Cordyceps Mushrooms: What are they, uses, benefits & more!

IS THIS WHAT THEY CALL MAGIC MUSHROOMS NOWADAYS?

Au contraire Troomy Travelers, functional mushrooms are actually not “magic mushrooms” at all. Instead, they are major daily boosters for routine health and wellness, offering a TON of health benefits. 

While there are some Harvey Specters and Kim Wexlers in the world, we can't all be on our A-game at all times. For most of us, the grind can be a lot. 

If you're one of the many people worldwide enjoying the benefits of natural medicinal mushrooms, look no further than the powerful benefits of Cordyceps. 

Cordyceps aren't exactly characterized as mushrooms at all, but are actually fungal infections that overtake worm larvae. They are closer to parasites rather than the mushrooms you’re familiar with, such as portabello or white button mushrooms.

 So, why is it that a parasite has now gained worldwide attention? What's set it apart as a daily supplement in the health and wellness world?

Today, our team at Troomy will take a deep dive into what put cordyceps on the map, why it's become such a fantastic supplement for daily function, and how you can get your hands on supplements like our Boost blend for cordyceps today.

CORDYCEPS MUSHROOMS AS FUNCTIONAL SUPPORT SUPPLEMENTS

don’t let their parasitic nature deter you. These pack quite the nutritional punch when it comes to improving your health. Many Cordyceps mushroom benefits have been known to the people of the Tibetan Plateau for centuries. Today, instead of foraging for Cordyceps in the high plateau and mountains, you can buy it easily in powdered form.

In addition, you can also find Cordyceps gummies that are delicious, easy to ingest, and can provide the same benefits including increased sex drive, anti-viral properties, anti-cancer properties, and so much more.

Below is everything you need to know about Cordyceps mushroom benefits, the studies that back up this data, and the magic behind what makes this an impactful supplement to add to your daily routine. 

 

WHERE DOES CORDYCEPS COME FROM?

Cordyceps originate from the mountains of the Tibetan Plateau, and they have been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for the past 2,000 years. Although "mushroom" is tacked on at the end of their name, they’re simply referred to as Cordyceps for ease of understanding. Cordyceps’ nutritional value comes from its growth out of the head of the ghost moth larvae. 

After the larvae are mummified, they will then walk over to the forests of the Himalayas, Vietnam, China, and Tibet among others. Then, they will create a new home for the Cordyceps to thrive, which opens the door for them to be picked and gathered for their nutrients

People will take the fungus from the tip of the larvae head, which is shaped in a long, slender, almost worm-like shape. These Cordyceps are then sold as a ground-up powder and converted into delicious products such as:

• Coffee replacements
• Dietary supplements
• Powdered mixes
• Cordyceps gummies

While there are around 400 different species of Cordyceps, the two that you will most often see used in supplements include Cordyceps Sinesis and Cordyceps Militaris. These are the most impactful in terms of benefits and could easily jumpstart giving your body added nutrients to protect against diseases and sickness. 

WHAT ARE THE BEST CORDYCEPS BENEFITS? 

Studies suggest Cordyceps have a variety of benefits for emotional, physical, and mental health. Below are some of the many Cordyceps benefits that you might experience after ingesting this ancient sustenance.

 

EASIER TIME FIGHTING FATIGUE

A study conducted on mice using the Cordyceps Militaris found that the mushroom activates fatigue recovery. It does so by regulating serum hormone levels in mice. While this study was conducted in 2015, it continued to gain traction thanks to the growing popularity of Cordyceps. This study supports the claim that Cordyceps can help improve energy levels and boost your alertness. This paves the way for effective Cordyceps-based supplements that can help raise your energy naturally.

In addition, another study conducted in 2016 at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, found that Cordyceps Militaris might also help improve tolerance to high-intensity exercise. The effects were seen with chronic, meaning long-term, and acute, meaning short-term, use of the mushroom. This is good news for athletes that are looking for a way to improve their ability to perform at an elite level and continue to train through adversity and fatigue.

DIABETES CONTROL

Diabetes is a common condition that affects 1 in 10 Americans. This disease makes it difficult for people to process sugar in their bloodstream, leading to excess blood glucose and devastating effects on the body. 

Animal studies done on mice have also produced quite shocking results thanks to the administration of Cordyceps Sinensis. One study in Taiwan showed that the administration of Cordyceps Sinensis might lead to protection from complications of diabetes, such as neuropathy and B-cell destruction.

The study also showed improved weight management in mice, which can further lead to improved weight levels and improved health. Weight management is one of the most important aspects of overall diabetic care. 

Even newer studies have also shown that using Cordyceps Militaris might also help improve kidney function with Diabetes. One of the many complications of diabetes is also renal failure and poor kidney function. 

These studies provide hope for people with diabetes looking for a way to help naturally prevent complications from this chronic disease. 

IMPROVED MEMORY AND BRAIN HEALTH 

In addition to its many purported anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial effects, Cordyceps has also been shown to help improve memory in studies. One study examined the effects of Cordyceps Militaris on mice and their memory. The study suggests that Cordyceps Militaris might help prevent memory-related neuronal degeneration in the brain.

Unfortunately, as humans age, neuronal degeneration is inevitable in some people. Fortunately, these cordyceps mushroom benefits might help slow the progression of such diseases in humans, as they have in mice! This can also help improve memory in practice, which is massively beneficial when you’re studying for an exam, preparing for a presentation at work, and other important events.

NATURAL APHRODISIAC

In addition to the above-listed benefits, many people might know Cordyceps as being beneficial in improving sexual performance. But, is there any evidence to back this up?

A new study published in 2021 was conducted on diabetic mice using Cordyceps Militaris. The study showed that this fungus was able to help improve sexual behavior in these mice. It did so by helping boost serum testosterone levels, which hasn’t yet been translated to human behavior but could be in the near future. 

ARE CORDYCEPS MUSHROOMS LEGAL?

Many people might be hesitant to take Cordyceps out of fear that they are a sort of “magic mushroom” or produce some sort of psychoactive effects like traditional hallucinogenics. 

On the contrary, Cordyceps is not a magic mushroom, but a type of fungus that is naturally harvested and used worldwide. While we don't recommend harvesting cordyceps yourself, you can safely take them through a trusted brand that specializes in creating potent products made from cordyceps. 

ARE CORDYCEPS MUSHROOMS SAFE TO TAKE?

Fortunately, no major side effects of taking Cordyceps have been reported. But, if you're still iffy about trying them, don't worry. There are now delicious cordyceps gummites that can help you enjoy the benefits of cordyceps without having to worry about an earthy taste (if that is your preference).

Cordyceps can also be enjoyed as a coffee supplement. To do so, boil water and mix in cordyceps powder. You can also combine Cordyceps with other mushrooms and nootropics to experience the full benefits of this fungus.