Cordyceps is a mushroom that has had a place in traditional Chinese herbalism for more than two thousand years. In recent years it has been quickly gaining recognition here as a supplement too. In this blog you can read what cordyceps is exactly, where it comes from, what is in it and how you use it.
What exactly is cordyceps?
Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that grows naturally on insects. You find it mainly at high altitude, between 3000 and 5000 metres in the Himalayas. The best-known species are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris.
For centuries cordyceps was gathered by hand in the highlands of Tibet and Nepal, which made it a rare and costly product. These days the mushroom is grown under controlled conditions, which has made it a good deal more accessible.
A mushroom with a long history
In traditional Chinese herbalism cordyceps has been used for thousands of years. It had a fixed place in the herbal traditions of Tibet and China and was often seen as a special and valuable ingredient.
That rich history partly explains why cordyceps is now attracting interest in the West too. As with other mushrooms: traditional use is something other than scientific proof.
What is in cordyceps?
Cordyceps contains a number of bioactive compounds that make the mushroom interesting for research. The best known are cordycepin, a nucleoside, and polysaccharides, including beta-glucans.
These compounds are characteristic of cordyceps. What exactly they do in the body is still being researched.
Cordyceps and science
Scientific research is being done into cordyceps, among other things into its role around exertion and the immune system. Much of that research has been carried out in animals or in small studies, and the results are not yet unambiguous. For humans there are no hard conclusions yet.
There are currently no EU-approved health claims for cordyceps. It is a food supplement, not a medicine and not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
Is cordyceps safe?
Cordyceps is well tolerated by most people. As with any supplement, mild side effects can occur, such as slight digestive complaints or a dry mouth.
We advise against using cordyceps during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and keep the supplements out of reach of children. Do you take medication or have a medical condition? Then consult your doctor before you start.
Use and dosage of cordyceps
Cordyceps comes in various forms: capsules, powders and extracts. At Dutch Balance we offer cordyceps in capsule form, which is the most practical choice for most people.
A usual dose is about 600 mg a day, and in any case no more than 2000 mg. With our capsules you reach that with two a day, with a maximum of six. Would you like to start calmly? Then begin with one capsule a day to see how you get on with it.
Cordyceps in your daily routine
A supplement works most pleasantly when you use it consistently. Cordyceps is easy to fit in: take the capsules with water, or add our powder to a smoothie or your favourite drink.
Choose fixed moments, at lunch or dinner for instance. That way it becomes a fixed part of your day and you are less likely to forget it.
Trying cordyceps yourself?
Has this special mushroom caught your interest? Have a look at our Pure Mushrooms Cordyceps capsules or the full range of mushrooms. Do you have questions about using it? Feel free to get in touch, we are happy to help.
Buying cordyceps? Have a look at the organic Cordyceps capsules from the whole fruiting body.
