Cordyceps Militaris Mushroom
The Mushroom Loved by Athletes
Cordyceps Militaris supplements have been popular among athletes ever since it was reported that the Chinese female track teams of nine members used it for significant effect, setting nine world records in the 1993 National championship.
Part of the athletes’ training regime included drinking a unique drink that included cordyceps after every training session. Further medals came in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics.
Originally thought to be magical by the Chinese, it is not a mushroom in the conventional sense. Cordyceps is a parasite that attaches itself to various insects. The spores invade their body, killing the host, then sprouting a club-like mushroom from their head. A rarity in Chinese medicine, this is considered a strong Yin Jing and Yang Jing herb.[1]*
It is also considered a premier Lung tonic, which may lend to diminishing fatigue capabilities.*
Science is still in its infancy with regards to cordyceps. This is further complicated by different species, mycelium vs. fruiting bodies, and the qualities of extracts. What follows is some of the science done around components found inside Cordyceps militaris supplements as well as whole extracts.
Cordycepin
This is the “main” compound that is looked at, found in different cordyceps species.
- DNA Protective[2]*
- Immunoregulatory[3]*
- Stimulated androgens production in mouse Leydig cells[4,5]*
- Increased sperm quantity and quality in rats[6]*
A recent batch of our extract was found to have .372% cordycepin. (Typical amount is 0.3%.)
Polysaccharides
Cordyceps is rich in polysacharrides. This includes the most well-known in curative mushrooms, the beta-glucans. However, there are others, including alpha-glucans, cordyceamides, and more. These have many beneficial properties:
- Antioxidant (with Cordyceps militaris being among the most potent of different mushrooms measured) [7-9]*
- Immunomodulating [7-8]*
Our typical batch contains 20% beta-glucans. The latest batch of our extract was found to have 30.4% beta-glucans.
CMP also appears to protect the mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. [10]*
Other effects cannot be listed though some studies show much promise in specific actions of Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides.[11]
Together, these effects have led to cordyceps reputation for anti-aging and so much more.[10-11]*
What Kind of Cordyceps is Best?
There are many species of Cordyceps around the world, all of which invade different insects. The most well known is Cordyceps sinensis, though Cordyceps militaris is also widely used.
First off, to get the real wild Cordyceps, meaning the actual parasitic fungus on the insects, you’ll be paying a lot. These must be collected by hand from high altitudes in Tibet and surrounding areas. If you’re not paying large amounts of money you are not getting the real thing. Wild Cordyceps is the most expensive herb in the world. The price has even gone up to $35,000 per pound!
Many cordyceps are instead cultivated and grown on grain. However, some of these just sell the ground-up grain with the mycelium and not necessarily the fruiting bodies. Our Cordyceps militaris is grown on barley, but uses only the fruiting bodies.
Another thing many athletes want to know is whether Cordyceps militaris supplements can give the same endurance benefits as Cordyceps sinensis. As far as can be determined by research at this point, it does.
Based on these facts, we feel that our Cordyceps militaris extract is the best commercially available for the price.
Dosage and How to Take Our Cordyceps
Our Cordyceps militaris supplement is purely fruiting bodies and is 100% Organically grown, produced in a state-of-the-art facility in China. These are then dual extracted in a ratio of 8:1 with alcohol and hot water and dried to form this powdered extract.
Compliments of North American Reishi/Nammex
Each bag is 30 grams or just over one ounce. The recommended dose is 500mg to 1000mg per day, which is roughly equal to 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon.
At this dose, each bag will last 30 to 60 days.
Add cordyceps to tea, coffee, juices, and smoothies, or consume it straight.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Lost Empire Herbs