Many mushrooms are gaining popularity for their medicinal purposes. Cordyceps is a medicinal mushroom found all over the world. Historically, it was an expensive, highly sought-after herb, often accessible only to royalty.

You might need cordyceps if you . . .

• Want to support your kidney health
• Want increased physical stamina
• Want increased libido

Benefits of Cordyceps

Cordyceps, a type of fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine, is known for several medicinal benefits:

Enhanced Physical Performance: Cordyceps has been celebrated for its potential to improve physical performance and endurance. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts have turned to cordyceps supplements to boost their stamina, increase oxygen utilization, and reduce fatigue during exercise.

Kidney Health: Cordyceps is often used to support kidney health in traditional medicine. It is believed to improve kidney function and may benefit individuals with kidney disorders.

Sexual Health and Libido: Cordyceps has gained popularity as a natural aphrodisiac and sexual health enhancer. It is believed to improve libido, fertility, and sexual performance in both men and women. Some research suggests that Cordyceps may increase the production of sex hormones and improve blood flow to the genitals.

Common Ways to Use Cordyceps

Culinary: Cordyceps can be added to dishes (commonly in soups and stir-fries) for culinary purposes.

Medicinal: If you want to consume it for its medicinal value, you can make teas, tinctures, or powders.

Safety Concerns

Cordyceps has been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine and is generally considered safe.

It is important to consider safety concerns in the context of history. You also must realize that many of the departments that bring up safety concerns are responsible for managing pharmaceutical drugs manufactured in recent history. In the United States, there is no controlling authority or regulatory board specific to herbs. The most common reason you will see that these organizations question the safety of various herbs and mushrooms is “insufficient evidence to determine safety.” Since there is no way to patent a naturally growing plant or fungus, there is often insufficient funding to conduct massive human studies.

If you start taking cordyceps and the reaction is unfavorable, consider discontinuing use or consulting a medical professional.

Drug Interaction: No known serious or severe interactions, but if you are concerned, please consult a medical professional.

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: There are no known contraindications for breastfeeding and pregnancy, but there have not been many studies done on cordyceps and breastfeeding and pregnancy. If you are concerned, please consult a medical professional.

Other Concerns: The quality and purity of cordyceps supplements can vary widely, so it is vital to purchase from reputable sources. People with known allergies to fungi should avoid using cordyceps. As with any supplement, starting with a lower dose is recommended to ensure there are no adverse reactions before gradually increasing to the recommended dosage.

Select Studies About Cordyceps

Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation - PMC (nih.gov)

This study explores the idea that cordyceps can enhance aerobic capacity by increasing the body’s production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule essential for energy transfer in cells. One week of supplementing showed small benefits to high-intensity aerobic and anaerobic exercise, and this should be further studied.

Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps with Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential - PMC (nih.gov)

This article reviews many of the potential benefits of supplementing with cordyceps, including its antimalarial properties, antioxidant effect, anti-arthritic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties.