Cordyceps: Not Psychedelic, But Amazing for Your Health

When you hear about medicinal mushrooms and health, your mind might jump to psychedelics. But Cordyceps is a different kind of mushroom. Unlike psilocybin, Cordyceps isn’t psychedelic. Instead, it’s prized for its ability to improve energy, boost immunity, and support overall health.

If you’re curious about this unique fungus, let’s dive into what makes Cordyceps so beneficial—and how it can enhance your well-being.

• Cordyceps is not psychedelic but offers impressive health benefits like improved energy, immunity, and brain function.

• This mushroom supports heart health, respiratory function, and mental clarity.

• While generally safe, some may experience mild side effects like dry mouth or nausea.

Cordyceps is a type of fungus that grows in high-altitude regions, like the Himalayas. Traditionally, it’s been used in Chinese medicine for centuries.

The most popular species are Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps sinensis. Today, most Cordyceps supplements are lab-grown, ensuring they’re safe and sustainable.

Cordyceps may not be psychedelic, but they are packed with nutrients and compounds that can support your body in amazing ways.

Let’s take a look:

Cordyceps is known for improving physical performance by helping the body use oxygen better and increasing ATP production, which supports muscle movement and endurance without needing stimulants like caffeine.

Studies show that Cordyceps can improve exercise performance, with a 2016 study revealing longer swimming times in mice, and a 2006 human study showing better performance in running exercises.

A 2004 study on older adults found that 7% of participants showed improved fitness after 6 weeks of taking Cordyceps. Another 2010 study involving 20 healthy elderly patients produced similar results.

Another 2017 study found that a mushroom blend containing cordyceps had similar results on young adults. However, it may have limited effects on high-performing athletes, with benefits more pronounced in those still developing their athletic abilities.

Cordyceps is rich in polysaccharides and antioxidants, which help strengthen the immune system and protect the body from infections. These compounds not only boost immune defenses but also support the body's ability to regulate inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, and can lead to tissue damage, discomfort, and even organ damage if left unchecked.

Research shows that Cordyceps may increase the production of proteins that regulate inflammation in the body, which could help reduce inflammation-related issues. Studies from 1996 , 2002 , 2003 , and 2015 suggest that Cordyceps may act as a natural anti-inflammatory, potentially offering relief for conditions related to high inflammation.

However, more research is needed before Cordyceps can be considered for FDA-approved use as an anti-inflammatory medication.

If you're someone who tends to get sick often or struggles with chronic inflammation, Cordyceps may offer valuable support for your immune system and overall health.

Cordyceps is an approved treatment for heart arrhythmia in China, a condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat. Further research suggests that Cordyceps may have various benefits for health health. 

For instance, one animal study found that Cordyceps supplementation could help to reduce the risk of heart damage caused by kidney disease, subsequently reducing the risk of heart failure.

Some evidence has associated these heart-healthy benefits with cordyceps’ potential ability to increase adenosine , an RNA building block that naturally occurs in the body, but is used in the formulation of medications designed to treat arrhythmia.

Furthermore, some evidence suggests that Cordyceps may help to decrease “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and lower triglyceride levels , both of which could also have a beneficial impact on heart health.

Cordyceps has traditionally been used to boost libido and reduce fatigue, but modern research suggests it may offer anti-aging benefits as well.

Studies ( 2009 , 2010 , 2012 , 2016 ) have shown that Cordyceps’ antioxidant properties can help combat free radicals, molecules that damage cells and contribute to aging and diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Research on mice has found that Cordyceps boosts antioxidant levels, improving functions such as memory and sexual health. Some studies even show longer lifespans in mice and fruit flies given Cordyceps, though more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

Cordyceps is considered a natural nootropic due to its potential to enhance cognitive function, memory and focus.

It may improve brain health by increasing cerebral blood flow, which boosts oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain, supporting better learning and memory. Cordyceps also enhances energy metabolism in brain cells, leading to improved neuronal function.

Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may protect the brain from oxidative damage and neuroinflammation, potentially helping to prevent age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

Cordyceps is often used to support lung health. It increases oxygen uptake, which is why it’s popular in traditional medicine for treating respiratory issues.

Cordyceps are recognized for their ability to reduce inflammation , strengthen immune function, and slow the aging of bronchial cells.

In a study with asthmatic patients, combining Cordyceps with conventional medication helped reduce respiratory tract inflammation.

Additionally, Cordyceps may support a balanced immune response in the respiratory system, which is why they have traditionally been used to treat conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis. They also have the potential to delay the aging of bronchial cells, a common issue for those exposed to prolonged cigarette smoke.

