If you’ve ever struggled with breathlessness at high altitudes or during intense workouts, cordyceps might be the natural edge you’re missing. This fungus, long used in traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine, is now backed by real studies—and real-world results—for improving energy, stamina, and oxygen efficiency.
Whether you’re a hiker, athlete, or someone navigating lung health challenges, here’s what you should know.
What Is Cordyceps?
Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that grows on insect larvae. Sounds wild, but it’s been used in healing systems for centuries.
The most studied form is Cordyceps sinensis, once reserved for emperors due to its rarity. Today, cultivated versions like Cordyceps militaris offer the same benefits with greater accessibility.
So what does it actually do for your body?
Boosts Oxygen Use During Physical Activity
Cordyceps supports your mitochondria—the energy engines of your cells.
When you exercise or climb to higher elevations, your body demands more oxygen. Cordyceps has been shown to improve how efficiently your body uses it.
In a 1998 study, participants who took cordyceps for six weeks saw a 7% increase in VO2 max, which measures the body's ability to use oxygen during exercise.
Another trial with older adults showed improved metabolic threshold, allowing them to exert more without fatiguing as quickly.
If you’re training for a race or planning a trek in the Himalayas, this could make a noticeable difference.
Helps with High Altitude Adaptation
Low oxygen levels at high altitudes can leave you dizzy, nauseous, or gasping for breath.
Cordyceps is known to improve the body’s ability to handle these lower-oxygen environments.
A study published in High Altitude Medicine & Biology showed cordyceps helped increase red blood cell production. More red blood cells mean better oxygen transport—key to adapting to thinner air.
That’s why cordyceps is commonly used by mountain climbers and altitude travelers preparing for high-elevation trips.
Pair it with herbal blends like BreathabiliTea, which combines lung-supporting herbs with a gentle floral profile, and you’ll have a reliable toolkit for your next journey upward.
Supports Lung Function and Immune Defense
Cordyceps isn't just for athletes or climbers.
If you deal with chronic respiratory issues, low energy, or seasonal lung weakness, cordyceps may help you recover and breathe more freely.
Its natural compounds (especially cordycepin) have been found to:
-
Relax bronchial walls
-
Reduce airway inflammation
-
Improve ATP production for cellular energy
-
Support immune cells like natural killer (NK) cells
This makes it helpful for people recovering from respiratory infections or those looking to strengthen overall vitality during the colder months.
Looking for something more targeted? Vitalitea and Shakti Chai with PowerBoost both offer synergistic herbs that can complement cordyceps for daily wellness and energy balance.
Athletic Recovery and Endurance Gains
Endurance isn’t just about how long you can go—it’s also about how fast you bounce back.
Cordyceps supports faster recovery by reducing exercise-induced oxidative stress.
One double-blind placebo-controlled study found that trained cyclists supplementing with cordyceps experienced better endurance and quicker post-workout recovery.
It’s no surprise many adaptogenic blends for athletes now include this mushroom.
Try combining cordyceps with adaptogens like gynostemma for added cardiovascular support. Our Gynostemma tea pairs well with cordyceps for endurance and heart health.
Real People, Real Use Cases
A long-distance runner in Colorado started taking cordyceps after struggling with performance during high-elevation races. After four weeks, she noted not just improved stamina, but clearer breathing and better recovery between training days.
A climber heading to the Andes used a tincture blend daily before departure. She reported fewer altitude-related symptoms than on her previous trip, despite going to a higher elevation.
Stories like these are growing—not from hype, but from firsthand experience.
How to Take Cordyceps
You can find cordyceps in:
-
Capsules
-
Powder extracts
-
Teas and tinctures
For performance, it's best taken daily for at least 2–4 weeks. The effects are cumulative, not instant.
Look for dual-extracted products to ensure bioavailability.
You can also pair cordyceps with Three Kings, which includes a curated blend of mushrooms and tonics for those looking to deepen their physical and mental performance.
Should You Try Cordyceps?
Ask yourself:
-
Do you often feel out of breath during exercise?
-
Planning to travel somewhere with high elevation?
-
Struggling with seasonal lung sensitivity?
-
Want a natural way to support your stamina without stimulants?
If you answered yes to any of those, cordyceps may be worth a try.
You don’t have to be an athlete or a mountaineer. You just need to support your breath, your endurance, and your recovery.
Quick Tip for Best Results
Combine cordyceps with other oxygen-supporting herbs like guayusa or matcha. Our Matcha Supreme gives a clean energy boost without the jitters, helping you stay alert while your body adjusts to new physical demands.
Looking for a calming end to your day while keeping lung support in focus? Tranquilitea offers gentle relaxation without compromising respiratory clarity.
Final Word
Cordyceps isn't a miracle. But it's a reliable, researched, and respected ally—especially when your body’s under strain.
Whether you're training, healing, or exploring, it works quietly in the background, helping your lungs take in more, your blood carry more, and your cells do more.
You breathe every day. Why not make each breath work better?
