"Known by various names around the world, Hericium erinaceus gets its Western name because of its characteristic dangling spines which resemble a lion’s mane. Its Latin name is thought to mean hedgehog. In Japan it is known as yamabushitake or mountain monk mushroom, and in China as monkey head mushroom. Other names around the world include white beard, old man’s beard, pom pom and bears head . Belonging to the fungi kingdom, Hericium erinaceus has long established traditional use in many countries including Japan for its neuroprotective effects and China for its effects on gastrointestinal health. History of mushrooms for their medicinal properties goes back as far as 450BC when Hippocrates identified them as potent anti-inflammatory agents used for wounds ."