Cordyceps
Cordyceps sinensis / militaris
冬虫夏草
Pinyin: Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo
Plant Family
Cordycipitaceae (Ascomycete fungus)
Part Used
Fungal fruiting body with caterpillar host (wild); mycelium/fruiting body (cultivated)
Origin
Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan (high altitudes 3,000-5,000m)
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Wild Cordyceps sinensis is a parasitic fungus that infects and eventually kills moth caterpillars underground, then grows a mushroom (fruiting body) from the caterpillar's head. This unique organism has been prized in Tibetan and Chinese medicine for centuries as the most powerful kidney and lung tonic. Wild Cordyceps is extremely rare and expensive (often $20,000+/kg). Most products today use cultivated Cordyceps militaris or CS-4 mycelium, which have similar benefits at a fraction of the cost.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
warm
Flavors (五味)
sweet
Meridians (归经)
kidney, lung
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Tonifies kidney yang and jing (essence)
- Benefits the lungs and stops cough/wheezing
- Arrests bleeding and transforms phlegm
- Replenishes qi after serious illness
- Enhances sexual potency and fertility
- Used for chronic fatigue and weakness
- Promotes longevity and anti-aging
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Available as whole wild cordyceps (very expensive), cultivated fruiting bodies, mycelium powder (CS-4 strain), capsules, liquid extracts, or in tonic soups. Wild cordyceps is traditionally simmered in chicken soup.
Suggested Dosage
Cultivated CS-4 mycelium: 1-3g daily. Powder/Capsules: 1000-3000mg daily. Wild cordyceps: 2-5g (rarely used due to cost). Tincture: 2-4ml 2-3 times daily.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Wild: Early summer, when the fruiting body emerges from the soil. Cultivated: Harvested year-round under controlled conditions.
Quality Indicators
Wild: Dark brown/black caterpillar body with yellowish-white head, 4-8cm long, with clearly visible ring segments and paired feet. Cultivated: Look for Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies (orange/yellow clubs) or CS-4 mycelium. Standardized extracts should list cordycepin content.
Storage
Store in airtight container in cool, dry place. Wild cordyceps should be stored in refrigerator for long-term preservation. Shelf life: 2-3 years for cultivated products.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Autoimmune diseases (may stimulate immune system)Organ transplant recipients (immunosuppressant interaction)Bleeding disorders or upcoming surgeryAcute infections and feverChildren (insufficient safety data)Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Possible Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated
- Mild digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea) - rare
- Dry mouth
- Headache (with high doses)
- Allergic reactions (rare)
Drug Interactions
- Immunosuppressants
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Antidiabetic medications (may enhance blood sugar lowering)
- Blood pressure medications
- Chemotherapy drugs (consult oncologist)
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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