Cordyceps is perhaps the most legendary of the adaptogenic fungi. Traditionally found high in the Tibetan Plateau, wild Cordyceps sinensis grows uniquely on caterpillar larvae, a feature that gave it almost mystical status in Chinese and Himalayan medicine. For centuries, it was prescribed to restore vitality, improve breathing, and enhance stamina. Emperors and nobility prized Cordyceps as a rare and powerful tonic. Its adaptogenic qualities lie in its ability to increase oxygen uptake and support the body’s production of ATP, the energy currency of cells. Modern studies have linked Cordyceps with improved athletic performance, reduced fatigue, and support for cardiovascular health. In the 1990s, Chinese Olympic athletes famously attributed record-breaking performances to Cordyceps supplementation, bringing the fungus into global spotlight. While wild Cordyceps remains rare and expensive, cultivated varieties such as Cordyceps militaris are widely used today. It continues to be seen as a symbol of endurance and power, embodying humanity’s quest to tap into nature’s secrets for greater strength, recovery, and longevity.