The Recommended Cordyceps Dosage to Achieve Your Health & Wellness Goals

Cordyceps has become a much sought-after functional mushroom. It is in demand with fitness enthusiasts and is desired as a supplement to support a variety of health and wellness goals. This fungus that grows in nature as a parasite on caterpillars has quite a following. 

The  Cordyceps genus comprise about 750 different species; 35 of these have been researched for their medicinal properties. Two powerful species, Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris, are readily available in dietary supplement form. As a cultivated product, we believe that Cordyceps militaris is a more efficacious and safe choice for consumers than is Cordyceps sinensis which does not readily produce fruit bodies under cultivation and for which there is considerable confusion regarding its taxonomy. 

If you are interested in putting this superfood mushroom to work in your wellness routine, you may be wondering what is an appropriate Cordyceps dosage. Continue reading to learn more about this unusual “mushroom,” also called the caterpillar fungus, and the benefits it may hold for you. 

Why Is There So Much Interest in Cordyceps? 

Many different species of Cordyceps are found in the humid temperate and tropical forests throughout Asia, Europe, and North America.  The medicinal species Cordyceps sinensis (recently renamed by taxonomists as Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is native to Himalayan mountain regions of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. The other extensively researched medicinal species Cordyceps militaris is more widespread at lower elevations in several parts of the world. While this unusual fungus has a long history in traditional and folk medicine, it is also the subject of much scientific research. Its strong mycochemicals (substances found in fungi) create tremendous potential for use in sports performance and recovery supplements, for use against oxidative stress,  and for immune support. ‡ 

Many people are curious about these intriguing mushrooms that may support a variety of health and wellness goals. Consider these frequently asked questions: 

Research Supports the Benefits of Daily Cordyceps Dosage 

Besides the anecdotal evidence of Cordyceps’ benefits throughout history, there is scientific research to back it up (as you’ll see below). With so many different bioactive components, there have been many potential benefits identified. 

Cordyceps Benefits in Animal Research 

Most of the research with Cordyceps has been conducted in vitro (cell cultures in the lab) or with animals. These are some of the highlights:  

• Extracts of cultivated C. militaris mycelium and fruit bodies showed antioxidant activity in animal research as well as blocking the detection of painful stimuli by sensory neurons. 
• Extracts of Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris provided hypoglycemic activity, lowering blood sugar in adult rats. 
• Polysaccharides from C. militaris had an anti-fatigue effect in mice, prolonging their time to exhaustion in swimming tests and decreasing biochemical indicators of fatigue.

Cordyceps supplementation provided an energizing, anti-fatigue effect in animal studies and was safely tolerated even at high doses.‡ 

Cordyceps Benefits in Human Research 

In human research studies mentioned below, Cordyceps has shown several potential benefits related to exercise and energy levels. These include: 

• Research with elderly adults given 3g of C. sinensis showed improved aerobic capacity and ventilatory function and resistance to exercise fatigue versus those receiving a placebo. 
• Healthy young adults who received 4g of C. militaris improved tolerance to high intensity exercise after one week and exhibited greater benefits (maximum oxygen consumption and ventilatory threshold) when supplementation continued for two additional weeks. 

Cordyceps contributed to improved exercise tolerance and oxygen consumption in research with both young and older adults, and it was tolerated in moderate doses.‡ 

Finding a Quality Cordyceps Supplement 

Om Mushroom Superfoods offers  quality Cordyceps mushroom supplements in a variety of formats. Om's loose Cordyceps powder blend is made from the dried and ground mycelium and fruit bodies—a very versatile way to get your daily cordyceps dosage. It can be easily stirred into your morning latte or your post-workout smoothie. Alternatively, capsules containing the same high-quality powder can be swallowed as a quick and convenient way to get your daily dose. 

If you prefer a drink mix that you simply stir into water, Om has you covered. Try a mushroom superfood blend powered by cordyceps. Energy+Citrus Orange Mushroom Drink Mix is specially curated to support energy and focus by combining the benefits of cordyceps with lion’s mane and reishi.‡ With the addition of Vitamin C and botanicals, guarana, yerba mate, and turmeric, this power blend boosts your water with natural energizers. 

Whether you are looking for energy support or the powerful antioxidant benefits of Cordyceps, Om produces quality products from mushrooms cultivated in California. The tricky thing about healthy habits, however, is making them a regular part of your routine. With several convenient ways to incorporate a daily cordyceps dosage, there is no reason not to give it a try. Choosing the one that works for you and sticking with it can quickly make it a “habit.” 

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‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Functional mushroom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.