Cordyceps: Benefits & Uses of Nature’s Energy Booster

Cordyceps have been stealing the spotlight in the mushroom community in recent years, but what’s driving all the buzz? This fascinating fungus, recognized for its distinctive appearance resembling caterpillars, has gained significant popularity in the natural health and wellness world for its array of potential benefits. You might even have come across these intriguing mushrooms through HBO’s hit show ‘The Last of Us’. Join us as we delve into the unique properties of Cordyceps and explore the potential benefits they may offer.

What Is Cordyceps?

Cordyceps mushrooms (Cordyceps sinensis), native to the high-altitude regions of China and Tibet, belong to the family Ophiocordycipitaceae. Also known as ‘Dong Chong Xia Cao’ in Chinese, which translates to ‘winter worm, summer grass’, these mushrooms are known for their unique parasitic life cycle, growing on insect larvae. After attacking their host insect, they replace the insects’ tissue and grow long stems that extend outside of the host’s body Cordyceps are orange to brown in colour and have a long, slender, caterpillar-like appearance.

Cordyceps mushrooms are revered for their rarity and medicinal properties. While traditionally harvested in the wild, they are now cultivated and available in various forms, including supplements, making them more accessible to consumers worldwide

Learn More About Cordyceps Mushrooms

Cordyceps mushrooms belong to a class of functional fungi known as adaptogens, traditionally valued in Eastern herbal practices for their reputed holistic benefits. Modern interest in Cordyceps centres around their unique nutritional profile and bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and cordycepin.

Research into Cordyceps continues to explore their biological composition, particularly compounds such as cordycepin and polysaccharides, which have drawn scientific attention for their potential roles in human nutrition.

Scientific Interest in Cordyceps

Energy and endurance:

Cordyceps mushrooms contain compounds studied for their potential relationship with energy metabolism, such as ATP production. ([1], [4])

Respiratory health

Traditional herbal texts reference the historical use of Cordyceps in Eastern practices for respiratory wellness, although current human evidence remains limited and ongoing. ([4], [7])

Athletic and physical performance

Preliminary research has explored Cordyceps’ nutritional composition in relation to exercise and stamina, though further human studies are required. ([2], [3])

Immune system research

Cordyceps mushrooms are subjects of ongoing scientific investigation into their polysaccharides and other bioactive compounds, focusing particularly on immune response regulation. ([5])

Important Note:

This educational information is provided for reference purposes only. Love Mushrooms products are sold exclusively as food supplements. The information provided here has not been evaluated by the MHRA or EFSA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases or health conditions. Always consult your healthcare professional before adding new supplements to your routine.

Cordyceps Dosage: How Much Should I Take?

For liquid extract supplements, the recommended dosage is typically around 1-2 mL per day. For a powder extract, the recommended dosage generally ranges between 1000 mg to 4000 mg per day.

We recommend consulting a healthcare professional or a qualified herbalist for personalised advice and dosage recommendations tailored to you.

Cordyceps mushroom health benefits are best experienced when taken in the morning or before/after exercise, as they may help boost energy levels, enhance performance, and improve overall quality of life [6].

Smith (Co-Founder of Love Mushrooms) with Cordyceps Militaris

Types of Cordyceps Supplements

You might wonder which form of Cordyceps works best for you. Although fresh Cordyceps may provide the most benefits, there are many ways to incorporate these mushrooms into your daily routine. We offer organic Cordyceps supplements in the form of liquid drops and capsules.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Cordyceps mushrooms have been traditionally used to support libido and sexual function? This is thought to be due to their potential to enhance energy and endurance, making them regarded as a natural aphrodisiac in traditional medicine.

“Energy & Focus bundle” has been added to your basket. View basket

Add to basket

Lion’s Mane Liquid Drops (50ml) – 4000mg per Dose
£19.99 — or £17.99 / month
Add to basket

Lion’s Mane Capsules (60) – 4000mg per Capsule
£19.99 — or £16.99 / month
Bundle Add to basket

Energy & Focus bundle
£35.99 — or £33.99 / month
Add to basket

Cordyceps Liquid Drops (50ml) – 4000mg per Dose
£19.99 — or £17.99 / month

Sources

[1] Increased aerobic capacity in healthy elderly humans given a fermentation product of Cordyceps CS-4. Xiao Y, Huang XZ, Chen G, Wang, MB, Zhu, JS, Cooper CB. FACSM Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: May 1999; 31(5): 174.

[2] Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Chen S, Li Z, Krochmal R, Abrazado M, Kim W, Cooper CB. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 May;16(5):585-590.

[3] Does Cordyceps sinensis Ingestion Aid Athletic Performance? TB Walker. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 2006

[4] Medicinal value of the caterpillar fungi species of the genus Cordyceps (Fr.) Link (Ascomycetes). A Review. Holliday J, Cleaver M. Int J Med Mushr, 2008; 10(3 ):219-234.

[5] Medicinal Mushrooms–A Clinical Guide Martin Powell

[6] Antiaging effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract. Ji DB, Ye J, Li CL, Wang YH, Zhao J, Cai SQ. Phytother Res. 2009;23(1):116-22.

[7] Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and assessment of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) in enhancing aerobic capacity and respiratory function of the healthy elderly volunteers. Xiao Y, Huang XZ and Zhu JS. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2004;10,3:187-192.