
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalaya mountains in Tibet and Bhutan, the cordyceps mushroom (Cordyceps sinesis) has a long history of use in the Chinese herbal tradition. Unfortunately, due to over-harvesting it is now rarely found in the wild, but it can be (and is!) cultivated for consumption.
According to Donald Yance, clinical herbalist and author of Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism, “It is considered to be one of the most valuable . . . herbs used traditionally in China, equaling ginseng as a restorative tonic.”
Benefits of Cordyceps
This adaptogen is considered helpful for:
- Promoting balance during stressful experiences
- Endurance (both physical and mental)
- Immune support
- Circulation
- Endocrine function
Source: Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism

Is cordyceps safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
According to the Botanical Safety Handbook: 2nd Edition, cordyceps is a Safety Class 1A herb – the safest rating possible. This category is described as:
“Herbs that can be safely consumed when used appropriately.
- History of safe traditional use
- No case reports of significant adverse events with high probability of causality
- No significant adverse events in clinical trials
- No identified concerns for use during pregnancy or lactation
- No innately toxic constituents
- Toxicity associated with excessive use is not a basis for exclusion from this class
- Minor or self-limiting side effects are not bases for exclusion from this class”
For a more in-depth discussion of opinions regarding the use of adaptogens during pregnancy/breastfeeding, see this post.
How much is recommended?
Adaptogens are herbs rather than pharmaceutical drugs, so there are no dosages. However, herbalists do share knowledge about what methods of consumption seem to produce a beneficial effect for most people.
The suggestions below are based on those found in Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief by ethnobotanist David Winston and herbal expert Steven Maimes:
- For a 1:5 tincture – which is 1 ounce dried cordyceps by weight, mixed with 5 ounces of 60 proof or higher alcohol and allowed to infuse for six to eight weeks – 20-40 drops up to three times per day. Another option is to purchase a pre-made organic cordyceps tincture here and follow the instructions on the label after talking with your healthcare provider.
- As a decoction – “Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cordyceps mushroom powder or crushed whole mushroom to 10 ounces of water. Simmer on low for 15 minutes, steep for 1 hour. Drink one to two cups per day (Source: Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief, p. 153)
What else do I need to know?
While appropriate amounts of cordyceps are thought to support the immune system, excessive amounts may be counterproductive in this respect. Also, please check with your health care provider before using any herbal remedy.
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Lynne
Hi Heather I was reading all the wonderful info u just sent me and I was wondering how I could obtain these antigens would love to find out how they would help me and my problems
Natalie
How many mg do you recommend for daily consumption if taken in a pill form?
Melissa
So the four sigmatic mushroom coffee mix is safe when nursing?
Mazzy
Hey can i use the cordycep coffe while breastfeeding
Heather
Hi Mazzy, I think you’ll find the info you are looking for in the section of the post titled “Is cordyceps safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?”
Alexuss
Hello there thank you for all your wonderful information! I came across a product that has cordyceps as well as reishi, lions mane, & chaga. What would your take be on taking this while breastfeeding?
Sharon Wilson-Smith
You got me when you said that cordyceps that can help you to keep your balance while you’re dealing with a stressful experience. This is something that I will share with my sister who has been stressed because of the divorce case that she has to deal with. She said that filing for a divorce has been causing her sleepless nights due to so much stress. I want her to still be enjoy her life while in the process of divorce, so I’ll shop for a cordyceps tincture that she can use.
Yannzoo
Dangerous during pregnancy, UPDATE 2021. WARING