Contents
- Our top 3 picks for the best Lion’s Mane supplements in Australia
- #1. Dr Noel’s Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder
- #2. Teelixir Lion’s Mane Extract Powder
- #3. SuperFeast Lion’s Mane Extract Powder
- What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
- Health benefits of Lion’s Mane
- Buying Guide for Lion’s Mane Supplements in Australia
- Types of Lion’s Mane Products in Australia
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Best Quality medicinal mushrooms Supplements in Australia
- Conclusion
- Authors
Are you looking for high quality Lion’s Manes mushrooms in Australia? Lion’s mane mushrooms, also known as Hericium erinaceus, are prized for their medicinal properties and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are now gaining popularity in the West as a natural remedy for a variety of health problems, as well as a cognitive booster for focus, mental clarity, and removing brain fog. It is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms in Australia.
But not all lion’s mane mushroom supplement products in Australia are created equal. It’s important to do your research and find a supplier you can trust before buying this mushroom product. This guide will help you learn about where to buy Lion’s Mane in Australia, and our recommendations of supplement products from trusted brands and growers – ensuring you’re getting the highest quality product.
Quick Links
- What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
- Where to Buy The Best Lion’s Mane supplements in Australia
- Buying Guide for Lion’s Mane Supplements
Our top 3 picks for the best Lion’s Mane supplements in Australia
Before buying from these companies, we strongly advise that you reading our buying guide and selection process below on how to purchase the best Lion’s mane products. Our main goal here at WorldMushroomSociety.com is for consumers to choose the best medicinal mushroom products to get the full health benefits for themselves and their families.
Our top 3 picks for the best Lion’s Mane supplements in Australia are from the following producers:
#1. Dr Noel’s Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder
Pros
- Australian owned and operated
- Company founded by Dr. Arnold Noel and Xingli Wang – with over 50 years of experience in medicinal mushrooms and 30 years experience in the organic food industry
- Contains 100% mushroom fruiting bodies
- Does not contain any grain filler or mycellium
- High beta-glucan amount specified on the label
- Hericenones amount specified on the label
- 100% Organic, non GMO, Di Tao sourced
- Free shipping for all orders across Australia on total purchases over $70
- 14 day customer satisfaction guarantee – refund on orders within the first 14 days of receiving the product if you are not happy with their products
Cons
- Requires vigorous mixing to dissolve in liquids
- Only available as a powder. It would be great to see this in capsule form for convenience
Our review and experience with Dr Noel’s Lion’s Mane
Dr Noels’ Lion’s Mane powder is our number 1 choice for the best quality Lion’s Mane in Australia. This product is backed by a team with over 50 years of medicinal mushroom experience and 30 years in the organic food industry.
Their potent Lion’s Mane concentrated powder contains 100% organic (Hericum Erinaceus), vegan, Lion’s Mane mushrooms and uses a sophisticated dual extraction process. This process uses boiling water and alcohol, then uses spray-drying technology to separate the liquid and active ingredients to obtain the highest purity mushroom extract powder. Dr Noel calls this type of special extract powder “Concentrated powder” as it can be 4 to 8 times stronger than normal mushroom powder!
We also love that this product contains real Lion’s Mane fruiting bodies and does not contain mycelium, starch or grain filler of any kind. Additionally, this product stands out with confirmed and lab certified >10% beta glucan content and Hericenones ≥ 0.5% content. This is the highest beta glucan content we have seen from an authentic Australian seller.
We’ve tried many Lion’s Mane capsules and powders, and this product has a calming slow release that boosts focus and cognitive function throughout the day. After taking Dr Noels’ Lion’s Mane for a week we felt a sense of euphoria, mood uplift and general uplift of positivity. This product can help alleviate anxiety and depression.
This powder has a sweet earthy taste and tastes delicious with hot chocolate, coffee, or in soups.
