Cordyceps Fungus: The Ultimate Guide (Including CS-4, Sinensis & Militaris)

Have you heard of the famous and widely-sought-after Cordyceps zombie mushroom yet?

The Cordyceps Mushroom is a highly-revered medicinal mushroom that has been used in human history for millennia, and is now making a strong resurgence in modern times.

Alongside other key medicinal mushrooms such as Turkey Tail, Chaga, Reishi & Lion's Mane - Cordyceps forms one of the pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

If you don't know much about it, you're about to discover that its origin story is like something from a sci-fi novel.

In this guide, we'll take you through the countless health benefits these humble fruiting bodies can offer, where you can get high-quality extracts and dive deep into how to use them properly.

So, if you're eager to learn all about the Cordyceps sinensis, CS-4 & militaris mushroom, then settle in and read on!

What Are Cordyceps and Where Do They Grow?:

Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that grows and proliferates inside of insects!

There are hundreds of different species of naturally-occurring Cordyceps, all of which require a different and unique insect host! As such, you'll encounter many different names for Cordyceps mushroom including (but not limited to)

• Chinese Caterpillar Fungus
• Caterpillar Mushroom,
• Cs-4
• Champignon Chenille
• Dong Chong Xia Cao
• Dong Chong Zia Cao
• Hsia Ts'Ao Tung Ch'Ung
• Ophiocordyceps sinensis
• Tochukaso
• Yarsagumba

Research has found that after the spores infect an organism, the mushroom begins to grow inside its head eventually consuming the whole insect and turning into mycelium.

In some cases, once this change occurs, the cordyceps fungus/insect hybrid will continue to grow into a mushroom, which we know as cordyceps.

The formation of this mushroom is undoubtedly one of the most mind-blowing naturally occurring processes and the inspiration for countless Sci-Fi and horror movies!

It's important to note that Cordyceps is not only safe for humans but also contains a suite of health benefits and enhancements that we will discuss in great depth as you read on.

Types of Cordyceps

Cordyceps mushrooms are a fascinating group of fungi that exhibit incredible diversity, with a wide array of types and species. However, two of the most prevalent and well-known varieties are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris. 

What is Cordyceps sinensis?

Cordyceps sinensis (or Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is a specific species that infects and grows on the Hepialus moth caterpillar. This species of caterpillar lives in Tibet, China, and a few other Asian nations and is associated with the incredible health and performance benefits that this mushroom is famous for.

Appearance

The mushroom is a long, thin cordyceps species that are brown or orange in colour. It is subtly sweet and is similar in flavour to the cep mushroom many chefs use for cooking.

Uses

This particular species is powerfully medicinal and has been primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine for its energy-boosting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The Chinese call it dongchongxiacao and in Tibet, it is known as yarsagumba.

Value

This species is often referred to as Himalayan gold due to its scarcity driving it to a high price. The natural habitats in which it grows are disappearing and suffering from over-cultivation. As of 2007, there had been a decrease in the amount of naturally-occurring Cordyceps sinensis of about 90% within a 25-year period, according to the National Institutes for Health. This scarcity has led to a dramatic increase in its price.

As of 2023, the price of Cordyceps sinensis has continued to rise due to its medicinal properties and high demand in traditional Chinese medicine. The current market price is even reaching up to 140,000 USD per kilogram, making it one of the most expensive fungi in the world. The high price is also a reflection of the challenges associated with cultivating this fungus, which requires specific environmental conditions found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas.

What is Cordyceps militaris?

Cordyceps militaris is really the only other species that is widely used for its health benefits - both traditionally in modern times. It shares a very similar appearance and chemical composition to sinensis, however, is reported by many manufacturers as being easier to cultivate so is becoming more and more common.

Appearance

Cordyceps militaris is easily recognizable due to its vibrant orange colour and club-shaped fruiting body. It typically grows on insect larvae, producing a fruiting body that emerges from the host's body. The fruiting body is small, typically between 1 to 3 inches in length, and has a dry, velvety texture.

Uses

Cordyceps militaris has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Asia. It is known for its antioxidant properties, ability to inhibit inflammation, and potential cancer prevention properties. 

Value

While Cordyceps militaris is less expensive than its relative, Cordyceps sinensis, it is by no means cheap. The cost of Cordyceps militaris is driven by the complexity of its cultivation process, which requires a specific set of conditions to mimic its natural growth on insect larvae.

Moreover, the increasing demand for Cordyceps militaris, driven by its growing popularity as a dietary supplement and a key ingredient in traditional medicines, has led to a surge in its market value. Despite its price, many consumers are willing to invest in Cordyceps militaris due to the range of health benefits it offers. As such, it is not only a valuable health supplement but also a significant commodity in the health and wellness market. 

