Cordyceps is one of the most intriguing entries in the functional-mushroom world – with an unusual natural history and a long traditional pedigree. Here's what it is and how it's used.
What is cordyceps?
Cordyceps is a fungus with a long history of use in East Asian traditions and a famously curious natural life cycle. When it comes to supplements, it's worth understanding that not all cordyceps is the same – and at John Bell & Croyden we carry both ends of the range.
Most everyday cordyceps supplements are made from cultivated cordyceps — grown under controlled conditions rather than harvested in the wild — which makes them affordable and widely available as powders, capsules and extracts. At the other end sits genuinely wild-harvested Himalayan cordyceps, historically one of the rarest and most prized natural ingredients in the world, which is reflected in its price. Our Pure Himalayan range represents this premium tier, while our general cordyceps collection covers the more everyday options.
An honest note on what we can say
Cordyceps does not currently hold authorised health claims in Great Britain. Whatever you may read elsewhere – and it's a mushroom that attracts a lot of claims – we're not able to tell you it does specific things for your health. We'd rather be straight with you than repeat claims we can't stand behind.
How is it taken?
Cordyceps is usually taken as a powder stirred into drinks, or as capsules and concentrated extracts. It's frequently combined with other mushrooms in blends.
Should I take cordyceps?
An individual decision, and one to talk through with a healthcare professional rather than base on online reading – particularly if you take other medication, or you're pregnant, breastfeeding or managing a health condition.
You can read more in our Discover blog piece, Cordyceps benefits: what are they?
Explore our cordyceps range, or browse all our functional mushrooms.