For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have used Cordyceps to naturally boost men’s vitality. This is one reason why it’s popular in coffee blends today. Men are turning to medicinal mushrooms like Cordyceps to enhance sex drive, energy, and exercise performance.
Ang Wang, a Chinese author from the 1600s, introduced Cordyceps to the world in his 1694 book, The Classic of Herbal Medicine, which documents all known Chinese medicinal herbs.
What Is Cordyceps?
Though often called a mushroom, Cordyceps is a mushroom-like fungus native to the high-altitude prairies of the Himalayan mountains, especially in the Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Gansu provinces of China.
Besides mushroom coffee, Cordyceps supplements are available in powder, liquid extract, and capsule forms. The two main species in supplements are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris. Cordyceps sinensis spores land on a caterpillar and consume it, making them non-vegan and rare due to overharvesting. Cordyceps militaris, with orange-red club-shaped fruiting bodies, are mostly farm-grown on grains like brown rice, making them vegan.
Supplements may contain mycelium, the branching “hyphae” of a fungus, the fruiting body, and some starch from the food source. These components contain alpha and beta-glucans, cordycepin, and other nutrients.
How Cordyceps Can Boost Your Health
Enhances Sex Drive
Known as “Himalayan Viagra,” Cordyceps has been used to boost sexual energy and maintain reproductive health. Long-term use of cordycepin may promote normal testicular function and counter middle-age decline, making it a natural option for low sex drive.
Boosts Your Energy
Cordyceps helps combat fatigue with its adaptogen properties, aiding the body in adapting to stress. It boosts energy, performance, and reduces fatigue, making it useful for those frequently tired or recovering from illness.
May Improve Exercise Performance
Cordyceps enhances exercise performance by helping muscles use oxygen more efficiently and supporting blood flow. It acts as an antioxidant, reducing muscle stress and fatigue, and increasing aerobic capacity and power during high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Promotes Healthy Aging
Traditional healers observed that animals consuming Cordyceps sinensis stayed youthful longer, leading to its use in promoting longevity in humans. Today, farm-cultivated Cordyceps militaris is commonly used for its similar health benefits, including positive effects on brain health and performance.
Supports Gut Health
Cordyceps modulates the gut and immune system, promoting a healthy digestive system. It deters harmful bacteria while supporting beneficial bacteria, helping your microbiome flourish.
Promotes Kidney & Liver Health
Cordyceps supports kidney and liver health by promoting a normal response to inflammation and protecting these organs at a cellular level. It helps prevent chronic kidney disease and maintains overall renal function.
Boosts Your Immune System
Cordyceps influences both the innate and adaptive immune systems, supporting your body at a cellular level and enhancing overall immune function.
Best Ways to Use Cordyceps
Reputable supplement manufacturers use mycelia and sometimes the fruiting bodies of Cordyceps, often mixed into other products. Here are some common forms:
Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom coffees often include Cordyceps along with Chaga, lion’s mane, maitake, and reishi, plus coffee grounds.
Capsules
Vegan capsules filled with Cordyceps militaris, with or without other herbs, are a healthy option.
Liquid Supplements
Liquid supplements, taken with a dropper, often mix Cordyceps with other herbs. Look for certified organic, plant-based products with thorough ingredient lists and clear directions.
Points to Remember
Cordyceps is a mushroom-like fungus used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. It enhances sex drive, counters aging effects, and boosts gut, kidney, liver, and immune health. Cordyceps also increases energy and improves athletic performance. It is often mixed with other ingredients in supplements like Global Healing’s Androtrex, an all-natural vitality booster for men.