#2. Teelixir Lion’s Mane Extract Powder
Pros
- Extracted from mushroom fruiting bodies
- Dual-extracted for increased bioavailability
- Does not contain any grain filler
- Low heavy metals verified
- Beta-glucan amount specified on the label
- 100% Australian Certified Organic (ACO), non GMO, Di Tao sourced
- CarbonClick partnership to reduce carbon emissions
- In 2019, the company won an award for Certified Organic Non-Alcohol Product of the Year for their Mushroom Cacao Latte
- Free shipping Australia-wide on all orders over $60
- Money back guarantee if you are not happy with their products. Teelixir states that you will get a 100% full refund and you get to keep the product – no questions asked!
Cons
- Only available as a powder. It would be great to see this as a Lion’s Mane capsule form for convenience
- Not as sweet as other Lion’s Mane powders
Our review and experience with Teelixir’s Lion’s Mane
Teelixir is our second pick for the best Lion’s mane supplement in Australia. We love this product because it also uses a dual extraction process which results in an >8% beta glucan content. Every Teelixir product is independently tested for heavy metals, potency, pesticides, pathogens and allergens. We are happy that their product is non GMO, organic. It is made of wild cultivated 100% wood-grown Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus). It is also fantastic that it made from the mushroom fruiting bodies with no grain or mycelium filler.
The taste of this product is mildly sweet with a subtle vanilla taste when mixed with tea and coffee. After 2 weeks of taking Teelixir’s Lion’s Mane we felt a reduction of brain fog, improved concentration, mental clarity and focus.
#3. SuperFeast Lion’s Mane Extract Powder
Pros
- Contains 100% mushroom fruiting bodies
- Strong emphasis on authentic Di Tao sourcing and Daoist philosophy for all their tonic herbs
- Hot water extracted for bioavailability
- Sweet tasting flavour
- Independently tested for metals, pesticides, molds, and microbials at TGA accredited facilities.
- Does not contain any grain filler
- SuperFeast has donated over $50,000 as of October 2021 and are working towards a goal of donating 2% of all revenue to land care and indigenous charities
- Free shipping Australia-wide for orders over $80
- Refund within 30 days of purchase if you are not satisfied with your product
Cons
- Beta-glucan amount is currently not specified on the label
- Not organic
Our review and experience with SuperFeast’s Lion’s Mane
SuperFeast’s Lion’s Mane is our third choice for the best Lion’s Mane supplement in Australia. It uses a hot water extraction 10:1 ratio and spray-dried using the Hou Huo technique through adjusted heat. We are please that their product does not contain mycelium or any grain filler and is made of non GMO, fruiting bodies.(Hericium erinaceus)
After taking this product for 2 weeks we felt improvement across cognitive function, memory, verbal recall and brain fog. We also felt an uplift in mood and creativity. Compared to the Dr Noel’s Lion’s Mane and Teelixir Lion’s mane, the benefits seemed a little more subtle, but they were definitely felt. Unfortunately on this SuperFeast product label there is no verified beta glucan content. Out of all the Lion’s Mane products we have tried, this product is the best tasting!
What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a wood-rotting mushroom that is native to forests in temperate climates across the world.
Lion’s Mane does not have a stem, cap, or any of the features you usually associate with a mushroom. It is a beautifully unique mushroom that is often best described by its less popular common name “the pom-pom mushroom”. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a unique natural medicine that can help treat and prevent a variety of illnesses. What makes it truly stand out from other medicinal mushrooms/herbs is the way it interacts with your nervous system and enhances brain function. While this is an attractive and potent effect that Lion’s Mane has on our bodies, its therapeutic benefits don’t stop there.
While Lion’s Mane is a great supplement to incorporate into a daily health routine, it is most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle choices. This includes a healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding unhealthy habits. The main health benefits of hericium erinaceus include:
- Improve cognitive function
- May help reduce depression and anxiety
- May help with digestive health
- May improve immune function
Health benefits of Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane is associated with benefits to cognitive improvement, prevention or reduction of symptoms of dementia, encouragement of neural growth (neurogenesis), healing of nerve damage, and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. These properties derive from the compounds called hericenones and erinacines that stimulate the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and regeneration of the myelin sheets of the nerves.
