Cordyceps is a genus of family mushrooms Ophiocordycipitaceae which feeds on insects and other arthropods that it parasitizes.
This fungus develops in the larvae of butterflies and moths, which live above 3,000 meters high. on the grasslands of Tibet and Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai and Yunnan, in Nepal, Bhutan and the Indian Himalayas.
Cordyceps mushroom: what is it
The life cycle of Cordyceps sinensis either Ophiocordyceps sinensis It is amazing: the caterpillars eat or inhale its spores and they develop inside them, the caterpillar dies and the fungus ends up coming out.
From April to June, collectors collect the small cordyceps, still attached to the larvae. This job is the main source of income for a good number of people.
Cordyceps: what it is for
Curiously, in the regions of origin, cordyceps is not excessively appreciated as a popular remedy. The few people who consume it They usually take it as a tonic in the form of a drink that can be prepared in different ways to improve general health, to increase strength and stamina, and as an aphrodisiac.
These preparations are often made with barley or rice liquor, where some cordyceps specimens have been left to rest for several months. The Tibetan Sherpas, famous for their physical endurance, are fond of these concoctions.
Cordyceps in Tibetan medicine
In traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine, cordyceps is a proven aphrodisiac remedy. In Tibet its prestige has increased over time, most likely due to Chinese influence, and it is currently considered an essential medicine.
Tibetan medical literature describes cordyceps as a medicine with a sweet and salty taste, with unctuous and spicy potency, which has the properties of increase the body’s energy, restore semen functionality and increase its production.
As is customary in Tibetan medicine, it is taken in the form of pills where cordyceps powder is mixed with more than ten plants.
Cordyceps: properties according to scientific studies
- Improves sexual function: The properties of cordyceps have been investigated using modern scientific methods. Human clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of fermented C. sinensis mycelium in combating decreased libido and virility.
- Boosts physical performance: Cordyceps can increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), essential for supplying energy to muscles. This can improve the way the body uses oxygen, especially during physical activity.
- Against fatigue and weakness: It also produces a significant clinical improvement in fatigue, cold intolerance, tinnitus (tinnitus) and poor memory.
- Anti-aging: In recent years, the effect of cordyceps has been investigated in relation to the prevention of aging and the modulation of immune activity.
- Improves kidney function: Some studies in people have shown that it improves kidney function, even in transplant patients.
- May help control blood glucose: It can help prevent and treat diabetes because it emulates the action of insulin. The effect has been proven in animal studies. Work with people is still insufficient.
- Beneficial for the heart: Cordyceps is approved in China for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, especially that related to kidney disease. The effect is probably due to the content of adenosine, a natural compound that has protective effects on the heart.
- Complementary cancer treatment: The potential of ordyceps to slow tumor growth has generated great interest in recent years. In laboratory studies, it has been shown to inhibit the growth of many types of human cancer cells, including lung, colon, skin, and liver cancers. On the other hand, in animal experiments it has been seen that it can mitigate the side effects associated with cancer therapies, such as leukopenia (decrease in white blood cells).
How to take it and contraindications
To treat general weakness, cordyceps is taken once or twice a day following the product’s dosing instructions.
Generally the dose is from 1 to 3 grams per day, although in some works up to 10 grams have been administered. For health maintenance, it can be taken once or twice a week. Concentrated extracts are taken in smaller quantities.
In general, it is advisable to follow the recommendations offered by the manufacturer.
In the recommended quantities, no notable side effects or contraindications have been detected. In any case, if you are taking any medication, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor.
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