Cordyceps vs Reishi | Which is Better? Can You Take Both?

However, these are frequently used for a variety of reasons. Cordyceps is commonly used to promote energy and stamina, a favorite of athletes. Reishi is generally used for its immunity and general well-being, and is used by those looking to improve their health.

How to Take Cordyceps or Reishi

It is not hard to include reishi or cordyceps, but also turkey tail, lion’s mane mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and others, in your diet, and you do not have to turn on your stove. Medicinal mushroom extracts are powders that you can easily add to smoothies, teas, mushroom coffee, and other recipes. Plus, the mushrooms are already extracted, so you do not need to worry about steeping them in hot water to draw out their useful compounds. Simply drop a spoonful in a beverage and you are ready to go.

Cordyceps vs Reishi: Can You Take Both?

Many a medicinal mushroom connoisseur likes to “stack” his mushrooms to get an intensive immune-supporting, brain-boosting, antioxidant-boosting punch. The cordyceps-reishi combo is especially amazing, as it gives you both the nootropics and the physical-enhancement properties to get firing on all mental and physical cylinders. In fact, you can combine different types of mushroom products such as Reishi mushrooms (the mushroom of immortality), Turkey Tail (ultimate immunity protection), Chaga mushrooms, Shiitake mushrooms, Maitakes, and more. You will get a wide range of beta-glucans to support you at many levels. Whatever you decide, what is most important is to eat your mushrooms every day.

Adaptogens need several weeks to accumulate in your system before you begin to see the benefits and health results. Do not expect to see results immediately. Give it a couple weeks of consistency, see how you feel, then tweak the stack!

More Info on Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are another member of the medicinal mushroom family, and are among the worlds most researched ingredients, proven to be beneficial for both mind and body over time. Also known as the, Lingzhi mushrooms, Reishi is a shining, red, kidney-shaped mushroom that grows on the bases and stumps of deciduous trees such as maples.

High Level Benefits

It contains ganoderic acid, compounds which supports and protects the liver, thus helping with detoxification. Ganoderic acids may also have anti-cancer effects.

Reishi is protective of the body from free radicals, protecting it from threats and viruses. In Chinese medicine, Reishi is also taken in a medicine-like way to increase immunity to everything from the common cold to cancer, increasing the activity of the body’s crucial white blood cells. The reishi mushroom is known for its soothing, relaxing, and sleep-enhancing effects. It can also contribute to relieving pain and improving mood in those suffering from anxiety or depression, as well as relieving fatigue.

Dosage

Standard doses for dried reishi are between 1,500 mg (1.5 grams) and as much as 9,000 mg (9 grams) a day.

Side Effects

Reishi is recommended to be used for only short periods of time, no longer than 3-6 months, because an allergic reaction can occur. Signs of reaction include mouth, throat, and nose dryness, along with itchy skin and rashes.

More Info on Cordyceps

Cordyceps is not a typical mushroom you’d find in the produce section of the grocery store. Some species of cordyceps, such as the one called cordyceps sinensis, are parasitic mushrooms that grow on insects, usually caterpillars. The fungus starts growing on a bugs head, causes some kind of psychosis, and takes over an insects brain in order to disperse its spores.

In most traditional extracts of cordyceps, such as those offered by the brands we feature on this website, modern methods have allowed us to make cordyceps without using insects. Cordyceps, by nature, need a high level of humidity in order to thrive. You can find them in Asian countries such as Nepal, China, and Vietnam. Like Lions Mane, the king of mushrooms, the Cordyceps is a mainstay of Chinese medicine as well.

You can find our favorite capsules, powders, and tincture’s on the following pages of our website and learn more about each individually:

List of The Best Cordyceps Supplement

List of The Best Cordyceps Powder

List of The Best Cordyceps Tincture

List of The Best Cordyceps Mushroom Gummies

Additional Resources:

Does Cordyceps Increase Testosterone?

Does Cordeyceps Incrase Dopamine?

Updated 10/17/2022