Cordyceps

The Cordyceps species used medicinally have traditionally been found growing on the larvae of moths and it was thought that they were parasitic. However, it has also been suggested that they have a symbiotic relationship with their hosts, helping them thrive in extreme environments, such as the high Tibetan plateau, and only converting to their fruiting form on the death of the host insect.

Traditional Use

- Because of its rarity, Cordyceps was traditionally restricted to the few who could afford it. It’s main uses were in the treatment of asthma and erectile dysfunction, and as a tonic for the elderly and those recovering from long illness.

Main Health Benefits

- Energy

In the same way that Cordyceps species help their hosts survive in oxygen poor environments, Cordyceps based products are used to enhance athletic performance and endurance by increasing the efficiency of energy metabolism.

Studies in healthy elderly subjects using 3g Cs-4 showed significant increases in aerobic capacity and resistance to fatigue, while other research has shown increases in energy output and oxygen capacity in sedentary humans taking C.sinensis

• Asthma/COPD - Cordyceps provides valuable support for those, including children, with impaired lung function from conditions such as asthma and COPD.

• Anti-Viral - Cordyceps’ polysaccharides have been shown to enhance the immune response to viral infections.

• Cancer - Because of its combination of immune-modulating polysaccharides and nucleoside derivatives, many practitioners consider Cordyceps to be one of the most useful mushrooms for helping improve treatment outcomes in cancer.

• Diabetes - Cordyceps provides useful support for cases of diabetes, with actions including:

  • Triggering release of insulin

  • Increasing hepatic glucokinase

  • Increasing sensitivity of cells to insulin

• Infertility - in addition to its traditional use of improving libido and treating erectile dysfunction, Cordyceps can be beneficial for both male and female infertility.