Herb. No. 033 · Cordycipitaceae
C. militaris is the cultivated species; wild Ophiocordyceps sinensis is Tibetan highland and conservation-locked.
Native · East Asia
Native Also grown
OpenGentlefungus
Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris
Orange cultivated cordyceps used for stamina and lung Qi — buy militaris, not mystery 'Himalayan gold'.
Traditional Tibetan and Chinese use centered on the wild ghost moth fungus (O. sinensis). Almost all honest modern products are C. militaris grown on substrate, which actually contains more cordycepin. Claims of athletic miracles outrun the data; food-like daily use as a broth is reasonable.
Flavor
Savory, mild umami, a little marine.
Parts used
Cultivated fruiting body
In favor
- Militaris is farmable
- Pleasant savory broth
- Clearer labeling than wild sinensis
Against
- Wild sinensis is a conservation and fraud problem
- Autoimmune / transplant caution
- Stimulating for a few people at night