What Are the Cordyceps Benefits?

Let's dive right into why these mushrooms are taking the health world by storm:

Exercise

These fruiting bodies gained much fame in 1993 during the Olympics when Chinese runners had record-shattering performances. When asked, their coach partially credited the superior exercise performance of the athletes to cordyceps, which, of course, caught the interest of participants who wanted to get fit and have better athletic performance.

There have been studies testing the effects in VO2 max through exercise capacity in older and younger adults. Over a span of 6 weeks, participants were either given 3 g of the mushroom per day or a placebo. The VO2 max of the product group increased by 7% in older adults, and 11% in younger adults, while the VO2 max of the placebo group showed no change.

Traditional and Modern Uses

To really understand the potential health benefits of cordyceps, you have to go back to ancient Chinese herbal medicine. It was in traditional Chinese medicine that cordyceps and other herbs found their innovative uses as a tonic for treating issues with kidney function and supporting lung improvement.

In China, it is still used as an immunosuppressive treatment for a kidney transplant. They also use it to combat exhaustion and to improve sex drive. In general, traditional Chinese medicine viewed this as an elixir of life that could treat an array of health problems, and that carried over into modern times.

In fact, modern uses don't stray too far from traditional uses. Some of the effects of Cordyceps include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help it combat many ailments. It is also a natural energy booster and provides a lift to the immune system. Many participants claim it can serve as a natural athletic performance booster to increase exercise performance and even slow ageing in healthy older adults.

There is some evidence that it could potentially protect against a slew of other health issues, such as:

• Fatigue
• High cholesterol
• Upper respiratory infections
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Chronic Kidney disease
• Depression

Cordyceps Militaris vs Sinensis Benefits

Among the various species, Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris stand out due to their extensive therapeutic benefits. While they share the Cordyceps name and many medicinal properties, each brings a unique set of benefits to the table. 

Cordyceps Sinensis Benefits

Cordyceps sinensis contains several bioactive compounds, including cordycepin and polysaccharides, which have been linked to a range of therapeutic effects. For instance, cordycepin has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties. Additionally, the polysaccharides in Cordyceps sinensis have been shown to possess antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects.

Cordyceps Militaris Benefits

On the other hand, Cordyceps militaris shares many of the same health benefits as Cordyceps sinensis, but it is particularly known for its potential to enhance athletic performance. 

Scientific Studies on Cordyceps Health Benefits

The National Institutes of Health explain that because it is an alternative medicine, there is no FDA approval for cordyceps, however, there have been various high-level and well-reviewed studies into what it can do.

Performance Studies

Studies have shown in regards to boosting athletic performance, cordyceps did help to improve the abilities of healthy older adults. Another study showed it helps to increase oxygen intake in young adults and supports athletic recovery while also having anti-fatigue effects, which all can aid with athletic performance.

Considered a powerful antioxidant, Cordyceps is believed to increase energy levels and exercise performance. Studies show that Cordyceps contain polysaccharides, a compound believed to have anti fatigue and energy boosting properties. Because of this, Cordyceps may also be able to increase energy levels by improving metabolic functioning.

Other studies have shown that Cordyceps may have free radical scavenging abilities. This is how antioxidants help protect cells in the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radical scavenging may result in increased energy and improved recovery.

Many people believe Cordyceps may potentially increase the body’s production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that plays a critical role in delivering energy to the muscles. ATP acts as a method of transportation carrying energy, and its ability to transfer energy influences how the body recovers and restores energy. In relation to this belief, studies showed that after taking supplements of Cordyceps militaris, participants experienced an increase in exercise performance by 11%.

Cordyceps are frequently used as a natural supplement to increase and improve athletic performance. It is believed that this fungus may increase the body’s ability to absorb and use oxygen more efficiently, resulting in improved stamina and quicker recovery. The potential energy boosting effects of Cordyceps are also believed to come from the amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and proteins contained within.

Diabetes

Cordyceps militaris and its active compounds are increasingly being researched for their potential benefits in managing type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have found that extracts from Cordyceps militaris and cordycepin may help regulate gut microbiota and metabolites. 

Now, why is that important? Well, a balanced gut microbiota can improve the body's insulin sensitivity, which is often impaired in type 2 diabetes. This can help the body use glucose more effectively, reducing blood sugar levels.

Additionally, a protein from Cordyceps militaris has been shown to directly improve blood glucose levels, offering another potential avenue for managing diabetes.

