What’s unique about the Cordyceps, the caterpillar fungus?

Created with Sketch.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a unique fungus and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. This fungus was also the inspiration for the popular video game and series The Last Of Us. In the series, it is basically a zombie fungus that takes over its host. The original medicinal mushroom, the cordyceps, has a bit of a different approach. Cordyceps, or the caterpillar fungus, leaves spores on insects and is slowly taking over the host. The mushroom will slowly grow in the insect and will eventually kill the insect. This is also the reason why it is called the caterpillar fungus as it will eat the host basically alive. In short: the cordyceps is a parasitic mushroom that grows in Europe, North America, and Asia.

So is cordyceps dangerous?

For some, it might not make any sense to eat a parasitic mushroom. However, the mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for example. Even now the cordyceps have been used by athletes to improve their results. It is also possible to buy fresh cordyceps for culinary use. The flavor is rather sweet and a bit earthy. However, fresh cordyceps are rather hard to buy in most countries. The cordyceps supplement is just like any other supplement. If you use the supplement and you follow the instructions on the package then it won’t give you any negative side effects.

The cordyceps as traditional Chinese medicine

The cordyceps that’s been used in supplements is mostly grown on soil made from rice. This type of mushroom is a different strain and is known as cordyceps sinensis. On the other hand, you also have cordyceps sinensis. Especially the last one is considered the imperial mushroom as it is very rich in different nutrients that are needed to keep your body healthy. This mushroom is also known for its healthy properties and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. The cordyceps we sell in our webshop are mostly known to improve your energy levels.

What is the difference between the cordyceps militaris and sinsensis?

As stated above, there are two types of cordyceps that can be used as a supplement. The ratio between these two is a bit different. The sinsensis contains more cordycepine, while the militaris contains more polysaccharides. The cordyceps sinsensis is extremely rare as it grows mostly in the Tibetan mountains and could cost more than 20.000 Dollars per kilogram, which makes it the most expensive mushroom in the world. The cordyceps militaris can be grown commercially and is therefore used for most cordyceps supplements.

The healthy properties of cordyceps

Cordyceps is known for its many healthy properties. The cordyceps contains for example different types of polysaccharides, proteins, Vitamins A, B1, E, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and calcium. The cordyceps family tends to be very big, but in most cases, you will find these properties: cordycepin, adenosine monophosphate, ergosterol peroxide, and mannitol. This will lead to different effects. For example, our cordyceps supplement will let you feel more energetic and could possibly help to improve the metabolism and could help against respiratory complaints.

en_GBEnglish (UK)