Military Cordyceps

Cordyceps militaris (“Chong Cao Hua” means literally “insect-herb flower”) is the sister species of the celebrated Cordyceps sinensis of Tibet, cultivated on a large scale in bioreactors and on rice substrate in southern China and in Korea.

Presented as elongated golden-orange stromata (4 to 6 cm), visually very different from Cordyceps sinensis, it is markedly more affordable while sharing a related usage profile.

To be strictly distinguished from Cordyceps sinensis (Dong Chong Xia Cao): separate species, different prices and grades.

A material of the supplementing register of the deep breath and of the Water Phase, in the same spirit as its Tibetan cousin but at a lesser and more approachable level of action.

Traditionally used for constitutions of deficient Qi of Metal and of the Water Phase, and particularly well suited to daily and extended use thanks to its more moderate cost.

• Decoction: 3 to 9 g, simmer for 20 to 30 minutes
• Infusion: 1 teaspoon (3-5 g) in a large cup, hot water, 15 minutes, a pleasant flavour even on its own
• In cooking: added to family broths, mushroom soups, congee of the supplementing register
• Distinction from Dong Chong Xia Cao: Cordyceps militaris (orange, cultivated): an affordable everyday use; Cordyceps sinensis (wild Tibetan): rare, premium

Same mild precautions as Dong Chong Xia Cao: care if you are already under a practitioner’s care.