Lion's mane: a smart mushroom choice for memory, mood and clarity

Easily grown at home, and a relatively inexpensive therapeutic food, lion's mane is a beautiful mushroom with cascading spines instead of gills that shows potential in slowing the progression of neurological disorders -- including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Research has also found the mushroom to be beneficial in treating symptomatic depression and anxiety associated with menopause.

The secret to the success of lion's mane is due to abundant erinacines. These compounds enhance the production of nerve growth factor -- a protein that encourages the regeneration of neurons.