Cordyceps Fungus

Cordyceps is the genus name for over 300 distinct species, but here we'll be talking about the species Ophiocordyceps sinensis, which is the most common mushroom people mean when referring to Cordyceps and is the species most studied for its health benefits.

O. sinensis is relatively rare in the wild, being found in the shrublands above 10,000 feet (about 3050 meters) on the Tibetan Plateau. Legend says that it was discovered some 1,500 years ago by herders when their yaks grazed on the mushrooms and became inexplicably energized and playful.

Also known as the "zombie mushroom," O. sinensis spores infect caterpillars, growing inside of them. Eventually, the host is killed, and colorful stem-like structures sprout from the caterpillars' heads.

Other members of the Cordyceps family do the same thing to other insect species. While this sounds off-putting to many people, the good news is that Cordyceps are commercially available that are cultivated without any insect involvement.

Cordyceps have a mild flavor and as a result can be included in a variety of dishes. Traditionally they are featured in chicken and pork soups.

One of their most famous attributes, known in Asia for at least six hundred years, is the stimulation of libido. Studies have shown Cordyceps slightly increase testosterone and estrogen.

Cordyceps is recognized by athletes for boosting metabolism and stamina, and speeding recovery by increasing ATP, the carrier of chemical energy in cells, and improves how the body uses oxygen.

Additionally, Cordyceps have been shown to improve lung function, lessening symptoms of respiratory ailments.

O. sinensis promotes an overall strong immune system. Like Chaga, they are an excellent source of antioxidants.

Cordyceps also stimulates apoptosis, which is a process that gets rid of old and defective cells including cancerous cells in tumors that are usually not subject to programmed cell death. In this way, Cordyceps has demonstrated an ability to shrink tumors and slow the advance of cancer.