BENEFITS OF CORDYCEPS
✓ Restores energy and vitality
✓ Strengthens the immune system
✓ Improves libido and sexual performance
✓ Contributes to nervous balance
✓ Improves kidney function
{{{TEMP_MARK_73}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_11}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_37}}}
Indeed, it parasitizes the larvae of caterpillars of the genus Thitarodes that spend the winter underground. This mode of development has earned it the nickname of “caterpillar fungus” and its Chinese name “Dong Chong Xia Cao” which means “winter worm.”
From autumn, cordyceps develops in the body of the larva. It progressively extends its mycelium until it kills and mummifies the insect. When temperatures warm up in spring, it pierces through the head of the larva to emerge on the surface.
The first recorded use of cordyceps as a medicinal remedy dates back to the 18th century. The Chinese and Tibetans then consumed it to fight aging, reduce fatigue, tone the Qi (vital energy), and strengthen the body and mind. Legend has it that its virtues were discovered by nomadic Tibetans. They found that their herds were more vigorous after consuming wild cordyceps.
{{{TEMP_MARK_21}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_43}}}
Nutritional Composition
{{{TEMP_MARK_3}}}
The benefits of cordyceps
{{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_168}}}}}}
Cordyceps has exceptional tonic, revitalizing, and energizing properties. It’s an excellent natural remedy to regain energy and vitality. This effect is due to its richness in vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and trace elements. In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s a tonic for the Qi, the body’s energy.
{{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_162}}}}}}
In this study from the University of Pavia, conducted on amateur cyclists, researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of cordyceps. It is capable of increasing endurance time and protecting athletes from overtraining symptoms.
🛡 Strengthens the immune system
{{{TEMP_MARK_23}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_40}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_35}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_185}}}}}}
🔥 Enhances libido and sexual performance
{{{TEMP_MARK_39}}}
Nicknamed the “Himalayan Viagra,” cordyceps also possesses aphrodisiac properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is recommended to combat impotence, stimulate erection, and increase sperm production. These properties are also found in maca.
{{{TEMP_MARK_18}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_15}}}
🙏 Contributes to nervous balance
{{{TEMP_MARK_10}}}
Like ginseng, maca, and astragalus, it has adaptogenic properties. This increases the body’s resistance to stressful situations.
This study from Dongduk Women’s University in Seoul, conducted on rats and mice, shows that cordyceps effectively reduced fatigue and stress.
{{{TEMP_MARK_61}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_165}}}}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_17}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_19}}}
How to consume cordyceps?
Prefer organic cordyceps
{{{TEMP_MARK_13}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_14}}}
Cordyceps in tablets
{{{TEMP_MARK_48}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_45}}}
Cordyceps in powder form
{{{TEMP_MARK_42}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_51}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_54}}}
Fresh or dried cordyceps
{{{TEMP_MARK_16}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_163}}}}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_84}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_4}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_46}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_83}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_36}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_31}}}
💊In tablets : up to 3 per day for tablets or capsules of 500 mg
{{{TEMP_MARK_64}}}
Contraindications and side effects
{{{TEMP_MARK_49}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_33}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_164}}}}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_47}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_53}}}
History, culture, and market of cordyceps
A rare and valuable mushroom
{{{TEMP_MARK_24}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_44}}}
Even today, cordyceps is sold for a fortune and is much more expensive than Panax ginseng. Which is why wild ones are almost impossible to find in France. Perhaps that is why it is called “ the brown gold ”…
{{{TEMP_MARK_1}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_32}}}
An adapted culture
{{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_166}}}}}}
{{{TEMP_MARK_38}}}
Detailed Nutritional Values
{{{TEMP_MARK_41}}}
| Cordyceps Powder | /100g | {{{TEMP_MARK_91}}} | /5g (1cc) | %RI |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_107}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_143}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_162}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_166}}}3}}} | 1 |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_117}}} | ||||
| {{{TEMP_MARK_1{{{TEMP_MARK_162}}}}}} | ||||
| {{{TEMP_MARK_81}}} | ||||
| {{{TEMP_MARK_111}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_163}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_164}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_166}}}8}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_144}}} |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_1{{{TEMP_MARK_166}}}}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_165}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_166}}}4}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_1{{{TEMP_MARK_165}}}}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_1{{{TEMP_MARK_167}}}}}} |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_108}}} | ||||
| {{{TEMP_MARK_114}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_145}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_166}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_131}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_147}}}}}} |
| Minerals | ||||
| {{{TEMP_MARK_113}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_147}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_1{{{TEMP_MARK_163}}}}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_148}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_132}}} |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_119}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_133}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_166}}}2}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_1{{{TEMP_MARK_185}}}}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_135}}} |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_115}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_149}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_167}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_166}}}6}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_1{{{TEMP_MARK_164}}}}}} |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_102}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_151}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_136}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_137}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_138}}} |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_103}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_152}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_168}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_139}}} | 3 |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_109}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_110}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_116}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_166}}}1}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_118}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_153}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_185}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_140}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_154}}} |
| Vitamins | ||||
| {{{TEMP_MARK_104}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_155}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_141}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_{{{TEMP_MARK_166}}}7}}} | 0 |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_105}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} |
| Vitamin D (µg) | {{{TEMP_MARK_156}}} | 4 | {{{TEMP_MARK_141}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_156}}} |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_106}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} |
| Vitamin B1 (mg) | {{{TEMP_MARK_158}}} | |||
| Vitamin B2 (mg) | {{{TEMP_MARK_158}}} | |||
| Vitamin B3 (mg) | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} |
| Vitamin B5 (mg) | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_100}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} |
| Vitamin B9 or folate (µg) | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_169}}} |
| {{{TEMP_MARK_94}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_158}}} | |||
| {{{TEMP_MARK_101}}} | {{{TEMP_MARK_158}}} |
*%RI: % Reference Intake for an adult
{{{TEMP_MARK_63}}}
Report by Julia Perez and Charlotte Jean
Sources and Scientific Studies
Paola Rossi, Daniela Buonocore, Elisa Altobelli, Federico Brandalise, Valentina Cesaroni, Davide Iozzi, Elena Savino, and Fulvio Marzatico, 2014. Improving Training Condition Assessment in Endurance Cyclists: Effects of Ganoderma lucidum and Ophiocordyceps sinensis Dietary Supplementation.
Bao-qin Lin, Shao-ping Li, 2011. Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug.
Kanitta Jiraungkoorskul, Wannee Jiraungkoorskul, 2016. Review of Naturopathy of Medical Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, in Sexual Dysfunction.
Koh JH, Kim KM, Kim JM, Song JC, Suh HJ, 2003. Antifatigue and antistress effect of the hot-water fraction from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis.
Jeevan K. Prasain, 2013. Pharmacological Effects of Cordyceps and Its Bioactive Compounds.
Tuli HS, Sandhu SS, Sharma AK. Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin. 3 Biotech. 2014;4(1):1‐12. doi:10.1007/s13205-013-0121-9
Xiao, Jian-Hui & Xiao, Dai-Min & Sun, Zhong-Hua & Xiong, Qing & Liang, Zong-Qi & Zhong, Jian-Jiang. (2009). Chemical compositions and antimicrobial property of three edible and medicinal Cordyceps species. Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment. 7.
Chan, Jannie & Barseghyan, Gayane & Asatiani, Mikheil & Wasser, Solomon. (2015). Chemical Composition and Medicinal Value of Fruiting Bodies and Submerged Cultured Mycelia of Caterpillar Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps militaris CBS-132098 (Ascomycetes). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 17. 649-659. 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.v17.i7.50.
