Cordycep Militaris
The first time I learned of the fungal family Cordycipitaceae was in an introductory biology course. As a novice in the hard sciences and amateur lover (at the time) of fungi, I found the video of a Cordycep bursting through an ant head utterly fascinating while most of my fellow classmates groaned and whimpered in horror. They are the real zombie fungus of sorts. Check out the video here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XuKjBIBBAL8&pp=ygUTY29yZHljZXAgZnVuZ3VzIGFudA%3D%3D
Later I learned studies have revealed some members of the Cordycep family take over roughly 40% of their host insect- a ‘prosthetic organ’ of sorts as described by Merlin Sheldrake. The Cordycep mushrooms don’t host on decaying wood, nor do they form symbiotic relationships with trees. They have evolved and survived via encompassing an insect body, driving said insect to climb to higher territory, and then, after the insect grips its landing, the fungus bursts through its body or head and showers the land below (where uninfected insects lie) with spores for further propagation.
Mycologists have means for growing this unique specimen in lab settings typically utilizing grain soaked in a nutrient rich broth (vitamins and vegetable broth, milk, eggs, etc.). The strain grown most frequently world wide is the Cordycep Militaris because it commonly carries a high concentration of the active medicinal compound known as ‘Cordycepin.’ See photo below of the molecular structure.
The intake of Cordyceps has been used for centuries in China to increase energy and stamina and sex drive. More recent studies have shown an increased production of ATP (our cellular driving energy) after taking Cordycep aiding faster muscular and cellular regeneration post workouts. Quite wonderfully, Cordycep intake also increases collagen production and decreases stress benefiting our largest organ, our skin, tremendously. Similarly, intake of this incredible fungi family reduces oxidative stress benefiting the heart and reducing inflammation responses throughout the body. Finally, recent studies on humans have shown cordycep doses inhibit the growth of many types of human cancer cells I.e. skin, liver, colon, and lung.
There’s much to benefit from trying this mushroom out and what’s to lose?
Dosage: Shake well. Take your tincture once in the morning and once in the afternoon by filling the attached dropper 2x and distributing under the tongue or in a drink of choice, water, milk, juice, coffee, and tea are all suitable forms for dispersion.
What makes our tincture special? Forage & Cultivate uses a traditional approach to extracting mushroom medicine. We do not apply heat during our alcohol extraction process, we do not apply ultrasonic waves to speed up the process, we know that to hurry medicine is to damage medicinal compounds in the process. Instead we take the slow and steady approach. We use fresh mushrooms steeped for a month which we shake rigorously daily while meditating our positive intents for the future recipient to absorb. All our products are made from ingredients that are organically grown or organic certified. They are truly Crafted for Consciousness.
