Can Lion's Mane Ever Cause Headaches? What To Know
Lion’s mane is the mushroom on everyone’s mind, thanks to its brain-boosting reputation (no pun intended). But not all cognitive gains come without a few growing pains, and for some, that pain might show up as a surprise headache.
Wait, a headache from a brain supplement? Yep, that’s what a few folks on Reddit and wellness forums claim. But before you ditch your adaptogenic coffee, we’re here to talk about whether lion’s mane can actually cause headaches and what you can do if you come face to face with one.
What Is Lion’s Mane?
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It’s recently become super popular in wellness circles, largely thanks to two compounds: hericenones and erinacines. These naturally occurring substances can support the body’s production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein that plays a key role in brain cell regeneration, memory, and overall cognitive function.
Research has shown that erinacine A, found in lion’s mane, can also cross the blood-brain barrier and help promote the growth of nerve cells. That’s exciting news for people looking for mental clarity, relaxation, and long-term cognitive health.
Does Lion’s Mane Cause Headaches?
While lion’s mane generally gets rave reviews for its mental clarity perks, some users have reported an unexpected side effect: headaches. Scroll through Reddit threads or mushroom-supplement comment sections, and you’ll find the occasional horror story about pounding temples and sinus pressure after just a few doses.
One Redditor described it as "a massive headache" that went away after a short time, while others noted more subtle tension or tightness in the head and neck. That seems scary — we know.
That said, these experiences aren’t exactly common or confirmed by clinical research. Most users tolerate lion’s mane just fine, and headaches tend to pop up in a small minority of individuals.
What Does the Science Say About Lion’s Mane Headaches?
While lion’s mane has been studied for everything from memory and mood to nerve regeneration, almost no research directly explores its link to headaches. One clinical trial found that daily lion’s mane supplementation improved cognitive performance and reduced subjective stress in young adults, but didn’t mention headaches at all.
Is this a no-news-is-good-news-type situation? Maybe. But it also means we can’t draw firm conclusions either way. Until better studies come along, we’re left with a “probably rare, but possible” status for lion’s mane-related headaches.
What Could Cause Lion’s Mane Headaches?
While incredibly rare, some people report headaches after taking lion’s mane. This side effect hasn’t been studied at all, so it’s hard to say exactly what causes the headaches. However, people who know mushrooms (like our team at Everyday Dose) have some ideas about what could be going on.
1. NGF Production
One of lion’s mane’s superstar features — its ability to support nerve growth factor (NGF) — may also be behind its potential to cause headaches in some people. NGF supports the growth and repair of neurons, but it also affects blood vessels and the sympathetic nervous system, and it may increase cerebral blood flow.
For most users, that’s a good thing: Better blood flow means sharper focus and improved brain health. But for people who are prone to migraines or vascular headaches, even subtle changes in blood flow or pressure can be a trigger. While there are no clinical trials directly linking NGF to headaches, this makes theoretical sense.
2. Allergic Reactions
Let’s be real: Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’ll vibe with your body. Lion’s mane is a fungus, and fungi contain proteins that may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
While severe allergies to lion’s mane are rare, mild immune responses — like sinus pressure, skin irritation, or, yes, headaches — are possible. For people with a known sensitivity to mushrooms or mold, lion’s mane could provoke histamine release that shows up as head pain.
A headache related to sensitivity might feel more like sinus tension or a dull ache rather than the sharp, vascular pain often linked to blood flow. If you suspect an allergy, try stopping your supplement and reintroducing it later, or opt for a professionally sourced extract that's been lab-tested for allergens.
3. Quality and Contaminants
Low-grade lion’s mane products may contain unwanted additives, heavy metals, mold, or pesticides, especially if they’re not third-party tested. These contaminants can trigger inflammatory responses or toxic reactions in the body, leading to symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or headaches.
Some cheaper supplements also rely on lion’s mane mycelium grown on grain, which may include residual starches or filler compounds that can cause reactions. Headaches caused by poor quality are often accompanied by other unpleasant effects like stomach upset or brain fog, and typically resolve once you switch to a cleaner, more reputable brand.
4. Interactions With Other Medications
Lion’s mane may be gentle, but it still has bioactive compounds that could interact with certain medications. This can potentially lead to side effects like headaches. For example, lion’s mane may not play well with anticoagulants (like warfarin or aspirin). It also has a mild influence on neurotransmitters, which could clash with SSRIs, anti-anxiety meds, or stimulants.
Some people may experience extra stimulation, anxiety, or sleep disruption, which can all manifest as tension or rebound headaches. If you're taking any daily medication, check in with your healthcare provider before introducing lion’s mane to your routine. It might be the combination, not the mushroom itself, that’s throwing your system off balance.
5. Coincidental Factors
Before lion’s mane takes the blame for your headache, it’s worth stepping back to look at the full picture. Headaches can come from a hundred different sources.
These can include the following:
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Too much screen time
- Poor posture
- Hormonal shifts
If you started another supplement, had a big life event, or introduced any lifestyle changes at the same time as lion’s mane, these could also be responsible for your headaches.
Another sneaky culprit is caffeine withdrawal or overstimulation. If you just started a new lion’s mane mushroom coffee, chances are that it’s lower in caffeine than a typical cuppa. And, as any seasoned coffee drinker knows, any change in caffeine intake can cause headaches.
How To Prevent and Manage Headaches
If your mushrooms are giving you migraines, don’t worry — there are a few ways to stay sharp and quiet the ache. Try these strategies to keep your supplement stack headache-free:
- Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a low dose and gradually increase only if you feel good.
- Choose High-Quality Products: Look for brands that are third-party tested, contain fruiting body (not just mycelium), and are free from fillers or contaminants.
- Stay Hydrated: Pair your lion’s mane with a big glass of water.
- Monitor Your Timing: Experiment with different times and see what your body prefers.
- Keep a Symptom Journal: If you’re prone to headaches, track your lion’s mane intake and any side effects to spot patterns and identify potential causes.
- Pause or Stop if Symptoms Persist: If headaches continue despite changes, take a break or stop entirely. You can always try reintroducing it later!
Does Mushroom Coffee Also Cause Headaches?
Mushroom coffee blends like our Mushroom Coffee+ are designed to prevent headaches, not cause them, thanks to the lower caffeine content. Traditional coffee can be a double-edged sword: You get the mental boost, but you also risk dehydration, blood vessel constriction, and eventual caffeine crashes that can cause massive headaches.
With only 45 mg of caffeine per serving — about half the amount in a small cup of regular coffee — our mushroom coffee gives you the clarity without the crash. Plus, it also contains chaga mushroom for immunity, L-theanine to help you feel relaxed, and collagen to support your gut and skin health.
The Bottom Line
While lion’s mane is generally safe, it’s not immune to the occasional side effect, such as a surprise headache. Whether it’s from increased blood flow, mild allergies, or simply taking a low-quality supplement, there are several possible reasons why your mushrooms might be messing with your head (and not in a trippy way).
The good news? Most headaches are preventable with smart dosing, high-quality sourcing, and a little body awareness. And if you're sipping on our mushroom blends, you’re already ahead of the game.
Sources:
My experience trying lion’s mane to help my ADHD symptoms : r/ADHDUK | Reddit
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