Cordyceps and Sexual Energy

febbraio 11, 2022

Libido is sometimes a topic that we shy away from talking about, or even contemplating within ourselves when the desire for intimacy might be low. Our desire can take a major hit when we’re subjected to stress, with the body placing emphasis on survival rather than procreation and pleasure. Sexual energy is an expression of our overall energy reserves and a reflection of a state of balance and inner vitality. This powerful, life-creating energy is something to be expressed and harnessed.

To nourish the free flow of energy we look to Cordyceps which is not only famed for cellular energy production but has long been linked to supporting libido.

Traditional Use

Cordyceps is a deep energy awakener. Traditionally, Cordyceps was used to restore vigour, promote longevity and as a sexual health tonic, nourishing both the yin and the yang energies that reside in the kidneys storing the life essence Jing. By nourishing our Jing we restore this primordial life-giving energy that allows our organs to thrive, increasing our cellular performance, vitality and sexual energy.

Cordyceps’ first medicinal use was recorded in a 15^th century Tibetan text titled An Ocean of Aphrodisiacal Qualities [1] with a translated excerpt reading ‘having countless qualities and giving great benefits not only to libido but also to the seven bodily constituents and the five senses.’ It is said that Tibetan and Nepalese yak herders in the Himalayas first noted the effects of Cordyceps on their herds as they became more energised, and frisky for want of a better word, after grazing in areas in which it grew, which led to its medicinal use for humans and the exploration of Cordyceps' vitality and libido-enhancing benefits. It's no wonder Cordyceps is often referred to as Himalayan Viagra!

Scientific Studies

Used for thousands of years by the women and men of the East to support sexual energy, this traditional knowledge continues to be explored by science, delving into Cordyceps medicinal mushroom's potential to enhance libido, encourage fertility and support sexual health.

A 1985 study by Yang et al, looked at 155 patients with low sexual appetite. Those treated with Cordyceps showed a 64.5% improvement in sexual desire. While in 2016 Jiraungkoorskul & Jiraungkoorskul reviewed its benefits as a sexual tonic in further clinical studies. These included showing increased libido and desire in both males and females, increased sexual performance, and a sperm count increase of 33% in 8 weeks [2].

Further in-vitro studies suggest that Cordyceps’ libido-enhancing effects and potential to support fertility may come from its hormone stimulatory and supportive actions in both men and women with a 2004[3] study laying the groundwork for further research in this area. Part of this study uncovered that Cordyceps can increase the most bioactive form of estrogen, E2. E2 regulates the female reproductive cycle, maintains egg health, and prepares the uterus to support fertilised eggs.

While the studies are limited, the results are promising and Cordyceps still remains the ultimate shroom to get the inner fire burning and juices flowing.

How to Use Cordyceps

We prefer to enjoy Cordyceps before noon. Due to its energising and warming nature, it's best to avoid working with this supershroom in the evening.

Cordyceps’ flavour works well with sweet or savoury drinks and meals. You can find it in our Dawn Adaptogenic Blend and with the straight powdered Cordyceps extract add a ¼ tsp to tea, coffee, smoothies or herbal tonics. Over the summer we’ve been loving Cordyceps with a spicy combination of fresh grapefruit juice, ginger and turmeric. Head over to the quick and easy recipe here.

Our Potent Cordyceps Extract

We source the one type of Cordyceps that produces a fruiting body, Cordyceps Militaris. Cordyceps Militaris sees a much higher rate of the all-important beta-d-glucans compared to another popular type of cultivated Cordyceps, Cs-4, which is grown in liquid fermentation tanks.

We are one of the few companies that test our mushies for beta-D-glucans with the Megazyme testing method. As a result, we can guarantee that our Cordyceps extract contains greater than 30% beta-D-glucans, which is higher than other Cordyceps extracts available in Australia, so you can be confident your mushies are active and potent.