Functional mushroom
Cordyceps: the mushroom of the summits, grown for your cup
By the Mush n Go team · Updated on 18 September 2026
Cordyceps is the energy-routine mushroom. Born on the high plateaus of the Himalayas and long reserved for the Chinese elite, it is now grown on a plant substrate, without a single insect. At Mush n Go, you take it in capsules with Energy or Recovery, or in your coffee with Brainstoorm, at 1 000 mg per cup.
Energy
Cordyceps combined with Maca, Ginger and Vitamin C. Caffeine-free, a 30-day course for the days that call for momentum.
Discover Energy →
Brainstoorm
1 000 mg of Cordyceps per cup, with Lion's Mane and Chaga. Coffee or chocolate-hazelnut flavour, only 20 mg of caffeine.
Discover Brainstoorm →The ID card
Cordyceps in brief.
Behind a single name hide hundreds of species. Here is the essential about the two that really matter.
A long history
From Tibetan shepherds to the laboratories.
Cordyceps is one of the most prized mushrooms in the Asian pharmacopoeia. Its story brings together mountain shepherds, emperors, researchers and, more recently, a television series.
Tibetan medical texts describe the yartsa gunbu, which shepherds are said to have noticed while watching their yaks graze on these high-altitude grasslands.
Imperial China
Rare and hard to harvest, it becomes a luxury product, given and eaten at court, often cooked in broths.
1950
British researchers isolate cordycepin from cultures of Cordyceps militaris. The mushroom enters the scientific journals.
1993
Chinese runners break several world records, and their coach mentions cordyceps in their diet. The story has since been clouded by doping suspicions, but it made the mushroom famous.
2007
Mycologists reclassify the Himalayan species: Cordyceps sinensis officially becomes Ophiocordyceps sinensis.
Today
The game and then the series The Last of Us make it famous worldwide. Since then, “cordyceps” has been one of the most typed mushroom searches on Google.
Sinensis or militaris
Two species, two realities.
When you read “Cordyceps” on a label, it can mean two very different mushrooms, produced in two very different ways. That is the first thing to understand before buying.
Cordyceps sinensis, renamed Ophiocordyceps sinensis, is the historic species. It only grows in the wild, at high altitude, on the larvae of a moth buried in the soil. No one has managed to grow it at scale, and its harvest, done by hand by Tibetan and Nepalese pickers, makes it one of the most expensive natural products in the world. That is why the “sinensis” sold as a supplement is almost always a mycelium obtained by fermentation, such as the Cs-4 strain used in several studies, and not the wild mushroom.
Cordyceps militaris is a bright orange cousin, found in Europe as well as in Asia. In the wild it too grows on chrysalises. Its great advantage: it grows very well, all the way to the fruiting body, on a simple plant-based substrate. It is also known for its cordycepin content. Today it is the species most used in quality supplements.
| Wild sinensis | Grown militaris | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Harvested by hand, in Tibet and Nepal | Controlled growing, on a plant-based substrate |
| Insect | Yes, it grows on a moth larva | No, no insect |
| Availability | Very rare, very high price | Stable, reproducible quality |
| In supplements | Almost always replaced by a fermented mycelium | Fruiting body or mycelium, depending on the brand |
| Vegan | No | Yes |
If a cheap product claims “wild Cordyceps sinensis”, be wary: at the price of the wild mushroom, that is very unlikely.
Dangerous to humans?
The Last of Us: why there is nothing to fear.
This is the question we are asked most since the series: is cordyceps dangerous to humans? The answer is no, and here is why.
The mushroom in The Last of Us is inspired by Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, nicknamed the “zombie ant fungus”. It really does exist: in tropical forests it infects certain ants, changes their behaviour and then grows out of their bodies. Other species in the same group attack spiders or caterpillars. These images are spectacular, but they only concern insects and their close cousins.
Three reasons explain why humans have nothing to fear:
- Each parasitic species is ultra-specialised: it targets one precise insect species, sometimes a single one.
- They are adapted to the body of an insect, not to human body temperature, around 37 °C.
- No case is known in which a cordyceps has parasitised a human being the way the series shows.
Above all, the Cordyceps in your supplements no longer has any link with an insect: it is grown on a plant-based substrate, in a controlled environment. It is an edible mushroom, eaten in Asia for centuries, and generally well tolerated. The series' storyline is fiction, not a warning.
