If you are deciding between cordyceps and reishi, the short answer is that each is usually chosen for a different part of the day: cordyceps for energy and activity in the morning, reishi for calm in the evening. Human studies on both are mixed. Choose by label contents, timing and cautions, not by an expected result.
Disclosure: To be upfront, this site is under common ownership with Pilly Labs. We mention it so you can factor it in.
What is the difference between reishi and cordyceps?
Pilly Labs is owned by the publisher of its product pages. Pilly Labs sells cordyceps energy gummies whose label lists each active amount; some other Pilly labels disclose only blend totals or withhold amounts.
Pilly’s labels describe both mushrooms as traditionally used. The Adaptogen Immunity Drops label says its Cordyceps militaris extract is “traditionally used to support vitality and active lifestyles.” The Reishi Calm Drops label says its reishi extract is “traditionally used to support relaxation and overall wellness.” The table shows how the two line up in practice.
| Question | Cordyceps | Reishi |
|---|---|---|
| How the seller describes it | Cordyceps militaris extract, “traditionally used to support vitality and active lifestyles” (Adaptogen Immunity Drops label) | Reishi mushroom extract, “traditionally used to support relaxation and overall wellness” (Reishi Calm Drops label) |
| When Pilly’s pages suggest taking it | 1–2 gummies in the morning, with or without food (Cordyceps Energy Gummies page) | About 30–60 minutes before you want to wind down (Reishi Relax Gummies page) |
| What human studies have looked at | Some exercise endpoints; findings vary across products, populations and outcomes | Human evidence is mixed and depends on the condition or outcome studied |
| Example Pilly label | Cordyceps Energy Gummies: 200 mg cordyceps extract per gummy | Reishi Calm Drops: 150 mg reishi extract per 1 mL dropper |
What does the research say about cordyceps?
Researchers have studied some exercise endpoints for cordyceps, including in a randomized trial and a 2025 meta-analysis (see PubMed record 27408987 and PubMed record 41280379). Those studies used different products, groups of people and outcomes, so the results do not point in one direction. Pilly describes cordyceps’ role as “cellular energy support,” which is the seller’s own positioning rather than a measured result.
For a plain-language summary of the human studies, doses and safety points, read our cordyceps benefits (our research library) page. If you train, see cordyceps for athletic performance.
What is on a cordyceps or reishi label?
The Cordyceps Energy Gummies page is a useful example of a full label to compare against. It lists 200 mg of cordyceps extract and 25 mg each of ginkgo leaf extract, GABA, L-glutamine and DMAE, with one gummy as the serving and 30 servings per container. Other ingredients are organic cane sugar, tapioca syrup, purified water, citrus pectin, citric acid, strawberry natural flavor, sodium citrate and beet powder.
The Reishi Calm Drops label lists 150 mg of reishi extract plus a 50 mg proprietary mushroom complex in each 1 mL dropper. The complex names five species: chaga, reishi, maitake, shiitake and turkey tail. The amount of each mushroom inside the complex is not disclosed. The Reishi Relax Gummies page says “Exact amounts and servings are still being reverified,” so ask Pilly for the current label before you compare that product.
For how reishi products are labeled in general, see our reishi mushroom tincture guide.
Can I take lion’s mane, cordyceps and reishi together?
Cleveland Clinic’s lion’s mane overview notes that the mushroom has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine and Native American healing practices. It also says lion’s mane “may promote a healthy brain, heart and gut, but more research is needed to say for sure.”
Several Pilly products already combine these mushrooms. Mushroom Gummies list ten species in one 250 mg blend, including lion’s mane, reishi and cordyceps. Adaptogen Vitality Gummies name lion’s mane, reishi and cordyceps. Taking more than one product can mean getting the same species twice, so read each label and add up the amounts you would take in a day. Pilly’s Mushroom Gummies page advises a healthcare professional first for anyone taking medication, so bring both labels to that conversation.
Who should avoid cordyceps or reishi, and what should not be mixed with them?
