Cordyceps ( Cordyceps sinensis) Cordyceps is also considered to be a lung tonic and, like reishi, has adaptogenic properties. Other edible mushroom benefits for cordyceps are that it energizes both the body and mind and is, thus, better consumed in the morning. This may be helpful for athletes or those who need a kickstart.
What is cordyceps herb?
Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on the larvae of insects. When these fungi attack their host, they replace its tissue and sprout long, slender stems that grow outside the host’s body.
Is Cordyceps safe to take?
When taken by mouth: Cordyceps is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken appropriately, short-term. It might cause mild side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort.
The most well-known species of Cordyceps mushrooms is Cordyceps sinensis (now known officially as Ophiocordyceps sinensis), which infects the caterpillar of the Hepialus moth. It mainly grows at high elevations in Tibet and the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai and Gansu.
Another answer was in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cordyceps are plants that belong to the ‘Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency’ category. Tonic herbs are used for patterns of Deficiency, when one lacks one of the ‘Four Treasures’ ( Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang ).
Is Cordyceps sinensis a mushroom?
CORDYCEPS SINENSIS C. Sinensisis an annual Ascomycetes fungus closely related to the mushroom. Although not actually a mushroom taxonomically, it has been described as an exotic medicinal mushroom in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine. The name cordycepscomes from Latin words meaning club and head.
Can you buy Cordyceps sinensis mushrooms?
In the 1980s, when wild Cordyceps sinensis was gaining in popularity and the price tag kept climbing, scientists in China set out to cultivate this fungus. Many tried and many failed. Still to this day, there is no affordable cultivated version of this mushroom .
Is Cordyceps a nutritional supplement?
“Caterpillar fungus” is a common term for cordyceps. Another person who endorses cordyceps as a nutritional supplement is Richard Roll. Although not a professional athlete, the vegetarian was listed in 2009 by Men’s Fitness magazine as one of the 25 fittest men in the world .
True, wild Cordyceps sinensis (shown above) is not in 99.9% of Cordyceps supplements because of its exceptionally high price tag. In fact, wild Cordyceps sinensis costs over $20,000 per kilogram, making it the most expensive mushroom in the world. They are almost exclusively sold in Asia and rarely make it into the North American market.
Is Cordyceps available in the US?
Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, cordyceps is available in the United States as a dietary supplement. There are 400 species of cordyceps, most of which are native to Bhutan, China, Korea, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. The most well-known medicinal species is Cordyceps sinensis (now known officially as Ophiocordyceps sinensis ).