Cordyceps Mushroom
 Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi, the most famous of
which is the species that parasitizes the vegetable caterpillar — Cordyceps
sinensis that has long been considered a precious ingredient in Chinese
traditional medicines. All Cordyceps species are parasitic, mainly on
insects and other arthropods (they are thus entomopathogenic fungi); a few
are parasitic on other fungi like the subterranean, truffle-like Elaphomyces.
The mycelium invades and eventually replaces the host tissue, while the
elongated fruiting body (stroma) may be cylindrical, branched, or of very
complex shape. The stroma contains many flask-shaped perithecia (sing.
perithecium): hollow, flask-shaped structures usually embedded in the
stromatic tissue that contain many long, cilindric asci. These in turn
contain the filiform (thread-like) ascospores, which easily break into
fragments and presumably constitute an infective stage.
The genus has a worldwide distribution and more than 300 species are
currently known — most have been
Cordyceps is an absolute superstar of the Chinese tonic herbal system.
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described from Asia (notably China, Japan,
Korea and Thailand). The genus has many anamorphs (asexual states), of which
Beauveria (possibly including Beauveria bassiana), Metarhizium, and
Paecilomyces (section Isaria) are the better known, since these have been
used in biological control of insect pests. Cordyceps species are
particularly abundant and diverse in humid temperate and tropical forests.
Cordyceps is used for a wide range
of conditions including fatigue, sexual dysfunction, coughs, and as an
adaptogen or immune stimulant. Cordyceps was originally a rare herb derived
from a fungus — Hepialus armoricanus Oberthuer — found growing on
caterpillar larvae. Recently researchers have developed fermentation
processes to produce large quantities of pharmaceutically pure cordyceps
that is identical to the wild variety.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Cordyceps is an absolute superstar of the Chinese tonic herbal system, and
is an extremely effective and powerful life-enhancing agent, equal to
Ginseng and Reishi. Because it is rare, potent and highly treasured, it is
very expensive. This rare and precious herb is considered to be an essence
tonic of the highest stature. Cordyceps is said to build sexual and physical
power, mental energy, the immune system and is universally believed in Asia
to prolong life.
Cordyceps is used to strengthen the body and mind at a fundamental level. It
is thought to be able to increase the "primary motive force for life
activities." Because it is both Yin and Yang in nature it can be used by
anyone safely and over a long period of time. It restores the energy
reserves consumed by excessive exertion, adaption to stress or aging.
Cordyceps is thus one of the primary herbal substances used daily as an
anti-aging agent and for the purposes of rejuvenation.
As a sexual tonic, Cordyceps is considered to have a profound long range
strengthening capacity. It is commonly used for impotence, sexual malaise,
frigidity and infertility.
Consistent use of Cordyceps helps to strengthen the skeletal structure, and
specifically benefits the lower back region, the knees and ankles. It is
used for backache due to injury, fatigue, stress or simple aging.
Cordyceps is also a major Lung tonic. It can be used to strengthen
respiratory power in those who require extra energy in order to perform
physical work (e.g. labor, sports or exercise) or it can be used by those
who suffer from deficiency of lung power. It is especially beneficial to
those who suffer chronic lung weakness with cough, wheezing or shortness of
breath.
Cordyceps is considered in Asia to be a powerful athlete’s tonic. It has no
steroidal constituents, but greatly improves performance and muscle building
capability.
Cordyceps is highly regarded in China as a tonic for those who are
recovering from an illness or an operation, or after giving birth. In these
cases, the Cordyceps helps the patient recover their physical power, to
improve their appetite, and to protect the body from infection.
Many studies now indicate that Cordyceps can help the body resist a wide
range of pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses. Cordyceps is used in Asia
to help treat fungus and yeast infections, and intensive research is being
conducted at dozens of institutions in China and Japan relating to the
potential of Cordyceps to treat certain varieties of cancer. |
