Cordyceps mushroom was, for a while, one of the most well-kept secrets of ancient medicine, originally being used by Tibetan herdsmen to combat the side effects of oxygen deprivation caused by working at such high altitudes. This endoparasitic-mushroom, meaning it grows on bugs, is even more powerful than we once thought, and today is being used all over the world to reap its oxygen and blood-flow-enhancing benefits.
Plus, modern researchers believe that Cordyceps may boost physical performance, help to slow or reverse the aging process, balance blood sugar, and improve heart health. Cordyceps is often considered the best nootropic mushroom for improving energy. If you’ve already taken a deep dive into Cordyceps’ potential benefits, you may be asking–how much Cordyceps should I take every day?
You’re on the right track, though cordyceps dosage varies by person and by the intended outcome. Before you decide how much cordyceps you should be working into your daily wellness routine, here’s what you should know:
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Cordyceps dosage can range from 0.5 grams to 3 grams daily.
- The amount of Cordyceps you should take depends on the type of product you choose.
- Cordyceps can be taken at any point during the day but may be most beneficial when taken about 1 hour before exercising.
- Some people, like those with blood clotting disorders or mushroom allergies, should not take Cordyceps.
How Much Cordyceps Should I Take Daily?
If you’re on the hunt for the answer to “how much cordyceps mushroom should I take,” you’re already on the right track. The answer is–it depends on the style of Cordyceps mushroom you choose, some unique biological and lifestyle factors, and just how your body responds to Cordyceps dosing over time. In other words, there is no one-size-fits-all dosing routine for Cordyceps.
When using whole-mushroom products, you may find that a dose of 1-3 grams of Cordyceps is useful. For Cordyceps extract, many people experience positive results from doses between 0.5-1 gram.
In order to get the exact dosage you need, you’ll need to carefully consider the dosing method you choose. For instance, if you’re using capsules or another pre-measured dosing form, it may be difficult to increase or decrease the dosage at the necessary increments. In this case, we recommend starting with the smallest possible dose according to the product’s label.
If you choose a blend of superfood mushrooms or another adaptogenic or nootropic blend, you may find that you need even less Cordyceps to reap the full benefits of the mushroom. That's because some mushrooms have a synergistic effect, meaning they work better when paired together. After all, many functional mushrooms, cordyceps included, have overlapping beta-glucans, and can therefore provide very similar benefits.
With cordyceps, however, the exception is the cordycepin. This compound is not found in other mushrooms and may be responsible for many of the health benefits associated with Cordyceps mushrooms. Still, you’ll need to do some “experimenting” with your dosage threshold to figure out how much of this miraculous mushroom you should take.
Let’s take a look at the Cordyceps dosages used in the research available, and then we will discuss different product styles and how they play into different dosage needs.
A Note About Cordyceps Quality
Before you get started, keep in mind that it is incredibly important that you buy a high-quality, lab-tested Cordyceps mushroom products. If you buy a high-quality product made for beginners, you can usually just follow the dosage information on the label. In all cases, you want to make sure that the produce you choose is clean and uncontaminated, especially if you plan to increase your dose.
Cordyceps Dosages Used in Research
The doses used in research vary greatly but rest around 1-3 grams of whole mushroom product in human studies. A review of Cordyceps’ therapeutic potential noted that the dosage used in animal studies ranged from 3 grams per day to 10 grams per kilogram (kg) per day.
Here are some more specific examples of how much Cordyceps has been used in successful research efforts:
Cordyceps Dosage for Improved Physical Performance
Enhanced athletic performance is one of the most common potential benefits linked to Cordyceps. Some evidence suggests that Cordyceps may help to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the body, which researchers believe may help to improve physical performance by improving oxygen flow in the body during physical activity.
In a 2004 study, adults were given 3 grams of a fermentation product of a specific strain of Cordyceps sinensis called CS-4 with positive results on physical performance. A study from 2006 used 0.5 grams of Cordyceps Sinensis extract, or an extracted version of the mushroom’s polysaccharide content, also with positive results.
