What is Cordyceps?
Chinese Cordyceps (cordyceps sinensis) can be ascribed both to flora and to fauna. It dwells in China on the high-mountain Tsinuzan, 3500-4200 m above the sea level. Cordyceps is a two-unified organism – a plant and an insect. The two forms of Cordyceps existence were described in an ancient Chinese book “A new compilation of farmacology” (1757). But the history of Cordyceps application in China as means of strengthening health and preventive measure against diseases has over 1200 years.
What is it used for? Cordyceps is one of the most unique substances found in herbal medicine. It’s actually a form of fungus which grows naturally on the backs of caterpillars found only in China, Nepal and Tibet. Synthetic versions of cordyceps have been manufactured in the West without the use of caterpillars. “); //]]>–> Cordyceps has played a variety of roles in traditional Chinese medicine, where it has been used for approximately 1,500 years. Cordyceps fungus has been described as a very effective herb for treating circulatory, respiratory and immune problems, as well as sexual dysfunction. It was also classified as a general health tonic because of its capability to improve energy, stamina, appetite, endurance, and sleeping patterns. In tradition Chinese medicine cordyceps is used for the kidney and lungs meridians. Exactly how cordyceps works is something of a mystery. Compounds found in cordyceps are classified as HDPs, or host defense potentiators. These compounds include: h
Cordyceps is a large fungal genus with an estimated 400 species. This genus is of note because of the way in which it reproduces: the fungi parasitize insects or plants, and then produce a fruiting body which sprouts directly from the body of the host. As if this wasn’t enough, some species which attack insects are actually capable of controlling their hosts and forcing them to engage in activities which will further the cause of the fungus. In other words, some species of Cordyceps are capable of mind control! On species in this genus, C. sinensis, has been used in traditional medicine in Asia for centuries. This particular representative of the Cordyceps genus attacks caterpillars while they burrow underground, encouraging the caterpillars to come to rest near the surface so that the fungus can put out a fruiting body which will emerge above the soil. The roughly club-shaped fungus comes from the caterpillar’s head in most cases. The resulting caterpillar-fungus combination is known
