Laura Smith
Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on insect larvae, particularly caterpillars in high mountain regions of China. It is also known as the caterpillar mushroom. Cordyceps is sometimes used as a medicine, with supplements containing Cordyceps extract becoming increasingly popular due to their purported health benefits. Cordyceps mushrooms are known to support the immune system, improve energy levels, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. However, there is a misconception that Cordyceps mushrooms are psychedelic. Unlike “magic mushrooms, which are known to contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, Cordyceps mushrooms do not possess any psychedelic properties or induce altered states of consciousness. While they contain biologically active compounds such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans, these compounds do not produce psychoactive effects in humans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Psychoactive | No |
| Other names | Bailing, Caterpillar Fungus, Caterpillar Mushroom |
| Origin | Asia, including Nepal, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, China, Korea, and Bhutan |
| Type | Genus of parasitic fungi that grows on insect larvae |
| Number of species | 700 |
| Commercially available types | Wild Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine | Used to treat fatigue, sickness, kidney disease, and low sex drive |
| Health benefits | May increase energy levels, immunity, lung health, and exercise performance |
| Side effects | Diarrhea, constipation, stomach discomfort, upset stomach, nausea, and loose stools |
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What You'll Learn
Cordyceps is a functional mushroom, not a psychedelic one
Cordyceps is often used as a medicine, with a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for treating fatigue, sickness, kidney disease, and low sex drive. It contains various components that are beneficial to human health, such as antioxidants, which help fight cell damage and boost antioxidant activity. It may also have adaptogenic properties, helping the body cope with stress.
Cordyceps is also known for its potential to support the immune system, improve energy levels, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Research has shown that it may increase the body's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles and improving oxygen utilization during exercise. This can lead to reduced muscle damage and faster cell repair, aiding in quicker recovery.
Unlike psychedelic mushrooms, which are known to contain psychoactive compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, Cordyceps does not induce altered states of consciousness. Instead, it offers a range of health benefits without the mental health-oriented effects associated with psychedelics. While Cordyceps is generally considered safe, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before consuming any new supplement or mushroom product.
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Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi
Cordyceps has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including fatigue, sickness, kidney disease, and low sex drive. It is believed to contain various components that may be beneficial to human health, such as cordycepin, a bioactive component that gives cordyceps its ability to inhibit metastasis in tumour cells. Additionally, cordyceps may help increase the body's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles and improving the body's utilisation of oxygen during exercise.
Despite its potential health benefits, cordyceps is not known to possess any psychoactive properties. The misconception that cordyceps is psychedelic may arise from the belief that all mushrooms may have psychoactive effects. However, cordyceps is fundamentally different from "magic mushrooms," which contain psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin. Leading researchers and experts in the field assert that cordyceps mushrooms do not induce altered states of consciousness or produce psychoactive effects in humans.
Cordyceps supplements, powders, extracts, and teas are widely available and legal in many countries, although specific regulations govern their manufacture and sale. It is important to consult a healthcare provider or qualified herbalist before consuming cordyceps products to ensure proper guidance and dosage.
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Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine
Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on insect larvae, particularly caterpillars in the high mountain regions of China. It is sometimes referred to as a mushroom, although the lab-made variety does not grow into a mushroom. For centuries, it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments.
Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have used Cordyceps to treat conditions such as liver or kidney problems, respiratory diseases, hyperglycemia, and cancer or tumor disorders. It is believed to be an effective treatment for male and female sexual dysfunction, including pain disorders, and a lack of arousal, desire, or orgasm.
Cordyceps is also said to increase energy levels, improve lung health, and boost exercise performance. It is thought to increase the body's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. This may improve the way the body uses oxygen, especially during exercise.
Cordyceps has also been used as a kidney and lung tonic and to alleviate physical tiredness, respiratory problems, and weak constitutions. It is believed to improve immunity by stimulating cells and specific chemicals in the immune system. Additionally, it may help fight cancer cells and shrink tumor size, particularly with lung or skin cancers.
Cordyceps supplements have become increasingly popular due to their purported health benefits. However, it is important to note that natural Cordyceps is hard to obtain and may be expensive. Most Cordyceps supplements are made in a lab, and while they are generally considered safe for consumption, they may cause mild side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, and stomach discomfort.
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Cordyceps may have health benefits
Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on insect larvae. It is not a traditional mushroom, but it is sometimes called a mushroom because it sprouts long, slender stems that grow outside the host insect's body. Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese and Eastern medicine as a daily treatment for various health issues, but there is limited research on its effects on humans. Here are some potential health benefits of cordyceps:
Anti-Aging Properties
Cordyceps may have anti-aging properties by fighting off harmful free radicals that can damage molecules in DNA, proteins, and other vital cells in the body. Preventing this damage may help delay the aging process.
Improved Heart Health
Studies in mice have shown that cordyceps may help prevent heart enlargement by reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to cardiac hypertrophy, so cordyceps may help protect the heart.
Increased Energy and Endurance
Cordyceps may increase the body's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. This may improve the way the body uses oxygen, especially during exercise, leading to improved endurance.
Improved Immunity
Cordyceps may boost the immune system by stimulating cells and specific chemicals. It may also have antioxidant properties, helping the body cope with stress and improving overall health.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Cordyceps has been shown to inhibit the growth of many types of human cancer cells in test-tube studies. It may also help fight cancer cells and shrink tumor size, particularly in lung or skin cancers.
While cordyceps may have these potential health benefits, more research is needed to confirm its effects on humans. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking cordyceps or any other supplement, as there may be side effects or interactions with medications.
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Cordyceps may have side effects
Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on insect larvae, particularly caterpillars in high mountain regions of China. It is often referred to as a mushroom, but the lab-made variety does not grow into a mushroom. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat fatigue, sickness, kidney disease, and low sex drive.
Cordyceps is generally thought to be safe to consume, but it may have some side effects. Firstly, it can cause mild gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and stomach discomfort, as well as nausea and loose stools. These side effects are typically mild and may vary from person to person. Additionally, cordyceps might increase the activity of the immune system, which could be detrimental for people with "auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or similar conditions. It is advised that those with such conditions avoid using cordyceps.
Furthermore, cordyceps may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. It is recommended to stop taking cordyceps at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery to minimize this risk. Cordyceps may also slow blood clotting, and taking it with other medications that have the same effect might increase the likelihood of bruising and bleeding.
Additionally, there is some evidence that cordyceps might increase testosterone levels, although more research is needed to confirm this. Until more is known, individuals taking testosterone should exercise caution when considering the use of cordyceps.
While cordyceps has many purported health benefits, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplement into your routine, especially if you have specific health concerns or are taking other medications.
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Frequently asked questions
No, cordyceps mushrooms are not psychoactive. They are functional mushrooms, which are 100% legal to consume and transport.
Functional mushrooms are not psychedelic. They do not contain tryptamines that bind to serotonin receptors in the brain and gut. Instead, they contain several medicinal compounds that strengthen gut health, immune health, and energy levels.
Cordyceps mushrooms are known to increase energy levels, immunity, lung health, and exercise performance. They contain polyphenols, which can act as antioxidants or help boost antioxidant activity. They may also help fight cancer cells and shrink tumour size.
Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on insect larvae. It contains various components that may be beneficial to health. When these fungi attack their host, they replace its tissue and sprout long, slender stems that grow outside the host’s body.
Cordyceps mushrooms are generally thought to be safe to consume. However, they may cause mild side effects such as an upset stomach, nausea, constipation, and loose stools.
