CBD and Lion's Mane: Benefits & How They Work Together

Recent polls suggest more than 75% of our population uses dietary supplements (Jaqua, 2022). Some start each morning with a daily multivitamin; others prefer choosing plant oils and extracts selected for specific concerns. With so many people reporting positive results for relaxation, better sleep, mild (temporary) anxiety, and discomfort after physical activity, many CBD users wonder why we also offer hemp-derived products featuring a blend of functional supplements. 

It's pretty simple. Some of nature's most impactful botanicals produce a stronger effect when combined than either component can produce on its own. It's the very definition of a synergistic relationship. We wanted to give people the option of choosing hemp-derived products made with ingredients selected to fine-tune their CBD experience. For mental clarity and focus, our expert botanists paired our high-quality full spectrum hemp extract with enhanced concentrations of CBG (cannabigerol), Cordyceps, and just the right amount of Lion's Mane. 

What Is Lion's Mane?  

Lion's Mane (Hericium Erinaceus) is a mushroom with distinctive tendril-like clusters. In nature, the fungus is typically found growing on dying (or dead) oak, walnut, rubber, birch, and sycamore trees. The mushroom has a mild, delicate flavor with undertones often described as seafood-like, a taste similar to crab or lobster. Dried Lion's Mane is said to have a chocolate-like flavor (Featherstone, 2021). 

Most often used as an ingredient in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, Lion's Mane mushrooms also have an impressively long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Today, Lion's Mane is recognized as one of only 15 varieties of edible mushrooms with adaptogenic properties. Researchers believe adaptogens help the body bounce back from stress-invoking situations by upregulating or downregulating systemic responses in a way that helps restore equilibrium (homeostasis) (Guerra, 2019). 

What Are the Benefits of Lion's Mane Supplements?  

Researchers credit the health and wellness potential of Lion's Mane to the interaction of its many flavonoids, terpenes, terpenoids, lectins, and polysaccharides with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). Current evidence suggests some of those polysaccharides appear to protect healthy cells from damage by minimizing the impact of oxidative stress.  

Recent investigations suggest Lion's Mane also has a positive impact on the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and the formation of neural networks in the brain (Saitsu et al., 2019). Although most of the evidence is based on lab results and animal studies, the results of small-scale clinical trials seem to affirm Lion's Mane's reputation as a nootropic (supports cognition) and neurotrophic (supports regeneration) superfood. For example, during a 16-week double-blind study, researchers reported "significant improvements" in multiple aspects of cognitive function in test subjects using Lion's Mane supplements compared to the control group (Spelman, 2017). 

Is There Any Additional Risk Taking CBD and Lion's Mane Together?  

CBD and Lion's Mane are both generally well tolerated, and there are no reports suggesting adverse interactions. They work in different ways. Lion's Mane primarily impacts your central stress response system and brain function. The cannabinoids in hemp-derived CBD interact with multiple molecular targets, including the receptors of your endocannabinoid system (ECS). As the largest regulatory system in your body, ECS signaling is involved in nearly every crucial function, from emotional regulation, memory, and stress responses to energy metabolism, muscle movement, and the perception of pleasure and pain (Mouslech & Valla, 2009). Like Lion's Mane, cannabis researchers believe supporting ECS function with CBD helps promote essential balance (homeostasis) (Sallaberry & Astern, 2018).   

In a report published by The World Health Organization, investigators found no "risk to public health" associated with hemp-derived CBD products (WHO, 2020). However, cannabinoids can cause dry mouth, fatigue, digestive upset, and changes in appetite for some people (Bergamachi et al., 2011). Although there's little cause for concern when used alone or in combination, CBD and Lion's Mane can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications. If you have questions or concerns, consult your healthcare provider (Olson, 2022).   

How To Take CBD and Lion's Mane Together  

Now that you know the health and wellness potential of their individual contributions, you might be tempted to pick up a CBD tincture from your corner convenience store, grab a mushroom supplement, and experiment with the possible benefits of their combined effects. While a DIY approach is unlikely to cause any harm, you may not get the results you're hoping for. The purity, potency, and overall quality of the CBD product you select can have a significant impact on your overall experience. But not all CBD products are the same. Some of the factors that matter most can vary by brand. 

