Mushroom Series: Cordyceps Mushrooms

Cordyceps mushrooms (Cordyceps spp.) are, not gonna lie, probably some of the weirdest mushrooms we’ll talk about. They’re not like those cute oyster mushrooms that grow in clusters on a log or like the large shelves of lacquered reishi growing off an old tree. Nope. Cordyceps are strange little things because they may look like tiny orange fingers or, well… Cheetos(tm) sticking straight up and out of the ground.

But, here comes the really weird thing about these mushrooms…

Some species of cordyceps are parasites of insects. Yep, you read that right. They zombify insects!

They sneak into certain insects’ bodies, grow inside them, and, eventually, sprout their fruiting bodies right out of the insects’ bodies. It sounds like something that belongs in a horror movie rather than in a mushroom article, right? But, don’t worry. They may zombify the insects but they’re not turning us into mushroom zombies… at least, not yet… hahaha. Maybe this article should’ve come out for Samhain, lol.

Anyway, the name “Cordyceps” comes from the Greek language and basically means “club” and “head”. There are a few different species of cordyceps. You’ll probably hear about Cordyceps militaris the most when you’re looking at commercially grown cordyceps, while Ophiocordyceps sinensis is the really famous wild species that’s associated with the high-altitude regions of Tibet and the Himalayas.

And, again, we have a whole other level of weird when talking about Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Why, you ask?

Because, this fungi grows from the larvae of ghost moths. (Maybe I need to republish this around Halloween…) What are ghost moths? Glad you asked. I mean we’re far into weird territory already so, why not? Ghost moths are called such because of how the male of the species’ tries to attract a mate. They hover and sway like pendulums while moving up and down over the ground at dusk which makes them look like floating ghosts. Now, back to our programming and Ophiocordyceps sinensis. So, basically, there’s a little caterpillar underground, the fungus infects it, grows through it, and then eventually sends a fruiting body up through the ground. I’m sorry if you’re disturbed now.

Now, please don’t go into the forest and try to find some cordyceps on your own. Wild cordyceps isn’t really a beginner foraging project. But, you can find Cordyceps militaris as a cultivated option among commercial growers, which makes it much easier to get your hands on. And, thankfully, commercial growers don’t generally need to go around collecting infected caterpillars. These cultivated cordyceps are grown on various substrates and are commonly sold dried, powdered, as extracts, tinctures, and in capsules. No need to put cordyceps infested bugs in our teas!

So, what makes this strange little fungus so interesting health-wise?

Well, cordyceps contains several compounds that they’re know for, including polysaccharides, nucleosides, and cordycepin. Cordycepin is probably one of the compounds that you’ll hear about the most when you’re reading or researching about cordyceps. What is cordycepin? Just know that they’re finding it “exhibits potential antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties by interfering with RNA synthesis and cellular signaling pathways”. (Cite: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7356751/)

These mushrooms are also great for improving your immune function as well as cellular energy metabolism. It’s part of the reason that you’ll see cordyceps listed in many physical endurance and exercise performance drinks and protein powders. Not only are they considered an adaptogenic mushroom but they’re also often considered an energy mushroomor an endurance mushroom.

But, don’t think that cordyceps is going to give you the same kind of energy boost that caffeine or guarana does. It’s not an energy drink in mushroom form. So, what does it do energy-wise? It helps you play the long game. Meaning, it helps your body do the things that it needs to do to balance itself so that you DO have more energy or more endurance eventually. It’s really more about how it can support energy metabolism, oxygen utilization, stamina, and the body’s ability to deal with physical demands.

Cordyceps has long been used traditionally in Chinese and Tibetan medicine, for things like vitality, strength, endurance, and general health. And, honestly, when you look at what this fungus does in nature, the traditional associations with strength and vitality seem pretty on point. It quite literally takes over an insect, survives inside it, and then pushes its way out of the ground. If that’s not a perfect example of perseverance, I don’t know what is.

So, how do you take or use Cordyceps? You can use it as a powder, extract, tincture, or capsule. You can also find dried cordyceps, although I think the flavor may not be something you’d enjoy because it’s got an earthy, mushroomy taste that can also be a bit bitter and woody. I think it just works best when you mix it into something else like a nice tea blend or coffee. Try it with hot chocolate or in a smoothie. And, here’s little a hint about flavorings to mask the cordyceps - blend it with things like cinnamon, ginger, cacao, or vanilla will help temper that, er, flavor.

Remember, identifying mushrooms out in the wild can be incredibly complicated as well as dangerous. I really don’t recommend learning through trial and error. Please find yourself a local and experienced mushroom forager and learn from somebody who knows what they’re doing, hopefully.

And, why wouldn’t we totally talk about the witchcraft side of cordyceps mushrooms?!? I don’t even know if there’s even a witchier mushroom out there, lol.

What sort of rituals or spells can you consider using this fungus in? Some ideas out of the ground (Ha! See what I did there?!):

• Anything involving the need for strength, endurance, resilience, determination, or vitality.

• You can totally use these mushrooms in magic involving transformation (shadow work, rebirth, death/rebirth, liminality) as well as a spell or ritual for overcoming obstacles.

This fungus literally takes over a living creature, transforms it, grows, and pushes itself out of the earth — that can make for a very powerful partner in your magic workings! Including, shall we say — justice spell work?? Oh yes, please! Or when you just need more personal power just based on what they do to live in the wild!!

Cordyceps’ way of survival is a good reminder of how there’s strength in continuing to grow, even when you can’t see where you’re actually going yet.

And, if you happen to see one growing in the wild? Please take a picture and do NOT eat it. Oh, and definitely don’t touch it. I mean, you could turn into a zombie!

Tune in next week as the series continues with morel mushrooms.