
If you’ve seen The Last of Us, you might think of Cordyceps as a mushroom with zombie-inducing powers. But don’t worry, that’s pure science fiction. The real Cordyceps we use at GO Mushrooms is Cordyceps militaris, and it’s not scary, it’s spectacular.
This bright orange mushroom has deep roots in traditional Chinese and Tibetan herbalism, where it’s long been used to promote energy, stamina, and resilience. Today, it’s earning recognition in the modern wellness world for its potential to support everything from brain health to performance and recovery.
But Cordyceps isn’t the only functional mushroom making waves in the world of cognitive and physical support. Enter Lion’s Mane, a shaggy white mushroom revered for its ability to support memory, learning, and nerve regeneration.
Let’s explore what makes each of these mushrooms unique, and why you might want both in your daily routine.
Cordyceps Militaris: Oxygen, Energy, Endurance
Cordyceps is best known for supporting physical vitality. In studies with older adults, it’s been shown to help reduce fatigue and improve oxygen utilization, two key factors in clearing brain fog and improving focus. It’s naturally rich in B vitamins and vitamin D, essential nutrients for energy production and nervous system health.
Bonus: It may support mitochondrial function and circulation, making it a favorite among athletes and anyone seeking a natural boost in endurance and recovery.
Lion’s Mane: Learning, Memory, Nerve Growth
Lion’s Mane takes a different approach. This mushroom is known for its ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), a compound essential for the development and survival of neurons. It’s been shown in preclinical and human studies to support memory, learning, and even mood balance.
While Cordyceps is more energizing and performance-driven, Lion’s Mane is about long-term brain nourishment, neuroprotection, and helping your mind stay sharp over time.
Shared Benefits: Brain Support, Mood, Mental Clarity
Both Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane have shown promise for brain health. Cordyceps promotes neurite outgrowth and has been studied for its protective effects in models of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. You might be wondering, what is Neurite Outgrowth? Neurite Outgrowth is a process that helps nerve cells form connections, and regenerate after stress, trauma, or injury. While Lion’s Mane supports synaptic plasticity and may help repair and regenerate damaged neurons.
In terms of mood, Cordyceps may reduce stress-related fatigue and improve mental stamina, while Lion’s Mane has been linked to reduced anxiety and mild depressive symptoms in some studies.
The GO Mushrooms Takeaway
Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane aren’t interchangeable, they’re super complementary. If Cordyceps is the fuel, Lion’s Mane is the tune-up. One supports stamina and oxygen, the other supports structure and function. Together, they’re a powerhouse duo for anyone looking to optimize body and brain.
At GO Mushrooms, we extract both mushrooms with intention and care, capturing the full spectrum of beneficial compounds so you can feel the difference in every drop.
Whether you’re chasing long-term cognitive health, need daily focus, or want natural energy without the crash, Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane make a strong case for being your daily go-to fungi.