Grown without insects
How the Cordyceps in your supplements grows.
Wild Cordyceps needs a host. Grown Cordyceps makes do with a plant-based nutrient medium. That is what makes it vegan, traceable and available all year round.
The strain
Growing starts from a selected mushroom strain kept in a laboratory, to obtain a reproducible quality from one batch to the next.
The substrate
The mushroom is sown on a plant-based medium, made of cereals or other nutrients of plant origin. No insect, no larva.
The growth
In a few weeks, under controlled temperature, humidity and light, the mycelium colonises the medium, then the small orange clubs appear.
The extraction
The mushroom is harvested, dried, then extracted to concentrate its compounds and obtain the ingredient used in supplements.
Another advantage: harvesting wild sinensis puts the high-altitude grasslands under pressure. Grown Cordyceps takes nothing from the wild.
The molecules
Cordycepin and polysaccharides: what it contains.
Researchers' interest in Cordyceps comes down to a few families of compounds, one of which bears its name.
Cordycepin (or 3'-deoxyadenosine) is a molecule close to adenosine, a compound your body uses constantly, notably in the energy metabolism of cells. It was isolated for the first time in 1950 and remains one of the most studied mushroom compounds in the laboratory. It is found in notable amounts in Cordyceps militaris.
Polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, are fibres present in most mushrooms. As with the other species, their content often serves as a quality marker for an extract.
Cordyceps also contains adenosine, mannitol (formerly called “cordycepic acid”) and sterols. Key point: the species and the cultivation method change the profile of these molecules. The word “Cordyceps” alone is therefore not enough to judge a product.
What the studies say
Exercise trials, with mixed results.
Cordyceps has mainly been studied in humans in the field of physical exercise. The trials are few and small, and their results do not all point in the same direction. Here are the main ones, with their exact conditions.
Parcell et al., 2004 · United States
22 trained endurance cyclists, 3 g per day of a Cs-4 type mycelium for 5 weeks, against placebo. No difference was observed in endurance performance. A negative result, worth knowing.
Chen et al., 2010 · United States
20 healthy adults aged 50 to 75, 1 g per day of Cs-4 for 12 weeks, against placebo. The researchers measured an increase in metabolic and ventilatory thresholds during a cycling exercise test in the Cordyceps group.
Hirsch et al., 2017 · United States
28 active adults, 4 g per day of a mushroom blend based on Cordyceps militaris, over one then three weeks. After one week, few changes; after three weeks, an improvement in maximum oxygen uptake was measured compared with placebo.
In short: interesting results in some groups, but not in all, with doses of 1 to 4 g per day taken over several weeks. That is why we rely on a stated dose and on regular intake, rather than on promises. The full references are at the bottom of the page.
The dose
What dose of Cordyceps per day?
There is no official dose. Studies and traditional use do, however, give clear benchmarks, which depend on the form you take.
| Form | Daily benchmark | What that represents |
|---|---|---|
| Mycelium or powder | 1 to 3 g | The doses used in most trials |
| Concentrated extract (10:1) | 250 to 500 mg | The equivalent of 2.5 to 5 g of dried mushroom |
| Dried mushroom (militaris) | A few grams | As an infusion or in a broth, as in Asia |
| Brainstoorm | 1 000 mg per cup | With 1 000 mg of Lion's Mane and 1 000 mg of Chaga |
Always follow the directions for use on your product label. For Energy: one capsule a day with a glass of water. For Muscle Recovery: one capsule after training.
How to take it
In the morning, or before exercise.
Cordyceps is best taken in the first half of the day. Regularity matters more than the exact time: the simplest way is to attach it to something you already do.
In the morning
At breakfast, as a capsule with a glass of water, or straight into your coffee with Brainstoorm.
On sports days
Before the session for the ritual, then a Muscle Recovery capsule after training.
At least 30 days
A full course before you judge. The trials lasted from 3 to 12 weeks.
Avoid it late in the evening if you are sensitive: it belongs to the momentum of the day, not to bedtime. The evening is rather the moment for Reishi, the evening mushroom.
Cordyceps and coffee
Why put it in your cup?
Most people who take an interest in Cordyceps are looking for the same thing: momentum for the day, without the coffee rollercoaster. They already drink one or more cups a day. Rather than adding a capsule, we chose to put Cordyceps into that very gesture.
