Cordyceps vs Reishi Benefits Comparison (+ Which Is Better For You)

When it comes to functional mushrooms, Cordyceps vs Reishi often sparks curiosity among health enthusiasts. Both mushrooms are renowned for their unique health benefits, but they cater to different wellness goals.

Cordyceps is celebrated for its energy-boosting properties, while Reishi is praised for its calming and immune-enhancing effects. If you're wondering which one is better for you, the answer depends on your specific needs.

In this article, we’ll dive into the key benefits of Cordyceps and Reishi, explore their differences, and help you decide which mushroom might suit your lifestyle better. Let’s break down everything you need to know about these fascinating fungi.

Here’s a quick comparison of the key benefits and attributes of Reishi and Cordyceps to help you understand their strengths at a glance:

Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi primarily found in high-altitude regions of Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries thanks to its many benefits, like its energy-enhancing and stamina-boosting properties.

There are two different types of Cordyceps, but Cordyceps Militaris is the kind most often cultivated for supplements. 

Key Benefits of Cordyceps:

• Increased energy levels: Cordyceps improves oxygen utilization, making it ideal for athletes and active individuals.

• Boosted Physical Performance and Endurance: Cordyceps may help fight fatigue, improve exercise performance, and increase muscle recovery rates. (2004, 2016, 2006)

• Better respiratory function: Cordyceps supports lung health and may improve symptoms of respiratory conditions. (2023)

• Immune support: It contains bioactive compounds that help stimulate the immune system. (2021)

• Antioxidant (and Anti-Aging) Effects: Cordyceps anti-aging effects may be due to its antioxidant properties. According to some research, these anti-aging affects can lead to various benefits, like improved sexual function and improved memory. (2009, 2010, 2012, 2016)

• Balancing Blood Sugar: Cordyceps may help decrease blood sugar levels by mimicking the actions of insulin. (2004, 2015, 2016)

• Decreasing Inflammation: According to research, Cordyceps may help to increase the production of proteins that help to regulate inflammation in the body, therefore helping to decrease inflammation levels. (1996, 2002, 2003, 2015)

To learn more about these benefits, read “Cordyceps Benefits”.

Reishi, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a polypore fungus revered in traditional medicine for promoting relaxation and longevity. Often called the “mushroom of immortality,” Reishi has adaptogenic and immune-modulating properties.

Key Benefits of Reishi:

• Stress reduction and relaxation: Reishi helps calm the nervous system, promoting restful sleep. In fact, one animal study found reishi to act similarly to prescription diazepam for managing anxiety. (2016)

• Immune System Support: Some studies suggest that Ganoderma may boost the immune system. (2011)

• Heart health: Compounds in Reishi support healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

• Longevity and anti-aging: Its antioxidants combat oxidative stress, which may slow aging.

• Antioxidant Properties: Ganoderma mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which are known to combat oxidative stress in the body. (2015)

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Inflammation is linked to almost all chronic illnesses. Ganoderma has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. (2020)

Winner: Cordyceps for energy.

Winner: Reishi for stress relief and sleep.

Winner: Tie – both mushrooms offer unique immune-support benefits.

Winner: Reishi for its robust anti-aging effects.

Winner: Reishi for cardiovascular health.

Cordyceps might be the better choice if:

• You need an energy boost for workouts or daily tasks.

• You’re looking to improve your stamina and physical performance.

• Respiratory health is a priority for you.

Reishi is ideal if:

• Stress management and relaxation are your main goals.

• You want to improve sleep quality.

• You’re focused on long-term health and longevity.

• Cardiovascular health is a concern.

Cordyceps is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild side effects, especially at higher doses or when starting supplementation.

Key Risks of Cordyceps:

• Digestive discomfort: Possible symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, or dry mouth.

• Overstimulation: Combining Cordyceps with other stimulants may lead to jitteriness or restlessness.

• Allergic reactions: Rare cases of skin rash or irritation have been reported.

