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Cordyceps and the Lungs: A Mushroom With Big Claims
Cordyceps is a fungus used in traditional Asian medicine and sold in supplements, often as a cultivated form. Small studies looked at exercise and lung conditions, but the evidence is limited and varies by product. It is not in PureLung, and no mushroom supplement is proven to cleanse or repair the lungs.
Written by the PureLung label deskUpdated · 5 min read
What is cordyceps?
Cordyceps is a group of fungi. The wild type grows on insect larvae in high mountain areas and is rare and costly. Most supplements use a cultivated strain grown in a lab. The two differ in make-up, and label wording does not always say which is in the bottle.
Cordyceps is not on the PureLung panel. We write about it because ads for lung products often use it.
What do studies cover?
Research includes laboratory work, animal studies and small human trials. Topics include stamina, blood sugar, kidney and liver markers and some lung conditions. Trials are usually small, short and use different products, so results cannot be pooled with confidence (NCCIH, Using Dietary Supplements Wisely).
None of this shows that cordyceps cleans, repairs or protects healthy lungs.
A study of one cultivated extract at one dose says little about a capsule with a different strain or no stated amount.
Why ads use the name
Cordyceps has a story: a mountain fungus, a long tradition and a link to athletes' stamina. That story sells. A product can use the name even when the amount is tiny. Look for the species name on the label, the part of the fungus used and the milligrams per serving.
Cautions
A mushroom supplement can touch the blood, the immune system and sugar control, so a few groups should be careful.
- It may affect blood sugar, so ask if you take diabetes medicine.
- It may act on the immune system, which matters if you take immune-suppressing medicine or have an autoimmune condition.
- It may increase bleeding risk, so tell your surgeon.
- Safety in pregnancy and nursing is not established.
- Quality varies between brands, and some products carry contaminants.
PureLung: 60 capsules a bottlePacks of 1, 3 or 6 bottles · live price shown at checkout · guarantee as printed on the live listing
See packsWhat to do instead
If your goal is breathing comfort, the steps with the strongest records are not smoking, clean air, activity, vaccines and a clinic visit for lasting symptoms (ALA, Tips to Keep Your Lungs Healthy). A mushroom capsule can be an add-on only after you have talked with a clinician, and it should never replace a prescribed inhaler or a visit for lasting symptoms.
What does the PureLung label say?
The label shows 60 capsules, a serving of 2 and a 600 mg Proprietary Blend of eleven names with no single amount; it names no disease.
| Item | As printed |
|---|---|
| Form and count | Capsules, 60 per bottle; serving size 2 capsules; 30 servings |
| Blend per serving | Proprietary Blend, 600 mg: eleven names, no single amount printed |
| Inactive | Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate, Silica Dioxide |
| Distributor | MJO, Sheridan, WY 82801 |
How to read a mushroom label
Look for the Latin name, the part used such as fruiting body or mycelium, the extract ratio, the amount per serving and a testing lab. Without these, you cannot compare products or research. For a wider view see the lung supplements guide.
3-bottle pack
3 bottles: 180 capsules
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6-bottle pack
6 bottles: 360 capsules
Not listed on the packNot listed on the pack a bottle
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Order 6 bottlesPrices are filled in once the live listing is confirmed. A single bottle is also sold. Check your medicines with your doctor or pharmacist before you order, and keep using every inhaler and prescribed medicine.
FAQ01
PureLung questions people ask
Is cordyceps in PureLung?
No.
Does cordyceps heal lungs?
No such effect is proven.
Is it safe with medicines?
Ask a pharmacist.
Is wild cordyceps better?
It is rare and costly, and not shown to be better.
How do I choose a brand?
Look for species, part used, amount and testing.
Who wrote this02
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label images, seller information and linked NIH, FDA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is the information site for a U.S. authorized retailer for PureLung. It is not the manufacturer or the distributor named on the label. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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