In the whirlwind of modern parenting - balancing work, school pick ups, home responsibilities, and maybe even the elusive “me time” - it’s no wonder many parents are looking for sustainable, natural ways to increase energy and reduce stress. While caffeine can provide a temporary lift, its crash often leaves people more exhausted than before.
Cordyceps is a functional mushroom with centuries of traditional use and an impressive resume in the world of modern wellness. Whether you’re running after toddlers or teens, squeezing in workouts, or simply looking for more vitality to get through your day, Cordyceps may be the natural ally you’ve been searching for.
What is Cordyceps?
Cordyceps is a genus parasitic fungi that grows on insect larve - although don’t worry, most modern supplements are cultivated vegan-friendly using mushroom substrates (just like ours!). The most well-researched species include:
Cordyceps Sinensis (traditionally wild-harvested, now mostly lab-grown due to scarcity)
Cordyceps Militaris (commonly used in supplements and studies for its right cordycepin content)
Both are used in Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) to promote vitality, endurance, and immune resilience.
Cordyceps is unique due to containing powerful bioactive compounds like:
Cordycepin - a nucleoside analog known for ani-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Adenosine - involved in ATP production, the energy currency of our cells
Polysaccharides - which support immune function
Energy at the Cellular Level: How Cordyceps Supports Physical Vitality
Unlike stimulants, Cordyceps works at a deeper, cellular level to help your body naturally produce more energy.
ATP Production & Endurance
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is what your cells use for energy. Cordyceps is believed to improve the way our mitochondria - the powerhouses of cells - produce ATP. That means more energy, better oxygen utilisation, and less fatigue.
In one study, Cordyceps supplementation was found to increase ATP levels in muscle tissue and enhance mitochondrial biogenesis - essentially helping cells produce energy more efficiently (Ko & Leung, 2007).
This is particularly appealing for parents who:
-
Work out or want to restart a fitness routine
-
Feel sluggish during the day
-
Need more energy without relying on sugar or caffeine
A Natural Pre-Workout
A 2025 study by Zhou et al. showed that mice supplemented with cordycepin ran significantly longer distances and recovered faster than those without. While human trials are ongoing, the implications for natural endurance enhancement are promising.
Unlike traditional pre-workouts that rely on caffeine and synthetic boosters, Cordyceps is non-stimulating, so there’s no crash or jitters - just smoother energy and better performance.
Stress Reduction & Cognitive Support
Cordyceps is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it helps your body adapt to stress. Whether you’re navigating a tough work call while making school lunches or trying to stay calm during toddler meltdowns, your nervous system is constantly under pressure.
Cordycepin for Brain Health
Cordyceping has shown promise in reducing oxidative stress in the brain, supporting neurotransmitter balance, and even improving memory and cognitive flexibility in mice (Zhou et al., 2025)
These benefits make Cordyceps a compelling option for:
-
Mental clarity and focus during the day
-
Mood support and emotional resilience
-
Reducing brain fog linked to stress or poor sleep
Why Cordyceps Works So Well For Parents
-
Boosts stamina without stimulants - perfect for early mornings or long evenings
-
Reduces fatigue and supports better recovery - great for busy schedules and exercise
-
May help regulate mood and stress response - to stay patient and present
Final Thoughts: Small Boost, Big Difference
Cordyceps isn’t a magic cure-all - but for many parents it can be a gentle, reliable way to support energy, mood, and performance in the midst of a very full life.
By supporting your body’s natural energy and stress response, Cordyceps helps you show up as the calm, energised, and clear-headed parent you want to be - no caffeine crash required.
Get In Touch
Interested and want to learn more? Get in touch or sign up to our newsletter!
If you have any questions or need personalised advice, we’re here to help! Reach out to us at hello@mogofarm.co.uk or use our contact form.
Reference List
Paterson, R.R.M., 2008. Cordyceps: A traditional Chinese medicine and another fungal therapeutic biofactory? Phytochemistry, 69(7), pp.1469–1495.
Ashraf, S.A., Elkhalifa, A.O., Siddiqui, A.J., et al., 2020. Cordycepin for health and wellbeing: A potent bioactive metabolite of an entomopathogenic medicinal fungus Cordyceps with its nutraceutical and therapeutic potential. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, p.555.
Ko, W.C. and Leung, H.W., 2007. Enhancement of ATP production and mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle by Cordyceps Sinensis in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 113(1), pp.131–136.
Zhou, X., Wu, Y., Hu, C., et al., 2025. Cordycepin combined with antioxidant effects improves fatigue and cognitive function in mice. Scientific Reports, 15, p.92790.
Li, Y., Chen, T., Wang, R., et al., 2025. Cordycepin helps tired mice run longer and think better, study finds. News-Medical.net. Available at: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250310/Cordycepin-helps-tired-mice-run-longer-and-think-better-study-finds.aspx [Accessed 13 Apr. 2025].
