Mushroom

Cordyceps Mushroom (has a safety note)

BotanicalCordyceps militarisAlso calledOrange caterpillar fungus, Golden cordyceps, Chong cao hua

Slender golden-orange mushroom stems with a savory, nutty taste, simmered into tea or broth in Tibetan and Chinese tradition.

* Safety note: May add to the effects of blood thinners and diabetes medicines; read the cautions before use. Read the cautions

Cordyceps Mushroom, cultivated fruiting bodies (dried)

The dried cordyceps in our jars looks like a tangle of thin golden-orange matchsticks. Simmered, it gives a savory, nutty, faintly sweet tea and makes a lovely addition to soups and broths.

The famous wild cordyceps of the Tibetan plateau is a different species, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, which grows on moth larvae high in the mountains and is rare and very costly. Most cordyceps sold today, including the golden kind, is Cordyceps militaris, grown on grain. It shares the name and much of the tradition. Cordyceps is not part of classical Ayurveda, and we have not found a reliable Ayurvedic profile for it.

Ayurvedic Properties

Not described in classical Ayurveda, and we have not found a reliable modern Ayurvedic profile, so most of its energetics are shown as unknown. Its traditional home is Tibetan and Chinese herbal practice.

RasaTastes
Not known
ViryaHeating or cooling
Not known
VipakaPost-digestive effect
Not known
AgniEffect on digestion
Not known

There is no traditional Ayurvedic basis for judging its effect on digestion.

GunaQualities
Not known
TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
  • Vata: not known
  • Pitta: not known
  • Kapha: not known
  • decreases (calms that dosha)
  • increases (can aggravate it)
  • neutral or balancing
  • not known
  • V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha

With no classical or reliable modern Ayurvedic profile, we do not assign cordyceps a dosha effect. Enjoy it as a warm broth or tea alongside familiar warming spices like ginger.

Traditional Uses

  • Traditionally used to support stamina and steady energy.
  • Traditionally used to support easy, open breathing in Tibetan and Chinese tradition.
  • Traditionally used to support vitality in later life.

How People Use It

  • TeaSimmer 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of dried cordyceps in 2 to 3 cups of water, covered, for 30 to 60 minutes. Strain and sip warm.
  • FoodAdd a small pinch of dried cordyceps to soups, broths or rice as they cook. The stems soften and add a savory, nutty depth.
Try This

Golden Cordyceps and Goji Broth

A gentle, savory broth for a tired afternoon.

  • 1 teaspoon dried cordyceps
  • 1 tablespoon goji berries
  • 3 thin slices fresh ginger
  • 3 cups water or vegetable stock
  • A pinch of salt
  1. Place the cordyceps, ginger and water or stock in a small pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes.
  3. Add the goji berries for the last 5 minutes.
  4. Season with salt and sip warm, eating the softened cordyceps and berries too.

Pairs Well With

Cautions

  • Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not known. Avoid cordyceps during pregnancy or while nursing unless your doctor or midwife approves.
  • Cordyceps may slow blood clotting, and heavy bleeding after a dental procedure has been reported in a person taking it daily. Talk with your doctor if you take warfarin or other blood thinners or antiplatelet medicines, or before surgery.
  • Cordyceps may lower blood sugar and add to the effect of insulin or diabetes medicines.
  • Cordyceps may affect immune activity and hormone levels. Check with your doctor if you take immunosuppressants, have an autoimmune condition, or have a hormone-sensitive condition or a blood cancer.
  • Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using cordyceps regularly, especially if you take any medication.

In Our Shop

Organic Cordyceps Mushroom

Organic Cordyceps Mushroom, from $14.00. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.

Shop Cordyceps Mushroom →

Sources and Further Reading

This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.