Headaches are a common nuisance that can disrupt daily life, leaving many searching for relief beyond conventional painkillers. According to the UK government, it’s estimated that over 10 million people suffer from regular headaches in the UK alone - with migraines affecting around one in seven individuals.
This highlights a widespread issue, prompting a growing interest in natural remedies. So if you’re tired of popping pills and are seeking an alternative, mushroom tea might be of interest.
Known to be effective in alleviating various ailments is the intriguing Lion’s Mane mushroom. This powerful functional mushroom can provide support as part of a holistic approach and help us build resilience against headaches over time.
Here, we delve into the science and tradition behind this remarkable fungi to explore whether it could ease your headache pain.
Headaches are not a one-size-fits-all problem. They come in various forms, each with distinct causes and symptoms. According to this article, there are myriad varieties of headaches, some of which indicate very severe conditions. Cluster Headaches and Thunderclap headaches are particularly devastating, though extremely rare.
Understanding which type of headache you’re experiencing is the first step to finding appropriate relief, whether through conventional means, or natural options like mushroom tea.
Here are some more common types that Lion’s Mane tea can potentially help with.
Tension headaches are the most common culprits, affecting up to 80% of people at some point. You might recognise them as a tight band squeezing your forehead or a dull ache at the back of your head. Stress, poor posture, and dehydration are frequent triggers, often exacerbated by long hours at a desk or emotional strain. Symptoms include mild to moderate pain that doesn’t throb and it rarely stops you from going about your day - though it can make it less enjoyable.
Dehydration headaches occur when the body lacks sufficient fluids, reducing blood volume and oxygen delivery to the brain. This can cause pain, dizziness, and fatigue. Dehydration may result from excessive sweating, inadequate water intake, illness, or alcohol consumption. Symptoms often include a dull or throbbing ache that typically worsens with movement. Drinking water and replenishing electrolytes can help relieve symptoms. Ideally, you can prevent dehydration headaches by staying hydrated throughout the day.
Migraines are a different beast, striking with intense, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Affecting around 15% of the UK population, they’re more than just headaches - they’re neurological events.
Triggers can include hormonal changes, certain foods, or even bright lights. Symptoms might start with an aura (visual disturbances like flashing lights) followed by nausea, sensitivity to sound, and pain that can last hours or days.
While most headaches are benign, they can sometimes signal deeper health concerns. Chronic tension headaches might hint at ongoing stress or musculoskeletal issues, like neck strain from hunching over a laptop - which is all too common in the modern workplace.
Migraines have been linked to a higher risk of stroke in some cases, particularly for those with aura, as noted here in a 2020 study from in the Journal of Neurology.
Cluster headaches, though not life-threatening, can severely impact quality of life and may tie into sleep disorders like sleep apnoea.
Frequent headaches could reflect poor hydration, nutritional deficiencies, or even neuroinflammation - a term we’ll revisit later.
If they persist or worsen, it’s wise to consult a GP, but for many, exploring natural aids like Lion’s Mane mushroom tea could offer a gentle first step.
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for centuries, and today’s science is catching up. We focus on Lion’s Mane in this article, but Reishi deserves a nod too. This article suggests Reishi, AKA the “mushroom of immortality”, boasts anti-inflammatory powers that could tame tension headaches.
But Lion’s Mane, in particular, is the brain’s best friend. Its neuroprotective prowess sets it apart, targeting nerve health and beyond.
How does Lion’s Mane mushroom tea help your head? It’s no magic trick - it’s biology.
Lion’s Mane contains hericenones and erinacines, which crank up nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF repairs and grows nerve cells, potentially soothing headaches from overtaxed nerves or stress. This 2024 study showed it reduces neuroinflammation - brain inflammation that’s difficult to detect.
Stress fuels tension headaches, and Lion’s Mane helps to dial it down. This 2023 study found Lion’s Mane may ease anxiety, calming the nervous system, which in turn could cut headache symptoms without knocking you out like some drugs do - by providing a subtle, sustainable lift.
Lion’s Mane can prevent headaches by improving sleep quality. Poor sleep is a known trigger for migraines and cluster headaches. This study linked Lion’s Mane to assist in better sleep for stressed individuals, possibly via its impact on the hippocampus. Additionally, this study from 2019 found that it improved mood and sleep disorders in overweight people.
Disrupted circadian rhythms - say, from late-night scrolling or jet lag can throw your brain off-kilter, priming it for migraines or even cluster headaches. This study published in Science Direct ties circadian misalignment to headache spikes, noting how it affects hormones like melatonin and cortisol.
A daily cup of Lion’s Mane tea not only calms your nerves but can also nudge your body clock back into sync. In practice, by regularly sipping on Lion’s Mane tea or other blends of mushroom-powered beverages, you can combine the natural benefits of functional mushrooms and a soothing ritual.
You’ve heard of the gut-brain axis, but did you know it might play a role in having or not having headaches? This bidirectional highway between your digestive system and brain is a hot topic in wellness, Lion’s Mane could contribute to easing head pain by nurturing your gut.
The science is compelling: an imbalanced gut microbiome can spark inflammation that travels up to the brain, a process dubbed systemic inflammation.
Studies tie this to tension headaches and even migraines, with something called gut dysbiosis - think too many bad bacteria, triggering pain signals via the vagus nerve.
This study from 2017 shows that Lion’s mane has prebiotic effects, feeding beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium. A healthier gut means less inflammation, which could dial down headache frequency.
Headaches, be they tension, migraine, dehydration or mineral deficiency, don’t have to own you. Lion’s Mane mushroom tea blends ancient wisdom with modern science, offering a natural pathway to relief. Explore our range of Lion’s Mane mushroom products, from latte blends and a variety of teas to a luxurious hot chocolate mix, for an easy addition to your day.
Which mushroom is good for headaches?
Lion’s Mane tops the list for its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, but Reishi may also help with tension-related pain.
What type of tea is good for headaches?
Lion’s Mane tea stands out, combining fungal benefits with the comfort of a warm brew. Herbal teas like chamomile can complement it for relaxation.
What gets rid of a headache fast?
For quick relief, hydration and rest work wonders, but Lion’s Mane tea offers a longer-term strategy by tackling underlying causes.
Does Reishi mushroom help with headaches?
Yes, Reishi’s anti-inflammatory properties might ease tension headaches, though Lion’s Mane takes the lead for broader neurological support.
Neuroinflammation: Inflammation in the brain or nervous system, potentially contributing to chronic headaches.
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF): A protein that promotes nerve cell growth and repair, boosted by Lion’s Mane.
Hericenones and Erinacines: Bioactive compounds in Lion’s Mane that support brain health.
Aura: Visual or sensory disturbances before a migraine, like flashing lights.
Hippocampus: A brain region linked to memory and sleep regulation, influenced by Lion’s Mane.
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