Lions Mane 30ml Extract

A liquid extract of cultivated Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) from Aether Herbalist & Apothecary, in a 30 ml bottle. The white pompom-shaped mushroom is known in Japan as yamabushitake — roughly, "those who sleep in the mountains", after the Buddhist hermit monks who wore ornamental white garments. The Māori know a coral-shaped fungus of the same genus as pekepekekiore, and in North America it travelled in medicine bags.

What is in it

• Hericium erinaceus — cultivated Lion's Mane, ± 15 000 mg
• Rain water and 99% laboratory-grade ethanol

Aether note that alcohol extracts of Lion's Mane differ from water extracts, which is why the traditional Chinese preparation as a tea gives a different result to a tincture.

How to take it

The maker's dosage is 1-3 × 10 drops daily; Aether give once daily as the maintenance dose. It can be taken at any time of day between meals — a morning dose, or mid-afternoon to evening. Slightly bitter.

Before you buy

Aether describe this as an adaptogen. They print this precaution: if you have a medical condition or are pregnant, consult your primary health care provider before use. They also print a disclaimer that their statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and that individual results may vary.

We would add breastfeeding and prescription medication to that list — speak to your doctor or healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplement.

Our consultants can talk you through this one at any of the three counters, or on WhatsApp.