© 2023 Fantastic Fungi, LLC
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 again 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? 7 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.
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*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
© 2023 Fantastic Fungi, LLC