Few fungi have a stranger story than cordyceps. The original species, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, infects the caterpillars of certain moths on the Tibetan plateau, grows inside them and pushes a club-shaped fruiting body out of the ground in spring. In Tibetan it is called yartsa gunbu – «summer grass, winter worm».
Why wild cordyceps is barely on the market
Yartsa gunbu is gathered by hand, in a few weeks in spring, above 3000 metres. It is one of the most expensive natural products in the world – top grades fetch prices per kilo that stand comparison with gold. Populations are declining through overharvesting and climate change, and the species is considered threatened. If you find a cheap supplement with «Cordyceps sinensis» on the label, it is all but certain not to be wild material.
What is used instead
The trade works with two alternatives. One is fermented mycelium of the CS-4 strain, cultivated in tanks. The other is Cordyceps militaris, a related species that can be grown on plant substrate and forms a genuine, orange fruiting body. It also occurs naturally in Europe – with no caterpillar in the finished product.
Our Organic Cordyceps is Cordyceps militaris from the whole fruiting body, 450 mg per capsule, from certified organic cultivation. No mycelium on grain, no substrate in the powder – the difference that matters most when you read a label.
In combination
Cordyceps is also a component of the Organic Mushroom Complex Extract, together with reishi, lion's mane and chaga. The whole range sits under Functional Mushrooms; thematically you will find it under Energy & Focus and Sport & Muscle Building.
Note
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet. Do not exceed the stated daily intake. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a pre-existing condition or take medication, seek medical advice before use.
