How Long Does It Take To Feel The Benefits Of Mushroom Coffee

So, how long does it take to feel the benefits of mushroom coffee?

It takes around 7 days to feel the benefits of mushroom coffee. Initial improvements in focus and clarity appear gradually. Consistent daily consumption over two to four weeks can improve mental clarity, stress, immunity, and energy. Individual experiences vary, so monitor your progress and adjust your routine accordingly.

Three years ago, I had the same question when I started drinking Lion’s Mane coffee, and let me tell you, I didn’t expect it to change my life. But it did.

I'm James Bellis, founder of Balance Coffee, a coffee entrepreneur and biohacker. With 12+ years in the industry, I hold an SCA Coffee Skills Diploma and specialise in healthy coffee, biohacking, and adaptogenic mushrooms. Full bio here.

Like most people, I struggled to stay focused. Running a business, receiving endless notifications, and having a growing to-do list made concentrating harder. My mind constantly jumped from one thing to another.

And my memory? Let’s say I’d walk into the grocery store and forget half the things I came for. I needed something to improve my focus, productivity, and long-term brain health.

That’s when I stumbled upon Lion’s Mane mushroom coffee.

My entire personal and work life did a complete 360 degree. I could think clearly and stay focused and productive throughout the day. Thanks to drinking coffee infused with Lion's Mane.

Fast forward three years, and I’ve learned much about mushroom coffee. Today, I’ll summarise my experience, the key milestones, and what science says about mushroom coffee.

My Timeline (What I Noticed Over 3 Years)

I was surprised when I drank my first Lion’s Mane mushroom coffee mug. I was expecting to get a strong mushroom taste.

Instead, I got a good combination of sweet and bitter, a caffeinated drink as rich as speciality coffee. 

And I thought, ‘How long does it take to feel the benefits of mushroom coffee?’ It’s been three years, and I have all the necessary answers. 

Here’s my personal mushroom coffee benefits timeline so you can also have a feel of mushroom coffee’s effectiveness yourself:

Week 1 – 4: The Immediate Effects

My first mug of Lion’s Mane coffee caught me off guard. I braced myself for an earthy, mushroom-heavy taste, but instead, I got a smooth, well-balanced brew - rich, slightly sweet, and just as satisfying as any speciality coffee.

However, you should also know that I only used the best Lion’s Mane mushroom coffee brands for my testing.

Before switching, I relied on 3 to 4 cups of traditional coffee daily just to keep my energy levels up. It worked until it didn’t. A few hours in, the crash would hit, leaving me sluggish and unfocused.

But I noticed a change after my first week with Lion’s Mane coffee. 

The energy boost felt smoother and steadier, without the usual restlessness or jittery edge. Most importantly, there was no mid-day crash.

By week three, my thoughts felt less scattered, and my focus more dialled in. Even my digestion improved.  I wasn’t dealing with the bloating or heartburn that regular coffee used to trigger.

Month 1 – 3: The First Noticeable Shifts

After a month, things really started to click. One cup in the morning was enough to get me into deep focus mode.

Mornings, which once felt foggy and slow, became the most productive part of my day. I found it easier to stay on track, whether I was writing, strategising, or problem-solving.

And memory? I started noticing small but meaningful improvements like recalling details from conversations more easily or remembering tasks without constantly checking my notes.

I’d read all about this in health studies but saw it first-hand, too.

I researched everything from how to choose a mushroom coffee to is mushroom coffee good for you.

The result of my research and first-hand experience paid off, but what were the results like in months 3 to 6?

Let's find out, shall we?

Month 3 – 6: Stronger Cognitive Benefits

As I continued with Lion's Mane mushroom coffee, the long-term benefits of mushroom coffee were becoming more prominent.

Four months in, I found it even easier to stay focused in the present moment. My attention span during work and daily chores improved significantly. 

It became harder to get distracted by social media and thoughts. Once locked into a chore or task, I could keep my mind focused longer.

I remember needing three to four cups of coffee to stay awake throughout the day, but that is no longer the case.

With just one mug of mushroom coffee, my energy and focus remain consistent till the night hours.