An espresso provides around 80 mg of caffeine, a large mug much more. The effect is quick, but so is the crash. Brainstoorm tackles the problem differently: 20 mg of NewCaff® microencapsulated caffeine, released gradually, and 6 040 mg of actives per cup, including 1 000 mg of Cordyceps, 1 000 mg of Lion's Mane, 1 000 mg of Chaga and 3 000 mg of Maca. That is three times more than competing mushroom coffees, which sit at around 3 000 mg. The Chocolate hazelnut version adds rhodiola and cocoa, for 6 225 mg of actives. To go further, discover our complete guide to functional mushrooms.
And no, there is no mushroom taste. The Coffee flavour is smooth, with a note of chicory; the Chocolate-hazelnut drinks like a hot chocolate. Hot or cold, with water or milk. And the recipes are developed and produced in Toulouse, France, by a French contract manufacturer.
What they say about it
Trustpilot reviews, reproduced as they are.
“I particularly appreciate the steadier energy it gives: no jitters and no slump.”
★★★★★Nawel F., 7 January 2026 · Brainstoorm
“Very good product for my part the afternoon Crash has gone”
★★★★★Franck C., 6 September 2026 · Brainstoorm
The right pairings
Cordyceps plays as a team.
Combined with other ingredients, it finds its place in a more complete routine. Here are the combinations in our formulas, and why.
+ Maca
The Andean root, also grown at altitude. It accompanies Cordyceps in Energy and in Brainstoorm, at 3 000 mg per cup.
+ Lion's Mane
The Brainstoorm duo: Cordyceps for the body, Lion's Mane for the head.
+ Ginger and Vitamin C
Brought together with Cordyceps and Maca in Energy, a caffeine-free formula to take in the morning.
+ Chaga, Turmeric and Boswellia
The Muscle Recovery quartet, designed for the post-training routine.
Who it is for
Cordyceps is made for you if…
- You are looking for momentum in your days without drinking more and more coffee.
- You do sport regularly and look after your routine before and after exercise.
- You are going through a busy period, at work as at home.
- You prefer a natural supplement taken over time rather than a quick jolt.
- You want to know exactly which species and which dose you are taking.
Choosing it well
Six criteria so you do not get it wrong.
- The species: militaris or mycelium of sinensis, clearly stated. Be wary of “wild” at a low price.
- The growing: on a plant-based substrate, for a vegan and traceable product.
- The concentration: a stated extraction ratio or polysaccharide content.
- The actual dose: milligrams per serving, not just a name on a list.
- The manufacturing: an identified place. The recipes are developed and produced in Toulouse, France, by a French contract manufacturer, vegan, GMO-free and gluten-free.
- The guarantee: enough to try without risk. With us, a 60-day money-back guarantee, and the choice between a one-off purchase and a monthly subscription (−30 %).
| Energy | Brainstoorm | Muscle Recovery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Capsules | Coffee or chocolate | Capsules |
| The moment | In the morning, with water | Instead of your coffee | After training |
| Cordyceps with | Maca, Ginger, Vitamin C | Lion's Mane, Chaga, Maca, Ashwagandha | Chaga, Turmeric, Boswellia |
| Caffeine | None | 20 mg per cup | None |
Many of our customers combine Brainstoorm in the morning with a course of Energy during busy periods. The Entrepreneur Pack brings together Focus and Energy, and the BrainPower Pack adds a pouch of Brainstoorm.
Side effects and precautions
What to know before you start.
Grown Cordyceps is an edible mushroom, generally well tolerated at the usual doses. Reported side effects are rare and mild: digestive discomfort, dry mouth, especially in the first few days.
- Avoid it if you have a known mushroom allergy.
- Ask your doctor for advice if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication, in particular anticoagulant, antidiabetic or immunosuppressant treatment.
- The same caution applies with autoimmune disease, and before surgery.
- Stick to the dose stated on the label, and keep it out of reach of children.
For an overview, read our article on the dangers of adaptogenic mushrooms and plants.
Your questions
Everything people ask us about Cordyceps.
What is Cordyceps?
It is a genus of mushrooms, two species of which have long been used in Asia: Ophiocordyceps sinensis, wild and very rare, and Cordyceps militaris, easy to grow. It is mainly taken by people looking for momentum in their day-to-day life.
