Has anyone heard of the growth in Ireland’s functional mushroom market? In 2025, mushrooms will no longer be a taboo subject as more people begin to understand the differences between functional and psychedelic mushrooms.
Psychedelic mushrooms were associated with the button variety for a very long time. The conversation about functional mushrooms has changed dramatically in recent years.
Irish people are more open-minded to the benefits that a healthy lifestyle can bring, like increased energy, improved endurance, and respiratory wellness.
Cordyceps is a mushroom which has been making waves within the health community. Cordyceps is an ancient mushroom that’s been used for centuries in Chinese medicine and Tibetan medicine.
Cordyceps is gaining in popularity, but what exactly is it, how it works, and why?
Cordyceps in Ireland: Growing awareness & availability
Women and men who are interested in wellness increasingly include adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms as part of their diet. Lion’s Mane is a popular herb, as are Cordyceps.
Cordyceps, a natural supplement that is similar to hemp oil, has become incredibly popular among athletes, biohackers and people looking for energy.
Cordyceps, a functional mushroom, is becoming more popular in Ireland. It can be purchased at health food stores and online retailers as well as speciality supplement shops.
It is often used as a pre-workout supplement to increase energy without the caffeine crash. Cordyceps is also used as an ancient respiratory support.
Cordyceps explained
Cordyceps, a kind of parasitic mushroom that grows naturally on insects larvae. Its name was used in the movie “Zombies” to show how zombies were on the rise. The Last Of Us
This is not the case. They are found only in high altitude areas of Tibet, Nepal and China.).
The wild Cordyceps Sinensis is more rare and costly, but modern techniques of cultivation have allowed Cordyceps Milis to become widely available. It’s a useful, natural supplement.
Cordyceps mushrooms are packed with bioactive substances, such as cordycepin, polysaccharides and other compounds that contribute to their many health benefits.
Cordyceps has many health benefits.
Since centuries, Cordyceps have been used as a supplement to improve energy, endurance and respiratory functions, as well to enhance the immune system. By 2025, research studies and trials in clinical settings will uncover the real science behind all of these claims.
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Better energy & athletic performance
Cordyceps are natural adaptogens, which means they help the body deal with fatigue and stress (naturally).).
Research study results show that it can boost ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production – the primary energy source for muscles. Cordyceps mushrooms are therefore beneficial to athletes and fitness lovers in particular.
Consider this example: In 2010, the study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary MedicineThe research showed that Cordyceps supplements improved the exercise performance of older adults and their oxygen intake.1
Cordyceps was found to improve endurance in a study of trained cyclists.2
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Respiratory health & oxygen use
Cordyceps is a great way to support lung health for those with respiratory problems such as COPD or asthma.
It is believed to increase oxygen intake, which makes breathing easier when exercising or resting.
This study was published in Chinese Medicine Cordyceps has been shown to improve respiratory function for people with chronic bronchitis.3
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Support for Immunity
Cordyceps, like other mushrooms that are functional, contains antioxidants and polysaccharides which can regulate the immune system.
It can help you recover faster from illness, or boost your immune system.
Cordyceps Facts
- Cordyceps once had a higher value than gold, thanks to the rareness and health benefits it provided.
- Cordyceps has reportedly been used by elite Olympic athletes to naturally boost their endurance and stamina.
- Cordyceps Sinensis contains more cordycepin in its wild form than Cordyceps Milis.
- Its nickname is ‘The Caterpillar Fungus’ as it acts as a parasite, invading and growing on insect larvae.
Cordyceps: How is it used?
Cordyceps can be found in many different supplement forms. This makes it very easy to include this herb into your everyday routine.
Most common options for supplements include:
- Tincture extractsWhen dropped beneath the tongue, liquid extracts deliver a high concentration of active ingredients and quickly reach the bloodstream. The liquid extracts can be mixed with drinks such as herbal teas and smoothies.
- CapsulesThe pre-measured doses make it easy to supplement, but you should be aware of the unnecessary fillers.
- PowderThey can also be added to coffee or protein drinks. Make sure you check out the quality of ingredients, and that the mushroom extract is what it claims to be.
- TeasTeas infused with cordyceps are a relaxing and mild way to include them in your diet.
Cordyceps and the EU
Cordyceps, which is a type of food supplement and not a controlled drug, is legal within the European Union.
Although the EU Novel Food Regulation requires that Cordyceps in supplement form meets quality and safety requirements, these standards are not always adhered to or clearly defined.
It is therefore important to research your supplier and make sure they can answer all of your questions.
The conclusion of the article is:
Cordyceps mushroom is becoming more popular among Irish biohackers. This mushroom has many benefits including increased energy and endurance.
Scientific studies have backed up the ancient claims and it is now a popular supplement amongst athletes, people who care about their health, as well as those seeking to maintain lung function.
Try it yourself. Don’t wait to see the mushroom functional market grow.
Please see the following references:
- Chen, S., et al. (2010). The effects of cordyceps supplements on the exercise performance of healthy older subjects. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
- Earnest, C. P., et al. (2004). The effects of Cordyceps on cyclists’ endurance performances. International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism
- Zhu, J. S., et al. (1998). (1998). Chinese Medicine.
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