Blood Pressure

Studies suggest that Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris possess properties that may aid in lowering blood pressure. Additionally, fermented Cordyceps sinensis has shown promise in reducing cardiotoxicity, which can indirectly support heart health and blood pressure regulation.

Cordycepin, a compound derived from Cordyceps, also exhibits beneficial effects when nanoencapsulated. However, it's crucial to remember that more research is needed to fully understand these benefits.

Cancer

Cordyceps is believed to have advanced healing effects in reducing cancer cells. Studies show that Cordyceps could potentially be effective in reversing the effects of leukopenia. Leukopenia is a side effect of leukaemia (a type of cancer). Leukopenia causes a reduction in the number of white blood cells in the body. The result is a decline in the body’s ability to defend itself against potential threats increasing its risk of disease and infection.

Early test-tube studies also showed promising results that it might offer some protection against cancer cell growth. Specifically, there is a claim for fighting colon cancer cells, breast cancer cells, and lung cancer cells.

Ageing

Cordyceps has been celebrated in TCM for its anti-ageing properties for centuries now, possibly only second to He Shou Wu in this regard.

The anti-ageing properties of Cordyceps are thought to be due to its antioxidant potency which is believed to help reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress affects the whole body with a broad range of symptoms, one of them being an increase in ageing. It is believed that this property may be able to reduce the effects of oxidative stress by restoring and regenerating skin cells to reduce the anti-ageing effects of oxidative stress.

Another animal study has indicated that mice who take cordyceps may live slightly longer than those not taking it. The same results occurred in a fruit fly study, which is promising when it comes to the anti-aging benefits. 

Stress Reliever

Cordyceps is adaptogenic, which means it is believed to possess the ability to regulate and balance the body during times of stress. Many people think Cordyceps are an ideal substance to use if you are looking for a way to create balance during a stressful time.

Rich In Antioxidants

Antioxidants are essential in maintaining a happy and healthy body. They affect every function in your body by helping to restore and minimize the damage done by free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Cordyceps are naturally rich in antioxidants and are considered a superfood due to antioxidant activity.

Immunity Booster

The antioxidant level in Cordyceps is also believed to contribute to maintaining gut health. Its potential ability to protect and restore cells creates stability in the gut by preventing free radicals and reducing inflammation to ensure a balanced gut environment. Considered a superfood, Cordyceps contains Beta-D-Glucans which have been shown to naturally regulate the body's immune system to aid the process of protecting against invaders that may cause illness and disease.

Other Studies

An asthma study in China showed the fungi could relax airway constriction while a study in rats has shown cordyceps could help reduce heart injuries. There have even been studies regarding benefits for chronic kidney disease.

There have also been many discoveries in studies that show various properties of cordyceps that are identical to known drugs or substances on the market.

Cordyceps Benefits for Male

Cordyceps For Testosterone

Traditionally Cordyceps was used as a medicine to cure numerous ailments, one of the most significant being an aphrodisiac to support sexual performance and reproduction.

It is believed that Cordyceps contains properties that support levels of androgens in men (hormones that contribute to reproduction in men and women).

Studies suggest that Cordyceps may help to support the health of steroidogenic acute regulatory enzymes found in tissues such as the testis. This enzyme serves to help the production of steroid hormones such as testosterone.

One way that Cordyceps is believed to be of help in increasing testosterone levels is its ability to combat oxidative stress.

There are many people who try to increase their levels of testosterone by overtraining with the misconception that this will increase hormone production. Doing so, consequently causes oxidative stress.

Cordyceps may provide anti-oxidative properties and reproductive hormone support to combat the effects and increase levels of testosterone without causing stress.

Additionally, animal studies suggest that Cordyceps may have the potential to boost Leydig cells in the testicles, contributing to increasing testosterone levels.

Cordyceps Benefits for Female

Supporting Hormonal Balance

Hormonal imbalances can lead to various health issues for women, including irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, and hormonal acne. Cordyceps may help support hormonal balance by regulating the endocrine system. It can potentially assist in managing hormone-related symptoms and promoting overall reproductive health.

Enhancing Sexual Health

As mentioned, cordyceps has long been associated with improving sexual health and vitality. It is believed to have aphrodisiac properties that may also increase libido and improve sexual function in women. The fascinating aspect of cordyceps is its ability to enhance blood flow and elevate energy levels within the body, making it a natural and holistic solution for women seeking to improve their overall sexual wellness.

How Cordyceps May Help You Sleep

When it comes to difficulty sleeping, Cordyceps is believed to increase the quality of sleep by providing restorative and regenerative properties.

