- Family: Cordycipitaceae (Cordyceps militaris), Ophiocordycipitaceae (Ophiocordyceps sinensis)
- Common Names: Caterpillar fungus.
- Name in Chinese Medicine: Dong chong xia cao (O. sinensis), north dong chong xia cao (C. militaris).
- Name in Ayurveda: n/a.
- Origin: Ophiocordyceps sinensis is native to the Tibetan Plateau, and Cordyceps militaris is native to Asia, North America and Europe
- Range: high mountainous areas of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and India (Ophiocordyceps sinensis); Cordyceps militaris is currently widespread on all inhabited continents.
- Parts Used: fruiting bodies (stroma), larval larval casing, culture mycelia.
- Harvest: summer and fall.
- Sustainability: vulnerable. Since 1999, O. sinensis has been listed as an endangered species under the second class of state protection in China. C. militaris does not present the same sustainability problems, mainly because it is cultivated.
- Energy profile: heater.
- Preparations: decoction, food, powder, tincture.
- Taste: bitter, sweet, pungent.
- Important constituents: bioactive compounds: Cordycepin, Cordycepin (water extract), Cordycepin (ethanol extract), D-mannitol, Ergothionein, Ergothionein, Ergothionein, GABA, Lovastatin; Vitamins: A, E (Tocopherols), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), C; Bioelements: Magnesium, Sulfur, Potassium, Selenium, Iron, Calcium, Zinc; Nutrients: Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates.
- Possible degree of adulteration: high.
- Affinity systems: immune and nervous.