What if we told you that there was a mushroom that could provide many of the same types of benefits that you’ve come to know and love about organ meats?
A mushroom that was capable of supercharging your athletic ability…strengthening your immune system…making your skin glow?
The mushroom in question is known as cordyceps. Having been used since ancient times, cordyceps mushrooms are making a well-deserved comeback. Keep reading to learn more about their benefits, uses, and — once you’re ready to buy — key quality metrics.
- What are Cordyceps?
- 5 Top Health Benefits of Cordyceps Mushrooms
- Benefit #1: Less Inflammation
- Benefit #2: More Energy
- Benefit #3: Healthier Hormones
- Benefit #4: A Stronger Metabolism
- Benefit #5: A Sounder Mind
- Cordyceps Mushroom Q&A
- What to Look For in Premium Cordyceps Mushrooms
What are Cordyceps?
Cordyceps are a special type of fungi that grows throughout Japan, China, India, and other parts of Asia and South America. All in all there are over 400 different species of cordyceps, though two of them are far more common than the others.
The most popular cordyceps species is known as Cordyceps Sinensis (or Ophiocordyceps Sinensis). Cordyceps Sinensis typically grows at high elevations in Tibetan and Chinese provinces and infects Hepialus caterpillars that live there. In these areas cordyceps is known as Dōnɡ Chónɡ Xià Cǎo (冬虫夏草): summer grass, winter worm. [1]
The earliest users of cordyceps probably didn’t take long to realise that this shroom was something special. Traditional Chinese Medicine states that cordyceps can improve energy, deepen sleep, and improve appetite. Early TCM practitioners believed that cordyceps could help one ‘hold on’ to their qi, or breath-energy, by strengthening the kidneys.
This might sound metaphysical enough to be meaningless…but it’s not. Modern science is finally beginning to confirm that cordyceps really do have kidney, heart, and brain-supporting benefits. More on these benefits next.
5 Top Health Benefits of Cordyceps Mushrooms
- Less Inflammation
- More Energy
- Healthier Hormones
- A Stronger Metabolism
- A Sounder Mind
- Less Inflammation
One of cordyceps’ top benefits is its ability to reduce inflammation. Think of this central benefit as the roots of a tree; it may very well be that all of cordyceps’ other benefits steam from this one.
Both human and animal studies hint that cordyceps extract may reduce inflammation and immune overactivity. It’s thought that this anti-inflammatory action is caused by two types of compounds: beta-glucans and cordycepin. While beta-glucans can be found in a wide variety of other medicinal mushrooms, cordycepin is unique to this species. [2]
Some studies have dove a little deeper into cordyceps anti-inflammatory action and found that it may support pancreatic health by regulating the immune system’s T cells. Other studies have found that cordyceps may reduce inflammation by activating adenosine receptors.
Cordyceps’ anti-inflammatory properties are so strong that they might be a valuable ally of people with cancer. Here’s how Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects puts it: [3]
“Cancer is the second leading cause of disease-related mortality throughout the world. However, related therapy strategies are still limited to surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Due to the limitations of surgery and radiotherapy and the side effects of chemotherapy, there is increasing interest in developing antitumor drugs from natural products. Studies have shown that cordyceps has antitumor activity in various cancers through several pathways. Both natural and cultured cordyceps have demonstrated antitumor effects.”
- More Energy
Another one of cordyceps’ best-known benefits? Improved strength, energy, and athletic performance. Elite athletes have been known to take cordyceps leading up to intense training sessions or major events. Cordyceps may: [4]
- Reduce muscle soreness
- Improve athletic recovery
- Increase cellular oxygen uptake
- Enhance cellular energy production
- Reduce the occurrence of overtraining
- Prevent muscles from becoming too acidic
Just as impressive is the fact that cordyceps improves workout performance across different sports and different age groups. A 2010 study found that elderly people aged 50-75 improved their exercise performance by 10% after 3 months of cordyceps supplementation. The cordycepin component of cordyceps may be mostly responsible for these effects. [5]
Iconic mycologist Paul Stamets attests to cordyceps’ ability to improve athletic performance in his excellent book Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms: [6]
“I recommend ingesting medicinal mushrooms 3 times a week as a regimen. For endurance training, Reishi [mushroom] and [Cordyceps sinensis] are the best candidates. For competition, I recommend preparing a tea made of these mushrooms and ingesting it one to two hours prior to the event. Presently, none of these mushrooms are listed as disqualifying performance-enhancing drugs, nor are they illegal. […] Recently a marathon [runner] called me to report that he was able to cut 25 minutes off the Boston Marathon in one month using this mushroom in a tea.”
Stamets also provides extra guidance on how to make and take fresh cordyceps tea:
“[Boil] 2-5 grams of Caterpillar Fungus (10-25 larvae) in water for 1-3 minutes, allow to cool, steep, divide into thirds, and drink total every 4-6 hours. One should drink the tea the day of expected strenuous activity, at least 1-2 hours before the event begins. Those using monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or suffering from heart disease should consult a physician before using this fungus.”
