Hericium: Magical Mushrooms (Part II)

Unfortunately, for those of us in southern Ontario (and I would imagine in most other places in Canada and the northern Hemisphere), Hericium season is coming to a close. I was out for a 10 mile hike with the dogs yesterday (October 9) and the lion's mane I saw was starting to decay. I blame this in part to the unseasonably cold weather we've been experiencing, and the early frosts we have had.

In places though, Hericium may still be able to be harvested. 

Can you spot the lion's mane?

If you do find some, and it's starting to brown or look "wilted" it's probably best not to collect it. You will know where to look next year though.

Edges are starting to brown and teeth and "branches" look like they are wilting. Roughly fist-sized growth of Hericium.

What Makes Lion's Mane Too Cool for School?
All species of Hericium are edible, and this genus of fungi is considered to be one of the safest to forage for due to it's unique morphology. Different species of Hericium are known by a variety of common names, including: lion's mane, comb tooth, coral spine fungus, monkey's head, bear's head, etc. Hericium is a choice edible, and is common in Asian cuisine.

These mushrooms are used for medicinal purposes as well. Hericium has been used as a cancer treatment and also to treat digestive/stomach problems in traditional Chinese medicines. Apparently you can get this mushroom in pill-form as a dietary supplement, and is believed to act as an immune stimulant and improve cognitive functioning.

The exciting thing about Hericium is that modern research shows that this mushroom may actually be useful in treating several different illnesses. Two compounds found in Hericium, hericenones and erinacines, may stimulate the protein nerve growth factor. This protein is crucial for proper brain function, and a lack of nerve growth factor may be connected to cognitive impairment diseases like those that fall under the umbrella of dementia (a study on rats showed enhanced growth of nerve cells when treated with compounds derived from Hericium erinaceus). A double-blind study on Japanese men and women diagnosed with mild dementia showed improved cognitive functioning in those who were orally-administered Hericium erinaeus.

Hericium may also be useful in treating some cancers. Antitumor-active compounds have been found in Hericium erinaceum. And also in Hericium laciniatum. 

But wait, there's more! Antimicrobial derivatives have been isolated from Hericium erinaceum. Certain compounds in Hericium erinaceus have been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels.

And the list of studies goes on and on. These are just some of the most interesting I've seen. Especially the studies in regards to treating dementia as there currently aren't any effective treatments for Alzheimer's.

Of course, eating Hericium won't cure cancer, dementia, diabetes, etc. But perhaps this mushroom will prove to be useful in treating some of these illnesses.

The overall nutritional value of Hericium (besides it's possible ability to fight cancer, treat dementia, repair nerve cells, etc.) is pretty awesome. It's a high-protein, high-carb mushroom with lots of good fibre and amino acids. Hericium has a high water content, which makes cooking it a bit tricky. (If it's being sauteed, then cook off all the water and let it start to brown a bit before adding in extra goodies like butter and garlic).

And seriously, it tastes delicious.

Small clump of Hericium growing on end of fallen Beech tree branch, Sorry for poor image quality, this was taken pretty much at sunrise.

Any Concerns?
Hericium is considered to be pretty safe. Some edible mushrooms are known to cause adverse reactions in some people, but this has apparently never been widely reported for Hericium. 

From what I've read about Hericium, it is of "conservation concern" in 13 or 23 European countries it occurs in. Here in Canada there are no conservation concerns. It is not a very common mushroom, so finding it is a real treat apparently.

As with anything you want to forage, do your research. Consult experts. Don't consume something if there is a tiny iota of doubt in your mind.