Cordyceps

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China

For centuries, Cordyceps was available only to the royal families of Asia. Wild crafted from the most remote parts of the Himalayan Mountains, it is so rare that it sold for up to $35,000 per pound. Cordyceps is used to enhance energy, vigor, stamina and libido.

Cordyceps is classified in herbal terminology as an adaptogen, meaning that it helps you deal with stress, tension and fatigue. Herbalists believe that its nutrients promote the body’s natural balance and supports healthy liver function, respiration and inflammatory processes. It is for these reasons that it is thought to promote longevity.

The Cordyceps that was wild crafted in the ancient past was the species, “Cordyceps sinensis.” Because its rarity has raised concerns of it becoming endangered, it almost never finds its way into the United States. Today, some companies claim to have spores of the original sinensis species, but the products they make from it are mycelium.

In recent years, another species, called Cordyceps militaris has taken center stage. The nutritional profiles of Cordyceps militaris to Cordyceps sinensis are extremely similar. Militaris mushrooms are rich in both Beta-D-glucans and cordycepin, a factor thought to be responsible for many of Cordyceps’ special benefits.