Cordyceps vs Reishi: Two Legendary Medicinal Mushrooms, Two Very Different Outcomes
Introduction
If you spend any time in the world of functional mushrooms, two names come up again and again: Cordyceps and Reishi. Both are revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), both are now widely used in modern supplements, and both are often described—sometimes vaguely—as “adaptogens.” Yet in practice, these mushrooms feel almost like opposites.
Cordyceps is associated with physical energy, stamina, and performance. Reishi, by contrast, is known for calming effects, immune resilience, and long-term health. The dilemma many people face isn’t whether these mushrooms work, but which one actually fits their physiology, goals, and lifestyle.
This article takes a science-backed, mechanism-focused look at Cordyceps versus Reishi—how they work, where they overlap, where they diverge, and how to choose between them without relying on marketing hype.
At A Glance
| Feature | Cordyceps | Reishi |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Benefit | Energy, Endurance, oxygen utilization | Stress reduction, immune modulation, Sleep |
| Core Mechanism | ATP production, mitochondrial efficiency, adenosine signaling | HPA axis modulation, immune balancing, anti-inflammatory pathways |
| Half-Life | Short to moderate (hours) | Long biological effect despite short plasma half-life |
| Typical Dosage | 500–3,000 mg/day (extract) | 1,000–5,000 mg/day (extract or powder) |
| Common Side Effects | Mild stimulation, GI upset | Drowsiness, digestive discomfort, rare liver effects |
What Are They?
Cordyceps and Reishi are both medicinal mushrooms, but biologically and historically, they come from very different lineages.
Cordyceps refers to several species, most notably Cordyceps sinensis (now reclassified as Ophiocordyceps sinensis) and Cordyceps militaris. Traditionally harvested in high-altitude regions of Tibet and Nepal, wild Cordyceps sinensis was famously rare and expensive. Modern supplements almost exclusively use cultivated C. militaris, which contains higher levels of cordycepin and can be grown sustainably [Zhou et al., 2018].
Reishi, or Ganoderma lucidum, is known in Chinese medicine as Lingzhi, often translated as “mushroom of immortality.” Unlike Cordyceps, Reishi has no stimulant reputation. It has been used historically for longevity and long-term resilience, emotional balance, immune health, and recovery from chronic illness [Wachtel-Galor et al., 2011].
Mechanism of Action
How Cordyceps Works
Cordyceps exerts its effects largely through cellular energy metabolism. One of its key compounds, cordycepin (3’-deoxyadenosine), influences ATP production and adenosine signaling, which helps regulate energy use at the cellular level [Tuli et al., 2013].
Animal and human studies suggest Cordyceps improves mitochondrial efficiency, meaning cells can generate more usable energy with less oxidative stress. This may explain observed improvements in VO₂ max, endurance, and resistance to fatigue, particularly in older adults and athletes [Chen et al., 2010].
Cordyceps also appears to support lung function and oxygen utilization, a traditional claim now partially validated by modern research into respiratory efficiency and anti-inflammatory effects in airway tissues [Zhang et al., 2015].
How Reishi Works
Reishi operates in a very different domain. Its primary active compounds—triterpenoids (ganoderic acids) and beta-glucan polysaccharides—interact heavily with the immune system and stress-response pathways.
Reishi modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping regulate cortisol rhythms and reduce chronic stress responses rather than stimulating energy production [Gao et al., 2003]. This is why Reishi is often described as “calming” rather than energizing.
At the immune level, Reishi acts as an immunomodulator, not a stimulant. It enhances immune response when suppressed and dampens it when overactive, which is particularly relevant for allergies, autoimmune tendencies, and chronic inflammation [Boh et al., 2007].
Shared Benefits
Despite their differences, Cordyceps and Reishi do share a meaningful overlap in effects.
Both mushrooms qualify as adaptogens, meaning they help the body respond to stress more efficiently without pushing it in a single direction. They also show antioxidant activity, reducing oxidative damage at the cellular level, which contributes to long-term resilience and healthy aging [Wachtel-Galor et al., 2011].
Immune support is another shared benefit, though the quality of that support differs. Both enhance immune signaling and surveillance, but Cordyceps tends to support immune energy and recovery, while Reishi focuses on immune balance and tolerance.
Finally, both mushrooms have been studied for anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in the context of metabolic health and chronic disease prevention [Zhou et al., 2018].
Unique Benefits of Cordyceps
Cordyceps shines most clearly when energy demands are high.
