
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it speed up recovery after intense workouts?
Yes. A human trial found that taking 1 g Cordyceps sinensis before high-intensity interval training accelerated stem cell recruitment to muscles, promoting faster repair and recovery.
When should I take it?
Best taken 1–2 hours before workouts to support energy and oxygen delivery. Consuming it consistently over weeks (3–12 weeks) is key for building endurance and recovery benefits.
What’s the optimal dosage for athletes?
2–4 g/day of dried mushroom extract is common. In a 12-week study with Cs‑4 fermented C. sinensis, elderly participants taking 3 g/day had significant improvements in VO₂ max and ventilatory threshold.
Lower doses (1 g/day) showed benefits in oxygen saturation and endurance in shorter trials.
Does cordyceps support adrenal health and stress resilience?
Yes, cordyceps acts as an adaptogen, helping balance your stress response via the HPA (hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal) axis.
Studies in animals and small human trials suggest it can normalise cortisol production under stress, buffer against adrenal overdrive, and enhance stress tolerance. By supporting mitochondrial energy and reducing inflammation, cordyceps fosters steady energy levels, improved recovery from stress (including workouts), and reduced fatigue, without the jagged spikes or crashes of stimulants.