In 1992, the Chinese team broke multiple world records at the Olympics. At first, people suspected that this impressive achievement was the result of using illegal steroids. However, this was not the case—the key to their success turned out to be Cordyceps Sinensis. In this article, you will read how you can this remarkable mushroom in your stacking practice.
Cordyceps: the performance enhancing mushroom
Cordyceps, in full Cordyceps Sinensis, is a mushroom with many special properties. It is native to the highlands of Tibet, Nepal and China, where it can fetch up to $30,000 per kilo. Understandably, this mushroom is now widely cultivated in artificial environments.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the use of Cordyceps has a long history. It is traditionally used to treat numerous conditions ranging from libido loss to cancer. Today, the energizing effects of this mushroom are mainly utilized in sports, but can also be explored in everyday life.
The medicinal effects of Cordyceps
The book “Medicinal Mushrooms” by Peter van Ineveld describes the many studies that have been done on this fascinating mushroom.
The possible benefits of Cordyceps¹:
- Strengthens the immune system
- Beneficial effect on respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and COPD
- Antitumoral effect
- Positive effect in liver diseases such as hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis and (alcoholic) liver damage
- Enhances libido (in men and women)
- Increases testosterone levels and improves sperm quality
- Increases fertility and thus the chance of success in fertility treatments
- Antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial
- Lowers LDL cholesterol – the “bad” cholesterol that can lead to heart problems
- Increases “good” HDL cholesterol, which can actually prevent heart problems.
- Adaptogenic
- Anti-aging
- Cognitive enhancer
- Stimulates metabolism and provides more stamina and energy
- Improves kidney function in patients with renal impairment or renal insufficiency
- Enhances the effects of chemotherapy and alleviates its side effects
Because of the effect this supplement has on hormones, using it is not recommended if you are receiving hormone therapy. There is also a chance that it may reduce the effect of antidepressants. In addition, using Cordyceps is not recommended in case of acute infections, inflammations and sleep disorders. If in doubt, always consult a doctor.
The combination of truffles, cordyceps and vitamin B12— stacking
When people talk about stacking in combination with microdosing, they usually refer to the now very well-known stacking formula based on Lion’s mane, psilocybin-containing truffles or mushrooms, and vitamin B3 (niacin). This formula was introduced by the mycologist Paul Stamets, loved by many, and known for the movie Fantastic Fungi.
Read more about stacking lion’s mane (Stamets stack) here.
However, stacking is also possible with other combinations of substances – for example: Cordyceps with vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a crucial building block for the production of red blood cells that are needed to transport oxygen in your blood. In addition, vitamin B12 is essential for proper functioning of the nervous system. It promotes metabolism so that more energy can be released from food.
From our findings and the experiences of the microdosing community, we have found that using Cordyceps and vitamin B12 can have a great synergy with truffles. In fact, for many people, it counteracts the fatigue and sleepiness that some people get when microdosing truffles.
Stacking Cordyceps according to the Microdosing Institute Protocol
This new formula combines the daily use of Cordyceps and vitamin B12 with our “every other day” microdosing protocol with psilocybin truffles or mushrooms. Cordyceps works like a tonic – a substance that only starts to work properly when you take it for a while and build up a mirror. Truffles have an immediate effect and are therefore taken every other day.
The Microdosing Institute stacking protocol is preferably followed for a month and looks as follows:
- Daily 2 capsules Cordyceps (500 milligrams)
- Daily 1 tablet vitamin B12 (1000 micrograms)
- Every other day 0.5 to 1 gram Microdosing XP truffles
If it feels unpleasant, you can lower the dosage of the truffles, or just stop. After following this protocol for a month, it is recommended to stop microdosing for two to four weeks. In this way, you can keep an eye on what effects microdosing has on you, and how you function without microdosing. You can continue to use Cordyceps and vitamin B12 during this rest. B12 is an important building block, especially for vegetarians and vegans, since this vitamin is mainly found in animal products. Cordyceps itself has no psychoactive effect, but gives more energy.
Conclusion
Some people who microdose with psilocybin truffles or mushrooms observe that, in addition to the benefits of microdosing, it gives them a tired and sleepy effect. The energizing effect of Cordyceps and Vitamin B12 remedies this in many cases; however, even if you don’t experience drowsiness, this stack can provide more energy, stamina and focus.
Not sure where to buy your stacking formula? You can find the Cordyceps microdosing stacking formula at our partners Microdose.nl (European Union), or Mushroom Revival (United States).
¹ (Van Ineveld, 2020)
