While lion’s mane supplements can offer many benefits, if you have blood clotting issues or are taking blood-thinning medications, it’s especially important to be cautious. Lion’s mane (H. erinaceus) contains compounds that could potentially thin your blood, which can be beneficial for enhancing circulation but could also be a cause for concern if you’re already taking blood thinners. Combining lion’s mane with medications like warfarin, heparin, or aspirin could lead to excessive bleeding or interfere with the effectiveness of these medications.
“Anyone who is preparing for surgery or who has a bleeding disorder should avoid lion’s mane,” Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told Everyday Health.
Lion’s mane’s blood-thinning potential may exacerbate this risk, potentially leading to uncontrolled bleeding, which can be dangerous or even life-threatening. It’s also important to carefully monitor clotting factors when taking blood-thinning medications, and adding lion’s mane supplements to the mix could make it more challenging for healthcare providers to maintain the appropriate therapeutic levels. Given these concerns, individuals with blood clotting issues or those taking blood thinners should exercise caution when considering lion’s mane supplements.