and medicine. Tremella mushroom benefits High moisture retention. Tremella has an extreme water holding capacity, comparable to that of hyaluronic acid, a common ingredient in skincare products. Increased moisture retention provides a plump, healthy and youthful look to complexion, decreasing signs of dryness and aging. Immune function support. Tremella polysaccharides (naturally occurring long chains of carbohydrate molecules) have fantastic immunomodulatory properties. Immunomodulators help adjust the immune system to your circumstances and needs, to help your body adapt and fight off stressors. Shop Glow tremella powder