What’s even better? Mushroom coffee is great for de-stressing your body after a hectic work week.

On the weekends, I used to sleep most of the day because of the fatigue and stress I experienced during work days.

However, now, the adaptogenic effects of mushroom coffee relieve me of the stress.

Now, I wake up early on holiday mornings and can spend more time being productive.

6 – 12 Months: A New Baseline for Focus & Performance

It’s been a year since I’ve stuck to drinking mushroom coffee. Its benefits have been phenomenal.

And my choice to pick from only the best mushroom coffee brands in the UK ensured quality was front and centre. 

Before, I struggled with thinking, remembering, and staying productive. Now, mushroom coffee has helped me progress in all these areas.

I can concentrate on most tasks, even those I don’t like working on. 

My head’s never been clearer before. I can think of strategies to solve problems in and out of work. 

I’ve improved my memory skills, as I can now recall important ideas, information, and names from daily meetings and interactions.

What about productivity? It’s never been better. You get no jitters but a smooth, consistent energy flow throughout the day.

I’m amazed that even though I take a low dose of caffeine, mushroom coffee maintains my energy levels to the brim, and I never feel sleepy or tired.

1 – 3 Years: Long-Term Brain Optimization

Three years in, I have zero desire to return to regular coffee. Why? It’s because of the mushroom coffee's efficacy.

I’ve never felt more mentally clear, focused, and creative. Decision-making is easier. Complex ideas are easier to process.

Most surprisingly, I’ve experienced something I hadn’t felt in a long time - being in the zone effortlessly. That deep focus state where work flows is now a daily experience.

Looking back, switching to Lion’s Mane coffee was one of the best decisions for my brain health, energy, and productivity. And the best part?

The coffee still tastes like it’s brewed from one of the best coffee beans in the UK.

And if you’re wondering how long it takes to feel the benefits of mushroom coffee? Based on my journey, It’s anywhere from 7 days to 6 months.

Why Does Lion’s Mane Take Time to Work?

Lion's Mane takes time to work because it gradually stimulates the production of nerve growth factor. These are essential for neural repair. This process unfolds over weeks as your brain slowly adapts and rebuilds neural connections. This means consistent use is key for noticeable cognitive benefits.

Lion's Mane takes time to work because it gradually stimulates the production of nerve growth factor. These are essential for neural repair. This process unfolds over weeks as your brain slowly adapts and rebuilds neural connections. This means consistent use is key for noticeable cognitive benefits.

The timeframe between a few days to a year or two sounds long to you right now. 

So the question running through your head becomes, why does Lion’s Mane take this long to work?

Well, the reason lies in science. Drinking Lion’s Mane mushroom coffee first passes through your digestive system.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that two key compounds, hericenones and erinacines, found in Lion’s Mane enter the bloodstream and are processed by the liver.

Unlike caffeine, which gives you an instant boost, Lion’s Mane works gradually over time.

The more consistently you take it, the stronger its effects become. Over time, you’ll notice long-term improvements, such as:

1. Protection Against Dementia

The compounds in Lion’s Mane interact with your brain, triggering the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) process. This helps repair and grow brain cells.

By supporting brain cell repair and growth, Lion’s Mane mushrooms may help reduce the risk of dementia while improving memory and learning skills.

According to the Wiley Online Library, a study with people experiencing moderate cognitive decline showed noticeable improvements in brain function in those who took Lion’s Mane daily for 4 months. 

2. Stress Relief

Do you also feel stressed or anxious? Well, a daily dose of lion’s mane mushrooms might help ease stress. 

In a study with mice, researchers found that Lion’s Mane extracts could help grow and repair cells in the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for emotions and memories.

Scientists highlight that this improved brain health could be why the mice showed fewer signs of stress and anxiety.

In a 2010 study, menopausal women who ate cookies containing Lion’s Mane mushrooms daily for a month reported feeling less anxious and irritable.

Optimising the Benefits of Lion’s Mane Coffee

Are you still wondering, ‘how long does it take to feel the benefits of mushroom coffee’ and want to speed up the process?