• Drug interactions: Cordyceps may affect blood sugar or interact with immunosuppressants or anticoagulants.

Reishi is known for its safety in moderate doses, but long-term or excessive use may cause side effects in sensitive individuals.

Key Risks of Reishi:

• Digestive upset: Some users report stomach discomfort or diarrhea.

• Dry mouth and throat: Prolonged use may cause mild dryness or irritation.

• Allergic reactions: Rare, but can include rash or respiratory discomfort.

• Blood-thinning effects: Reishi may enhance the effects of anticoagulant medications, increasing bleeding risk.

• Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding Cordyceps or Reishi to your routine, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

• Start with small doses to assess tolerance and minimize potential side effects.

• Discontinue use if any severe adverse reactions occur.

Yes! Combining Cordyceps and Reishi can offer a balanced approach to health. While Cordyceps provides energy and endurance, Reishi supports relaxation and overall wellness. Together, they complement each other, making them a powerful duo for holistic health.

The comparison of Cordyceps vs Reishi boils down to your specific health needs. Cordyceps excels in boosting energy and stamina, making it perfect for active lifestyles. Reishi shines in stress relief, sleep support, and overall longevity.

If you’re unsure which to choose, consider your goals—or try both for a balanced approach! By incorporating these mushrooms into your wellness routine, you’ll be one step closer to unlocking their powerful health benefits.

It depends on your health goals. If you need more energy and stamina, Cordyceps is the better choice. For stress relief, better sleep, and immune balance, Reishi is ideal. You can also combine them for a balanced approach.

Yes, mixing Reishi and Cordyceps can be highly beneficial. The two mushrooms complement each other, with Cordyceps boosting energy and endurance while Reishi promotes relaxation and long-term health.

Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps serve different purposes. Lion’s Mane is known for its cognitive benefits, like improving focus and memory, while Cordyceps enhances energy and physical performance. Choose based on whether you want brain support or physical endurance.

Cordyceps is generally safe, but some people may experience mild side effects like dry mouth, stomach upset, or diarrhea. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you’re taking medications or have underlying conditions.

Avoid combining Cordyceps with stimulants or other energy-boosting supplements, as it could lead to overstimulation. Additionally, if you’re on blood thinners or medications affecting the immune system, consult your doctor before use.

Cordyceps enhances oxygen utilization and may improve cognitive function by supporting mental clarity and focus. It can also reduce fatigue, indirectly benefiting brain performance and overall alertness.

1. “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

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

3. “Early Trends to Show the Efficacy of Cordyceps militaris in Mild to Moderate COVID Inflammation” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10505833/#:~:text=A%20study%20of%20120%20patients,compared%20with%20the%20control%20group .

4. “Cordyceps spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7898063/

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

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

7. “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/

8. “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/

9. “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/

10. “Hypoglycemic Activity through a Novel Combination of Fruiting Body and Mycelia of Cordyceps militaris in High-Fat Diet-Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mice” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4519550/

11. “Antidiabetic and Antinephritic Activities of Aqueous Extract of Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27274781/

12. “Cordyceps sinensis as an immunomodulatory agent” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8874668/

13. “Immunomodulatory functions of extracts from the Chinese medicinal fungus Cordyceps cicadae” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12413710/

14. “Methanol extract of Cordyceps pruinosa inhibits in vitro and in vivo inflammatory mediators by suppressing NF-kappaB activation” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12831777/

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

16. “Evaluation of Antianxiety Potential of Four Ganoderma (Agaricomycetes) Species from India in Mice” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28008811/

17. “Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi)” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/

18. “Antioxidant Potential of Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Higher Basidiomycetes) Cultivated on Artocarpus heterophyllus Sawdust Substrate in India” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26854104/

19. “Anti-inflammatory effects of Ganoderma lucidum sterols via attenuation of the p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027869152100106X#:~:text=Ganoderma%20polysaccharides%20significantly%20inhibit%20inflammatory,%2D1 )%20in%20common%20carp.