- Healthier Hormones
Cordyceps have been used as an aphrodisiac for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. More modern findings confirm the idea that cordyceps may regulate androgen levels in both men and women.
For men, cordyceps may help protect against the hormonal-disrupting effects of environmental toxins like BPA. They may also support optimal testosterone levels by speeding up the conversion of precursor compounds (cholesterol, pregnenolone, etc) into their final forms. Cordyceps may even protect T levels in athletes who are overtraining. Finally, cordyceps may improve one’s testosterone:cortisol ratio. That means more anabolism, less body fat, and less stress. [7]
* Note that cordyceps’ hormone-boosting effects may be dose-dependent. Most animal studies yield better results from lower doses than they do from higher. Just as with organ meat supplementation, more isn’t always better.
- A Stronger Metabolism
Cordyceps may improve several aspects of metabolic health.
It may reduce potentially-damaging metabolic processes like: [8]
- Oxidative stress
- Insulin resistance
- Blood sugar level swings
…While promoting more favourable metabolic markers like:
- Thyroid health
- Insulin sensitivity
- Metabolic flexibility
As we mentioned earlier on in this article, many of these improvements stem from the shroom’s ability to reduce inflammation. When chronic inflammation is kept at bay the body has an easier time tending to more important functions! Some cordyceps proponents go so far as to say that supplementation has helped them lose weight.
- A Healthier Mind
Do you worry a lot? Suffer from anxiety? Experience ADHD, PTSD, or depression?
If the answer to any of those was yes, cordyceps might be something to try. In theory this special shroom may relieve mental stress by reducing oxidation within the brain. Cordyceps may also improve mental resiliency in the same way it improves physical resiliency — it’s a true adaptogen! [9]
Cordyceps may promote mental health in the long run, too, by keeping synaptic junctures energised. (With more energy flow comes less potential nerve damage.) [10]
In other good news, cordyceps’ mental benefits are something you can feel. Many users report being calmer, more collected, and less mentally stressed when they take cordyceps consistently. Try them for yourself and you’ll probably become equally enthusiastic about the calmly energised state these shrooms promote.
Cordyceps Mushroom Q&A
Does cordyceps contain antioxidants?
Yes! All of the most common cordyceps species are incredibly rich in antioxidants.
Does cordyceps contain polysaccharides?
Yes, cordyceps is rich in beta-glucans and other health-promoting polysaccharides.
What form of cordyceps is better: mycelium extract or mushroom powder?
It’s thought that mushroom power (made from cordyceps’ fruiting bodies) is higher in key ingredients than mycelia/mycelium extract.
What are the best pharmacological effects of cordyceps?
There are so many that it’s somewhat hard to say! Some of our favourite effects include:
- ‘Quenched’ free radicals
- Increased energy levels (more ATP)
- Cancer cell death (anticancer properties)
Does cordyceps improve immune function?
Yes, cordyceps may have immunomodulatory benefits.
Is cordyceps anti-aging?
The ancients believed so…and they likely felt that way for good reason!
Can cordyceps be taken with other dietary supplements?
Yes, but use caution if you’re taking any MAO inhibitors.
Is cordyceps safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
It’s not yet fully known if the use of cordyceps is safe for women in these categories. More clinical studies are needed in this area. Consider talking to your doctor about this, as we don’t want to provide any unsolicited medical advice!
What to Look For in Premium Cordyceps Mushrooms
Before you rush in and buy the first cordyceps product you come across, there’s something you should know: quality matters.
As of 2022 there’s only one cordyceps species that’s commercially cultivated: Cordyceps Militaris. The other major cordyceps species, Cordyceps Sinensis, is often only available in Asia. In addition to being rare, it’s also very expensive. At Hirsch Organic we source premium, 100% organic Cordyceps Miltaris powder from some of Europe’s best cultivators.
Why Species Matters
Lab analysis shows that cordyceps militaris is more effective when taken in powder form than when it’s taken in tincture form. That’s because cordyceps mushroom powder is highest in beta-glucans and other active ingredients. Premium mushroom powders can be up to 25% bioactive beta-glucans by weight. Mycelium extracts, on the other hand, contain 10% beta-glucans or less. In addition to being high in beta-glucans, cordyceps mushroom powder is also an incredible source of cordycepin. [11]
Why Testing Matters
Be sure to verify that a cordyceps product has been lab-tested before you buy. Independent lab testing can be thought of as a product’s stamp of approval — without such testing it’s almost impossible to be sure of what you’re really getting. Bonus points for products that are free from glyphosate and heavy metals.
Cordyceps Mushroom Benefits and Uses: Summing Things Up
Cordyceps mushrooms are a true superfood (or should we say supershroom?). Immensely beneficial for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone else who wants to increase their resilience to stress, cordyceps may very well be a worthy addition to your wellness routine.
