Herbal Thursday: Cordyceps Mushrooms
Breathe Deeper, Live Brighter: Discover 9 reasons cordyceps belongs in your daily routine.
If your entree into the world of cordyceps mushrooms is through the HBO drama The Last of Us, let’s step back from the sensationalism and into the reality of a truly medicinal mushroom. Of the over 260 species of cordyceps, at least two star in human clinical trials for the many benefits this fungus offers.
Cordyceps mushrooms, like cordyceps militaris and cordyceps sinensis, can thrive in some of the world’s most extreme conditions—the high Himalayas, for example, around 14,000 feet above sea level! So you can just imagine the cordyceps benefits. For centuries, people have turned to cordyceps extract for respiratory problems and fatigue. Today, scientists continue to explore how this unique fungus supports wellness from the inside out. (1)
9 Powerful Cordyceps Benefits and Everyday Uses
1. Boosts Energy Naturally
Cordyceps is most famous for increasing energy—and with good reason. It helps the body use oxygen more efficiently, which supercharges your cells and boosts ATP production (your body’s natural fuel). That’s why athletes often use cordyceps to improve stamina and reduce fatigue during training and competition. One study found that using cordyceps made a difference for top-tier runners, boosting oxygen saturation and reducing fatigue. (2)
2. Supports Healthy Cholesterol
Adding cordyceps extract to your daily herbal regimen may help balance your cholesterol while lowering your total cholesterol. Cholesterol is not inherently “bad,” actually. Even low-density lipoproteins—the LDL “bad” cholesterol—play important roles in the body. But the modern diet has created a problem: VLDL, that is, very low density lipoproteins. These particles are smaller and more dense and may lead to heart disease. Fortunately, cordyceps mushroom extracts can lower LDL, raise HDL and thus improves the ratio. (3, 4)
3. Protects the Heart
In addition to improving cholesterol, this powerful mushroom also has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic compounds that may reduce the risk of heart problems like arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, and even heart failure. For example, according to the research, the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of cordyceps extract can help prevent heart arrhythmias without the side effects of standard treatments. (5)
4. Improves Breathing and Lung Function
What could be more important than taking a deep breath to bring calm and focus to your day? Fortunately, cordyceps helps the lungs absorb more oxygen, which can be a game-changer for people with asthma, COPD, or bronchitis—as well as people living in cities with high pollution. In traditional medicine, healers often used cordyceps to treat coughs and shortness of breath. A key component of the TCM Lung Support Formula, cordyceps shows repeated benefits for respiratory distress. (6, 7)
5. May Slow Cancer Growth
In today’s highly toxic world, cancer may seem like a given. But it doesn’t have to be. This medicinal mushroom contains polysaccharides and cordycepin—natural compounds studied for their ability to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells. Lab research has shown that cordyceps may shrink tumors and help prevent new ones from forming. Will more human studies help support these conclusions? Of course. But will they happen? Probably not in today’s climate of “we can’t do that because we know chemo works” kind of backwards thinking. With rare side effects, why wait to try it? (8, 9, 10)
6. Supports Radiant Skin
Beyond internal health, cordyceps also nourishes the skin. In fact, cordyceps extract just may be the secret to anti-aging. Why? This medicinal mushroom contains powerful anti-aging compounds that can help rejuvenate the skin. These compounds not only eliminate dead cells but also improve the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and blemishes. For example, studies have shown that cordyceps extract can protect skin cells from UVB-induced damage, reducing DNA damage and promoting collagen synthesis. Translation? Cordyceps may help shave years of aging off of your skin! This not only helps in preventing premature aging but also supports skin repair and regeneration. (11, 12)
7. Strengthens the Immune System
Cordyceps doesn't merely stimulate the immune system; it modulates it. This means it can enhance immune responses when needed and suppress them when they're overactive. That’s what adaptogenic herbs do! And research indicates that cordycepin, a key compound in cordyceps, reduces pro-inflammatory markers while increasing anti-inflammatory ones. This dual action helps maintain immune homeostasis, making cordyceps a valuable ally in managing autoimmune conditions and chronic inflammation. (13, 14)
8. Improves Libido and Sexual Function
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cordyceps is known as a powerful tonic for improving libido and sexual performance. Recent animal studies seem to back this up, showing that cordyceps helps increase testosterone levels and blood flow, both of which improve sperm count and sex drive. It should go without saying that the scientific community is very careful to make any claims about its research into natural remedies. So we’ll add this disclaimer: “While these findings are promising, further research, including human clinical trials, is necessary to fully understand the potential benefits.“ (15)
9. Supports Natural Detoxification
Everything discussed thus far supports the fact that this particular mushroom helps you detox naturally. In addition to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities of cordyceps, this mushroom also supports liver and kidney health. So these detox tools in your body’s toolkit can use the compounds from cordyceps to keep your detox pathways healthy and functioning. (16)
Cordyceps Caution: Know Before You Use
While Cordyceps offers numerous benefits, it's essential to approach its use thoughtfully:
Supplement Quality: Opt for reputable brands, as natural Cordyceps sinensis is rare and expensive, leading many products to use cultivated alternatives like CS-4. Another cultivated variety, Cordyceps militaris, is also used in supplements and exhibits these powerful benefits.
Immune System Concerns: Individuals with autoimmune conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children should consult healthcare providers before use.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Cordyceps can lower blood sugar, which may be helpful for some—but risky for others. If you take medication for diabetes, talk to your doctor first.
Avoid Use with Bleeding Concerns: As cordyceps may thin the blood, consult with your trusted healthcare provider if you’re on blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or are preparing for surgery.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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