Has anyone tried millet as a grow medium…anyone know which is better brown rice, black rice or millet? (Pic 1 millet, pic 2 black rice)

I’m working on reviving and strengthening my Cordyceps militaris strain, which has been through several generations and is starting to show signs of reduced vigor. I’m hoping to introduce new genetics through a mating project, and I’m looking for: • Liquid culture (LC) from a different genetic line • Spore material (mature fruiting body fresh) • Single-spore isolate / monokaryotic culture disk • Or any viable heterokaryon line with good fruiting traits

What I can offer in return: • LC of my current performing strain • Spawn jars or culture disks (clean) • Willing to cover shipping or fair trade — just want to keep this lineage going strong!

This is a gallon jar I started on the 10th of November 2024. I added a lot more rice than I should have and it took about a month to colonize so I set it aside to see what would happen. Anyways, I forgot about it till today. This is what i saw so I've decided to share it. It's been in there for about 4 months under various lighting conditions.

They never pinned or had any vertical growth at all. I thought I was supposed to limit airflow to promote the mycelium to stretch so i left the filter patches in place while in fruiting conditions.

They just arrived Should I eat them as they are? It's pretty nasty taste

Here's the results of a grow that utilized only Spirulina.2.5%/1L

Strain: kaizencordyceps.co.uk

So i have somewhere around 20 jars of cordyceps whicj have been put into fruting on the 5/1/25 and on the 9/1/25. Overall the colonization went good, the bottom of the jars have a strong yellow color and the rest has a slight pink/orange-ish color, sadly not a strong orange colour, but it hasnt pinned yet. Im growing on white rice, with a lme+yeast broth. Theyre on a 12h light cycle, the only thing i know is not optimal is the temperature, im keeping them in a cellar and its 11C (52 F) Should i just wait? What could i do better? Any advice is accepted thanks in advance.

I’ve noticed that when I increase the dosage of cordyceps (a combination of cordyceps militaris and sinesis), I get terrible headaches. I’m curious what specifically causes this beyond an explanation that’s along the lines of “it can be overstimulating” and would love to be pointed to some reputable research papers.

I did a deep dive into cordyceps and their relation to endurance athletes.

TL;DR

Cordyceps has been getting a lot of buzz in the fitness and endurance world for its ability to improve oxygen use, delay muscle fatigue, and help with overall stamina. But unlike caffeine, you won’t feel an instant boost—it takes time to work. The research suggests that taking 3–4 grams daily for at least 3 weeks can start to improve endurance, while 6+ weeks of consistent use leads to even better results. If you’re serious about boosting your aerobic capacity, this is a supplement that works best with patience and routine.

The Full Breakdown

Cordyceps is one of those old-school herbal remedies that’s recently made a name for itself in sports nutrition. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, this funky little fungus is now being investigated for its ability to help athletes go harder for longer by improving oxygen efficiency and reducing fatigue.

But here’s the real question: how much do you actually need, and how long does it take to work?

What the Research Says About Cordyceps and Endurance

Unlike quick-fix stimulants like caffeine, Cordyceps doesn’t give you an instant jolt of energy. Instead, it gradually enhances oxygen uptake and metabolic efficiency over time. The best way to use it depends on whether you’re looking for a short-term or long-term performance boost.

🔹 The Long Game (Best for Endurance Athletes)

• Studies suggest that taking 3–4 grams per day for at least 3 weeks can improve aerobic capacity and help muscles use oxygen more efficiently.
• The most noticeable endurance improvements tend to show up after 6 weeks of continuous use.
• Research has found that after just 3 weeks, athletes could sustain high-intensity efforts longer. After 6+ weeks, the improvements were even bigger—better oxygen efficiency, longer time to exhaustion, and greater resistance to fatigue.

How Long Before You Feel the Effects?

If you’re expecting to pop a Cordyceps capsule and instantly shave minutes off your mile time, you’re going to be disappointed. This is a slow burn kind of supplement.

• Short-term effects (3 weeks): Some increase in oxygen use and endurance, but nothing dramatic.
• Long-term effects (6+ weeks): More significant stamina improvements, better oxygen efficiency, and noticeable resistance to fatigue.

Some supplements mix Cordyceps with other proven performance enhancers—like caffeine and creatine—to give both an immediate and long-term benefit. But if you’re taking Cordyceps on its own, expect gradual improvements rather than overnight success.

How to Take Cordyceps for Best Results

• Daily dose: 3–4 grams per day
• Minimum duration: 3 weeks for mild effects, 6+ weeks for bigger endurance benefits
• Best for: Runners, cyclists, swimmers, and anyone looking for long-term stamina gains

If you’re using Cordyceps for endurance training, consistency is key. You won’t feel it kick in after one workout, but give it a few weeks, and the payoff should start showing up in your performance.

Final Thoughts

Cordyceps isn’t a magic bullet, but if you’re in it for long-term endurance gains, it’s worth considering. The key takeaway? Be patient. If you’re consistent with your dose (3–4 grams daily for 3–6+ weeks), you’ll likely see a difference in how long you can push yourself before fatigue sets in.

So if you’re an athlete looking for an edge—or just someone who wants to boost their stamina—Cordyceps might just be the training tool you didn’t know you needed. 

Research Roundup

Here’s what the science says about Cordyceps and endurance:

📌 Study 1: Cordyceps improved aerobic capacity in older adults over a 3-week period.

• Chen S, Li Z, Krochmal R, et al. (2010). J Altern Complement Med. 

📌 Study 2: Athletes who took 4 grams per day for 3 weeks saw improved exercise tolerance.

• Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, et al. (2017). J Diet Suppl. 

📌 Study 3: A pre-workout blend with Cordyceps, caffeine, and creatine improved both aerobic and anaerobic performance.

• Smith AE, Fukuda DH, Kendall KL, et al. (2010). J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 

📌 Study 4: A 6-week trial found even greater endurance improvements in participants who stuck with it longer.

• Xiao Yi, Huang Xi-zhen & Zhu Jia-shi (2004). Chin. J. Integr. Med.

Full article: https://beelevated.co/blogs/news/cordyceps-for-endurance-the-exact-dose-and-timing-you-need-for-maximum-performance

I Know some cordyceps fungi can control their host by chemicals, but can militaries do it.

Militaris can infect multiple host like pupae, larva, flies and aphids. Sense this fungi has a bigger host range I wonder if It can change there behavior for the fungi's advantage.

I am a beginner I’ve tried life cycle but seen no results what brand should I buy cordyceps from I prefer it in powder form or capsules

High place, hardly moving. Is this cordyceps?

I haven't found any Cordyceps with the USP verification, are there any? Any type- capsule, powder, etc.?

Use by date is Sep 2024. Does this mean I have to stop end of this month or end of Sep?

Got some cordyceps from GoldSeal which states its per serving is cordyceps mushroom (from 400mg) 6000mg 15:1 extract. Is this good? How many servings should I take a day, 1 or 2? Currently I'm only taking one with breakfast. Tia