Cordyceps Dosage for Immune Regulation
In one study designed to evaluate Cordyceps’ ability to help downregulate the immune system (to lower inflammation and prevent tissue damage), researchers give varying doses ranging from 0.5 grams to 3 grams of Cordyceps Militaris. All doses were found to have some positive effects, but a dose of 1.5 grams had the most benefit for immune regulation.
What's the Best Way to Take Cordyceps Mushroom?
Because the dosing method you choose will heavily impact the way that you can adjust your dosing routine, you should carefully consider the question–what is the best form of Cordyceps to take?
In general, you have two main options:
Whole Cordyceps Mushroom
If you choose a whole-mushroom supplement, you should be aware that it contains a similar makeup to fresh cordyceps mushrooms.
One study evaluating the makeup of Cordyceps products found that raw mushrooms contained 3.79% beta-glucans and 11,533.22 mg/kg cordycepin, or 1.15%. That means that you may need to take larger doses to get significant amounts of these therapeutic compounds.
One primary benefit to this dosing style is that whole mushroom usually contains other therapeutic and nutritional compounds, like terpenes, antioxidants, prebiotic fiber, peptides, enzymes, and more.
Cordyceps Extract
Cordyceps extract is made via a pressurized hot water extraction. The extract is then refined to create a concentrated version of Cordyceps’ polysaccharide and cordycepin content. That means that Cordyceps extract provides a more concentrated dose.
Still, there are plenty of inconsistencies in extract formulas, so it’s usually best to follow the dosage information given for the product, assuming you purchased a product from a high-quality, trustworthy manufacturer.
When’s the Best Time to Take Cordyceps Mushroom?
The best time to take Cordyceps mushroom supplements can vary depending on your personal preferences and the specific benefits you are seeking. However, there are some general recommendations that can guide your decision:
- Morning: Many people prefer taking Cordyceps in the morning because it can provide a natural energy boost and enhance stamina. Cordyceps is known for its potential to support respiratory function and improve oxygen utilization, which may help with physical performance and overall vitality throughout the day.
- Pre-Workout: Due to its potential to increase energy levels and enhance endurance, some individuals choose to take Cordyceps before their workouts or physical activities to maximize their performance and endurance during exercise.
- With Meals: Cordyceps can be taken with meals to aid digestion and support nutrient absorption. Adding it to your daily routine alongside your regular meals can be a convenient way to incorporate it into your diet.
- As Needed: Some people take Cordyceps as needed based on their activities or energy levels. For example, if you have a busy or demanding day ahead, you may take it in the morning or before engaging in strenuous tasks.
- Before Stressful Situations: Cordyceps is believed to have adaptogenic properties that may help the body respond better to stress. Taking it before stressful situations or demanding periods can be beneficial for some individuals.
- Before Sleep: While Cordyceps is generally considered energizing, some people may find that it doesn't disrupt their sleep patterns. If you experience this, taking it in the evening or before sleep might work well for you.
It's essential to follow the recommended dosage provided by the product manufacturer or consult with a healthcare professional to ensure proper usage based on your specific health needs and any potential interactions with medications or existing health conditions.
As with any supplement, individual responses may vary, so it's a good idea to experiment with different timings to find what works best for you and your lifestyle.
Cordyceps Mushroom Product Types
Regardless of which of the formulas highlighted above you decide to go with, you’ll usually have a few different dosing methods to choose from, including:
Capsules
Capsules are simply pre-measured, encapsulated doses that are great for daily dosing at any time of day. You won’t need to measure the dosage each time, and you’ll also be able to take your Cordyceps dosage without tasting it.
Powder
Cordyceps powder is popular because it offers more control over the dosage you take each day. Some people suggest that it has a higher bioavailability, or absorption rate because it's often consumed with plenty of fluids and possibly even healthy fats, like from plant milk.
Cordyceps powder, or multi-functional blends containing Cordyceps, can be added to warm beverages, used to make tea, baked into food, and more, making it one of the most versatile dosing methods available.
