Cordyceps Militaris Benefits: Energy, Endurance & Gym Performance

Cordyceps has been showing up everywhere lately—from supplement shelves to Netflix dramas. But beyond the pop-culture references, this bright orange fungus has been part of human wellness practices for more than 300 years. Nicknamed the “Energy Mushroom,” Cordyceps Militaris is known for supporting endurance, performance, and recovery—making it especially interesting for athletes and anyone pushing their limits in the gym. Cordyceps are hailed for its ability to support the immune system, athletic performance, and serve as a natural aphrodisiac. It can be used as an effective caffeine replacement and for its direct cytotoxic activity against tumor cells.

 

Figure 1: Cordyceps Sinensis

A Little History

Cordyceps Militaris is one of about 750 species in the Cordyceps family. Unlike its cousin C. Sinensis, which grows on caterpillar larvae and is rare in the wild, C. Militaris can be cultivated sustainably on rice or other substrates—so you don’t have to trek the Himalayas to find it.

Figure 2: Cordyceps Militaris growing on Brown Rice

Traditionally, it was prized in Chinese and Tibetan medicine for energy, vitality, and even libido. In fact, it was once reserved for emperors and nobility. Today, thanks to modern cultivation, it’s widely available and much more accessible—without depleting natural ecosystems. We grew some at home on brown rice using a low-TEK method and they were delicious! 

Curious to try it yourself? Explore our Cordyceps capsules—real fruiting body extract, no fillers, no fluff.

Science-Backed Benefits of Cordyceps Militaris

The health benefits of Cordyceps are extensive and well-supported by scientific research. For athletes and active individuals, these benefits can be particularly impactful. Here’s a detailed look at what this orange fungus has to offer:

1. Enhanced Athletic Performance

• ATP Production: Cordyceps contains cordycepin, a compound that is molecularly identical to Adenosine, the primary energy carrier in cells. Studies show a direct increase in ATP levels, that provide more energy for muscle contractions, resulting in enhanced performance and endurance.
• VO2 Max Improvement: Studies have shown that Cordyceps can "significantly improve" VO2 max after 3 weeks of use, which is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during intense exercise.
• Cordyceps delayed fatigue by 12.5% in mice studies.
• Cordyceps increases lactic acid threshold by 10.5% in human studies.

Figure 3: Double-blind, placebo controlled study on 28 men

2. Improved Oxygen Utilization

• Enhanced Blood Flow: Cordyceps helps improve blood flow by increasing the production of nitric oxide, to relax (vasodilate) blood vessels. This leads to better oxygen delivery to muscles, this is why the mushroom is also referred to as "Himalayan Viagra"
• Increased Oxygen Capacity: The fungus has been shown to improve the body's ability to utilize oxygen more efficiently, which is vital for high-intensity workouts and endurance sports.
• Increased Sexual Performance: Cordyceps may be used to improve sexual function and can support the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

3. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

• Reduced Muscle Soreness: The anti-inflammatory properties of Cordyceps can help reduce muscle soreness and accelerate recovery times after intense workouts.
• Cellular Protection: As an antioxidant, Cordyceps helps protect cells from oxidative stress, which can damage muscles and other tissues. 

4. Enhanced Immune Function

• Immunomodulation: Cordyceps has immunomodulatory effects, meaning it can help regulate and enhance the immune system. It can 
• Antimicrobial Activity: The fungus possesses antimicrobial properties that can help fend off infections.
• Cytotoxic Effects: Cordyceps can stimulate natural killer cells that inhibit tumor growth. 

5. Natural Energy Booster

Unlike caffeine, Cordyceps provides steady, sustainable energy. No jitters, no spike-and-crash cycle. It’s also adaptogenic, meaning it may help the body adapt to physical and mental stress. That makes it appealing for athletes, shift workers, or anyone trying to cut back on coffee without sacrificing focus.

Cordyceps as a Caffeine Alternative

• Stable Energy: Smooth, balanced energy without anxiety or dependence.
• Better Sleep: Unlike caffeine, Cordyceps doesn’t block adenosine (your body’s natural sleep signal), so it won’t throw off your evening routine.
• Stress Resilience: As an adaptogen, it helps the body better handle training stress and everyday demands.

The Bottom Line

Cordyceps Militaris isn’t just a trendy mushroom—it’s one of the most studied adaptogens for performance and recovery. From ATP production and oxygen efficiency to recovery, immune balance, and steady energy, it checks boxes that both athletes and everyday wellness seekers care about.

So whether you’re chasing a PR at the gym, grinding through endurance training, or just looking for a natural energy lift without the coffee crash, Cordyceps may be worth adding to your wellness stack. Our Cordyceps capsules include both Vitamin B12 and Cordyceps fruiting body extract.

FAQs About Cordyceps Militaris

Can you take Cordyceps every day?
Yes, Cordyceps is generally considered safe for daily use when taken in recommended amounts. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Is Cordyceps good before workouts?
Many athletes use Cordyceps before training for its potential to support oxygen efficiency, stamina, and recovery.

Does Cordyceps replace caffeine?
It doesn’t mimic caffeine’s fast “kick,” but Cordyceps provides steadier energy without jitters, making it a good alternative for long-term balance.

How long does it take to notice effects?
Some studies show improvements in VO₂ max and fatigue resistance within 2–3 weeks of consistent use.

Additional Resources:

1. Royal Society of Chemistry - Cordyceps and muscle recovery
2. PubMed - Cordyceps improves tolerance to High Intensity Exercise
3. Science Direct - Functional Study of Cordyceps in male reproduction
4. University of Oxford - Cordyceps in clinical trials as an anti-cancer drug

 

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog about Cordyceps mushrooms and their potential benefits is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Happenstence is not a healthcare professional, and this information should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.