Chances are, this could be your first time coming across the word “Cordyceps”. Earth blossoms with rich biodiversity to the extent that more than 80 percent of the earth’s species are yet to be discovered by scientists. If that’s the case, it’s nothing out of the ordinary that cordyceps are utterly new to you. So, let’s live in the magical and impressive way the beauty of cordyceps is revealed to us through this read!
What is Cordyceps?
Cordyceps, a renowned member of the Clavicipitaceae botanical family, is parasitic fungi that grow on the larvae of certain insects, commonly the larva of caterpillars. The spores of the fungi find their way through an insect’s exoskeleton and further into the insect’s body, where they start sprouting and appear as slender stems, emerging out of the host’s body. For that reason, it got named the caterpillar fungus. Other popular names include caterpillar mushroom, Chinese caterpillar fungus, Vegetable caterpillar, and Cordyceps Sinensis.
Native to the high mountains of China and the Himalayas, the Cordyceps have been a Chinese traditional medicine since time immemorial. The Chinese hand-picked cordyceps at the foothills of these mountains, dried them, and ground cordyceps into powder or mixed it with other herbs to treat kidney disorders, sexual dysfunctions, fatigue, and other ailments. And today, cordyceps are available in the form of capsules or constituents of food supplements in most drug stores.
The natural cordyceps from the Chinese mountains is the world’s most expensive fungus, whose price can skyrocket to $50000 per pound. Plus, it’s difficult to get. As such, Cordyceps is reproduced in bulk in the labs to meet the worldwide market demand. One can spend at least $15 for a 90-capsule bottle at online stores such as Amazon; far much cheaper than the natural cordyceps.
Cordyceps Science-Backed Medicinal Benefits
#1. Inhibits The Growth of Tumours
In a recent study, Cordyceps is seen to greatly reduce the size of tumors and human cancer cells, whether it’s liver, breast, lung, skin, or colon cancers. It’s able to mitigate the development of melanoma cells associated with skin cancer that turns the skin color to brown or tan color. As a result, the number of chemotherapy visits may decrease and the side effects of cancer therapies averted.
#2. An Anti-aging Agent
People want to look young forever, and here is where cordyceps could be the perfect efficacious anti-aging Chinese herb. Cordyceps is said to hinder genetic changes related to aging in the mitochondria of cells and muscle tissues. Most research on the anti-aging effects is performed on animals, such as rats and mice, which exhibit the ability of cordyceps to slow down aging in both men and women.
#3. Increases Sex Drive
Low sex libido is a common occurrence but never permanent. Cordyceps is a sex libido booster that sparks up your sex life into something satisfactory and enjoyable. As natural and vegan-friendly as it is, you do not need to turn to over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs to reverse your current low sex drive.
#4. Promotes the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disorders
When the levels of creatinine shoot to abnormal levels, it means the kidney cannot filter the serum creatinine out of the blood. Therefore the kidney will be unable to function properly and eventually fail. Twenty-two studies on the analysis of Cordyceps Sinensis for treatment of chronic kidney complications showed the potential of cordyceps to effectively reduce serum creatinine levels towards enabling the eradication of the serum creatinine.
#5. Boosts Physical Performance in Gym-goers and Athletes
Cordyceps are reported to boost the levels of the adenosine triphosphate(ATP) molecules. As such, it influences a healthy blood flow for the delivery of energy to the muscles by improving the body’s ability to utilize oxygen. Cordyceps are sort of like an energy booster for a significantly greater athletic performance. This mushroom gives the needed strength to exercise more, especially in high-intensity workouts. Plus, it contributes to an excellent post-workout recovery.
#6. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Robust cardiovascular health can be a result of the administration of cordyceps. The caterpillar fungus has the power to suppress high blood pressure, eliminate risks of cardiac arrhythmia attacks and protect the heart against chronic complications. Several studies depicted how long-term cordyceps consumption improved the blood flow in the coronary vessels to the heart, preventing cardiovascular illnesses.
#7. The best mushroom for the lungs
Cordyceps are good for the lungs such that it shields the lungs and the respiratory system from certain diseases. Cordyceps is an ideal nasal decongestant, hence boasts anti-asthmatic effects. It also seems to be a remedy for people suffering from chronic bronchitis and coughs, as it makes these people’s breathing easier by increasing the airflow into the lungs.
#8. Cordyceps alleviates chronic inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s defensive way of fighting injuries and infections to heal completely. Chronic inflammation is when inflammation persists for a long, causing excruciating pain to the body, which is associated with chronic disorders like arthritis, diabetes, heart problems, and some cancers. As suggested in another study, Cordyceps is anti-inflammatory and could be a solution to chronic body inflammations.
What’s the Recommended Dose for Cordyceps Supplements?
If you feel the urge to incorporate cordyceps into your daily routine, you’d obviously wish to know what size of doses is safe for consumption. Cordyceps doses are determined by factors such as your allergic conditions, age, and your health status. However, there is no sufficient scientific research that stipulates the exact doses for cordyceps.
For safety purposes, it’s recommended to reach out for your physician’s advice regarding what dose to take for your condition before using cordyceps. And before proceeding with consultation, check to ensure you are aware of the directions specified on the product label. An overdose of cordyceps has side effects that negatively impact your health and wellness. When you consume more than 3-4 grams of cordyceps daily, you are likely to experience stomach upsets, diarrhea, nausea, and a dry mouth, as noticed in some people.
The correct times to take cordyceps are a matter of personal preference as long you do not exceed the daily dose. However, the best time is in the morning, and if you consider twice intake a day, morning and evening will do good. As for athletic reasons, we advocate for taking cordyceps 30 min to 1 hour right before you engage your body in workouts. All forms of cordyceps are administered by mouth, whether in capsules, tinctures, cordyceps tea, or powder.
Summing-up
Although cordyceps have tons of therapeutic benefits, caution needs to be taken in its use. Be warned that lactating mothers and pregnant women should avoid cordyceps. There is a lack of sufficient research that proves they are fit to use cordyceps. Therefore it’s safer not to risk their lives. Also, bleeding disorders and cordyceps do not go hand in hand. Cordyceps, instead of speeding up the healing process, slows down the formation of clots.
These two precautions are worthy of consideration for the benefit of human health. Otherwise, cordyceps are all-powerful and health-giving for a stronger immune system in totality.
