The see-what-you-get one
Cordyceps militaris fruiting-body extract listing active compounds
Farmed, consistent, and shows what you're getting.
Good for: Energy
What variations of cordyceps exist?
A medicinal mushroom traditionally used for energy, stamina, and lung health. Studies on exercise performance are mixed. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The see-what-you-get one
Cordyceps militaris fruiting-body extract listing active compounds
Farmed, consistent, and shows what you're getting.
Good for: Energy
The lab-grown strain
Fermented CS-4 mycelium
A lab-grown strain used in many studies, grown without grain.
Usually skip
- Mostly grain (Mycelium grown on grain)Often mostly grain starch, with fewer active compounds.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Cordyceps militaris fruiting-body extract listing active compounds' on the label (the see-what-you-get one)
Watch out for
- Claims of 'wild' Cordyceps sinensis at a low price (wild cordyceps is rare and very costly)
- 'Myceliated grain' as the main ingredient
- No beta-glucan or cordycepin (active compound) amount listed
Check with your provider first if…
- You take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or are having surgery soon
- You have an autoimmune condition. It may rev up the immune system, so ask your provider first.
- You take medicines that calm the immune system
- You take diabetes medicine
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding: not well studied
In Dr. Lesher's store
One product in Dr. Lesher's dispensary has cordyceps. Here's which form, where the label says.
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Vitanica
Cortisol Relief
100 mg per serving
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.