This mushroom, originally discovered in the Himalayan mountains two thousand years ago, provides increased energy, endurance, fights off fatigue and increases libido. No wonder its nicknamed Himalayan Viagra!
Cordyceps are a type of medicinal mushroom that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. The two most common types are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris. Both of these mushrooms are beneficial for increased energy, endurance, and sexual libido. Cordyceps are also known as "zombie mushrooms" because they grow on the backs of caterpillars. These mushrooms are rare and unsustainable in the wild, so most of the cordyceps on the market today are cultivated.
Cordyceps were discovered by Himalayan Sherpas almost 2000 years ago. They were later introduced to the West by a French Jesuit priest, Perennin Jean-Baptiste Du Halde, who was given cordyceps on a trip to China. Since then, Cordyceps became recognized as potent stamina and energy boosters. However, its modern popularity in the West only soared after the 1993 World Athletic Championships in Stuttgart. That year the Chinese female long-distance track and field team won 6 out of their 9 events while using a protocol that included cordyceps--or so they claimed. Thanks to them, Cordyceps are more widely recognized as an athletic performance enhancer. This medicinal mushroom is ideal as a pre- or post-workout booster or for physically demanding activities. Recent studies have shown that cordyceps have some real benefits for athletes and anyone looking for a boost in energy levels. These benefits include increases in aerobic capacity, better oxygen utilization, and improved muscle function.
Cordyceps are also being studied for their potential effects on sexual function, with some preliminary evidence suggesting it may be a natural Viagra. In several studies, human participants who took a cordyceps supplement for three months reported increased sexual desire, improved quality of life, and fewer problems with sexual performance.
Cordyceps are a mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are known for their many benefits, one of which is improved energy. Cordyceps help to improve energy by increasing the amount of oxygen that is available to the body's cells. This in turn improves the overall function of the body, helping you to feel more energetic and vibrant.
The effects of cordyceps can be felt within 20 or 30 minutes of ingesting them, making them good candidates for convincing naysayers about the significance and efficacy of functional mushrooms. This has made them very popular with high-performance athletes for increasing stamina (by ramping up ATP production—a compound for transporting energy, aka sugar molecules, throughout the body), increasing VO2 max, delaying fatigue, and heightening physical awareness. A study at UCLA confirmed that cordyceps increased oxygen intake from 1.88 to 2.00 liters per minute as observed in the study subjects. This marked increase resulted in improved exercise capacity and resistance to fatigue.
While cordyceps benefits have been traditionally associated with energy and stamina, recent studies have shown that they can also be helpful for those suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Cordyceps help to improve breathing by dilating the bronchial tubes and increasing lung capacity. This can be extremely beneficial not just to athletes who need to increase their oxygen intake, but to those suffering from respiratory conditions as well.
Cordyceps have long been known as a powerful aphrodisiac. So much so, that they've even earned the nickname Cordy-sex and Himalayan Viagra for their libido-improving properties—particularly in males. In a 2008 study, researchers found that cordyceps helped improve sexual function in rats with erectile dysfunction. One hypothesis is that sexual health and performance were improved by increasing the amount of energy available throughout the body. This increased energy, in turn, helps to boost libido and improve stamina, allowing you to enjoy longer and more pleasurable sexual experiences.
Cordyceps are also believed to help improve fertility. They are thought to help increase sperm count and motility, as well as improve the overall health of the reproductive system. This can be beneficial for both men and women, helping to improve fertility and increase the chances of conception.
Finally, Cordyceps stimulate estradiol production which helps fight age-related sexual dysfunction and improves sperm motility. In general, though, they help to keep the body's cells healthy and functioning properly, which in turn helps to maintain optimal sexual function as you get older. This can be especially beneficial for those who are nearing or experiencing menopause or andropause. In one study with individuals experiencing age-related sexual decline, the participants who took a cordyceps supplement for three months reported increased sexual desire, improved quality of life, and fewer problems with sexual performance.
There are 600 species of Cordyceps worldwide and yet Cordyceps mushrooms are not the easiest to find or grow yourself, so they can be quite expensive. If you do want to try them, look for supplements that are made with Cordyceps Sinensis or Cordyceps Militaris. These are the most well-researched and potent varieties easily available for purchase. The Sinensis strain has been over-harvested and extensively poached, leading to its rarity in the wild. Fortunately, the cultivated strains are more available and equally as potent. Look for Cordyceps grown in myceliated liquid cultures (often the CS-4 Cordyceps or Cordyceps militaris) and of course, which have been preferably dual-extracted from the fruiting bodies.
Cordyceps are most commonly found in capsule or powder form, but can also be found in some energy drinks and pre-workout supplements. A daily dose of 3 - 9 grams is common for enhanced athletic performance. If you are looking for a natural way to increase overall energy levels, try pairing it with other energizing herbs like cacao, mint, ginger, Schisandra, and rose hips for a real energy boost. They can also be added to smoothies, soups, and other dishes, but they may be less potent when cooked.
Another recommended way of consuming Cordyceps for energy is to take the daily recommended dose about an hour before physical exertion, training, or when heading to high-altitude regions with lower oxygen availability. For endurance, try adding to a smoothie or drinking a decocted mixture in the recovery period of athletic training. Lastly, if improved libido is the desired outcome, simply drink a decocted tea about 30 to 60 minutes before engaging in lovemaking.
Cordyceps are generally considered safe, but there is limited research on their long-term effects. Just be aware that it is a potent supplement, so start with a lower dose to see how you respond. As with any supplement, it’s always best to talk to your doctor before adding anything new to your diet.