If you're not careful, you could end up with a CBD product of questionable quality. You could also get stuck with a Lion's Mane supplement made from mycelium, its root-like structure. Mushroom supplements made with mycelium have fewer active components. The best Lion's Mane supplements are made from its fruiting bodies, the stems, stalks, and caps (Arriesgado, 2022). Instead of leaving your first experience to chance, consider investing in a bottle of CBDistillery® Functional Synergy Focus Mushroom Capsules. 

How to Take CBDistillery® Functional Synergy Focus Mushroom Capsules  

At CBDistillery®, we make it easy to experience the combined health and wellness potential of our full spectrum hemp extract and a high-quality Lion's Mane supplement. Each easy-to-swallow, vegetable-based capsule gives you 15mg of CBD and 300mg of Lion's Mane fruiting extract. You'll also get 15mg of CBG (cannabigerol) and 300mg of Cordyceps. The 1:1 CBD to GBG ratio produces an enhanced "entourage" effect that helps maximize the contributions of hemp's many additional cannabinoids and terpenes. Our expert botanists added the adaptogenic properties of Cordyceps because of its reported benefits for energy and stamina (Elkhateeb & Daba, 2020). We think you'll appreciate how each component of this proprietary blend helps uplift your daytime CBD experience. 

We suggest taking a single capsule with water once or twice daily. For first-time users, we also recommend waiting 3-4 hours before attempting a second serving. You can use these capsules on their own or to add the many potential benefits of functional mushrooms into your CBD rotation. According to the results of our internal survey, most CBD users report achieving their best results within 7-14 days of consistent use. Sixty-two percent also feel they get better results using multiple product types daily compared to the effects of using a single product on its own.   

Could You Benefit from the Combined Effects of CBD & Lion's Mane?  

Hemp-derived CBD helps support ECS function in a way that helps promote essential balance. Lion's Mane has adaptogenic properties shown to help upregulate and downregulate stress responses while helping with mental clarity and focus. We think you'll also appreciate the overall effects of the CBG and Cordyceps on energy levels, stamina, and overall product potency, their Synergistic contributions. If you could benefit from a mushroom-infused capsule specifically formulated with active ingredients selected for relaxation and better sleep, try CBDistillery® Functional Synergy Unwind Blend. 

To learn more, visit CBDistillery® to download our Ultimate CBD User Guide. Then consider browsing some of the many products featured in our Synergy Collection. You can shop with confidence knowing our products are third-party batch tested, and backed by a 60-day satisfaction guarantee policy. If you're interested in the health and wellness potential of CBD but not quite sure where to start, consider setting up a personal consultation with an expert. 

Resources 

Arriesgado, A. (2022) Lion's Mane Mycelium vs Fruiting Body – Key Facts You Need to Know. Intelligent Labs. 

Bergamaschi M, Mateus R, et al. (2011) Safety and Side Effect of Cannabidiol, a Cannabis Sativa Constituent. 6(4) Curr Drug Saf 237-49. https://doi.org/10.2174/157488611798280924 

Chugh R, Mittal P, et al. (2022) Fungal Mushrooms: A Natural Compound with Therapeutic Applications. 13, Front Pharmacol. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.925387 

Elkhateeb W, Daba, GM. (2020) Review: The Endless Nutritional and Pharmaceutical Benefits of the Himalayan Gold, Cordyceps: Current Knowledge and Prospective Potentials. 18(2) Biofarmasi J Nat Prod Biochem 74-81. https://doi.org/10.13057/biofar/f180204 

Guerra, J. (2019) All the Questions You Have About Functional Mushrooms Explained. Eatthis.com 

Featherstone, N. (2021) How to Cook Lion's Mane Mushrooms. Forest Wildlife.org.  

Jaqua, M (2022) CRN Survey: 75% of Americans Use Dietary Supplements. Whole Foods Magazine. 

Mouslech Z, Valla V. (2009) Endocannabinoid System: An Overview of Its Potential in Current Medical Practice. 30(2) Neuro Endocrinol Lett 153-79. PDF 

Olson, P. (2022) Lion's Mane Drug Interactions. Fōrij. 

Saitsu Y, Nisheide A, et al. Improvement of Cognitive Functions by Oral Intake of Hericium Erinaceus. Biomed Res 30(4) 125-31. https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.40.125 

Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

Spelman K, Sutherland E, et al. (2017) Neurological Activity of Lion's Mane (Hericium Erinaceus) 6(1) J of Restor Med 19-26. https://restorativemedicine.org/journal/neurological-activity-lions-mane-hericium-erinaceus/

World Health Organization. (2020) Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. PDF https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2