Cordyceps, often referred to as the “Energy Mushroom,” holds significant medicinal value and has been integral to Chinese and Tibetan medicinal practices for centuries. Cordyceps mushrooms have a diverse range of over six hundred subspecies and have served as a cornerstone of traditional medicine across various cultures globally for centuries due to their perceived health benefits and medicinal properties. Cordyceps sinensis mushrooms have their origins in the mountainous regions of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and parts of China typically growing at high altitudes, particularly in the Himalayas. Cordyceps mushrooms have been revered in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and were exclusively reserved for use by the Chinese imperial family.
Cordyceps sinensis has a slender, elongated body with a club-shaped fruiting body that emerges from the surface of the host larva. The fruiting body is typically orange to reddish-brown and can reach lengths of several centimetres. It is often harvested in the wild by locals who value it for its medicinal properties. Wild cordyceps are collected by hand at high altitudes in regions like Tibet and Sichuan, contributing to their premium price tag.
During the 1400s, Tibetan yak herders made a noteworthy observation that their animals exhibited remarkable energy levels after grazing on specific mushrooms growing in the high-altitude areas of the Tibetan plateau in the Himalayas. This significant discovery was first recorded by Zurkhar Nyamnyi Dorje, a Tibetan physician, documenting the mushroom’s ability to enhance energy and stamina.
During the 1993 Olympics, a Chinese running team achieved unprecedented success, breaking world records in a manner that led to accusations of steroid use. However, upon investigation, it was revealed that none of the athletes had used performance-enhancing drugs. Instead, they were reported to have consumed Cordyceps Sinensis, which was believed to enhance metabolism and improve respiratory function, thereby enhancing their athletic abilities.
In traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine, Cordyceps sinensis has been used for centuries to promote overall health and vitality. It is believed to possess adaptogenic properties, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Cordyceps sinensis is also renowned for its potential to support respiratory health, enhance endurance and stamina, and boost immune function. Cordyceps mushrooms are believed to restore energy balance and enhance male vitality by strengthening lung and kidney function. They are nicknamed “Himalayan Viagra” due to their purported benefits for male sexual health. You can learn more about the benefits of Cordyceps Sinensis here.
Historically, the price of cordyceps has been high, with wild varieties commanding a premium due to their limited supply and labour-intensive collection process. However, the cultivation of Cordyceps across the world has led to a significant reduction in price. Cordyceps mushrooms have a savoury, earthy flavour and are best served steamed or boiled. They are commonly used in traditional Cantonese dishes, such as cordyceps with mallard duck soup, known for their nourishing and flavorful qualities.
In recent years, Cordyceps sinensis has gained popularity as a dietary supplement and natural remedy in various parts of the world, leading to increased cultivation and further research into its potential health benefits. At Organic Mushrooms, we offer the goodness of Cordyceps Mushrooms as health supplements in the form of Cordyceps extract powder, Cordyceps capsules, Cordyceps supplement gummies and Cordyceps tinctures.