If you want to take full advantage of the "functional" side of functional mushrooms, consider a mushroom super-blend like our Lucid Coffee, Chai, or Matcha powders. It takes full advantage of the benefits of these superfood mushrooms by pairing Cordyceps, Maitake, Tremella, and Lion's Mane, plus powerful nootropics, like BCAA's, L-Theanine, Alpha-GPC, and more.
Tincture
Tinctures are a liquid form of Cordyceps that are under heavy debate–many people claim that tinctures are not very useful because mushrooms don’t do well during alcohol extractions. If you decide to go this route, verify that the tincture contains the therapeutic compounds you’re after.
Many people love the simplicity of a tincture dose, which is easy to measure in small increments when a dose adjustment is needed. Tinctures do typically have a stronger flavor than other dosing methods, however, because they are more concentrated and usually contain small amounts of alcohol.
Who Should Not Take Cordyceps?
In the available research, Cordyceps is generally well-tolerated by both humans and animals, but more evidence is needed to understand if some groups of people may be more at risk of Cordyceps side effects than others.
For now, we know that people with certain conditions or ailments should talk to their doctor before taking Cordyceps, especially since Cordyceps could interfere with some medications.
You should talk to your doctor before taking Cordyceps if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. There is no information regarding the impact of cordyceps supplementation while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have an auto-immune disease, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions.
- You have a bleeding disorder. Cordyceps may prevent blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.
- You are expecting surgery. Since Cordyceps may increase the risk of bleeding, it should not be used before or after surgery.
- You have had allergic reactions to mushrooms previously.
- You have a heart condition.
- You take medications, especially those used to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting, and blood sugar.
The best way to ensure your safety when trying Cordyceps for the first time is to choose a Cordyceps product from a high-quality manufacturer. Look for a brand that uses cGMP compliant manufacturing facility and can provide test results that rule out contaminants, like pesticides or mold. Also, choose a low starting dose so that you can get comfortable with the effects of Cordyceps before taking larger doses.
Cordyceps Dosage FAQ's
How many mg Cordyceps a day?
The amount of Cordyceps you need will vary based on lifestyle factors and the type of product used. Dosage may range from 0.5 grams to 3 grams daily.
Can Cordyceps be taken daily?
Yes! You should plan to take Cordyceps daily to reap the most benefit from your functional mushroom routine. Over time, Cordyceps may have a systemic effect, which means that regular dosing is much more effective than a one-off dose.
Can you take too much Cordyceps?
Cordyceps’ maximum dosage threshold is unknown, but the mushroom is thought to generally be safe for most people. Higher doses of Cordyceps may be riskier for those with a bleeding disorder, irregular blood pressure or blood sugar, or other chronic conditions requiring medication.
How long does it take Cordyceps to work?
You may need to wait at least two weeks to see the benefits of your Cordyceps dosage routine. It’s important that you take Cordyceps daily, at or around the same time each day, to reap optimal benefits.
Resources
- “Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and assessment of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) in enhancing aerobic capacity and respiratory function of the healthy elderly volunteers” https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02836405
- “Cordyceps sinensis: Genotoxic Potential in Human Peripheral Blood Cells and Antigenotoxic Properties Against Hydrogen Peroxide by Comet Assay” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27433838/
- “The anti-hyperglycemic activity of the fruiting body of Cordyceps in diabetic rats induced by nicotinamide and streptozotocin” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15050427/
- “Chapter 5Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92758/
- “Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin” https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13205-013-0121-9
- “Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and assessment of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) in enhancing aerobic capacity and respiratory function of the healthy elderly volunteers” https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02836405
- “Supplemental Anti-Fatigue Effects of Cordyceps Sinensis Extract Powder During a Three Stepwise Exercise of Human” https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jspfsm/55/Supplement/55_S145/_pdf/-char/en
- “Regulation of human cytokines by Cordyceps militaris” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1021949814000301
- “Functional Cordyceps Coffee Containing Cordycepin and β-Glucan” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7333010/#:~:text=%CE%B2%2DGlucan%20contents&text=The%20%CE%B2%2Dglucan%20content%20of,total%20glucan%20content%20of%209.70%25.