Mega List: Is Cordyceps a safe and effective supplement?

DISCLAIMER: Cordyceps is classed as a nutrional supplement in the US and as such no research is required as to the safety or effectiveness of Cordyceps. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

NOTE: Not all NIH links contain a link to the full study. But look in the upper right corner of the NIH page and you might see a link to an EPUB or PDF which should contain the full study.

Name: Cordyceps sinensis

Common names: Cordyceps , aweto , caterpillar fungus , Cs-4 , Dong Chong Xia Cao , keera jhar , keeda ghas , semitake , tochukaso , XinGanBao , yarshagumba , yartsa gunbu , yatsa gunbu , Zhiling.

Cordyceps sinensis is the fungus found in Tibet above the altitude of 3800m. It's also called "Yarsa gumba" and "Yarcha gumba". It's the one that takes over caterpillars, and fetches a VERY high price in Asian markets. Traditional folk medicine uses Cordyceps to treat 21 illnesses such as asthma, erectile dysfunction, cancer, TB, cough and cold, diabetes. It is said to give people increased health and vitality and energy by acting as an anti-inflammatory.

Cordyceps shows promise, but more studies need to be done. Cordyceps is currently harvested non-sustainably from the wild. I know of no commercial production of Cordyceps.

Medical Health Guide gives more details such as dosage (5-10g daily) and side effects (no major problems have been reported yet.)