In recent years, there has been a growing interest in medicinal mushrooms, and one of the most prominent has been Cordyceps.
Known in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine for over a thousand years, this mushroom has gone from being a remedy used by emperors and nobles to a modern health supplement valued for its multiple benefits.
However, its rise is not just the result of the natural supplement craze. Recently, many scientific studies have begun to reveal the basis behind the properties attributed to it for centuries.
These discoveries have made Cordyceps a true ‘superstar’ of contemporary health.
So in this article, we will discuss this fascinating fungus, from its ancient origins to its place at the centre of the modern health conversation, looking at its history and relevance today.
What are its historical origins and traditional uses?
Cordyceps has been valued for centuries in the traditional cultures of Asia, especially in China and Tibet, where its discovery is shrouded in myth and legend.
According to historical accounts, Tibetan yak herders were the first to notice the power of this fungus. They observed that their animals, after grazing in areas where these mushrooms grew, showed a significant increase in energy and stamina.
This phenomenon aroused the curiosity of the local inhabitants, who soon began to experiment with the consumption of Cordyceps, finding that it had revitalising effects on humans.
Discovery in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine
Cordyceps sinensis, the most famous variety, is found naturally in the mountainous regions of Tibet and China, at altitudes of over 3,800 metres.
Its growth form is particularly unusual. This parasitic fungus infects the larvae of certain insects, invading their bodies and eventually sprouting as an elongated structure emerging from the ground.
Despite this curious life cycle, ancient peoples soon began to value its medicinal effects. The fungus was believed to strengthen ‘Qi’, or vital energy, helping the body to maintain its balance and vigour.
Status symbol
Due to the rarity and difficulty of finding Cordyceps in the wild, this fungus was not available to everyone.
In imperial China, for example, it was considered a luxury good, accessible only to emperors, the royal family and nobles.
Its consumption was believed to enhance physical and mental strength, and was therefore coveted by those in positions of power seeking to maintain their vitality.
The value of Cordyceps was so high that it came to be used as a currency of exchange in some mountainous regions of Asia.
Even today, wild Cordyceps sinensis is still extremely valuable, fetching exorbitant prices in traditional medicine markets.
This demand has led to intensive harvesting in areas such as Tibet, raising concerns about its sustainability and the conservation of the high mountain ecosystems where it grows.
Some of the medicinal properties attributed
In traditional cultures, Cordyceps was attributed various medicinal properties.
According to ancient texts, it was believed to improve lung function and increase breathing capacity, which was especially beneficial for people living or working at high altitudes in the Himalayas, where oxygen density is lower.
In addition, it was used as a general tonic to combat fatigue, promote longevity and increase sexual and reproductive energy, so it also gained a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac.
Another traditional application of Cordyceps was its use to strengthen the kidneys and improve kidney function, which, in traditional Chinese medicine, was associated with rejuvenation and vitality.
Over the centuries, Cordyceps became an essential component in herbal remedies to restore energy and improve quality of life in the elderly.
Cordyceps from a modern scientific perspective
Although Cordyceps has been used for centuries in traditional cultures, it was not until recent decades that modern science began to investigate its properties in depth.
Advances in biotechnology and medicine have made it possible to analyse the active compounds of this fungus and test its therapeutic potential.
Today, scientific studies have revealed a number of benefits that support the historical claims, and Cordyceps is no longer just a folk remedy but a focus of interest in biomedical research.
Rediscovery and scientific analysis
The rediscovery of Cordyceps in modern science began in the second half of the 20th century, when Chinese and Japanese researchers set out to isolate and study its active constituents.
Two key substances emerged from these studies: cordycepin and cordycepic acid.
These compounds have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, which have led to scientists' interest in their applications in various areas of health.
Studies on health benefits
The scientific community has tested many of the purported benefits of Cordyceps in different contexts, and although some results are preliminary, they have been encouraging.
Below, we highlight some of the most relevant studies on the benefits of this fungus for human health:
Improved physical performance
One of the most popular uses of Cordyceps is to improve physical performance.
Several studies have shown that the mushroom can increase oxygen uptake in the body. This translates into increased endurance and improved performance during exercise.
In fact, a study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2010 showed that participants who consumed Cordyceps experienced a significant increase in their aerobic capacity and a decrease in fatigue during exercise.
This has led to the popularity and relevance of natural mushroom supplements for those who want to improve their physical performance.
Reducing fatigue and improving cellular energy
Chronic fatigue is a growing problem in modern society, and Cordyceps has been studied for its ability to combat it.
Studies suggest that this mushroom can increase the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the main source of cellular energy.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Cordyceps contains a wealth of antioxidant compounds which, according to several studies, can reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Improved sexual health
This mushroom has traditionally been used as a tonic to improve vitality and sexual health, and modern studies have begun to support these claims.
Research has proposed that Cordyceps supplementation may have a positive impact on reproductive activity.
In addition, it has been found to have the potential to stimulate the production of testosterone, the key hormone in maintaining sexual health in men. This translates into improved sex drive and increased physical energy.
Its rise in modern health culture
As we have been seeing, Cordyceps has come a long way, from its exclusive use by emperors and nobles in ancient Asian cultures, to becoming one of the rising stars of the global health and wellness industry.
In recent years, it has gained popularity in the Occident as a ‘superfood’ and a natural supplement capable of improving energy, stamina and overall health.
The growing demand for natural products and the trend towards the use of adaptogens has boosted its presence in a booming market, attracting people interested in holistic health.
At Mushilab we have witnessed first-hand the growing interest in medicinal mushrooms, especially Cordyceps, Lion's Mane and Reishi, and their potential to improve health and wellbeing naturally.
This boom has driven our mission to offer innovative and accessible products that harness the powerful properties of this fungus.
That's why our line of supplements is designed to make it easy and effective for people to incorporate the benefits of Cordyceps into their daily routine.
We also know that many people want the benefits of Cordyceps without having to deal with complex preparations or unusual flavours, so our capsules are designed to provide the ideal dose of Cordyceps in an easy-to-consume format.