Cordyceps are weird mushrooms.

In nature, the spores of the fungi parasitically infect insects, manipulating their behaviour and feeding on their living bodies before sprouting out its back. 

Pretty gnarly, right?

These powerful little mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and recently they've become a popular supplement in the Western world. 

This is because cordyceps contain a number of unique compounds that offer a host of health benefits, from improved energy levels to enhanced immunity. 

If you're looking to reap the benefits of cordyceps, then you'll need to find a high-quality supplement. 

This article lists our top 8 picks for the best cordyceps supplements in the UK - but don't worry, none of them are grown on insects.  

But first…

What are cordyceps mushrooms?

Cordyceps mushrooms are a type of fungus known for their unique appearance and fascinating lifecycle. 

Typically found in high altitude regions of the world, such as the mountains of Tibet and Nepal, these mushrooms are parasitic, meaning they grow on the bodies of other insects and arthropods. 

One of the most striking things about cordyceps mushrooms is their appearance. They have a long, thin body that resembles a caterpillar or worm, with a dark brown or black head at one end and a fluffy, white "tail" at the other.

As the mushroom grows, it burrows into the body of its host and begins to consume it from the inside out.

Despite their somewhat gruesome origins, cordyceps mushrooms are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. They are often added to soups, stews, and other dishes for their earthy, slightly sweet flavour and numerous health benefits.

They are often used in traditional Chinese medicine and are gaining popularity in the Western world as appreciation of mushrooms and fungi increases.

Additionally, cordyceps is often used as a natural performance enhancer by athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Benefits of cordyceps 

Cordyceps are highly prized for their medicinal properties, which are believed to benefit the immune system and overall health. 

Some of the potential benefits of cordyceps that have been studied include:

• Improved athletic performance: Some studies have suggested that Cordyceps may improve physical performance and endurance, and may be useful for athletes and other active individuals.

• Reduced fatigue: Cordyceps may help to reduce fatigue and improve energy levels, making it useful for people who are feeling tired or weak.

• Improved immune function: Cordyceps may have immune-boosting effects and may be helpful for preventing illness.

• Reduced inflammation: Cordyceps may have anti-inflammatory effects and may be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body.

More research is certainly needed to confirm the potential health benefits of Cordyceps, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from it now.

Best ways to take Cordyceps

When it comes to consuming Cordyceps, you have a number of options. 

Eat it

Cordyceps mushrooms are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world and can be added to soups, stews, and other dishes for their earthy, slightly sweet flavour.

Capsules

Capsules containing Cordyceps powder or an extract are very convenient and accurate ways of taking Cordyceps. 

Powder

Dried Cordyceps powder is a versatile way to add the mushroom to smoothies or various dishes. 

Tincture

Alcohol-based extracts offer a way to consume concentrated Cordyceps easily and effectively. These tinctures can be quite potent and are great for adding to coffee, tea or other drinks. 

Best cordyceps capsules in the UK

1. High strength Cordyceps Capsules from Mushies

Looking for a high quality cordyceps supplement you can trust? Look no further than our very own high strength Cordyceps Capsules. With 375mg of extract per capsule, our high-strength formula contains 50% polysaccharides, 10% cordycepic acid, and 0.5% cordycepin. 

Our Cordyceps extract is grown traditionally and organically, with no pesticides used. We then use a dual extraction to draw out the bio-active compounds effectively, all in the UK under stringent GMP standards.

Just like all our mushroom extracts, our cordyceps capsules contain no fillers, binders, or additives—just the natural potency of Cordyceps.

2. Cordyceps Mushroom Capsules from Mushrooms 4 Life

These organic cordyceps capsules contains 1000mg of the 'Emperor's mushroom,' professionally formulated by mushroom experts and grown on organic farms. 

Free from fillers or additives and containing just fruiting body hot water extract, these capsules are a great option for boosting energy and reclaiming your vitality. 

3. Mico Vir Reishi And Cordyceps from Hifas da Terra

Hifas da Terra is a biotech company based in Spain that produces super high-quality supplements from medicinal mushrooms. 

Their newly released Mico Vir supplement is one of our favourites, featuring a concentrated 4:1 extract of reishi and cordyceps that contains high levels of active compounds such as B-glucans (1-3), (1-6) D-glucans, ɑ-glucans, etc.

Conclusion 

Cordyceps is a type of mushroom that is known to have a number of health benefits, including boosting the immune system, improving respiratory function, and reducing fatigue. 

Some studies have also suggested that cordyceps may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Additionally, cordyceps is often used as a natural performance enhancer by athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Whether you're looking for an organic option, an all-in-one supplement, or something specifically for athletes, there's sure to be a cordyceps supplement on this list that's right for you. 

So what are you waiting for? Incorporate cordyceps into your daily routine and start reaping the benefits today!