The cordyceps mushroom has become one of the most famous fungi in Hollywood thanks to the hit game & television series, The Last of Us. In The Last of Us, cordyceps is a highly infectious parasite that attacks people’s brain & nervous system, “infecting” its hosts & causing them to become highly aggressive and irrational with physical mutations.

Thankfully, cordyceps in the real world is not the same as its fictional sibling. Although, whilst research has shown that the cordyceps we cultivate in the real world may have a range of health benefits, there are some interesting similarities.

Cordyceps mushroom, like many other fungi such as Lion’s Mane, Chaga & Reishi, has been used in traditional medicinal practices for centuries. In more recent years, its’ popularity has risen in western culture, becoming a popular botanical supplement.

Research suggests that cordyceps may contain a variety of high quality compounds. Some of these compounds have previously shown that they may have health associated benefits. Some of these potential benefits include supporting normal function of the immune system and reduction of inflammation.

In this article we’ll take a deeper dive into the benefits of cordyceps & why it may be the daily addition you need.

What is Cordyceps Mushroom?

Cordyceps is a type of fungus. The earth is rich with different types of fungus. There is estimated to be over 140,000 different species of fungus that we are aware of, although scientific research suggests that we may only be scratching the surface.

Cordyceps mushroom is formally known as Cordyceps sinensis. Visually they are a pale-yellow colour, with a series of small spires that have a club-like head at the top. It almost looks like a group of small worms rising from the ground.

Whilst not fatal to humans like its’ fictional counterpart, it does have a striking similarity. Cordyceps grows through the infection of larvae in insects and growing within their bodies. Eventually they grow outside of the insect & the ground before cultivation.

Like many other botanical resources, scientific research on cordyceps remains relatively new with a need for deeper investigation. But the early signs are positive. Along with supporting immune function & reducing inflammation, some research also suggests that it may also contribute to athletic performance by supporting stamina & energy.

We will look further into some of the potential benefits further below. 

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION & STUDIES LINKED IN THIS ARTICLE SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR MEDICAL ADVICE OR AS SUGGESTED TREATMENT OF ANY ILLNESS. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR CLEAR DIRECTION ON TREATMENT FOR ANY ILLNESS OR HEALTH DISCOMFORT.

Cordyceps Mushroom: Where is it from?

As we briefly mentioned above, Cordyceps has been used in traditional medicinal practices for over 2,000 years. It primarily grows in regions of China, Tibet & Nepal, notably in regions with higher altitudes.

Cordyceps popularity grew in stature within western cultures following the 1993 Olympics. Various female athletes from China set world records in long distance running, referring to the use of cordyceps supplements as a contributing factor. This naturally led to curiosity & increased scientific research.

As proof of its’ promise, the biggest international buyer of cordyceps extract is now the United States of America.

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Uses

In traditional medicine, cordyceps has been used for a variety of perceived benefits. Some of these include kidney disease, fatigue, respiratory disorders & even sexual dysfunction. This was most commonly consumed as a herbal tea.

Cordyceps mushroom is now readily available in a variety of forms. This includes capsules, powders, and other extracts. If you are considering using cordyceps supplements, please review with care before consumption & speak with a healthcare professional to ensure safety.

What are the potential benefits of cordyceps mushroom?

Well first we must reiterate that whilst there are promising signs, all scientific research remains relatively new & inconclusive. As you should with any supplement, be sure to carry out your own research before consumption.

Modern research has identified cordyceps to have essential properties relating to:

• Normal function of the immune system
• Reduction of fatigue & supporting endurance
• Reduction of inflammation
• Supporting heart health

Normal function of the Immune System

Research has shown that cordyceps mushroom may contribute to the function of immune cells and improve the body's response to infections. This is done by combatting cell damage from free radicals. Free radicals can contribute to various diseases & even ageing. 

Whilst scientific studies on human responses to cordyceps remain limited, encouraging results have been concluded following research on mice. Mice that were given cordyceps supplements tended to live longer than mice that were given a placebo.

Reduction of fatigue & supporting endurance

The success of the female athletes in the 1993 Olympic Games offered excitement & encouragement for the potential effects of cordyceps mushroom on athletic performance, notably endurance & fatigue. Modern research has delivered mixed feedback.

One study on the impact of cordyceps supplementation on high impact training suggested that the mushroom can play an important role in providing energy for athletes. Although another trial on male cyclists supplementing cordyceps for endurance found that it had no impact. Clearly further research is required before scientific backing.

Reduction of Inflammation

Studies have suggested that cordyceps contains anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds are considered to help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Information from recent studies indicate that cordyceps can trigger the development of special proteins that reduce inflammation.

Supporting heart health & respiratory health

Heart disease is one of the biggest killers of humans in 2023. This is primarily down to poor diet, lack of exercise & stress. Studies have suggested that cordyceps mushroom may help to combat heart disease & similar illnesses by contributing to lower blood pressure & improved blood circulation. 

In modern Chinese medicine, it has even been approved as a medication to treat a heart related illness called arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is a condition that is associated with fluctuating heartbeats. It is believed that cordyceps may help to regulate it.

Cordyceps Nutritional Profile

Cordyceps mushroom is potentially rich in nutrients & bioactive compounds. Some of the key nutrients found in cordyceps include:

Vitamins and minerals: Research suggests that cordyceps is a good source of several important vitamins and minerals. Some include vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

Proteins: Cordyceps contains a range of proteins, including essential amino acids that are important for muscle growth and repair.

Polysaccharides: In more simplistic terms, polysaccharides are known as complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs are considered more nutritious than basic carbs, they are generally high in fiber & contribute to sustained energy release. Some complex carbs include apples, berries, whole-grain foods, broccoli, green beans & more.

Cordyceps mushroom in every-day life

There is evidence to suggest that the benefits of cordyceps may be a great natural addition to your daily routine. Particularly if you feel that your immune system is vulnerable.

The most common way to integrate cordyceps mushroom into your routine is by mixing using supplements such as capsules, powders or pills. Outside of this, there aren’t many alternatives. This could be an issue if you don’t enjoy the flavour of cordyceps.

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