Description

Keedajadi / Cordyceps militaris – An Overview

Keedajadi, commonly known as Cordyceps militaris, is a medicinal mushroom widely valued in traditional wellness systems and modern nutraceuticals. Unlike wild Himalayan Yarsagumba, Cordyceps militaris is cultivable, making it more sustainable, accessible, and ethically sourced while retaining many similar bioactive properties.

Scientific Identity

• Scientific name: Cordyceps militaris
• Common names: Keedajadi, Orange Cordyceps, Caterpillar Fungus (cultivated form)

Origin & Habitat

Cordyceps militaris naturally grows in temperate forest regions across Asia, Europe, and North America. Today, it is largely cultivated under controlled conditions using plant-based or insect-free substrates, ensuring purity, consistency, and environmental safety.

Key Characteristics

• Bright orange color – Distinctive and visually striking
• High cordycepin content – Often higher than wild Cordyceps sinensis
• Sustainably cultivated – No harm to wildlife or fragile ecosystems
• Powder, capsule, extract forms – Widely used in supplements and wellness products

Traditional & Functional Uses*

Traditionally, Cordyceps militaris has been associated with:

• Supporting energy and stamina
• Enhancing respiratory and lung health
• Supporting immune function
• Improving endurance and recovery
• General vitality and adaptogenic support

*These are traditional and functional food uses. Not intended to diagnose or treat diseases.

Cordyceps militaris vs. Yarsagumba (Cordyceps sinensis)

Feature	Cordyceps militaris	Yarsagumba
Source	Cultivated	Wild Himalayan
Sustainability	High	Endangered
Cost	Affordable	Extremely expensive
Cordycepin	High	Lower
Ethical concerns	None	High

Economic & Environmental Importance

Cordyceps militaris plays a key role in sustainable medicinal mushroom farming, reducing pressure on endangered wild Yarsagumba populations while providing income opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.

Modern Applications

• Nutraceuticals & supplements
• Functional foods & health drinks
• Sports & endurance nutrition
• Traditional wellness formulations

Keedajadi (Cordyceps militaris) represents the future of sustainable medicinal mushrooms—combining ancient wisdom with modern cultivation to deliver consistent quality, ethical sourcing, and global accessibility.