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. 

8 best Cordyceps supplements 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. Vitality Cordyceps Tincture from Mushies

This powerful tincture offers fast effects thanks to its superior absorption rates compared to powders or capsules. 

The extract is referred to as 20:1 because you need 20kg of raw Cordyceps mushroom to produce a single kilo of Cordyceps 20:1 extract.

The extract is also made from only the fruiting body of mushrooms (not the mycelium). It has been dual extracted with both water and alcohol to draw out both water-soluble and non-water-soluble compounds from the mushroom, making it ideal for boosting both energy and immune function. 

3. Organic Cordyceps Extract Powder from Pure Fungi

This Organic Cordyceps Extract Powder from pure fungi is grown on organic barley using a hot-water extraction method. 

The extract contains 15% soluble mushroom polysaccharides and 0.3% cordycepin, making it a powerful addition to your daily wellness routine.

The Cordyceps extract powder is organic and both the pouch and label are fully compostable, making it an environmentally-friendly choice. 

4. Cordyceps Mushroom 10:1 Extract Powder from MindNutrition

Cordyceps Mushroom 10:1 Extract Powder from MindNutrition is a certified organic supplement that contains a minimum of 20% beta-glucans and 0.3% cordycepin, two compounds that are thought to have health-boosting effects. 

This extract is made using only the whole fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris, ensuring that you're getting the highest quality product.

Whether you're looking to support your respiratory health or simply want to boost your overall vitality, this cordyceps supplement is a great option.

5. 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.

6. Cordyceps Militaris Powder from Antioxi

The cordyceps extract powder from Antioxidants is a 100% natural and additive-free supplement that is sourced from organic Cordyceps militaris mushrooms. 

One of the key benefits of this supplement is its high concentration of polysaccharides and beta D glucans. Polysaccharides are known to help boost immunity and fight infections, while beta D glucans help to balance the immune system. 

This powder is made using only the fruiting body of the mushroom, ensuring that you're getting the most nutritional goodness, including essential minerals and vitamins.

7. Organic Cordyceps Mushroom Extract Powder from Raw Living

Organic Cordyceps Mushroom Extract Powder from Raw Living is a high-quality supplement that is made with over a decade of experience and research. 

This 8:1 extract is made using only the finest Cordyceps militaris mushrooms, which are carefully extracted using a hot water method to preserve the active compounds and ensure maximum potency.

One of the key benefits of this extract is its high levels of polysaccharides and beta glucans. With a minimum of 30% polysaccharides and 15% beta glucans, this extract is packed with immune-boosting compounds that can support overall health and well-being. 

8. Cordyceps Tincture from Bristol Fungarium

Cordyceps Tincture from Bristol Fungarium is a high-quality, organic supplement that is sustainably grown and extracted in the UK. 

As the only organic certified medicinal mushroom producer in the UK, Bristol Fungarium is dedicated to providing the highest quality products.

This tincture is made using triple extraction with distilled water and organic UK ethanol, ensuring that you're getting a potent, super strength supplement. Additionally, the mushrooms used in this tincture are grown on an organic mushroom farm in the green county of Somerset, UK and are certified by the Soil Association.

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!