Cordyceps contain several active compounds that could be said to have an effect on sleep. Cordyceps contain beta-d-glucans (polysaccharides) which are known for their immune-boosting ability.

They are rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, ergosterol, ergothioneine, and glutathione, which are each associated with providing immunomodulating properties, helping to reduce oxidative stress and the damage inflicted on the body by free radicals.

The following will show you the ways in which Cordyceps can potentially be the solution to combating sleep problems.

Restorative Properties

Cordyceps is believed to stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is characterized as a high-energy molecule that works to carry energy in the cells and supports the body’s ability to repair.

Cordyceps is believed to increase the flow of oxygenated blood in the body which results in the increased production of ATP. Increased production of ATP is what boosts an individual’s energy and stamina. But how will a boost of energy help you sleep?

The production of ATP improves sleep by boosting levels of cellular regeneration and rejuvenation, this leads to making your body’s rest and repair function efficient for a night of better sleep.

Increased Sleep Time

Studies on rats have shown that Cordyceps may be helpful when it comes to treating sleep problems. One study showed that Cordyceps actively increased NREM or non-rapid eye movement sleep and decreased REM or rapid eye movement sleep.

The result was the suppression of waking which makes for increased total sleeping time. NREM sleep is characterized as deep sleep as a critical phase for inducing muscle recovery and body restoration.

Cordyceps could be a useful solution to jet lag and insomnia as it may increase NREM sleep which helps to reset biorhythms.

Is It too Good to be True?

It's important to note that most studies on all medicinal mushrooms are animal studies, and there is rarely enough evidence in our opinion to make any direct or conclusive statements on how impactful they can be on humans.

What this means for you is that even if these animal studies can show very promising results, the translation over to the effects on a human body isn't necessarily the same.

How to Take Cordyceps

Due to the natural, alternative medicine state of cordyceps, there are no formal recommendations from experts on how much to take. In general, you should always follow the cordyceps product label which differs between manufacturers - but typically suggests a dosage of 1,000 to 3,000 mg per day.

However, how much you can take will heavily rely on the potency and type of cordyceps you are taking. That is why you should read and follow the label, or consult a doctor, above all else. The manufacturer will have the specific information needed to formulate a safe and effective dosage.

You should note that all research studies on the health benefits cordyceps have, show that a short-term and consistent routine will produce the best results, meaning you will need to use this supplement every day if you really want to reap the benefits of it.

Is It Safe to Take Cordyceps?

Generally speaking, limited research indicates that it is likely safe for humans to consume cordyceps without issue. Anecdotally, cordyceps have been used safely in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years.

That being said, everyone reacts differently to new substances and you should always contact your doctor or GP before consuming it. Even then, start with a small dose and increase slowly over time as your body adapts to avoid any unintended side effects.

While Cordyceps are generally believed to be safe, it's important to know that there is always the possibility of side effects. It is advised that using Cordyceps supplements should be avoided if you are currently on blood-thinning medication, you are pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Cordyceps Mushroom Side Effects

As we've mentioned above, typically, cordyceps is incredibly safe to take and produces no side effects. However, in the rare cases they do occur, the most common include:

• Diarrhoea
• Stomach ache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea

The side effects cordyceps cause will go away when you stop using the product. If you wish to keep taking it, you can sometimes control the side effects by taking it after eating. If the symptoms persist, it is important to seek medical advice from your doctor.

In some people, there is a lasting side effect that causes a metallic taste in the mouth. This is very rare, however, and not something most will experience.

Another rare side effect is that cordyceps have been reported to increase anxiety in some people.

Where to Get Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps is fast becoming a very popular health supplement here in Australia and around the world.

It's generally produced as a concentrated extract in liquid, powder or capsule form that can be taken directly, or mixed in with food and drinks.

If you're interested in buying whole cordyceps mushrooms, be cautious as most are not authentic due to how rare they are.

Whether you're Australian, European, from the U.S. or further abroad - there is a high-quality cordyceps supplier that you can buy from.

Read the Label

When it comes to buying any supplement, you need to read the label and to research each manufacturer so that you can ensure you get the purest, highest-quality extract available. The explosion in popularity of cordyceps has unfortunately led to a large number of dodgy manufacturers and low-quality (even dangerous) products.

It is common for many brands to include 'fillers' in their blend (such as rice or other non-medicinal mushrooms) to reduce their costs, which will obviously not provide you with the full cordyceps benefits.

Lower quality products may contain contaminants, such as heavy metals, toxins, or moulds. Many of these products do not list all the ingredients, so you will never really know what you are consuming.

In addition, if a supplement is yeast-free, it will usually be of higher quality. This label helps you to know that it likely does not have mould in it.

