Cordyceps (militaris / sinensis)
The energy mushroom. Used by Chinese olympians and Sherpas — modestly increases VO2max, supports endurance, and lifts libido.
Moderate for VO2max improvement, exercise tolerance in older adults (Chen et al.), recovery from fatigue, and libido (animal and human data). Smaller evidence base for cancer / immune support. Effects: 2–6 weeks for energy / endurance.
Cordyceps is the famous 'caterpillar fungus' (wild Cordyceps sinensis grows from caterpillar carcasses in the high Himalayas — wildly expensive). The cultivated Cordyceps militaris on grain or other substrates contains the same active compounds (cordycepin, polysaccharides, adenosine derivatives) at a fraction of the cost. The Chinese women's track team made it famous in 1993 by setting world records; subsequent research has supported modest improvements in VO2max, exercise tolerance, and recovery — particularly in older or unfit individuals. Also has consistent effects on libido and energy. Take in the morning — it can be activating.
- Form
- Dual-extract (water + alcohol) from Cordyceps militaris fruiting body — the most rigorous form. CS-4 (Cordyceps sinensis strain Cs-4) — fermented mycelium, well-studied. Avoid plain mycelium-on-grain without standardisation.
- Dose
- 1,000–3,000 mg/day of fruiting body extract.
- Timing
- AM with food. Mildly energising — avoid PM.
- Schedule
- Daily. Some users cycle (5 on, 2 off) but evidence is thin for needing this.
- Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated. Mild GI upset, dry mouth, insomnia if taken PM. Rare allergic reactions.
- Interactions
- Anticoagulants — mild additive blood-thinning. Immunosuppressants (mild immune modulation). Diabetes medications (mild glucose effects).
- Contraindications
- Mushroom allergy. Active bleeding disorders. Pre-surgery (stop 1–2 weeks before). Pregnancy / lactation — limited data.
- Lab markers
- Not standard. Functional: VO2max, fatigue scores, libido tracking.
- Food sources
- Cordyceps mushrooms in soups and Asian dishes — increasingly available fresh as cultivation has improved. Wild Cordyceps sinensis is one of the most expensive natural commodities on earth and overharvested.
Pairs with
Reishi (complementary — cordyceps activates, reishi calms; AM/PM split). Rhodiola (additive energy / endurance). Tongkat ali, ashwagandha (testosterone / libido stack for men).
within Mushrooms