How to Take Cordyceps Militaris
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What Is Cordyceps Militaris?
Cordyceps militaris grows on moth pupae and other insects that overwinter in soil or leaf litter. In Ukraine it is rare and found mostly in the Polissia region. It is easy to miss in the woods: small, club-shaped orange bodies 2–8 cm long. It has no cap, and the flesh inside is white and fibrous. The smell and taste are faint.
Wild Cordyceps is scarce, so most Cordyceps militaris on the market is cultivated on a plant-based substrate, usually grain.
Don't confuse Cordyceps militaris with Chinese Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis). That is a different fungus that grows high in the Tibetan mountains and costs many times more.
What's in Cordyceps
These are the compounds in Cordyceps militaris that researchers study most:
- cordycepin, which this species contains more of than other Cordyceps;
- adenosine;
- polysaccharides;
- ergosterol (provitamin D);
- D-mannitol;
- amino acids, including essential ones.
Cordyceps is popular with people who exercise. It is studied in connection with endurance and tolerance to physical exertion. In one such study, participants took Cordyceps militaris for one to three weeks and then completed high-intensity exercise tests (link at the end of this article). Human studies are still few and small.
How to Take Cordyceps
The usual daily amount is 2–3 g, or 4–6 capsules. Split it into two doses: in the morning and at lunch, 30 minutes before a meal. If you have a sensitive stomach, take it after eating. It's best to avoid it in the evening, since many people feel more alert afterwards and find it harder to fall asleep.
A course lasts at least 3 months, followed by a break.
Cordyceps comes in two forms:
- Capsules. The most convenient option, with nothing to measure.
- Powder. You can brew it in a thermos with green or herbal tea and let it steep for a few hours. The result is a light drink with a mild taste.
You can combine Cordyceps with other functional mushrooms, such as Lion's Mane or chanterelles.
Contraindications
Do not take Cordyceps if you have the following:
- pregnancy or breastfeeding;
- chronic kidney disease;
- a flare-up of a chronic bowel condition;
- a mushroom allergy or intolerance to any of the ingredients.
Take care if you have prostate problems. If you take medication, especially blood thinners or drugs that lower blood sugar, talk to your doctor before starting a course.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENT. NOT A MEDICINE!
Where to Buy Cordyceps Militaris
Muhomornya offers Cordyceps in capsules and as a powder. Pick the form that suits you best.
Sources
Jędrejko K.J., Lazur J., Muszyńska B. Cordyceps militaris: An Overview of Its Chemical Constituents in Relation to Biological Activity. Foods, 2021: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34828915/
Hirsch K.R., Smith-Ryan A.E., Roelofs E.J., Trexler E.T., Mock M.G. Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 2017: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5236007/
Cordyceps militaris on Wikipedia: Cordyceps militaris