One of its most well-documented benefits is improved physical performance. Clinical studies have shown that Cordyceps supplementation can increase oxygen uptake and delay fatigue, especially in populations experiencing age-related declines in aerobic capacity [Chen et al., 2010].
Cordyceps also has a unique relationship with libido and reproductive health, likely mediated through improved circulation and blood flow, nitric oxide signaling, and adrenal support. While traditional texts emphasize this benefit more than modern trials, emerging data supports improved sperm parameters and hormone signaling [Zhang et al., 2016].
Importantly, Cordyceps tends to increase energy without triggering jitters, making it appealing to people who feel overstimulated by caffeine-based stimulants but still want performance enhancement.
Unique Benefits of Reishi
Reishi’s defining feature is its ability to support long-term nervous system stability.
Perhaps its most noticeable effect is on sleep quality and depth. Reishi does not function as a sedative, but it improves sleep efficiency by calming hyperarousal and regulating circadian cortisol patterns [Gao et al., 2003]. Many users report deeper sleep and fewer nighttime awakenings after consistent use.
Reishi is also uniquely beneficial for immune hypersensitivity. In conditions involving allergies, asthma, or autoimmune dysregulation, Reishi’s immune-modulating effects help reduce excessive inflammatory signaling while preserving immune defense [Boh et al., 2007].
Long-term cardiovascular and liver support are additional areas where Reishi stands out, particularly through its effects on lipid metabolism and hepatic detoxification pathways [Kim & Kim, 1999].
Side Effects & Safety
Both Cordyceps and Reishi are generally well tolerated, but they are not entirely risk-free.
Cordyceps may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, dry mouth, or restlessness, particularly at higher doses. Because it can mildly stimulate energy pathways, some individuals experience insomnia if taken late in the day. People with autoimmune conditions should use caution, as immune stimulation could theoretically exacerbate symptoms [Zhou et al., 2018].
Reishi has a longer history of safe use, but high doses or prolonged use have been associated—rarely—with liver enzyme elevations. Drowsiness and digestive discomfort are more common side effects, particularly during the first weeks of use. Reishi may also interact with blood-thinning medications due to its antiplatelet effects [Boh et al., 2007].
As with all medicinal mushrooms, quality matters. Extracts standardized for beta-glucans and triterpenes are far more reliable than raw powders.
The Verdict
Choosing between Cordyceps and Reishi isn’t about which is “better.” It’s about direction.
Choose Cordyceps if you want more physical energy, endurance, and metabolic output—especially if you’re training, recovering from fatigue, or looking to support respiratory efficiency without stimulants.
Choose Reishi if your priority is stress resilience, immune balance, better sleep, and long-term health support. Reishi is better suited for people dealing with chronic stress, inflammation, or immune sensitivity.
Some people ultimately use both—but at different times of day or in different life phases. Cordyceps tends to support performance, while Reishi supports restoration. Understanding that distinction is the key to using these ancient mushrooms wisely.
References
- Boh, B., Berovic, M., Zhang, J., & Zhi-Bin, L. (2007). Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds. Biotechnology Annual Review, 13, 265–301.
- Chen, S., Li, Z., Krochmal, R., Abrazado, M., Kim, W., Cooper, C. B. (2010). Effect of Cs-4® (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(5), 585–590.
- Gao, Y., Zhou, S., Chen, G., Dai, X., & Ye, J. (2003). A phase I/II Study of a Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. extract in patients with advanced cancer. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 5(4), 343–353.
- Kim, D. H., & Kim, Y. S. (1999). Effects of Ganoderma lucidum on lipid metabolism. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 65(2), 153–158.
- Tuli, H. S., Sharma, A. K., Sandhu, S. S., & Kashyap, D. (2013). Cordycepin: A bioactive metabolite with therapeutic potential. Life Sciences, 93(23), 863–869.
- Wachtel-Galor, S., Buswell, J. A., & Benzie, I. F. F. (2011). Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi). In Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. CRC Press.
- Zhang, G., Huang, Y., Bian, Y., & Wong, J. H. (2015). Cordyceps sinensis: A review of pharmacological properties. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 67(4), 474–493.
- Zhang, J., Wen, C., Duan, Y., Zhang, H., & Ma, H. (2016). Effects of Cordyceps militaris on reproductive function. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
- Zhou, X., Gong, Z., Su, Y., Lin, J., & Tang, K. (2018). Cordyceps fungi: Natural products, pharmacological functions and developmental products. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 70(2), 159–169.