Additionally, like almost all other medicinal mushrooms, the Lion’s Mane contains high levels of beta-glucans – a compound found in fungi that supports the immune system to fight bacterial infections.
Apart from the cognitive improvement, many Australians consume Lion’s Mane mushroom for their anti-inflammation properties, improvements in the digestive tract, possible reduction risks of heart diseases, and helping in battling depression and anxiety.
The following list presents scientific articles that confirm the various health benefits that occurred during experimentation with Lion’s Mane mushroom:
- Prevention of cognitive dysfunction (Mori, 2011)
- Reduction of anxiety and depression (S Ryu, 2018))
- Improvement of cognitive skills (Ratto, 2019, More, 2008)
- Lion’s Mane as an anti-fatigue supplement (Liu, 2014)
- Reduction of inflammation in the digestive tract (Qin, 2016)
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of the mushroom may contribute to the reduction of the severity of some chronic aches like migraines.
The Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom for Skin Health
Lion’s Mane Mushroom and Thyroid Disease
The Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom for Sleep
Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Neuropathy and Nerve Support
Buying Guide for Lion’s Mane Supplements in Australia
Our selection process of choosing high quality Lion’s Mane mushroom products involves the following criteria:
Mycelium vs fruiting bodies
There is ongoing discourse between growers and producers about which is more beneficial – the fruiting body or the mycelium.
The general consensus is that a high quality Lion’s Mane product in Australia should made from the whole fruiting body and if there is mycelium included, that is an added bonus. However, this does not mean mycelium-only products are all bad. Lion’s Mane mycelium contains high quantities of erinacines which can be purified via dual extraction. What we do suggest however is to avoid myceliated grain products that contain high amounts of grain filler. While they are still beneficial, more often than not, the product will need to be consumed at higher doses than pure fruiting-body products.
Fruiting Body Must Be The Primary Component
Make sure that primary component of the Lion’s Mane supplement is the mushroom fruiting body. The fruiting body contains high amounts beta-glucans, which improves immunity and gut health.
Avoid products where the primary component is mycelium, mycelial biomass, myceliated brown rice, or any other grains. If mycelium is included, make sure this is the secondary component. Also not all mycelium are equal; Liquid grown mycelium is superior than grain-grown mycelium.
NGF and BDNF
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) has the ability to activate the secretion of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) directly in the brain. This has a positive effect on the brain cells improving neurogenesis, cognition, memory, mood and aging. This is the core reason why Lion’s Mane is so popular and considered a ‘brain boosting’ supplement.
- The fruiting body of the mushroom contains Hericenones and Beta-Glucans
- The mycelium contains Erinacines
Recent research suggests that erinacines (Erinacine A, to be exact) found in pure mycelium, is helpful in inducing Nerve Growth Factor. While it makes sense to choose a product that contains both the fruiting body and the mycelium, the challenge with mycelium products is:
- Most mycelium products are mycelium biomass on grain. This means that what you are getting may be more grain filler than mycelium. Research and studies are done on actual mycelium, not mycelium biomass.
- Many brands that include mycelium don’t state the ratio of fruiting body to mycelium in their products. This is a problem because you could be using a product which is made predominantly of mycelium biomass and grain-filler, rather than the fruiting body.
To be safe and sure, we recommend avoiding supplements with grain and rice filler, and always look for a Lion’s Mane product that has the fruiting bodies as its main ingredient.
Extraction
Dual extraction
If purchasing a Lion’s Mane Extract, Australians should look for dual-extracted products. Hot water extraction can isolate the Beta-Glucans but cannot isolate the NGF-inducing compounds: Hericenones, Erinacines and Sterols. Alcohol extraction can isolate these NGF-inducing compounds.
