Lions Mane
It would be really easy to make this informational way to long. There’s so much good about this mushroom from a health and longevity perspective, there’s a reason it’s the one I chose to grow. I’m going to try to make this somewhat reasonable in length and hit all the best points. 
Lions mane has an impressive amount of time honored folk use as well as having really made its mark in modern studies and holistic protocols. Supporting the brain and cognitive health, gut balance, mood, immune support, metabolic health and so much more. 
Traditionally, lions mane was a popular tonic used for conditions like anxiety, depression and chronic stress. The compound responsible is thought to be erinacines, which essentially repairs the brains signaling by boosting nerve growth factors (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). As well as calming inflammation which lowers oxidative stress. All in all this helps nerve cells stay alive and communicate under pressure. Studies as recent as 2024 show impressive results in lions manes ability to improve mood and focus and lower stress.
Now, back to inflammation and oxidative stress. Not only is lions manes shown to reduce inflammation in the brain but also throughout the body including worn out mitochondria as well as aiding with dysfunction of cells internal recycling mechanisms. Im sure you all have heard of the gut brain axis- this is huge. Aging and health isn’t all about the brain. The polysaccharides in lions mane act as prebiotics which then encourage SCFA producers which then lower gut inflammation. SCFAs (butyrate for example) sends signals to the brain and immune system. Which is why they say the more balanced your mitochondria is, the more your mood and cognition improves. 
Another study showed that lions mane is rich in ergothioneine- an amino acid antioxidant. Nick named the “longevity vitamin” as it keeps tissues less inflamed, flexible and better at self repair. 
Now, lions mane benefits reach beyond the brain and gut. It rolls over to metabolism and heart health too! Controlling inflammation and encouraging mitochondria to work smoothly, therefore leading to more efficient energy production, healthier blood vessels, less oxidative stress. All things you need to keep your metabolism working efficiently and effectively. 
If you’ve been around a while, you’ve heard me go on and on about glutathione (specifically when talking about schisandra). Since lions mane supports the bodies own antioxidant systems, its been found be fantastic in boosting glutathione levels. This is so incredibly important as glutathione protects cells from damage. This results in improved nerve function, cognitive function including memory, immune support, helps with our detox pathways like our liver and lymphatic system. Glutathione Increases energy, aids with athletic recovery, supports blood sugar regulation. As you can see, this master antioxidant is definitely something you want to prioritize!
So, whether you’re trying to improve focus (up to and including ADHD), memory, regulate blood sugar, lose weight, build muscle, have a better immune response, improve your gut health, or even strengthen your circulatory system- lions mane may be something you want to explore!! 
Just a reminder- this is a dual water and alcohol extraction. All of my extractions are based on the compounds I’m focusing on- whether it warrants alcohol, glycerin, Acv or anything else. Whether it produces more potency with heat or time. It’s all based on the plant(s) and their solubility and what I’m looking to do 🤗