Mushroom Spotlight: Get to Know Cordyceps (Don’t Worry, It’s Vegan!)

Cordyceps at a Glance:

Latin names: the most common species are Cordyceps sinensis (wild), Cordyceps militaris (cultivated)

Common names: Winter worm summer grass, vegetable caterpillar, Chinese caterpillar fungus

Habitat: while there are 350 Cordyceps species worldwide, the best-known wild species are native to China and other Asian countries

Common and traditional uses: Adaptogen; energy, stamina, and endurance; immune health*

Learn More about Cordyceps 

Cordyceps is the common name for a genus of fungi that, in the wild, feeds on insect larvae, turning each one into a sclerotia from which a fruiting body then grows. In China, Cordyceps is found at elevations of 3,500 to 5,000 meters, mostly in five provinces. It has been known and used for hundreds of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it is considered to be both an adaptogenic mushroom and a tonifying one (meaning it supports overall health).* 

With such a specific habitat, you can imagine that Cordyceps was both rare and costly (before vegan, commercial equivalents were discovered). In fact, in imperial China, the mushroom’s use was restricted! Common folks could neither afford nor access Cordyceps. 

Wild Cordyceps sinensis is threatened by overharvesting and a loss of habitat, but cultivated versions have been shown to offer the same support. It is used in herbalism much like ginseng is, to promote stamina and energy, healthy aging and a healthy sex drive!* Cordycepin is its best-known active component. 

Cordyceps is a favorite mushroom among athletes. Research shows promise that it may promote exercise performance.* (That research is why people point to Cordyceps as a mushroom to support performance in the bedroom, too.*)

The Cordyceps used in commercial products are vegan — no worms or larvae are harmed during the process! Most wide-scale growing operations use a substrate made of rice or other grains plus added nutrients. In North America, Cordyceps militaris is the primary species used. 

Curious about Cordyceps? 4 Ways to Bring It Into Your Daily Routines

Only you know what’s right for you — and always talk to your trusted health-care provider before starting any new routine. But here are some suggestions to integrate Cordyceps into your daily rituals and routines. 

1. Consider our Energy Elixir to support healthy hormones, energy and libido.*
2. Give thanks for your body. Our Gratitude Elixir contains eight mushrooms — including Cordyceps. While you can take a dropperful any time of day, we like taking this blend before a gratitude meditation or other practice. Formulated to support your mood, immunity and longevity, this blend is also designed to inspire infinite gratitude — for the mushrooms and nature’s wisdom.* 
3. Kickstart your day with our Wake Capsules. Containing a trip  of organic fruiting body mushroom extracts — Lion’s Mane, Chaga and Cordyceps — Wake is intentionally blended to help you hit the ground running each day.* 
4. Take tea time to a new level and savor the moment with our limited-edition botanical powder blend created in partnership with renowned luxury tea company, TEALEAVES. Each sip is filled with Cordyceps, Reishi, and Lion's Mane, deepening your connection to nature while rejuvenating your mind, body, and spirit.