Extraction ratios
The extraction ratio only refers to the quantity of raw material consumed in the production of the completed extract eg. 10:1 ratio of 1kg of Lion’s Mane extract would take 10kgs of raw material to make 1kg of extract. This can often mislead consumers and used as a marketing label.
If you are buying a Lion’s Mane extract, understand that higher extraction ratios after a certain point offer no additional benefits and may even cause harm to the extract’s quality. The ideal Lion’s Mane Mushroom extracts will have an 8:1 extraction ratio or less, although most Lion’s Mane extracts marketed as 10:1. Extraction ratios do not imply that an extract is x times more concentrated than a 1:1 extract. This isn’t correct. The potency of an extract is not measured by an extraction ratio, rather determined by the standardisation (percentage of bioactive compounds present) eg. beta-glucans.
Beta-glucan content
Look for beta-glucan content on the label of of the product packaging. The higher the beta-glucan amount the better! This is a strong indicator of the nutritional data guaranteed from the Lion’s Mane mushroom. Do not look at the polysaccharide amount. Polysaccharide amount is not a clear indicator of quality, as starch, grain fillers, and other non beneficial components can increase the polysaccharide content.
If the label contains both polysaccharide content and beta-glucan content, the total quantity of polysaccharides should not exceed the Beta-Glucan content by more than 5%. The lower, the better. Polysaccharides in excessive amounts can be an indication of fraud, especially when the Beta-Glucan amount is not stated. This is the most frequent method for producers to mislead or scam customers into buying low-quality Lion’s Mane extracts. For extracts, the flavour and appearance will be a telltale sign; extracts with added starch tend to be sweeter in taste and lighter in colour than high-quality double extracts.
Australian grown Lion’s Mane vs Chinese imported
There is frequent discussion about the quality of health foods and supplements coming from China. Yes, some areas of China have high rates of air pollution which can negatively affect the quality of soil with unwanted pollutants and heavy-metals. But this does NOT mean Chinese mushroom products are bad.
China has been using mushroom-based medicine for thousands of years, long before it became popular in the west. China is the largest producer of medicinal mushrooms in the world. High quality medicinal mushrooms are grown in rural mountain areas of China – away from polluted areas.
With decades of research and usage, China produces some of the most potent medicinal mushroom products on the market, and also has some of the most sophisticated extraction labs in the world. Medicinal mushrooms are literally from Traditional Chinese Medicine which pre-dates Western medicine.
Organic
Look for Lion’s Mane supplements that are certified organic. This ensures that your products do not contain herbicides, fungicides or pesticides and other harmful chemicals that slowly poisons the body and creates deficiencies in your immune system and intolerances. Look for the widely recognised stamp of quality and integrity of the Australian Certified Organic logo on the packaging.
Certificate of analysis
If unsure, ask the producer for a third party Certificate of Analysis (COA). A Certificate of Analysis from a third party lab is important to identify the beneficial compounds (eg. beta-glucans, triterpenes, ergosterol) in the Lion’s Mane product, as well as to avoid heavy metals and other foreign contaminants. Heavy metals that are typically tested for range from arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Quality Australian sellers should be able to provide this upon request, or better yet, publicly display this on their website.
Types of Lion’s Mane Products in Australia
Lion’s Mane powder
Dried Powders are made from pulverizing the 100% fruiting body. Lion’s Mane Powders are often called ‘full-spectrum’ as you get the ‘full entourage effect’ of consuming the entire mushroom and therefore getting all the nutritional benefits as a whole-food. There are some claims that some powders are not effective because the Chitin (a polysaccharide found in the cell-wall) is hard to digest in the human stomach. We have found that some Australian producers have solved this problem by heating the mushrooms prior to powdering, making the it bioavailable and easily digestible – incredible!