A good manufacturer will be transparent with their sourcing principles and testing results so you can be sure you are purchasing the highest-quality cordyceps possible.

What to Expect

Generally, most Cordyceps sinensis and cordyceps mushroom extracts are not naturally grown cordyceps. Most are cultures that are manufactured in labs.

The cost of wild cordyceps is extremely high, and it is also very difficult to find wild-grown cordyceps due to over-harvesting. There is an argument because of this that its unethical to be consuming wild cordyceps.

What you will usually get is termed: Cordyceps Cs-4.

This is a cultured cordyceps that Chinese scientists created. The cordyceps Cs-4 process does not produce an actual mushroom. It only produces a mycelium liquid culture, which much research shows has the same effects as the cordyceps extract.

Another possibility is the Cordyceps militaris. This is a type of cordyceps grown in mushroom form. Some manufacturing methods don't separate the mushroom from the grain very well making it diluted, however, if cultivated and extracted correctly - Cordyceps militaris can be an excellent cordyceps supplement.

Furthermore, there are many other laboratory-made versions of Cordyceps sinensis that go into supplements. Some have better results than others in duplicating the effects of the mushroom. If you are serious about reaping the benefits of cordyceps, do your research on your favourite suppliers and stick with them!

Choosing a Supplement

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to be selective when choosing Cordyceps supplements. After years of taking Cordyceps and researching and testing a wide range of quality manufacturers, we’ve put together a list of the best mushroom supplements to help you choose reliable Cordyceps options in Australia and worldwide.

FAQs:

Just to clear up any quick questions we've missed, check out the FAQ below:

Is Cordyceps Edible?

Yes, Cordyceps is edible. Most people add cordyceps powdered extracts to broths, soups and hot drinks - however, if you're lucky enough to come across whole 'true' cordyceps mushrooms, they can also be added to food.

Is Cordyceps Vegan?

In short - it depends. Wild cordyceps grows on ants, caterpillars and other insects destroying them in the process and is not considered vegan by many because of this. However, most cordyceps you find is lab-cultured cordyceps (such as CS-4) and is vegan friendly.

Is Cordyceps Dangerous to Humans?

Cordyceps is not dangerous to humans. There are always exceptions and some people may react differently, but thousands of years of use in Chinese Medicine has shown no dangerous effects when dose guidelines are followed. Cordyceps has not been found to 'infect' humans.

How Long Does Cordyceps Take to Work?

The length of time it takes for Cordyceps to work can vary depending on each individual's needs and body chemistry. However, research studies have suggested that significant changes in energy levels and endurance may be noticed within one week of consistent use. For maximum benefits, it's recommended to take Cordyceps daily for at least 2-3 months.

Does Cordyceps Give You Energy?

Yes, Cordyceps is known to give a sustainable boost of energy without the jittery feeling associated with caffeine. The functional mushroom improves energy reserves on a cellular level, which leads to long-lasting endurance and stamina. Cordyceps also helps to reduce muscle fatigue during exercise, allowing for optimal performance.

As a natural supplement, Cordyceps is a healthier alternative to energy drinks or sugary snacks that offer only temporary energy. However, it's important to note that consistent use may be necessary to see the desired effects.

Does Cordyceps Thin Blood?

Cordyceps are believed to have blood-thinning effects to reduce blood clots and create regular blood flow. It is advised that anyone on blood-thinning medication avoids using Cordyceps.

Will Cordyceps Keep You Awake?

Beating fatigue naturally by boosting one's energy, can cordyceps cause insomnia? There is some debate as to whether cordyceps will keep you awake at night if taken before bed.

Although this could be true, cordyceps actually contains several bioactive components such as polysaccharides, amino acids, protein, etc, all of which provide antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce the effects of pain and extreme tiredness. This, in turn, helps to reduce symptoms of insomnia by promoting and inducing sleep.

However, as mentioned it's still recommended that cordyceps be taken in the morning as it has a natural energizing effect.

Wrapping Up

It's hard to deny that the beginnings of Cordyceps sinensis are interesting, bordering on off-putting.

A fungal infection in the head of an insect certainly doesn't seem like it could grow into something that provides impressive health benefits, but science and traditional medicine shows otherwise.

As you begin to look deeper into this ancient medicinal mushroom, you will learn that not everything is as it seems. With the outrageous prices for true, wild Cordyceps sinensis, you need to become a savvy shopper to ensure your cordyceps supplement fits the bill and will offer you the health benefits you seek.

We hope this has piqued your interest in this incredible mushroom and given you all the info you need!