From The Forest

Lion's Mane enhances cognitive function as well as stimulates the production of NGF (Nerve Growth Factor). It also is believed to promote myelin sheath growth on brain cells.

Lion's Mane is a large pure white fruit body, cushion-like with long pendulous spines; solitary, from wounds on living broad-leaf trees, also from felled trunks; favoring beech. 10-20cm deep x 10-25cm dia. Fruit body: white, cushion-like, upper surface smooth, fertile hymenium on the under surface covering pendulous, elongated conical spines; flesh: concolorous, firm.

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of mushroom that has been used traditionally in China and Japan for hundreds of years, and also known as bear's head or monkey's head. Commonly prescribed for stomach ailments and for cancer prevention, this mushroom was once reserved only for the palates of the royal families.

Recently a group of Japanese researchers have patented an extraction process which isolates a NGSF (Nerve Growth Stimulant Factor). They found a compound in Hericium erinaceus which causes brain neurons to regrow, a feat of great significance in potentially helping senility, repairing neurological degradation, increasing intelligence and improving reflexes. Studies also confirm many of its traditional uses, supporting the digestive system, and acting as a tonic for the nervous system.

Constituents: Hericenone A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, Xylan, Heteroxylan, Heteroglucan, Proteoglycan.

Hydrosols, used for medicinal, pharmacological, and cosmetic purposes, have been dated to use in Egypt over 6,000 years ago. Roots, bark, branches, wood, needles and leaves, even fruit and seeds can produce hydrosols. Hydrosols are the condensate water co-produced during the steam- or hydro-distillation of plant material for aroma therapeutic purposes. Usually the distillation is undertaken is to obtain the essential oils contained in the plant material, but occasionally the distillation is undertaken specifically to produce the plant water that results. Hydrosols contain all of the plant in every drop, just like a hologram. Here we have the water-soluble components, the essential-oil molecules, and the very fluid that was flowing through the plant cells when the plant was collected.

Storing Hydrosols ~ Most Hydrosols will keep for approximately one year if stored in a cool, dark place with very little temperature fluctuation. The refrigerator works fine, if you don't have a cool storage area otherwise.