Lion’s Mane extract
Lions Mane extract contains the individual medicinal compounds of Lion’s Mane without the biomass. This is done via an extraction process with hot water and/or alcohol and solvents (dual extraction). This makes small doses of Lion’s Mane highly potent, extremely compact, and have a longer shelf life. With an extract, however, you don’t receive the full benefit of the consuming the mushroom as a whole food which can exclude some beneficial components.
There are two different types of extracts available in Australia:
- Lion’s Mane Tinctures – Tinctures are liquid extracts that most often use water and alcohol solvents. They are a convenient method of consuming Lion’s Mane.
- Lion’s Mane Powdered Extracts – Powdered extracts are the dry powdered result of extracting the individual medicinal compounds from the Lion’s Mane mushroom. Powdered extracts can be extracted from both the fruiting body and/or the mycelium.
Lion’s Mane capsules
Capsules and Tablets are usually either filled with mushroom powders or extracts. They are the most convenient way to dose and consume Lion’s Mane. Buying capsules are in growing demand in Australia as they are an easy option for those already regularly taking supplements or other medications in this form.
Lion’s Mane coffee and tea
Lion’s Mane can be incorporated into hot drinks such as coffee and tea. The big benefit these products have is that they are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Lion’s Mane Tea can be purchased as tea bags containing both Lion’s Mane powder and dried tea herbs; leaves. Lion’s Mane Coffee products are sold as ground coffee beans mixed with Lion’s Mane powder.
Fresh Lion’s Mane mushrooms
Fresh Lion’s Mane Mushrooms are trending in popularity due to surge of interest in their supplement counterpart. Australian farmers growing Lion’s Mane Mushrooms as part of their commercial mushroom range is an exciting offering to the industry. Fresh Lion’s Mane Mushroom fruiting bodies can be purchased at the following locations in Sydney.
- Wholefoods House at Rosebery, NSW
- Harris Farm Markets at Leichardt, NSW
- Ramsgate Food Markets at Ramsgate , NSW
- Orange Grove Farmers Markets at Lilyfield, NSW
- This page will be updated with vendors in Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lion’s Mane Do To The Brain?
Lion’s mane mushroom has been demonstrated to improve clarity, focus, and memory. Preclinical research indicates that Lion’s mane may also decrease brain inflammation and increase the release of proteins, like Nerve growth factors, that can lengthen neurons. Additionally, it has been proven to reduce the signs of anxiety and depression.
Are Lion’s Mane Supplements Safe?
Yes, Lion’s mane mushrooms are safe for genereally consumption. In some unique circumstances, the supplements can cause skin rashes, nausea, and abdominal discomfort as side effects. Additionally, it might interact with diabetes medications and blood-clotting drugs like warfarin.
Can You Take Lion’s Mane Every Day?
Yes, you can consume Lion’s Mane mushroom everyday. Research to date indicates that the mushroom supplements, when taken by mouth, up to 1 gram daily for up to 16 weeks, are typically well tolerated and safe.
Lion’s Mane Powder vs. Capsules – Which is more effective?
Lion’s mane capsules often contain the powdered mushroom, so choosing between Lion’s mane powders vs. capsules is essentially a matter of personal preference. Lion’s mane capsules are convenient, easy to use, and travel-friendly. And, if you aren’t a fan of the taste of the mushroom powder, you can opt for tasteless capsules. Mushroom powders are good if you like the flavor of Lion’s mane mushroom and want to add it to food and drinks.
How Does Lion’s Mane Make You Feel?
A Lion’s mane mushroom supplement can help you feel calmer and less anxious. There is no psychoactivity in Hericium erinaceus. You’ll only experience increased clarity and focus as a “high.”
Does Lion’s Mane Make You High?
No, Lion’s Mane will not make you high. It is not a hallucinogenic mushroom like the psilocybin-rich “magic mushrooms.” That means you won’t experience any mental impairment while enjoying Lion’s Mane’s benefits for improving cognition.
