Can lion’s mane help MS symptoms? This mushroom has been showing up in wellness conversations everywhere lately, and people with MS are especially curious. You may have seen it in supplement form, blended into powders, or even as an ingredient in matcha lattes.
But when it comes to lion’s mane and MS, the real question is: does it actually help reduce symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, or mobility challenges? That’s exactly what we’re covering today. In this blog post, I’ll break down what lion’s mane is, what the research says, and how I personally enjoy experimenting with it in my brain-boosting matcha latte.
By the way, have we met? I’m Dr. Gretchen, an MS-Specialized Physical Therapist and founder of The MSing Link—an online wellness program and book designed to help people with MS improve their mobility, strength, and confidence in daily life. My goal is always to balance evidence-based care with practical, approachable strategies that make a genuine difference.
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a white, shaggy mushroom that grows on hardwood trees. It’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries, especially in Asia, where it’s known for supporting brain and nerve health.
Today, you’ll find lion’s mane in many different forms—from capsules and powders to gummies and drink mixes. Some people even cook with the mushroom itself, using it in stir-fries, soups, or as a meat substitute because of its hearty texture and mild flavor.
So, why has the MS community taken an interest in this particular mushroom? Scientists believe that compounds inside lion’s mane, like hericenones and erinacines, may stimulate something called nerve growth factor (NGF), which helps with nerve repair and protection.
The short answer? We don’t know yet. Most of the research so far has been in animals, where lion’s mane looks promising for things like nerve repair, myelin protection, and reducing inflammation. There have also been a few small studies in people without MS that showed possible benefits for memory and mood.
While that’s encouraging, none of these studies were done specifically on people with MS—so we can’t assume the same effects will carry over. We definitely need more research before we can say with confidence whether lion’s mane can help with MS symptoms.
The theory is that because lion’s mane supports NGF, it could play a role in slowing or repairing nerve damage. Some individuals with MS report feeling clearer, more focused, or less fatigued when they take it. However, we won’t have any concrete answers until the science catches up.
So, what do we actually know? Research on lion’s mane is still limited, but a handful of studies give us some insight. Most of the evidence comes from animal models or small human trials not specific to MS, but here are some key takeaways:
That’s why researchers are hopeful. Lion’s mane shows potential to support brain and nerve health, but when it comes to actual people with MS, the studies just aren’t there yet. What we have right now are personal stories from people saying it helps them feel sharper, less fatigued, or more focused. These anecdotes are encouraging, but they don’t replace clinical trials.
When I hear people in the MS community talk about lion’s mane, the same hopes come up again and again. Some are curious if it might help with brain fog or MS fatigue, others wonder whether it could support mobility.
While none of this has been proven yet, it’s easy to see why these areas spark so much interest. After all, even small improvements in clarity, stamina, or movement can make daily life feel a little easier. Here are the potential benefits I’ve seen in MS discussions amongst my MSing Link members:
The key thing to remember is that these are areas of hope, not proven outcomes. If you try lion’s mane, track your symptoms carefully so you can notice if anything changes for you.
Lion’s mane has a long history of safe use as both food and supplement. It’s generally well tolerated, and side effects are rare. The bigger concern isn’t safety, it’s quality. Supplements aren’t FDA-regulated, which means products can vary a lot between brands.
To my knowledge, lion’s mane doesn’t interact with MS medications or disease-modifying therapies. Still, I always recommend checking with your neurologist before starting any new supplement. It’s also smart to start slow and keep track of any changes you notice.
When I asked my MS community about their experiences with lion’s mane, the responses were mixed, which shows just how differently our bodies can react. Some people said it helped with brain fog, clarity, or speech, while others didn’t notice any changes at all. A few even shared that it upset their digestive system or simply wasn’t tolerable in tincture form.
From my perspective as an MS-Specialized Physical Therapist, when something has very little downside, I like the “trial and track” approach. Give it a fair try for a few weeks or up to two months, jot down any small improvements you notice (like standing a little longer while brushing your teeth), and then decide if it’s worth continuing.
Deciding whether to try a new supplement can feel overwhelming, especially when the research isn’t clear-cut. With lion’s mane, the evidence isn’t strong enough yet to make any promises, but it does show enough potential that some people feel it’s worth exploring.
If you’re considering lion’s mane, here’s what to keep in mind:
If you do decide to try it, adding lion’s mane to something you already enjoy (like a daily latte) can be a gentle, approachable way to start.
My journey with matcha began when I started following a meal plan that prohibited me from consuming caffeine—with the exception of matcha. I didn’t want to give up my morning pre-workout, so I gave matcha a chance. Once I tried it, I loved the flavor, the steady energy without jitters, and the calming ritual of making my matcha latte each morning.
Some of my favorite ceremonial-grade (the kind you drink) powders include Golde Pure, Encha, and Matchabar. Over time, I started using matcha powders that also contain lion’s mane, which felt like an easy way to experiment with its potential benefits.
Brands like La Republica and Rheal Superfoods offer matcha powders infused with lion’s mane extract. However, I can also find it at my local farmers market – if you’re able to get to yours, see if they have some! That said, you can also find lion’s mane powder at many health food stores and simply add it to your drink of choice. If you want to try it for yourself, here’s my go-to matcha latte recipe that I make almost every day.
Ingredients:
Directions:
This is my favorite way to include lion’s mane in my daily routine. It’s simple, tasty, and an approachable first step if you want to try lion’s mane for MS at home.
Lion’s mane shows potential when it comes to supporting brain and nerve health, but the research is still catching up. For now, think about it as something you can safely experiment with (as long as your neurologist gives you the green light) while continuing with evidence-based MS strategies like functional exercise and your prescribed treatments.
If you’re curious about trying lion’s mane, my brain-boosting matcha latte recipe is a simple way to start. It’s a daily ritual that feels good, tastes great, and lets you see how lion’s mane works for you without committing to a high-dose supplement right away.
Have you tried lion’s mane yet? Have any questions aboutlion’s mane for MS or my matcha latte recipe? DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen — I’d love to hear from you!
Does lion's mane help MS symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, or mobility challenges? Find out the truth as Dr. Gretchen breaks down what the research says and how she personally enjoys experimenting with lion's mane in her brain-boosting matcha latte.
Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
6000+ copies sold in over 13 countries!
%20(1).png)
As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
If you want support and encouragement, plus a healthy dose of tough love, come follow me on Instagram (@doctor.gretchen) or on YouTube @DoctorGretchenHawley. It's where I share daily tips, tricks, and information about new offers — plus, you’re bound to feel more empowered, hopeful, & motivated after watching each post and video!
Questions? Email me at Hello@DoctorGretchenHawley.com