Simply put, no. Cordyceps is not a psychedelic mushroom. It doesn’t alter your perception or produce hallucinations.

Instead, its benefits are rooted in its ability to nourish and strengthen the body. While it may not provide a "trip," the health benefits it offers are just as impressive.

Cordyceps is generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately, but some individuals may experience mild side effects. 

These can include:

• Dry mouth

• Stomach upset

• Nausea

These side effects are typically mild and temporary. However, it’s important to note that Cordyceps may interact with certain medications or conditions, so it’s essential to take precautions if you fall into specific groups.

In rare cases, Cordyceps may cause more severe reactions, such as allergic reactions, especially for individuals with sensitivities to mushrooms. If you experience symptoms like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.

As with any supplement, it’s always best to start with a lower dose to see how your body reacts, and to consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about potential interactions or side effects.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it's recommended to consult a healthcare provider before using Cordyceps, as its effects on pregnancy and lactation have not been extensively studied.

Similarly, if you are taking medications, particularly immunosuppressants, blood thinners, or medications for diabetes, you should check with your doctor before adding Cordyceps to your routine.

If you want to try out these cordyceps benefits for yourself, here are some tips to get you started:

• Choose Quality: Opt for high-quality Cordyceps fruiting body extract, not mycelium or alcohol-extracted products, for the most potent benefits.

• Start Slow: Begin with a lower dose (around 500 mg to 1 gram per day) to see how your body responds, and gradually increase if needed.

• Consistency is Key: For the best results, take Cordyceps consistently, either once or twice daily, depending on the form you’re using.

• Mix with Food or Drinks: If you're using Cordyceps powder, add it to smoothies, teas, or water for an easy way to incorporate it into your daily routine.

• Stay Hydrated: When taking Cordyceps in capsule or powder form, drink plenty of water to help your body absorb it more effectively.

• Consult Your Doctor: If you're pregnant, nursing, or on medication, check with a healthcare provider before using Cordyceps to avoid any potential interactions.

To learn more about Cordyceps mushroom, you may want to read:

• What is Cordyceps?

• Cordyceps Dosage

• When is the Best Time to Take Cordyceps?

• Cordyceps Side Effects
  
  

While Cordyceps isn’t psychedelic, it delivers powerful health benefits. From improving energy and immunity to supporting brain and heart health, this mushroom is truly remarkable.

If you’re looking for a natural way to feel better, Cordyceps might just be the perfect addition to your routine.

Cordyceps can make you feel more energized and focused. Many users report better stamina and mental clarity after taking it.

Cordyceps supports energy production, immunity, heart health, and brain function. It’s a natural way to boost overall well-being.

No, Cordyceps and lion’s mane are different mushrooms. While lion’s mane focuses on cognitive health, Cordyceps is better for energy and physical performance.

Cordyceps enhances blood flow and reduces oxidative stress in the brain. This can improve focus, memory, and overall mental clarity.

Possible downsides include mild side effects like dry mouth, nausea, or upset stomach. These are rare and typically mild.

Cordyceps can lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce cholesterol, all of which support heart health.

1. “Cordyceps sinensis oral liquid prolongs the lifespan of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, by inhibiting oxidative stress” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4564082/

2. “The lifespan-extending effect of Cordyceps sinensis Cs-4 in normal mice and its molecular mechanisms” https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.599.1

3. “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/

4. “Polysaccharides from the Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps taii Show Antioxidant and Immunoenhancing Activities in a D-Galactose-Induced Aging Mouse Model” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22536281/

5. “Protective effects on mitochondria and anti-aging activity of polysaccharides from cultivated fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21061463/

6. “Antiaging effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18803231/

7. “Cordyceps Sinensis (CordyMax Cs-4) supplementation does not improve endurance exercise performance” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15118196/

8. “Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5236007/

9. “Effect of Cs-4 ^® (Cordyceps sinensis) on Exercise Performance in Healthy Older Subjects: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3110835/

10. “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

11. “Effect of Polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes) on Physical Fatigue Induced by Forced Swimming” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28094746/

12. “Cordyceps sinensis promotes immune regulation and enhances bacteriostatic activity of PA-824 via IL-10 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis disease” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5572845/

13. “Protective effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6591570/

14. “Anti-inflammatory effects of Cordyceps mycelium (Paecilomyces hepiali, CBG-CS-2) in Raw264.7 murine macrophages” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4371127/

15. “Improvement of Learning and Memory Induced by Cordyceps Polypeptide Treatment and the Underlying Mechanism” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5874985/