Well, you can get the most out of Lion’s Mane coffee with these tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years:

Best Practices from My Experience

1. Consistency is Everything

I wasn't consistent when I first started drinking Lion’s Mane coffee. Some days,, I drank it, and other days, I skipped it. Honestly, I didn’t notice much difference.

But once I committed to drinking it daily, the effects became clear. After a month or two, my focus improved, my memory sharpened, and I felt clearer mentally.

It wasn’t an overnight transformation but built up over time—like compound interest for your brain.

2. Quality Matters More Than You Think

Not all Lion’s Mane coffee blends and supplements are the same. 

For example, you must look for a high-quality, dual-extracted version to enjoy all of the Lion’s mane mushroom supplement benefits. 

When I made the switch, the benefits became more noticeable after I used coffee that met these criteria. The way mushrooms are grown and processed affects their potency. 

If they’re organic and carefully extracted, you get more brain-boosting compounds that make a difference.

3. Add Healthy Fats for Maximum Absorption

One of the best things I did was add MCT oil to my Lion’s Mane coffee.

PRO TIP: Consuming a small amount of healthy fats helps your body absorb nutrients more effectively, including the active compounds in Lion’s Mane mushrooms.

It’s a simple trick, but it makes a huge difference in how much your body actually benefits from the coffee.

So, if you want to maximise the health benefits of mushroom coffee, remember to stay consistent, choose high-quality mushrooms, and pair them with healthy fats. 

How to Track Your Own Results

When you start drinking mushroom coffee, track how you feel each day. Write down any changes in your focus, mood, and energy levels in a journal or notepad.

Over the weeks and months, pay attention to improvements in your memory and learning abilities.

Tracking these changes will help you see if mushroom coffee is making a difference for you. This will also help you answer, ‘how long does it take to feel the benefits of mushroom coffee?’

Common Questions About Lion’s Mane Coffee

In the next section below, I will answer some frequent questions that stick out immediately.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

How long does Lion’s Mane take to work for most people?

It takes most people 1 week to 12 weeks to feel the mushroom coffee's effectiveness. You may notice the energising effects of Lion’s Mane mushroom within the first couple of days.

It all comes down to the dosage and how long it takes your body to process the compounds in Lion’s Mane mushrooms. 

The quicker your body adapts, the sooner you’ll feel its beneficial effects kicking in.

Can you take too much?

When I first started drinking Lion’s Mane coffee, I began with one cup a day. It gave me a subtle boost in focus and clarity without the jitters of regular coffee.

I tried two cups a day as I got curious to see if more would be better, and the effects became more noticeable. I felt sharper and more engaged in my tasks.

Then, I pushed it to three cups a day. At that point, I didn’t notice a huge difference and realised that more didn’t necessarily mean better.

So, can you take too much? Technically, no - at least not in moderate amounts.

Studies have used doses as high as 3 grams of Lion’s Mane extract without issues. 

However, most mushroom coffee blends contain lower amounts per cup, so drinking multiple cups isn’t likely harmful.

That said, balance is key. If you’re new to Lion’s Mane coffee, start with one cup daily and see how your body responds. 

Does it replace coffee, or should you combine them?

If you’re sensitive to caffeine and want to cut it down, mushroom coffee could be a great option as a replacement.

However, if you operate on high amounts of caffeine, combining regular coffee with mushroom coffee allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. You can even add mushroom drops to your coffee. 

Is it safe for daily use long-term?

It’s best to consult a doctor if you want to use mushroom coffee long-term. But, yes, it’s safe to consume daily.

Conclusion (Is Lion’s Mane Coffee Worth It?)

I hope you found the answer to ‘how long it takes to feel the benefits of mushroom coffee’ in this article. So, is mushroom coffee worth it?

Absolutely, if you commit to it.

The benefits of mushroom coffee, like Lion’s Mane coffee, don’t happen overnight. Like any real health upgrade, it takes time and consistency. The longer you stick with it, the more noticeable the effects become.

Making Balance Coffee's Lion's Mane blend part of your daily routine is a no-brainer. Try it and see the difference for yourself.

Click here to start your mushroom coffee journey and experience better clarity, focus and productivity.