Cordyceps, often referred to as the “Energy Mushroom,” holds an important place in Chinese and Tibetan wellness traditions and has been used for centuries in traditional practices. With over six hundred known subspecies, Cordyceps mushrooms have been regarded around the world for their contribution to overall vitality and their role in traditional herbal systems. Cordyceps sinensis mushrooms are native to the high-altitude regions of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of China, particularly the Himalayas. In historical China, Cordyceps was so highly valued that its use was often reserved for the imperial family.
Cordyceps sinensis features a slender, elongated shape with a club-like fruiting body that emerges from the host larva. Reddish-orange in colour, the fruiting body can grow several centimetres in length. Wild Cordyceps are still foraged by hand in areas such as Tibet and Sichuan, which contributes to their high value.
In the 1400s, Tibetan yak herders noticed increased vitality in their animals after grazing on mushrooms growing at high elevations. This observation was recorded by Tibetan physician Zurkhar Nyamnyi Dorje, who described the mushroom’s potential to support energy and stamina.
During the 1993 Olympics, a Chinese running team drew attention for their record-breaking performances. Initial suspicions of banned substances were dismissed, and it was later reported that the team credited part of their performance to the use of Cordyceps Sinensis, which they believed helped support metabolism and respiratory health.
Cordyceps sinensis has long been used in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine to support wellness and balance. It is considered an adaptogen, a natural substance believed to help the body manage stress and maintain homeostasis. Cordyceps has traditionally been used to support respiratory function, stamina, and immune balance. Some believe it may promote overall vitality, including supporting energy and physical performance. Due to these traditional associations, it has even earned the nickname “Himalayan vitality tonic.”
Wild Cordyceps has historically commanded high market value due to the difficulty in sourcing and harvesting, but modern cultivation techniques have made it more accessible. Cordyceps mushrooms have a rich, savoury flavour and are often prepared steamed or boiled. They are used in traditional Cantonese cuisine, such as Cordyceps with mallard duck soup, which is enjoyed for both its taste and nourishing properties.
Today, Cordyceps continues to gain attention as a functional mushroom used in wellness routines around the world. It is available in a variety of formats, and interest continues to grow around its historical role and potential to support everyday health.
At Organic Mushrooms, we offer Cordyceps Mushrooms as health supplements in the form of Cordyceps extract powder, Cordyceps capsules, Cordyceps supplement gummies and Cordyceps tinctures.