In the contemporary era of health consciousness, holistic wellness, and the pursuit of natural remedies, two significant players have emerged: Cordyceps and CBD oil.
Cordyceps and CBD oil, both natural products and from diverse backgrounds, offer unique and compelling health benefits.
As their popularity continues to rise, an increasing number of people are considering combining these two powerhouse ingredients.
But what are the potential advantages? Are there any downsides?
This article aims to explore these questions and more.
What is Cordyceps?
Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that comprises over 400 unique species. Their fascinating life cycle and historical medicinal use in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine make Cordyceps a compelling subject.1
Today, the most widely used Cordyceps species is Cordyceps sinensis, which is cultivated and used in supplements worldwide.
What is CBD oil?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its more famous sibling compound, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce a ‘high’ or psychoactive effect.2
Instead, CBD is used in oil form for its various therapeutic benefits, including pain management, anxiety relief, and more.
The synergistic effects of Cordyceps and CBD oil
When considering the combination of Cordyceps and CBD oil, it’s essential to recognise the potential for synergistic effects. This means that the combined impact of these two components can be more significant than their individual effects.
Enhanced immune function
Cordyceps is revered for its immune-boosting properties. It contains a unique type of sugar called beta-glucans, which may stimulate the immune system and aid in fighting off illnesses.3
On the other hand, research indicates that CBD oil may also influence the immune system, mainly through its anti-inflammatory properties.4
Together, Cordyceps and CBD oil may enhance your immune function, helping you stay healthy and resilient in the face of infections and illnesses.
Increased energy and stamina
Cordyceps is widely known to boost energy levels and improve stamina. It’s often used by athletes to enhance performance and reduce fatigue.5
CBD oil, on the other hand, can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation, which may improve exercise recovery.6
Improved sleep quality
Both Cordyceps and CBD oil may have beneficial effects on sleep. Studies suggest that Cordyceps can improve sleep quality by regulating serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters critical for sleep.7
CBD oil has been shown to alleviate insomnia and improve sleep quality as well.8
Considerations and safety
As with all supplements and natural remedies, it’s crucial to consider potential risks and side effects.
Potential side effects
Both Cordyceps and CBD oil are generally well-tolerated and safe for most people.
However, side effects can occur. Potential side effects of Cordyceps may include mild stomach upset, nausea, dry mouth, and diarrhoea.9
On the other hand, CBD oil might cause fatigue, changes in appetite, or weight changes.10
Always start with a low dose and observe your body’s reaction. If you’re taking any other medications, it’s crucial to talk to your healthcare provider first.
Quality of supplements
The quality and purity of both Cordyceps and CBD oil products can significantly vary.
It’s crucial to purchase from reputable brands that provide third-party testing for their products. This ensures you are consuming what the label claims and that the products are free from contaminants.11
How to use Cordyceps and CBD oil together
The combined use of Cordyceps and CBD oil may provide enhanced health benefits.
However, it’s essential to use them correctly to maximise their potential.
Dosage
It’s challenging to recommend an exact dosage for either Cordyceps or CBD oil because individual responses can vary greatly.
However, it’s generally advised to start with a low dose and gradually increase until the desired effect is achieved.
For Cordyceps, starting doses often range from 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams per day.12
For CBD oil, starting doses can range from 20 to 40 milligrams per day.13
Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Timing
Timing can play a crucial role in experiencing the desired effects. For energy-boosting and exercise performance benefits, it might be best to take Cordyceps in the morning or before workouts.14
CBD oil can be taken at any time of the day, but for sleep improvement, it might be best to take it in the evening.15
The bottom line
The combination of Cordyceps and CBD oil presents a promising partnership in the world of health and wellness. These natural products, each boasting unique health benefits, could work synergistically to boost your immune system, increase energy and stamina, improve sleep quality, and potentially offer even more health benefits.
However, quality, dosage, and timing are critical aspects to consider for safe and effective use.
As with all health-related choices, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
While the research on Cordyceps and CBD oil is promising, individual results may vary, and it’s essential to monitor your body’s reactions.
Remember, the journey to optimal health is not about quick fixes or magic bullets, but about sustained, healthy habits, and informed decisions. With the promising potential of Cordyceps and CBD oil, this dynamic duo might be worth considering as a part of your wellness routine.
References
- Zhou X, Gong Z, Su Y, Lin J, Tang K. Cordyceps fungi: natural products, pharmacological functions and developmental products. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2009;61(3):279-91. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19222900/
- Grinspoon, P. (2018). Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t – Harvard Health Blog. Harvard Health. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
- Vetvicka V, Vetvickova J. Immune-enhancing effects of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) extracts. Ann Transl Med. 2014;2(2):14. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4202470/
- Nichols JM, Kaplan BLF. Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2020;5
- Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Mock MG. Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. J Diet Suppl. 2017;14(1):42-53. Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386
- Maroon J, Bost J. Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surg Neurol Int. 2018;9:91. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938896/
- Cui JD, Bi YH, Xu Y, Xu L, Gao F, Guo H, Liu XJ, Jia J, Zhao F. The effects of Cordyceps sinensis and its components on the proliferation, apoptosis and telomere length of human fibroblasts in vitro. Chin J Integr Med. 2012;18(8):581-7. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22773399/
- Babson KA, Sottile J, Morabito D. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017;19(4):23. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895650/
- Li SP, Yang FQ, Tsim KW. Quality control of Cordyceps sinensis, a valued traditional Chinese medicine. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2006;41(5):1571-84. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16540157/
- Iffland K, Grotenhermen F. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2017;2(1):139-154. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
- Russo M, Cacciola F, Arena K, Mangraviti D, Dugo P, Mondello L. Cannabinoid Profiling of Hemp Seed Oil by Liquid Chromatography Coupled to High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Front Plant Sci. 2020;10:1205. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7066116/
- Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Mock MG. Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation. J Diet Suppl. 2017;14(1):42-53. Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386
- Millar SA, Stone NL, Yates AS, O’Sullivan SE. A systematic review on the pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in humans. Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:1365. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6275223/
- Chen S, Li Z, Krochmal R, Abrazado M, Kim W, Cooper CB. Effect of Cs-4® (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2010;16(5):585-90. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20804368/
- Babson KA, Sottile J, Morabito D. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017;19(4):23. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895650/
