Unlocking the Power of the “Stamets Stack” – Why Lion’s Mane is at the Heart of Brain Health

Lion's Mane at Gaelic Fungi Farms

When it comes to mushrooms, few names carry as much weight as Paul Stamets – the world-renowned mycologist, researcher, and passionate advocate for fungi. Among his many contributions, Stamets is perhaps best known in the wellness community for popularizing a combination of supplements now called the “Stamets Stack.”

This powerful blend is designed to support cognitive function, focus, and overall brain health. 

Let’s break it down.

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What is the Stamets Stack?

The classic formula usually includes:

• Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) – a remarkable nootropic fungus that stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF), which is vital for brain regeneration, learning, and memory.

• Psilocybin (microdosed) – a compound studied for its high potential to enhance neuroplasticity, mood regulation, and creativity.

• Niacin (Vitamin B3) – helps with blood flow and acts as a delivery system, ensuring these beneficial compounds reach the farthest parts of the nervous system.

Together, they create a synergy aimed at supporting brain health, reducing “mental fog,” and encouraging long-term neurological resilience.

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Why Lion’s Mane Stands Out

Lion’s Mane is a true hero of the stack. 

With ancient methods of extraction & backed by modern research, this shaggy white mushroom has been linked to:

•  Neuroprotection – supports the repair and growth of nerve cells.

•  Memory & Focus – helps sharpen concentration and recall.

•  Mood Support – studies suggest Lion’s Mane can ease anxiety and support emotional balance.

•  Overall Health – also rich in antioxidants and immune-supporting compounds.

For those seeking natural ways to support their brain and nervous system, Lion’s Mane is unmatched.

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Stamets Stack Dosage Guidelines

1. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

• Recommended Dose: 5–20 grams per day (fresh mushroom equivalent)

• If using dried: that’s about 1–3 grams daily

• If using extracts: ~ 1–2 ml daily depending on potency

Lion’s Mane is meant to be taken daily as the foundational part of the stack.

2. Niacin (Vitamin B3)

• Recommended Dose: 100–200 mg per day

• Stamets emphasizes “true niacin” (not niacinamide), because it causes the well-known niacin flush – increased blood flow that helps distribute Lion’s Mane and psilocybin compounds throughout the body, including into tiny nerve endings.

3. Psilocybin (microdose)

• Recommended Dose (Stamets’ protocol): 0.1–0.5 grams dried psilocybin mushroomsper dose

• Schedule: 4 days on, 3 days off

• This cycling is intended to prevent tolerance buildup and keep the brain responsive.

Key Points from Stamets

• The stack is synergistic: Lion’s Mane provides the nerve growth stimulation, psilocybin enhances neuroplasticity, and niacin helps shuttle everything deep into the nervous system.

• Many people who cannot (or choose not to) use psilocybin still take Lion’s Mane + Niacin alone for cognitive support.

• He emphasizes that this is not just a “nootropic hack” but potentially a neuro-regenerative protocol.

Experience Lion’s Mane with Gaelic Fungi Farms

At Gaelic Fungi Farms, we cultivate premium organic Lion’s Mane mushrooms right here in Ireland. Grown with care in small batches, our mushrooms are:

•  Freshly harvested for gourmet cooking.

•  Dried for mushroom tea brews. 

•  Crafted into potent extracts for daily wellness support.

Whether you want to cook with fresh Lion’s Mane, brew your own tea, or dose with potent extractions, we make it easy to add this brain-boosting mushroom to your daily life.

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Ready to experience the benefits of Lion’s Mane?

Explore our range at www.gaelicfungifarms.ie or follow us on Instagram @gaelicfungifarms for more on our Irish grown medicinal mushrooms!