CBD vs. Lions Mane: Which Reigns Supreme For Anxiety Management?

Which is a better remedy? CBD or Lions Mane for anxiety? These are the highest contenders used to naturally deal with anxiety. Are they any good?

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health concerns in the United States. Over 40 million adults in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder.

Moreover, as of early 2023, 36.8% of adults in Texas reported symptoms relating to anxiety disorders.

The situation proves to be dire, with a significant percentage of the people not receiving mental healthcare citing high costs.

Affordable natural remedies could be the solution to ease the burden of costly anxiety management on affected parties.

In this piece, we shall delve into some natural anxiety remedies; they include CBD and Lions Mane mushrooms.

The popularity of these remedies for anxiety has soared and with good reason. Nevertheless, it’s prudent to seek medical counsel before taking any medication for a condition.

What Is Lions Mane for Anxiety?

Lions mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a large, white, and shaggy mushroom known for various medicinal benefits.

The mushroom grows to resemble a lion’s mane. It’s widely consumed in Asian countries like Korea, India, and Japan for its culinary and medicinal attributes.

The mushroom has shown promise in alleviating heart disease, ulcers, and nerve damage.

There’s also major chatter on the applications of Lions Mane for anxiety.

The Potential of Lions Mane for Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and mild levels are beneficial in some situations.

However, anxiety disorders occur when the duration and severity of feelings of anxiety are out of proportion.

Individuals may experience muscle tension or avoidance behavior which may trigger or worsen their symptoms.

Some common symptoms of anxiety disorder include sweating, insomnia, low concentration, increased irritability, persistent feelings of worry, and restlessness.

Research on Lions Mane for anxiety has shown potential benefits to alleviate anxiety disorder symptoms. Some benefits include:

Promotion of Neurogenesis

Neurogenesis is the process where new neurons are formed in the brain. Anxiety hampers neurogenesis which can further exacerbate the condition.

Consequently, a study showed that a decrease in neurogenesis may be associated with an increase in anxiety-related mannerisms.

Lions mane mushroom can aid nerve growth, facilitating better management of anxiety disorders.

It contains two compounds; hericenones and erinaces that are stimulators of nerve growth.

A study on the effects of Lions Mane mushroom for anxiety showed it promoted neurogenesis, especially in the hippocampus.

The hippocampus, a part of the brain, is involved with learning, memory, and emotional responses. Healthy hippocampus activity can induce anxiolytic (or anxiety-reducing) effects.

Mood-Enhancing Effects

The use of Lions mane mushroom for anxiety may be in part due to its anti-inflammatory effects that can help enhance mood.

Lions mane mushroom has shown possibilities in increasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These are the two neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation.

Moreover, it increases the levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that affects the “fight or flight” response and maintains blood pressure. High blood pressure is also a symptom of chronic anxiety.

A Japanese study looked into the effects of Lions Mane mushroom supplements on anxiety and depression in menopausal women.

After taking the extracts for 4 weeks, the participants showed fewer symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Improved Sleep

Insomnia or sleep deprivation is one of the major symptoms of anxiety disorders.

Using Lions Mane for anxiety has been shown to modulate cortisol levels which can affect sleep.

The mushroom isn’t sedative but stimulates the effect on circadian cortisol helping stabilise your circadian rhythm.

The circadian rhythm is the physiological process that helps maintain the sleep-wake cycle.

Cortisol levels peak in the morning amping you for the day and lower at night for better sleep.

Chronic anxiety is earmarked by consistently high cortisol levels keeping you awake (insomnia) hence affecting your sleep pattern.

Taking Lions Mane mushroom for anxiety helps lower cortisol levels which may be beneficial in improving sleep quality.

What Is CBD for Anxiety

Cannabidiol or CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants known for various potential medical benefits.

CBD belongs to a group of cannabis compounds known as cannabinoids. Other popular cannabinoids include THC, Delta-8-THC, CBN, and CBG.

THC is the most popular cannabinoid associated with the “high” or psychoactive effects of consuming cannabis.

CBD, unlike THC, is non-psychoactive and is known to counteract the effects of THC.

