Ancient Chinese doctors discovered and have been using herbal medicine to treat and nourish the body for a long time, which was also considered a delicacy of the emperors and royal families for centuries. One of these is ‘Cordyceps’, also known as ‘caterpillar fungus’, a widely used traditional medicine in Chinese medical texts for a long time.
What is Cordyceps?
‘Cordyceps’ is found in the grasslands on high mountains in China (Tibet), Nepal, and Bhutan, where Cordyceps from the Himalayas is particularly interesting. This herb is described as
“In winter a worm, in summer a grass” implying its evolutionary process that throughout the winter, a certain type of worm buries itself in the snow. When the weather changes and the ice starts to melt, a different type of fungus releases spores for reproduction, which are blown to the ground, and these once-buried worms come out of hibernation to feed, consuming the spores. Over time, by summer, the spores start to grow by absorbing nutrients and minerals from the worm, and then the fungus begins to sprout from the worm’s body. As these fungi need sunlight, they grow upwards towards the ground, sprouting from the worm’s mouth, while the worm itself gradually weakens. Therefore, the Cordyceps used for making medicine is the combination of the dried worm and fungus.
It is fascinating how the life cycle of this type of worm has become the origin of a herb with multiple health benefits. For consumption, it can be eaten fresh, boiled, stewed, or ground into powder and packed into capsules for convenience.
Research studies have shown numerous biological effects and pharmacological activities of Cordyceps, making it a beneficial herb for stimulating various aspects of the immune system for better functioning. Over the past 20 years, no negative effects or dangerous side effects of ‘Cordyceps’ have ever been discovered, except in certain cases of people who already have a compromised immune system.
Benefits of Cordyceps
- Reduce blood sugar levels for diabetic patients and lower cholesterol
- Boost liver detoxification and improve kidney function
- Produce an essential protein that stimulates the sexual performance of both men and women, also known as “Himalayan Viagra”
- Combat fatigue and enhance physical performance
- Stimulate white blood cell activity and reduce cancer risk
The trend of health nourishment through the consumption of Chinese herbal medicine to strengthen the body has been increasing, where ‘Cordyceps’ is another supplement for those who want to keep their body robust, suitable for all ages, from young people to the elderly or those who need to balance their hormones during menopause.
When choosing to buy ‘Cordyceps’, “currently, the market offers both natural and cultivated options, with more than 600 species available. Tests have shown that ‘Cordyceps’ species Cordyceps Sinesis performs the best, with clear research results. Therefore, when choosing to consume Cordyceps as a supplement, it should be selected from a reliable production source processed correctly.”
