Can Lion's Mane Cause Headaches? (According to Research)

If you’ve ever wondered, can Lion’s Mane cause headaches?—you’re not alone. Lion’s Mane, a popular medicinal mushroom, is often praised for its cognitive and neurological benefits.

However, some individuals report headaches as a potential side effect. In this article, we’ll dive into the connection between Lion’s Mane and headaches, explore its health benefits, and provide tips for safe use.

• Lion’s Mane may cause headaches in rare cases due to increased blood flow or individual sensitivities.

• High-quality supplements and proper dosage can minimize the risk of side effects.

• Lion’s Mane offers significant cognitive benefits, including enhanced memory and brain health.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom with a shaggy, white appearance resembling a lion’s mane. Native to Asia, Europe, and North America, it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

Its active compounds, such as hericenones and erinacines, are believed to support nerve growth and brain health. Today, Lion’s Mane is commonly consumed as a dietary supplement for its potential to boost brain health and overall well-being.

In fact, Lion’s Mane mushroom is known as one of the best nootropic mushrooms for enhancing memory, supporting cognitive function, improving mood, and boosting the immune system.

Research highlights several health benefits of Lion’s Mane, including:

• Cognitive support: Stimulates the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) , which is essential for brain function.

• Memory enhancement: May improve recall and focus over time. In studies, individuals with mild cognitive impairment experienced improvements in memory and attention after consistent Lion’s Mane use.

• Gut health promotion: Contains prebiotic fibers that support a healthy gut microbiome.

Its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also make Lion’s Mane a promising supplement for overall health.

While Lion’s Mane is generally safe, some individuals have reported headaches as a side effect. This raises the question: Why might Lion’s Mane trigger headaches?

Let’s take a look:

• Increased blood flow: Lion’s Mane may enhance circulation in the brain, which could trigger headaches in sensitive individuals.

• Allergic reactions: Some people may have mild sensitivities or allergies to Lion’s Mane compounds.

• Low-quality supplements: Impurities or contaminants in poorly sourced products can lead to adverse effects.

It’s important to note that not everyone experiences headaches from Lion’s Mane. Factors such as genetics, health conditions, and supplement quality play a role in individual reactions.

If headaches occur, they are usually mild and temporary. Discontinuing use or lowering the dosage often resolves the issue.

You may be at greater risk for developing headaches after taking Lion’s Mane if you:

• Experience headaches regularly, such as tension headaches or cluster headaches.

• Take prescription medications for headaches or migraines, as Lion’s Mane could interact with these medications.

• Have a seizure disorder, as neurological sensitivities may heighten the likelihood of side effects.

• Are sensitive to certain foods or supplements, particularly mushrooms, which could trigger an allergic reaction or inflammation-related headache.

• Consume Lion’s Mane in higher-than-recommended doses, which may strain your nervous system or cause mild adverse effects.

• Are new to adaptogens or mushroom supplements, as your body might need time to adjust to the active compounds.

To minimize the risk of Lion’s Mane side effects, follow these guidelines:

• Start with a low dose (500 mg per day) and gradually increase as needed.

• Typical daily doses range from 500 mg to 3,000 mg, depending on individual health goals.

• Split the dosage into smaller amounts throughout the day to maintain consistent levels.

• Choose supplements from reputable brands with third-party testing.

• Avoid products with fillers or artificial additives and those made from mushroom mycelium, which contains very few active compounds.

• Choose single-extracted, fruiting body supplements with a guaranteed beta-glucan content of 20% or more.

• Consult a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have underlying medical conditions, or take medications that may interact with lion’s mane.

• Perform a patch test if you are allergic to mushrooms.

• Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

If Lion’s Mane isn’t the right fit for you, consider these natural nootropics to enhance cognitive function, focus, and mental performance:

• Ginkgo Biloba: Improves blood flow to the brain and supports memory. Ideal for boosting mental clarity and combating age-related cognitive decline.

• Bacopa Monnieri: Enhances memory, learning, and focus while reducing stress. Great for managing mental fatigue long-term.

• Rhodiola Rosea: Combats mental fatigue, boosts focus, and builds resilience to stress. Perfect for high-stress situations.

• Alpha GPC: Supports acetylcholine production for improved memory and learning. Also benefits physical performance.

• L-Theanine: Promotes relaxation, focus, and mental clarity, especially when combined with caffeine. Ideal for reducing anxiety and staying productive.

• Cordyceps: Boosts energy and oxygen utilization for mental alertness and physical stamina. Excellent for exercise and fatigue management.

• Creatine: Enhances brain energy metabolism, memory, and cognitive processing. Useful for intense mental tasks and overall brain health.

While the research on lion’s mane and migraines is limited, existing studies suggest promising potential for alleviating migraine symptoms. The mushroom's anti-inflammatory properties and positive effects on blood vessels position it as a natural supplement for migraine relief.

A 2020 study compared the efficacy of migraine medications with natural alternatives, including lion’s mane, revealing comparable effectiveness with fewer side effects. Additionally, lion’s mane demonstrates cognitive benefits, reducing brain fog associated with migraines.

An animal study from 2018 indicates its ability to promote brain cell growth and regeneration, contributing to improved mental clarity. While further research is needed, these findings highlight lion’s mane as a compelling avenue for migraine management.

While Lion’s Mane is celebrated for its cognitive and neurological benefits, it’s essential to approach its use thoughtfully. Headaches, although rare, can occur and are typically linked to individual sensitivities or supplement quality. To enjoy the benefits of Lion’s Mane safely, choose high-quality products, follow recommended dosages, and monitor your body’s response.

On the flip side, Lion’s Mane research reveals that it may help reduce headache symptoms, though more research is needed to understand how to utilize Lion’s Mane as a migraine and headache treatment.

How can you decide if Lion’s Mane will work for you? Try it yourself to reap a slew of cognitive benefits–but abide by dosage recommendations and choose a high-quality product. Otherwise, check out other natural nootropics that may provide similar benefits without the same risks.

Common side effects include mild digestive discomfort and, in rare cases, allergic reactions or headaches.

Yes, certain mushroom supplements may cause headaches due to increased blood flow or individual sensitivities.

Lion’s Mane may support nerve regeneration, enhance memory, and improve cognitive function through NGF stimulation.

Daily use of Lion’s Mane is generally safe and may offer long-term cognitive and neurological benefits.

Individuals with mushroom allergies or those on certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) should consult a healthcare provider before use.

Both offer unique benefits. Ashwagandha is great for stress relief, while Lion’s Mane excels in cognitive support.

1. “Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain” https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2017.4006

2. “Migraine treatment and healthcare costs: retrospective analysis of the China Health Insurance Research Association (CHIRA) database” https://thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-020-01117-2

3. “The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/

4. “Nerve Growth Factor: A Focus on Neuroscience and Therapy” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4812798/