• Cordyceps, also known as Caterpillar mushroom, is well known for improving lung capacity and increasing overall energy

Species Name: Cordyceps Militaris

Cordyceps are an energy-boosting mushroom due to their ability to increase ATP production through precursor compounds like adenosine and cordycepin. ATP is the compound that gives our cells energy*. This is why Cordyceps is recommended when it comes to physical performance. Cordyceps is also used for lung issues such as asthma or even seasonal allergies*.

Cordyceps has been described as a treasure in old Chinese medical books and Tibetan medicine. With hundreds of different species, it is a parasitic fungus that attacks insects. Traditional healers have recommended the mushroom as a powerful tonic because it improves energy, appetite, and endurance. The most well-known species of cordyceps is Cordyceps sinensis; the most expensive mushroom in the world costing over $20,000 per kilogram, sold almost exclusively in Asia. It is a rare combination of a caterpillar and a fungus and is found at high altitudes on the Himalayan plateau.

For many years, the Chinese were unable to cultivate this mushroom, fueling a growing demand on a small supply. Now, with this particular mushroom, it is very important to be aware of what you are consuming because wild Cordyceps sinensis rarely makes it to the North American market, but companies still advertise Cordyceps sinensis on their products. If a cordyceps product is grown in North America, it is almost certainly mycelium grain. A high amount of grain means a low amount of mycelium and a decrease in beta-glucans, which are the beneficial polysaccharides present in the cell wall.

Fortunately, there is a type of Cordyceps species that can be cultivated commercially to produce a mushroom (fruiting body), and that is Cordyceps militaris.

Real Mushrooms has created an organic Cordyceps militaris extract, verified for quality by third-party labs, which contains these beautiful beta-D-glucans, cordycepin.