CBD is a popular natural remedy known for its potential applications in alleviating pain, heart issues, insomnia, and epilepsy symptoms.

In addition, CBD is a popular product used in combating anxiety. In fact, one survey involving 2,000 U.S. adults, showed that 51% of CBD users take it to help with anxiety.

Medical Applications of CBD for Anxiety

CBD acts by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that affect various physiological processes. Some of these processes the ECS influences include mood, stress response, and anxiety.

CBD is thought to interact with CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors mostly found in the central and peripheral nervous system.

Some of the potential benefits of CBD for anxiety include:

Mood Improvement

Low serotonin levels are often associated with individuals with depression. In some cases, low serotonin levels may cause anxiety.

CBD doesn’t boost serotonin levels but is thought to alter serotonin signals. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has a key role in regulating many body functions like mood and sleep.

One study looked into this interaction and found that CBD’s effects on the receptor produce antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.

Alleviate Generalized anxiety

A review of studies has shown CBD as a promising treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

One study investigating the effects of CBD on generalized anxiety cited a reduction in behavioral signs for anxiety. Moreover, the drug improved psychological symptoms of anxiety such as increased heart rate.

Another study sought to understand the effects of CBD on social anxiety disorder. The participants were given a dose of 400mg CBD.

The result was that CBD reduces anxiety in SAD through activity in the limbic and paralimbic areas of the brain. These brain areas affect emotions, memories, and motivation.

Improved Sleep

The hypothalamus is a structure found deep in our brain, rich with cannabinoid receptors, that governs the sleep-wake cycle.

Insomnia is an overactive stress reaction that spills into our rest time disrupting our sleep pattern. CBD helps users relax by easing pain and anxiety, the top contributors to sleeplessness.

Furthermore, CBD can help individuals with insomnia as it works with the hypothalamus to regulate stress. The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that controls homeostasis, sleep, stress and emotional expression.

Lions Mane for Anxiety vs. CBD for Anxiety: A Comparative Analysis

Both CBD and Lions Mane mushrooms have similar effects on anxiety but with unique modes of action.

However, when comparing the two, there’s more to analyze other than their medicinal value. Here are a few things to consider:

Side Effects

Both Lions Mane for anxiety and CBD for anxiety are considered safe to consume with a low risk of adverse effects even at high doses.

Even so, some side effects of consuming Lions mane for anxiety include skin rash, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. For CBD, you may expect fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite.

Legal Status

CBD products with less than 1% THC content are legal to consume in the United States. Lion’s Mane is equally legal to consume and possess.

Cost

Lions mane for anxiety supplements and dried mushrooms are affordable. The prices vary depending on brand and quantity.

On the other hand, the cost of CBD products can range from budget-friendly to premium depending on the potency and product type.

High-quality products can be expensive due to third-party testing and quality assurance.

Safety

Ensure you purchase Lions Mane for anxiety from a reputable store.

Wild-harvested mushrooms can sometimes be contaminated. It’s advisable to use commercially cultivated mushrooms or mushrooms obtained from trusted sources.

The safety of CBD products depends on the quality and purity of the product.

The industry isn’t tightly regulated; hence, getting products from reputable companies, like CBD Farm Garden, is crucial.

We do third-party lab testing to verify the contents of our products for effective results.

Choosing the Right Option

It is important to note that the use of either CBD for anxiety or Lions Mane for anxiety shouldn’t be a substitute for prescribed medication.

CBD and Lion’s Mane mushrooms for anxiety are often sold as supplements. It’s also advisable to take them with a prescription from a physician if you hope to substitute for traditional medicine.

The right option to use for anxiety is based on personal preference and your reaction to the products.

What works for one may not necessarily work for another based on various physiological factors like genetics, weight, or age.

Moreover, dietary restrictions, health conditions, and preferred consumption methods can affect your choice.

Better yet, you can take CBD and Lions Mane together as a single product with our Clarity Mushrooms CBD Capsules.

Taking a CBD and Lions Mane Gummy can help enhance anxiety relief by utilizing different pathways. You can also get a multi-pronged approach, addressing both the emotional and cognitive aspects of anxiety.