Is cordyceps dangerous to humans?
No. The parasitic species only attack certain insects, and are adapted to their bodies, not to human body temperature. No case is known of a cordyceps parasitising a human being. The Cordyceps in supplements is grown on a plant-based substrate and eaten like an edible mushroom.
Does the mushroom from The Last of Us exist?
It is inspired by Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, which really does infect certain tropical ants. But the scenario of human contamination is fiction: this fungus cannot develop in humans.
What is the difference between Cordyceps sinensis and militaris?
C. sinensis grows wild on larvae at high altitude and cannot be farmed on a large scale: “sinensis” supplements almost always contain fermented mycelium. C. militaris can be grown through to the fruiting body on a plant substrate, and it is rich in cordycepin.
Does Cordyceps contain insects? Is it vegan?
Grown Cordyceps contains no insect: it grows on a plant-based medium. All our Cordyceps formulas, Energy, Muscle Recovery and Brainstoorm, are vegan, GMO-free and gluten-free.
What dose of Cordyceps per day?
Trials have used 1 to 4 g per day. With a concentrated extract, a few hundred milligrams are enough for an equivalent amount. One cup of Brainstoorm provides 1 000 mg of Cordyceps.
When should you take Cordyceps?
In the morning, or before a sports session. Avoid the evening if you are sensitive. What matters is taking it regularly, at the same moment.
What are the side effects of Cordyceps?
They are rare and mild: digestive discomfort or a dry mouth, especially at the start. Medical advice is recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with autoimmune disease, or with anticoagulant, antidiabetic or immunosuppressant treatment.
Is Cordyceps an aphrodisiac?
It has traditionally been used in Asia as a vitality tonic, and that is where its reputation comes from. Human studies do not allow such an effect to be attributed to it: we would rather tell you frankly.
Can you find Cordyceps in a pharmacy?
Yes, often in capsules. The criteria remain the same everywhere: species, plant-based growing, dose in milligrams, place of manufacture.
Can you take Cordyceps with coffee?
Yes, that is exactly the principle behind Brainstoorm: Cordyceps, Lion's Mane and Chaga are straight in your cup, with only 20 mg of caffeine. Energy, caffeine-free, also goes very well with your morning coffee. To go further, discover our mushroom drink recipes.
How long before you feel a difference?
Sensations vary from one person to another. The trials lasted from 3 to 12 weeks: allow at least a 30-day course before you judge. All our formulas come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Where to buy quality Cordyceps?
Directly on mushngo.com, with free delivery from €59 in France and from €69 to €89 across Europe, depending on the destination, a one-off purchase or a monthly subscription (−30 %) to choose from, and a 60-day money-back guarantee. The recipes are developed and produced in Toulouse, France, by a French contract manufacturer.
Sources
- Cunningham K. G. et al. (1950). Cordycepin, a metabolic product isolated from cultures of Cordyceps militaris (Linn.) Link. Nature, 166.
- Parcell A. C. et al. (2004). Cordyceps sinensis (CordyMax Cs-4) supplementation does not improve endurance exercise performance. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 14(2).
- Chen S. et al. (2010). Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(5).
- Hirsch K. R. et al. (2017). Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(1).
Put it into practice
Cordyceps, the Mush n Go version.
You now know all about Cordyceps and what to look for on a label. Here is where to find it with us, with vegan formulas whose recipes are developed and produced in Toulouse, France, by a French contract manufacturer, and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Energy
Cordyceps combined with Maca, Ginger and Vitamin C. Caffeine-free, a 30-day course for the days that call for momentum.
Discover Energy →Brainstoorm
1 000 mg of Cordyceps per cup, with Lion's Mane and Chaga. Coffee or chocolate-hazelnut flavour, only 20 mg of caffeine.
Discover Brainstoorm →The other ingredients
Keep exploring.
Cordyceps is only one of the ingredients in our formulas. Discover the other mushrooms and the plants that go with it, or browse all our active ingredients.
In this file
Brainstoorm
The energy of coffee, without the downsides
Energy
Boost your natural energy for increased performance throughout the day.
Limitless Pack
Maximizes concentration, energy, reduces stress and improves sleep for optimal performance.
Muscle Recovery
Recover quickly and exceed your limits, with a solution designed for active people
Discovery Pack
Become the best version of yourself to achieve all your goals with efficiency and serenity