Cordyceps is a parasitic mushroom distributed throughout the world. Some rare species have the ability to withstand extreme conditions and grow at high altitudes, particularly in the Himalayas of China, Nepal, Tibet and India. According to legend, a shepherd first discovered these mushrooms after noticing that his animals became more energetic after eating them. Due to its positive effects on energy, fatigue and aging, cordyceps is prized in Asia and called "brown gold".
Useful for use
Cordyceps is recommended for the prevention of blood diseases, disorders of the urinary, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, as well as for the treatment of liver and kidney diseases.
Method of application
The recommended daily dose of cordyceps is 0.5–1 g. For the encapsulated form, it is 1–2 capsules, respectively. It is best to take the drug 30 minutes before meals. However, if you have problems with the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, you can take the capsules after a meal. The specified dose is calculated for an average body weight (80-90 kg), therefore, if your weight is greater, the dose can be slightly increased.
It is recommended to take the first cordyceps in the morning, and the second at lunch. Since this mushroom has tonic and energy properties, it should not be consumed in the evening to avoid sleep disturbances.
Cordyceps can be combined with other useful mushrooms, such as chanterelles, red fly agaric, or porcini mushrooms. To achieve a prophylactic or therapeutic effect, the course of application should preferably last at least three months, after which a break should be taken.
Biological description
Cordyceps belongs to the Clavicipitaceae family and looks like a caterpillar, which is why in China it is called "Dung Chong Xia Cao", which translates as "insect in winter, plant in summer". The fungus is a parasite on the bodies of insects, penetrating them and gradually killing its host.
Distribution of cordyceps
This fungus grows at altitudes of 3,000 to 5,000 meters in the Himalayas, particularly in Tibet and Sikkim, and is a parasite on butterflies, dragonflies and ants. First, the spore of the fungus infects the insect, and then develops in its body, gradually replacing the internal tissues. When the insect dies, the fungus sprouts from its body, releasing spores.
Varieties of cordyceps
There are more than 750 species of cordyceps, of which at least 35 have medicinal properties. The most famous of them are:
- One-sided Ophiocordyceps (Ophiocordyceps unilatelis) - known for its unique characteristics in infecting ants.
- Chinese cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) is the most sought-after species, rare and valuable in traditional medicine.
- Cordyceps military (Cordyceps militaris) is an alternative that can be grown in the laboratory.
Useful properties of cordyceps
Cordyceps contains many useful substances, including:
- essential amino acids
- vitamins (E, C, K, B-groups)
- minerals (iron, copper, zinc, calcium)
- antioxidants
- polysaccharides
Research shows that cordyceps is able to:
- Improve immunity - thanks to active components that stimulate the immune response.
- Reveal antioxidant properties - protecting the body from oxidative stress.
- Increase energy and endurance - cordyceps helps to increase performance during physical activity.
- Reduce the signs of aging - thanks to antioxidants that improve brain function.
- Improve the function of the respiratory system - which is useful for diseases of the respiratory tract.
- Support the cardiovascular system - reducing the level of "bad" cholesterol.
- Regulate blood sugar levels - which can be useful for diabetics.
- Have a potential anti-cancer effect - by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
Use in folk medicine
Cordyceps is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to increase energy, improve libido, and treat a number of ailments, such as respiratory ailments and reproductive problems. It is considered an adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stressful situations.
Current research and scientific data on cordyceps
Official scientific research on Chinese cordyceps began between 1980 and 2000. Although clinical data on its effects on human health are not yet sufficient for unequivocal conclusions, the available results, as well as experiments on animals and in vitro, give some hope for the reality of the claimed beneficial properties.
Clinical studies
Studies of cordyceps have confirmed its ability to increase the production of ATP, which provides muscles with energy.
