Cordyceps is a mushroom long prized in Tibetan and Chinese tradition as a tonic for energy, stamina and vitality. Today it's popular with athletes and anyone looking for natural, steady energy, and a growing body of research suggests it may support exercise performance. Here's where cordyceps comes from, what the studies found, and how to take it.
Where cordyceps comes from
The original cordyceps, known in Tibetan as yartsa gunbu, grows high on the Tibetan Plateau. It's a fungus that grows from the larvae of ghost moths underground, then sends a thin, finger-like stalk up through the soil. It has been used as a tonic in Chinese tradition for hundreds of years (Utah State University).
Its fame spread worldwide in 1993, when a Chinese running coach credited cordyceps as part of his athletes' training after they broke several world records. Demand exploded. Today wild cordyceps is so prized that villagers in the Himalayas sell it for more than $25 a gram, and wild harvests are shrinking (Scientific American). That's why most cordyceps on the market today is cultivated rather than wild-picked.
What research suggests about cordyceps
Cordyceps' reputation is for energy and endurance, and that's where the most interesting research is:
- Exercise performance. In a double-blind study of 28 young adults, those taking a mushroom blend containing Cordyceps militaris for three weeks improved their VO2max (a measure of how well the body uses oxygen) and lasted longer in a high-intensity cycling test than the placebo group. One week alone didn't show a significant difference, which suggests consistency matters (Hirsch et al., 2017).
- Traditional use for vitality. In Chinese tradition, cordyceps has long been used as a general tonic for stamina and recovery. That reputation is built on centuries of use rather than large modern trials.
The research is still small, so we don't treat cordyceps as a magic bullet. But a long tradition plus encouraging exercise studies is why it's become a favorite of athletes, hikers and early risers.
How to take cordyceps
- Daily and consistent. The exercise study saw benefits after three weeks, not one, so think of cordyceps as a daily habit.
- In the morning or before a workout. Many people take it with coffee, which pairs naturally with its energy reputation. See Mushroom Coffee as a Pre-Workout.
- Look for fruiting-body extracts and a brand that tests for contaminants.
Cordyceps in our Signature Mushroom Coffee Blend
Cordyceps is the largest of the four mushrooms in our Signature Mushroom Coffee Blend, as an 8:1 fruiting-body extract alongside lion's mane, chaga and tremella. Each scoop is built on organic Arabica coffee with Alpha-GPC, L-theanine, organic ginkgo, organic cacao and a full gram of organic Irish sea moss, with about 90mg of caffeine and no sweeteners or fillers. Every batch is third-party tested for mold, mycotoxins, glyphosate and heavy metals.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of cordyceps?
Cordyceps is traditionally used for energy and stamina, and a 2017 study found a cordyceps-containing blend improved VO2max and high-intensity exercise tolerance after three weeks. Research is still early.
Is cordyceps a stimulant?
No. It doesn't contain caffeine. People take it for steady, long-term support rather than an immediate buzz.
What's the difference between Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris?
Cordyceps sinensis is the rare wild species from the Tibetan Plateau. Cordyceps militaris is a related species that can be cultivated, and it's the one used in the 2017 exercise study.
Are there side effects of cordyceps?
Cordyceps is generally well tolerated. Anyone who is pregnant, nursing, has an autoimmune condition, or takes blood thinners or blood sugar medication should check with their healthcare provider first.
When should I take cordyceps?
Morning or before exercise works well for most people, ideally every day.