How Long Does It Take For Lion’s Mane Supplements To Work?
Lion’s mane is not a swift horse, so you won’t be able to pop a supplement and start feeling the effects right away. Before you start noticing any effects, your system needs to become accustomed to the mushroom through regular use. The intent behind your use of Lion’s mane and the results you hope to achieve may also affect how long it takes to work. However, it appears that it takes users between three days and two weeks on average to report noticing a change.
What Happens If You Stop Taking Lion’s Mane?
One of the best things about Lion’s mane mushrooms is that stopping use won’t result in cognitive decline or withdrawal symptoms. With Lion’s mane Mushroom, there is no chance of tolerance building, addiction, receptor down-regulation, or withdrawal.
When Is The Best Time Of The Day To Take Lion’s Mane?
The best time of the day to take Lion’s Mane is in the morning or early afternoon for best results. This way, you will experience its energizing effects all day long. On the other hand, taking Lion’s mane later in the day might leave you feeling restless and unable to fall asleep. But some people may prefer to take the mushroom in the evening as it gives them a more calming effect. If you’re unsure of the ideal time to take Lion’s mane, our best advice is to give it a try for a few days and pay close attention to the feelings it creates.
Is Lion’s Mane Good For Inflammation?
Research shows that Lion’s mane mushrooms contain potent anti-inflammatory substances that may help reduce the impact of illnesses like digestive issues, autoimmune disorders, heart diseases, and even cancer.
What Should You Not Take Lion’s Mane With?
Lion’s mane mushroom may slow the process of blood clotting. The risk of bleeding and bruising may increase if Lion’s mane mushroom supplement is taken with drugs that slow blood clotting, such as anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. If you take diabetes medications, Lion’s mane may not be recommended because it also has antihyperglycemic effects.
Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom Legal in Australia?
Yes, Lion’s Mane is legal for purchase and consumption in Australia. All Lion’s Mane supplements and medicinal mushroom products must be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA). According to Dr Noel, there are strict biosecurity regulations that only allow Shiitake, Turkey tail and Tremella to be grown in Australia.
In Australia, medicinal products containing such ingredients as certain herbs, vitamins and minerals, nutritional supplements, homeopathic medicines and aromatherapy products are referred to as ‘complementary medicines’ and are regulated as medicines by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act) and the supporting Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990. Learn more here.
Can I Purchase Lion’s Mane From my doctor?
Although Lion’s Mane is considered a Medicinal Mushroom, you cannot buy it from your doctor. You also do not need a prescription for it. It is considered a complementary medicine, that can be purchased online or in stores. You may however be able to purchase dried Lion’s Mane mushrooms from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner.
Does Chemist Warehouse Sell Lion’s Mane in Australia?
Chemist Warehouse does not currently sell any Lion’s Mane Mushrooms products in Australia.
How Much Does Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Cost in Australia?
The price of Lion’s Mane in Australia can vary, depending on the product type and producer.
Lion’s Mane Extracts, powders and capsules can range from $29 per product to over $100.
Best Quality medicinal mushrooms Supplements in Australia
Aside from Lion’s Mane mushrooms, we’ve done a great deal of research for other medicinal mushroom supplements in Australia. Our team applies the same criteria of looking for organic, fruiting body and proven beta-glucan amounts within our review process when looking for the best medicinal mushroom powders and capsules on the Australian market. Check out the articles below for high quality supplements in Australia.
- Best Chaga in Australia
- Best Cordyceps in Australia
- Best Maitake in Australia
- Best Reishi in Australia
- Best Tremella in Australia
- Best Turkey Tail in Australia
Conclusion
We hope this guide has educated you about buying lion’s mane in Australia. We recommend checking out the recommended producers we’ve listed above with the knowledge you now have. Happy buying!
Are you in North America? Check out our recommendations for the best Lion’s Mane supplements in the United States and best Lion’s mane supplements in Canada.