One of the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials conducted by Chinese scientists evaluated the effect of Cs-4 (a fermentation product of a special strain of Cordyceps sinensis) on the physical endurance of healthy elderly people. In the study, 37 elderly participants received either 3 g of Cs-4 per day or a placebo. Performance was assessed before and after 6 weeks of treatment using a cycle ergometer, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was measured using a metabolic chart. The results confirmed that cordyceps can improve aerobic capacity, ventilatory function and resistance to fatigue.
In 2017, another randomized trial demonstrated that Cordyceps militaris increased tolerance to intense exercise after both short-term and long-term supplementation.
Scientists also tested the effect of a mushroom mixture containing cordyceps on the physical performance of young people. After three weeks of treatment, participants' maximum VO2 increased by 11% compared to the placebo group. However, current research indicates limited efficacy of cordyceps in enhancing physical performance in professional athletes. This indicates the need for further research to clarify the mechanisms of influence on physical endurance.
Among other positive effects of cordyceps, confirmed by clinical studies, note:
- Increasing the effectiveness of treatment of nephritis caused by lupus.
- Use as an adjuvant in kidney transplantation.
- Improving immunity in people at the fourth stage of cancer.
Evidence for the effectiveness of cordyceps
The beneficial properties of cordyceps are confirmed by laboratory studies of the active components of the mushroom, as well as by clinical trials on animals and humans. Cordyceps acid (D-mannitol) is actively used in pharmacology, and the anamorph of Cordyceps subsessilis serves as a raw material for obtaining the immunosuppressant cyclosporine.
In addition, numerous reviews of people who used cordyceps supplements confirm its positive effects: increased energy, improved sexual function, increased resistance to colds, reduced fatigue and improved mood. Especially noticeable results are observed in the elderly and athletes, who note an increase in physical strength and endurance.
Forms and ways of using cordyceps
Chinese cordyceps, unlike ordinary mushrooms, is not eaten, but used in various forms of medicinal supplements.
Fresh or dried cordyceps
In its natural form, fresh or dried cordyceps can be found in Asian stores. It is consumed in the form of drinks, decoctions or mixed with juices.
Cordyceps powder
Cordyceps powder can be mixed with liquids such as water or tea, or added to foods. However, be careful as the taste can be quite intense.
Cordyceps mother tincture
Cordyceps preparations are also available in the form of an alcohol-based mother tincture, which allows you to obtain a concentrate of active substances.
Tablets and capsules
Today, cordyceps is most often used in the form of tablets or capsules. When choosing a product, it is important to pay attention to its quality and composition. A quality supplement should contain sufficient amounts of active compounds such as adenosine and cordycepinic acid. It is also important to consider the reputation of the manufacturer.
Laboratory cordyceps
The growing demand for cordyceps has led to the emergence of new methods of its cultivation, in particular CS-4, which is obtained in laboratories that simulate natural growing conditions. This allows you to get a concentrate of active ingredients similar to forest mushrooms.
Types of cordyceps in Kramnytsia Muhomorny
Convenient forms of cordyceps include capsules and ground cordyceps .
Cordyceps military mushroom in capsules
This supplement contains Cordyceps Sinensis mycelium and fruiting body extract. It is recommended to improve metabolism, support the immune system and prevent various diseases. Order Cordyceps Mushroom in capsules in our online store.
Ground Cordyceps mushroom
The amanita shop offers this product to improve physical tone and increase work capacity. Ground cordyceps helps to adapt to various stressful situations, including mental and physical fatigue. It can also be useful in case of decreased sexual activity.
Thanks to cordyceps, you will be able to gradually improve the composition of the blood, in particular, to normalize the sugar level. As recommended by a doctor, this product will be useful in many therapies. For example, it has a positive effect on the liver, reduces the level of "bad cholesterol" and supports the health of the genitourinary system.
It is recommended to use microdosing in the autumn-spring period - at a time when colds and viral diseases occur especially often.
It should be noted that cordyceps is grown on wheat, which makes it an excellent dietary supplement for vegans: it is a completely natural and organic product.