Pilly’s own product pages list these cautions. They are the seller’s statements, and they apply to the product on each page.
| Product | What the product page says |
|---|---|
| Cordyceps Energy Gummies | “Consult your healthcare provider before use if you have blood pressure concerns, blood sugar conditions, or seizure disorders.” DMAE: “individuals with neurological conditions should consult a physician before use.” |
| Reishi Relax Gummies | “Valerian and passionflower may cause drowsiness.” Anyone taking sedative or anti-anxiety medication, or other relaxation products, should pause first. Anyone who must drive or operate machinery after use should take care. Anyone pregnant or nursing, or under 18, should pause first. |
| Mushroom Gummies (ten species, including cordyceps and reishi) | Anyone pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or living with a medical condition. Anyone using anticoagulant, blood-thinning, or blood-sugar medication. Anyone with a history of kidney stones or oxalate-related conditions, since Chaga contains oxalates. Anyone under 18, or anyone with a known mushroom allergy. |
The downsides on these labels are mostly about drowsiness and mixing with other products. For the human-study side of reishi, including side effects, read our reishi mushroom benefits (our research library) page. Passionflower has its own research summary at NCCIH’s passionflower page, which is worth reading if your label lists it.
Does reishi raise estrogen, lower cortisol or balance female hormones?
Pilly’s pages frame cordyceps around energy and reishi around evening calm. If you are asking about estrogen, cortisol or female hormones, ask a clinician before you start either product, and bring the label with you.
How long does reishi take to work?
Pilly suggests using Reishi Relax Gummies about 30–60 minutes before you want to wind down. The page calls this one cue inside a routine, not a guarantee that you will feel calm or fall asleep. If you want to match that timing to bedtime, see reishi before bed. If you need a timeline for effects before you order, ask Pilly support at info@pillylabs.com.
What do cordyceps and reishi products cost, and how do refunds work?
Prices as of October 8, 2026; check the checkout for today’s.
| Product | Format | Mushroom amount on the label | Serving | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cordyceps Energy Gummies | Gummy | Cordyceps 200 mg | 1 gummy, 30 per container | $47.99 |
| Reishi Relax Gummies | Gummy | Exact amounts still being reverified | $47.99 | |
| Reishi Calm Drops | Liquid drops | Reishi 150 mg plus 50 mg five-mushroom complex | 1 mL dropper, 30 servings | $47.99 |
| Adaptogen Immunity Drops | Liquid drops | Cordyceps 50 mg plus 150 mg five-mushroom complex | 1 mL dropper, 30 servings | $47.99 |
| Mushroom Gummies | Gummy | 250 mg total blend across ten species; individual amounts not disclosed | 2 gummies | $47.99 |
U.S. shipping is $6.90, or free when your order reaches $99, according to the Reishi Calm Drops page. Tax is calculated at checkout. The Reishi Calm Drops page says multi-packs are temporarily unavailable, so single bottles are the option there.
The Cordyceps Energy Gummies page describes a “30-day satisfaction guarantee. Opened or unopened products are eligible for a refund to your original payment method. One refund per product per customer.” The Reishi Relax Gummies page describes a 30-day return-request window after delivery. Send refund requests to info@pillylabs.com.
Before you order
- Read the current label for the exact mushroom, amount, serving and other ingredients. Reishi Relax amounts are still being reverified.
- Ask Pilly for the current Reishi Relax Gummies label before you compare it with the drops.
- Check the sugar content. The Cordyceps Energy Gummies label lists organic cane sugar and tapioca syrup.
- If you take sedatives, blood thinners, blood-sugar medication, or are pregnant or nursing, ask a clinician before you start.
- Confirm the price and shipping at checkout, and note the 30-day return-request window.
What to compare, track and bring
- Compare the mushroom species, the amount per serving and the serving size on each label.
- Track the time of day you take each mushroom, plus sleep, energy and any drowsiness.
- Bring both labels, your full medication list and any supplements you already take to your clinician.
- Ask the maker for any onset timing it stands behind before you buy.
By the Integrative Health Evidence Guide Team