Cordyceps Mushrooms

Ninety vegan capsules of cordyceps extract at 500 mg each, with no fillers or additives according to the brand, which describes the contents as 100% pure cordyceps extract. If you want a cordyceps supplement in a counted capsule rather than a powder, this is the Herbastore own-label version: up to 3 a day, a month per pot at that rate.

Cordyceps is a genus of fungi rather than a single mushroom. In supplements the usual species are Cordyceps militaris, which is cultivated and produces orange finger-like fruiting bodies, or cultivated Cordyceps sinensis mycelium.

What it is

Cordyceps supplements are made from cultivated fungus rather than the wild insect-parasitising species found on the Tibetan plateau, which is scarce and extremely expensive. The cultivated material is dried, ground and extracted, then the extract is dried to a powder and filled into capsules.

The label points to compare between cordyceps products are the species, whether it is fruiting body or mycelium, extract or whole powder, and the milligrams per capsule. This listing gives extract at 500 mg. The brand has not published the species or the part used, so we do not name them. If that detail matters to you, the Mushroom Dispensary cordyceps capsules state Cordyceps militaris fruiting body at a 10:1 ratio.

Cordyceps also appears in our six mushroom complex, where it is one sixth of each capsule alongside chaga, lion's mane, reishi, shiitake and maitake.

A lab report image is in the product gallery; we have not verified it. This is a food supplement and should not be a substitute for a varied diet.

How to take it

Up to 3 capsules a day with water, per the brand. Cordyceps is traditionally taken earlier in the day rather than last thing at night, so breakfast or before a morning workout is the usual slot. The listing does not specify with or without food.

• 90 capsules per pot
• 500 mg extract per capsule
• 30 days at 3 a day, 90 days at 1 a day
• £19.99 works out at about 22p per capsule, or about 67p a day at 3

Store closed in a cool, dry cupboard.

What's inside

• Cordyceps extract, 500 mg per capsule
• Vegan capsule shell
• No fillers or additives, as stated by the brand

Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi. Cordyceps militaris grows slender orange fruiting bodies and is farmed on grain or soy substrates; Cordyceps sinensis (now Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is the wild species that grows from caterpillars in high Asian grasslands, and its cultivated form is mycelium grown in tanks. The brand does not state which species or part is used here.

Who it's for

People who want cordyceps as part of a morning or pre-workout routine in a capsule they can count. It suits a gym bag, a kitchen cupboard or a desk drawer, and it is the format for anyone who has tried a cordyceps powder and found it fiddly. Because it is traditionally taken earlier in the day, it pairs naturally with a morning coffee or mushroom coffee.

If you want species and part used on the label, see the Mushroom Dispensary version. If you want breadth rather than one species, the six mushroom complex includes cordyceps.

Pairs well with

The Mushroom Dispensary cordyceps capsules state Cordyceps militaris fruiting body at 10:1. Cordyceps is one sixth of the six mushroom complex. Many people take it alongside lion's mane capsules in the morning. Browse the whole mushrooms department or every capsule under capsules.

Frequently asked questions

What is cordyceps?

A genus of fungi. The species used in supplements are cultivated Cordyceps militaris, which produces orange finger-shaped fruiting bodies, or cultivated Cordyceps sinensis mycelium. This listing does not state which.

When should I take cordyceps?

Traditionally earlier in the day rather than at night. The brand gives no specific time; breakfast or before exercise is the usual choice.

How much is in each capsule?

500 mg of extract. The extract ratio is not published.

Are the capsules vegan?

Yes, listed as vegan capsules with no fillers or additives.

Our label guide explains species names, extract ratios and parts used, which are the three things to check on any cordyceps label. Herbastore ships this product from the UK, with free UK shipping on orders over £40. Orders are packed by Herbastore UK, so if you are buying from more than one of our brands everything arrives together.