Tonic Herb of the Month

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a shaggy mushroom that grows on deciduous hardwood trees. It can be found in the Fall, and it looks like an upside down mop head or a Muppet-version of Cousin It.

Lion’s mane is delicious when sauteed, baked or added to soups.

As a medicinal mushroom, it is best-known for its effects on cognitive function.

Actions & Benefits: antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune amphoteric, and nootropic.

Nootropic is another world for neuro-regenerative. It promotes nerve growth & repair, which supports memory and protects the brain from injury & toxins, and prevents neuro-degenerative conditions. Traditionally lion’s mane was considered a whole body tonic that nourishes the organs and promotes overall strength & vigor.

Studies have shown lion’s mane to protect against stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, dementia, nerve damage, gastritis and gastric ulcers* (Christopher Hobbs).

Its anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulating and liver protective properties make lion’s mane appropriate for a variety of ailments, including gastric ulcers, cancer, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue and neurodegenerative diseases.* Most medicinal mushrooms will prevent these same conditions, but what makes lion’s mane unique is its effect on nerve growth & repair, which is attributed to the constituents known as hericenone & erinacine.

Safety: the only contraindication is a mushroom allergy. Lion’s mane and most medicinal mushrooms are considered food-grade and safe to consume daily at moderate-large doses.

Dosage: 1 -1.5 grams per day (approx. 500 mg or 1 tsp. of powder three x a day). If you’re eating it fresh, 3-15 grams per day is enough.

Preparations: the fresh fruiting body is excellent when sliced and sauteed, baked or added to soups. The dried mushroom can be decocted, tinctured in alcohol or ground into a powder.

You can find lion’s mane powder in our Matcha Latte Blend

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease

UPCOMING EVENTS

Herbal Beauty Workshop Series

with Lakeja Baylor

Hey beauties! Let’s make some herbal beauty products for your face, body and hair.

4:00 -5:15 pm on the following Saturdays:

May 10th: rose blush & a cinnamon lip-plumping scrub

June 7th: rollerball lip oils & a turmeric face-brightening mask/spot treatment

June 14th: marshmallow root hair detangler & castor oil brow/lash serum

Register Here

+++++++++++++

Sunday, May 11th 

Mother’s Day Tea Ceremony

with Silvy Franco

Join Silvy for a meditative ceremony to commune with Camelia sinensis. Ceremony begins at 10:00 am and goes for an hour. Pre-registration is required. Suggested Donation: $20

Register Here

+++++++++++++

May 17th

What is Homeopathy?

with Michelle Hassine, DSHM

Ever wonder what homeopathy really is? How is it different from other forms of herbal medicine? How does it work? Is it safe? How do I know which dilution is best?

This free presentation by a local homeopathic practitioner will help to clarify all of your questions. While this is a free event, we do request pre-registration as space is limited.

Register for Free Here

+++++++++++++

May 18th 

Tonic’s 9 Year Anniversary

We’ll be offering 20% off all retail products + our friend Cree will be offering an AstroHerbalism workshop. Come for a complimentary cup of tea and learn about the astrological influences of herbs!

Register for the AstroHerbalism Class Here

Hope to see you there!

+++++++++++++

Community Medicine Making Circles

external-file_edited.jpg

with Jen Halima

Come create botanical medicine and explore the foundations of herbalism. Build a home apothecary from locally grown herbs. You will make herbal oils, syrups, tea blends, tonics, nourishing treats and more! 

6 Classes, next one May 24th

Register Here