Cordyceps vs Shilajit: Differences, Benefits and Which Is Better for You
Quick answer: Cordyceps is a functional mushroom studied mainly for energy, oxygen use and exercise capacity. Shilajit is a mineral-rich resin from Himalayan rocks, studied mainly for male vitality, testosterone and strength. They are different, not rivals: cordyceps is more about endurance and daily energy, shilajit more about strength and vitality. Both are generally well tolerated; shilajit must be purified and tested for heavy metals. They are often taken together, after a meal, for 8 weeks or more.
Reviewed by the themycotech team · Last reviewed: October 2026 · For general information, not medical advice.
Cordyceps vs shilajit at a glance
| Cordyceps | Shilajit | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A functional mushroom (Cordyceps militaris or fermented Cs-4) | A tar-like resin that seeps from Himalayan rocks |
| Also called | Keeda jadi, yarsagumba (wild Ophiocordyceps sinensis) | Silajatu, mineral pitch |
| Key compounds | Cordycepin, adenosine, beta-glucans | Fulvic acid, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, trace minerals |
| Best studied for | Energy, oxygen use, exercise capacity | Testosterone in men, strength, fatigue |
| Doses used in studies | 1–3 g a day | 250–500 mg a day of purified extract |
| Main caution | Blood thinners, diabetes medicines | Heavy metals in unpurified products; gout, iron overload |
What is cordyceps?
Wild cordyceps (keeda jadi) grows on caterpillar larvae high in the Himalayas and is extremely expensive. Supplements use cultivated Cordyceps militaris or the fermented Cs-4 strain, which contain the same main active compounds. In small trials, older adults taking Cs-4 for 12 weeks had better exercise capacity (Chen et al., 2010), and a 3-week militaris blend improved oxygen uptake in young adults (Hirsch et al., 2017). Read the full cordyceps guide.
What is shilajit?
Shilajit forms over centuries as plant matter breaks down between rock layers in the Himalayas and other mountain ranges. In Ayurveda it is a rasayana (rejuvenating substance). In a 90-day trial, healthy men aged 45–55 taking 250 mg of purified shilajit twice a day had higher total testosterone than with placebo (Pandit et al., 2016). In another trial, 500 mg a day for 8 weeks helped men keep their muscle strength after tiring exercise (Keller et al., 2019).
Which is better for you?
| Your goal | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Daily energy, less tiredness | Cordyceps | Studied for energy metabolism and oxygen use |
| Running, cycling, endurance | Cordyceps | Small trials show better exercise capacity |
| Strength and recovery | Shilajit | Helped maintain strength after fatigue |
| Male vitality and testosterone | Shilajit | Raised testosterone in middle-aged men |
| Overall stamina | Both together | Different ways of working that complement each other |
Can you take cordyceps and shilajit together?
Yes. There is no known interaction between them, and Ayurvedic and modern stamina formulas commonly combine them with ashwagandha. Start with the label dose, take it after a meal, and give it 8 weeks before judging. Both are best taken earlier in the day.
Side effects and who should be careful
- Cordyceps: usually mild stomach upset or dry mouth. Check with a doctor if you take blood thinners or diabetes medicines, or have an autoimmune condition.
- Shilajit: raw or unpurified shilajit may contain heavy metals and fungal toxins, so buy only purified, tested extract. Avoid it if you have gout, high uric acid or iron overload (haemochromatosis).
- Both: not for pregnancy or breastfeeding, and check with a doctor if you take any regular medicines.
Cordyceps and shilajit in Level Up Energy
Level Up Energy combines cordyceps extract and shilajit extract with ashwagandha, tribulus, safed musli, kaunch beej, amla, zinc, vitamin D3 and vitamin B12. Take 1–2 capsules daily after meals. Every dose is listed on the product page.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, cordyceps or shilajit?
Neither is better overall. Cordyceps is better studied for energy and endurance; shilajit for strength and testosterone in men. Many people take both.
Can I take cordyceps and shilajit together?
Yes. No interaction between them is known, and they are often combined in stamina formulas. Take them after a meal, earlier in the day.
Does shilajit increase testosterone?
In one 90-day trial, purified shilajit at 250 mg twice a day raised total testosterone in healthy men aged 45–55. It is not a substitute for medical treatment of low testosterone.
Is cordyceps good for women?
Yes. Cordyceps studies for energy and exercise included women, and it is not a hormone. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it.
Is keeda jadi the same as cordyceps?
Keeda jadi is the wild Himalayan species Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Supplements use cultivated Cordyceps militaris or Cs-4, which share its main active compounds at a fraction of the price.
Sources
- Chen S, et al. Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010. PubMed
- Hirsch KR, et al. Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 2017. PubMed
- Pandit S, et al. Clinical evaluation of purified shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia, 2016. PubMed
- Keller JL, et al. The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2019. PubMed
This article is for general information. themycotech products are food supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, nursing, on medication or managing a medical condition.
