While existing research results are promising, scientists must conduct further studies in order to fully understand Cordyceps effects and to know can cordyceps mushrooms cause anxiety. But at this time the consensus is that cordyceps mushrooms do not cause anxiety.
Can You Use Cordyceps Mushrooms to Relieve Anxiety?
This incredible medicinal mushroom has also been found to help relieve stress and decrease feelings of anxiety. So for most people, cordyceps mushrooms do not cause anxiety, but can actually help decrease symptoms of anxiety.
Cordyceps is an adaptogen, meaning that it can support your body and help it to adapt to stress, whether that is mental or physical. It stimulates your adrenal glands and helps to regulate the nervous system, which is a system that becomes overstimulated when you are under chronic stress.
This was demonstrated by a double-blind study which found Cordyceps acts as an endocrine regulator. It follows that using this mushroom may help to normalize physiological effects of stress and anxiety on the thyroid as well as on other endocrine glands, such as the adrenal glands and the pituitary.
This means it may help you feel more at ease and able to not feel overwhelmed by stressors you encounter throughout the day.
How Cordyceps Help Reduce Anxiety
Cordyceps, it seems, may be effective against anxiety by targeting the adrenergic and dopaminergic systems. Cordyceps could have a role in anxiety reduction through restoration of balance to the neuroimmune system. While these findings are promising, scientists must conduct more high-quality studies to understand how cordyceps might help the body adjust to stress.
Animal studies have shown Cordyceps can help with the common symptoms of type 2 diabetes, such as elevated blood sugar, weight loss, and excessive thirst. Cordyceps has also been shown to have kidney protection and antioxidant effects. High blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes may damage kidneys through increased oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species. Cordyceps can support psychological health protocols, such as anxiety, that are associated with elevated levels of inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of cordyceps reduce oxidative stress, providing support for psychoendoneuroimmunology processes in the body.
Other Potential Benefits
This mushroom may have antiplatelet effects, since it acts like a blood thinner and may prevent blood clots when used frequently. It follows that using cordyceps may help to normalize physiological effects of stress on the thyroid as well as on other endocrine glands, such as the adrenal glands and the pituitary gland. This adaptogenic mushroom works to support the adrenal glands, helping the body to generate and sustain a steady level of energy. Cordyceps is thought to help modulate your nervous system, stimulate the adrenal glands, and boost the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).
For instance, cordyceps is a species of mushrooms known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Cordyceps mushrooms are considered a commonly well-tolerated supplement that has only mild side effects. Research studies show lions mane, cordyceps, and reishi mushrooms have generally good safety and tolerability in humans taking Cordyceps as a supplement. Examples include mushrooms such as reishi, lions mane, and Cordyceps, which we discuss further later in the article.
Regulate Anxiety and Stress Levels with Adaptogens
If you are looking to try out some adaptogenic mushrooms to help with balancing your levels of anxiety or stress, then reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps are must haves. Below, we are going to look at the three most powerful medicinal mushrooms that you can use to ease your anxiety, while also keeping your mind and body at peace. There are all sorts of tools that help us out when we feel like stress and anxiety has burrowed its way deeply into our bodies, but adaptogens, and more specifically, medicinal mushrooms, have a major role to play. Just like Reishi, Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is an excellent medicinal mushroom that helps relieve stress and more effectively deal with anxiety.
Ashwagandha has been shown to help regulate cortisol levels and the functioning of the nervous system, which is why it has been shown useful for relieving stress and anxiety. Reishi The Soother toned down the nervous system and is anti-inflammatory, which may suggest its ability to aid mood disorders, or even just passing feelings of anxiety (since inflammation of the body and brain may be the root cause of depression and anxiety). Chaga is an adaptogenic, antioxidant-rich mushroom which is effective at helping the body decrease inflammation and protect itself from free radicals while modulating the immune system. As far as the science is concerned right now, mushrooms such as chaga, reishi, lions mane, and cordyceps are anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, gut-friendly, have a high antioxidant content (more than that found in acai, blueberries, and cacao), and they support our livers ability to excrete toxins.
You can find our favorite capsules, powders, and tincture’s on the following pages of our website and learn more about each individually:
Best Cordyceps Mushroom Gummies
Additional Resources:
Are Cordyceps Good For Adrenals?
Can You Take Cordyceps Before Bed?
Updated 10/13/2022
