Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
Synopsis of cordyceps
Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi known for growing on insects or insect larvae. The most well-known and traditionally prized species is Cordyceps sinensis, now called Ophiocordyceps sinensis, which naturally grows on high-altitude caterpillars in the Himalayas. Due to sustainability issues and high cost, the cultivated species Cordyceps militaris is now widely used in supplements and has similar therapeutic properties.
Cordyceps is valued for its ability to support energy, stamina, respiratory health, immune regulation, and sexual vitality. It contains a wide array of bioactive compounds including:
- Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) – a potent nucleoside analog with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer effects
- Polysaccharides – for immune modulation and antioxidant protection
- Sterols, peptides, and adenosine – supporting cardiovascular function, energy production, and hormonal balance
Cordyceps is considered an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress and exerting a normalizing effect on multiple body systems. It is commonly used to:
- Enhance physical endurance and reduce fatigue
- Improve lung function and help with chronic coughs, asthma, and COPD
- Support libido and reproductive function in both men and women
- Regulate immune response, making it helpful in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
- Improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity
- Protect the kidneys and liver, especially under toxic or pharmaceutical stress
Modern research has focused on Cordyceps’ mitochondrial support, showing it may boost ATP production and oxygen utilization, making it popular among athletes and older adults.
Historical Use
Cordyceps has been revered for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Tibetan medicine, where wild Cordyceps sinensis was known as “dong chong xia cao” (“winter worm, summer grass”). It was traditionally used as a tonic herb for strengthening the lungs and kidneys, vital organs associated with vitality, aging, and reproductive power.
In classic TCM texts, Cordyceps was recommended for conditions of fatigue, weakness after illness, low libido, chronic cough, night sweats, and kidney deficiency syndromes. It was considered particularly beneficial for the elderly or those recovering from serious illness, as well as for promoting longevity and overall resilience.
Cordyceps was also given to improve sexual function and fertility, especially in men, and was traditionally combined with herbs like ginseng, reishi, and eucommia for greater effect. It was reserved for royalty and the elite due to its rarity and was traded at extremely high value.
With the advent of modern cultivation techniques in the late 20th century—especially the large-scale production of Cordyceps militaris—this once-rare fungus became widely available in powders, capsules, tinctures, and functional beverages. While wild O. sinensis remains a luxury item, C. militaris has been validated through clinical research for many of the same uses.
Today, Cordyceps is embraced in integrative and performance medicine, often featured in formulas for energy, athletic recovery, stress resilience, immune balance, and anti-aging protocols.
Cordyceps is used for these health conditions
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Anxiety (Traditional)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Asthma (Traditional)
Athletic and Exercise Aids (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Emphysema (Traditional)
Endurance (lack of) (Scientific)
Energy (lack of) (Scientific)
Erectile Dysfunction (Traditional)
Exercise (Scientific)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Fibrosis (Scientific)
Hepatitis (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Influenza (Scientific)
Liver Detoxification (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional)
Muscle Tone (lack of) (Scientific)
Nephritis (Traditional)
Nervous Exhaustion (Traditional)
Oxygen Deficiency (Scientific)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Stress (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)
Tuberculosis (Traditional)
Wasting (Scientific)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
cordyceps is used to support these body systems
Adrenal Glands (Scientific)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Glandular System (Scientific)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Scientific)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Male Reproductive System (Traditional)
Muscles (Scientific)
Nerves (Traditional)
Pituitary (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Testosterone (Traditional)
