Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that grows on the larvae of insects in high mountainous regions. Once attached to a host, it takes over its brain and body, replacing vital tissues and sprouting its fruiting body from the insect’s head. The mushroom then releases spores and the life cycle starts over.

This type of medicinal mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The remains of the insect and Cordyceps mushroom is collected, dried and used to treat a variety of ailments from fatigue, sickness and low sex drive, to more severe conditions like kidney disease.

But there’s a problem! Cordyceps mushrooms are difficult to source and, therefore, extremely expensive. Hence why health supplements are usually made from Cordyceps Militaris. This type of mushroom possesses the same fantastic benefits as Cordyceps, however it is cultivated and grown on grain. From there, it is ground into a fine micro powder full of vitamins, nutrients and beneficial carbohydrates.

ordyceps Militaris is an incredibly nutritious mushroom with therapeutic benefits. It contains several types of essential amino acids, vitamins B1, B2, B12 and K, plus a wide range of minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese and zinc. What’s more, it’s packed full of carbohydrates, including medicinal polysaccharides.

Polysaccharides - A long chain of complex carbohydrate molecules that store energy, send cellular information and provide support to all cells and tissue.

Beta Glucans - Sugars that are found within the cell walls of fungi. These are effective in reducing cholesterol levels and strengthening the immune system.

Essential amino acids - Cordyceps Militaris primarily contains glutamate, arginine, aspartic acid but has notable effects from tryptophan and tyrosine too.

Cordyceps mushrooms have been used in traditional Tibetan, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries. Revered as a tonic for all illnesses, they claim it improves appetite, energy, endurance, libido, sleeping patterns and stamina. The first available reference occurs in a 15th Century Tibetan text.

In the past, Cordyceps were so highly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine that they were only available to the emperor’s family in Ancient China. Back then, they were primarily used as an adaptogen and immuno supportive herb to boost kidney and lung function.

The benefits of Cordyceps were also discovered in India by herders who noticed their yaks, goats and sheep were becoming stronger and more stout, as a result of eating the fungus. After extracting the fruiting body, the local people would dry it in the sunlight and consume it. They became convinced of its medicinal effects in enhancing vigor and vitality, along with its benefits as an aphrodisiac.