If you’re looking to rev up your testosterone levels and enhance your performance in the gym or in the bedroom, cordyceps supplements might just be your secret weapon.
This energy-enhancing nootropic mushroom has been used for centuries by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners to boost libido and sex drive, earning it the nickname “Himalayan Viagra.”
How can you take advantage of this for yourself? We’ll dig into the research, dosage for ED, and some more useful tips:
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Cordyceps supplements may have the potential to boost testosterone levels and improve sexual function, based on research conducted on mice and rats.
These mushrooms could also offer longevity benefits by balancing male hormone levels.
Understanding how to properly choose a high-quality mushroom supplement and use it correctly is essential.
The Cordyceps Testosterone Connection
While the research on cordyceps and testosterone is still in its early stages, exciting findings from studies on mice and rats suggest that cordyceps mushrooms have the potential to give your testosterone levels a healthy boost.
A 2020 study published in BioMed Research International explored the effects of cordyceps mushroom cultures on rats, revealing promising benefits such as enhanced testosterone levels, improved erection and testicular function, and increased sex drive.
This intriguing fungus might not only help improve sexual function but also provide longevity benefits by inhibiting hypogonadism and prostate hypertrophy—two conditions that can affect your ability to achieve and maintain healthy erections—by aiding in the maintenance of androgen levels as you age.
Additionally, cordyceps supplements have been found to enhance athletic performance by increasing blood flow.
How Does Cordyceps Work?
The underlying mechanisms behind cordyceps’ potential benefits are not yet fully understood, but they are often linked to cordycepin, a bio-metabolite that’s found only in a few forms of Cordyceps mushroom, particularly in Cordyceps Militaris, the form that’s most often used in wellness supplements today.
Cordycepin was originally investigated for its antibiotic potential, but that research fell through to a much wider therapeutic potential. A review published in 2020 stated:
“Cordycepin is known for various nutraceutical and therapeutic potential, such as anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, anticancer, antiviral, hepato-protective, hypo-sexuality, cardiovascular diseases, antimalarial, anti-osteoporotic, anti-arthritic, cosmeceutical etc. which makes it a most valuable medicinal mushroom for helping in maintaining good health.”
Moreover, Cordyceps is a superfood mushroom that contains plenty of beta-glucans, the bioactive mushroom polysaccharides responsible for the health benefits of most functional mushrooms.
Cordyceps also contains many different terpenoids, a modified classification of terpenes. These are lipids that are believed to give various mushrooms their immunomodulatory benefits.
Plus, they act as a sort of daily multivitamin dose since they contain a decent bit of fiber, antioxidants, and numerous vitamins that can help amp up your wellness routine, including:
- B-complex vitamins
- Vitamin D
- Potassium
- Rubidium
- Cesium
- Amino acids
- Fiber
- Copper
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Iron
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Calcium
What is the Best Cordyceps Dosage for ED?
Determining the right dosage of cordyceps for erectile dysfunction (ED) or to boost testosterone is crucial. While research is ongoing, a general guideline for cordyceps supplementation ranges from 1 to 3 grams per day of cordyceps extract.
If you’re taking whole cordyceps powder, the dosage may need to be higher, and you may need to be sure that you steep the whole powder in hot water in order to make the beta-glucans digestible. For therapeutic benefits, it’s advisable to choose a high-quality cordyceps extract supplement instead of a whole mushroom powder (see below for more information).
It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you're dealing with specific health conditions or taking medications.
Is Cordyceps Safe for Everyone?
While cordyceps supplements are generally considered safe for human consumption, there are certain precautions to keep in mind. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any bleeding disorder, it's advisable to steer clear of cordyceps supplements, as this mushroom has been shown to slow down blood clotting. Furthermore, if you're planning to undergo surgery, it's best to halt the use of this supplement at least two weeks before the scheduled procedure.
Overall, cordyceps is safe for most people, but you should work with your doctor to ensure that cordyceps supplements fit into your current wellness regimen and will not interact with any of your usual medications.
The key to a safe cordyceps experience, like with any herbal supplement, is choosing a high-quality product.
How to Choose a High Quality Cordyceps Supplement
Whole Mushroom Powder vs. Mushroom Extract
- Whole Mushroom Powder: This form includes the entire mushroom, retaining all its natural nutrients and compounds. While akin to consuming a whole fruit, it may lack the necessary beta glucans that provide therapeutic benefits.
- Mushroom Extract: Extracts are concentrated and contain specific anxiety-alleviating compounds. The extraction process enhances bioavailability, ensuring consistent and potent results. However, extracts often omit the fiber and other nutritional components found in whole mushroom products.
Fruiting Body Supplements vs. Mycelium Supplements
- Fruiting Body Supplements: Derived from the mature part of the mushroom, fruiting body supplements are richer in the sought-after therapeutic compounds, making them ideal for addressing health concerns.
- Mycelium Supplements: Mycelium, the mushroom's root system, may not offer the same anxiety-relief benefits as fruiting body supplements. Some companies use mycelium to reduce costs, but this may compromise the therapeutic potential.
Labeling and Transparency
When choosing a mushroom supplement for anxiety, prioritize transparency and thorough product information:
- Look for supplements from reputable manufacturers that provide clear details about sourcing, extraction methods, and quality control practices.
- Ensure the label specifies the mushroom species used, whether it's whole mushroom powder or an extract, and the source (fruiting body or mycelium).
- Aim for a beta glucan content of around 20% or more for effective anxiety support.
- Verify third-party testing for purity and potency.
Opting for products with transparent labeling empowers you to make an informed decision and trust the quality of your chosen mushroom supplement.
Other Natural Supplements to Boost Testosterone
In addition to cordyceps, several other natural supplements have shown potential in boosting testosterone levels and enhancing sexual function. These supplements can be valuable additions to your wellness routine:
- Ashwagandha: An adaptogenic herb known to potentially enhance testosterone levels and improve fertility.
- Tribulus Terrestris: Recognized for its ability to boost testosterone levels and enhance sexual function.
- Fenugreek: May help increase testosterone levels and improve physical performance.
- Tongkat Ali: Believed to enhance testosterone levels and improve sexual performance.
- Ginkgo Biloba: Known for its potential to improve blood circulation, which can support overall sexual health and function.
These supplements, when used responsibly and in consultation with a healthcare professional, may aid in supporting testosterone levels and improving aspects of sexual health. It's important to understand that individual responses may vary, and it's advisable to carefully consider any potential risks or interactions.
Conclusion: Can You Use Cordyceps for Testosterone Boost?
In summary, cordyceps mushrooms show promise in enhancing testosterone levels and sexual function, based on animal studies. While they can be a beneficial addition to your health routine, it's crucial to use them with caution, especially if you have underlying health issues, and seek advice from a healthcare professional. Individual responses vary, and potential risks and interactions must be considered.
As scientific research progresses, we can anticipate a better understanding of these supplements. For now, responsible use and informed choices are essential on the path to improved sexual health and boosted testosterone levels, guided by health experts to ensure your well-being.
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.
Resources
- “Effects of Cultured Cordycep militaris on Sexual Performance and Erectile Function in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats” https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2020/4198397/#introduction
- “Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body Extract Decreases Testosterone Catabolism and Testosterone-Stimulated Prostate Hypertrophy” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7824671/
- “Effects of cordyceps sinensis supplementation during 12 weeks in amateur marathoners: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803322000392#:~:text=Different%20substances%20have%20been%20tested,records%20in%20track%20and%20field.
- “Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps with Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7356751/#__ffn_sectitle