Cordyceps

Cordyceps (Cordyceps Sinensis)

cordyceps-tibet-caterpillar-fungus        PHOTO SOURCE

SHORT HISTORY 

The first people to discover Cordyceps’s benefits initially observed animal easting the wild fungus and growing strong in the process. Two thousand years ago, in the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet, local herdsman notice the unusual vigor of their yaks grazing on Cordyceps mushrooms. local people and herders used the fungus powder with a non-centrifugal cane sugar to increase milk production, and improve reproductive capacity and vitality of their cattle. It is believed to have been used since a thousand years ago by either being ground into a powder or mixed.

Until recently, the best known species of the genus Cordyceps sinensis was first recorded as yartsa gunbu in Nyamnyi Dorje’s 15th century Tibetan text An ocean of Aphrodisiacal Qualities in Nepali. There are many Chinese legends and myths about the characteristics and power of the Cordyceps sinensis as a rare and exotic medicinal mushroom know in China for centuries, also know as “summer-grass, winter-worm” in English.  

Cordyceps is also acclaimed within other international markets, and it is available in several countries around the world, where it is sold in different forms.

BOTANY & FORAGING

It is a rare combination of a caterpillar and fungus found in Sikkim at altitudes above  12,500 feet above sea level in cold, grassy, alpine meadows of the Himalayan mountains.

The fruiting body is usually up to 4 inches (around 10 cm) long and .2 inches (1/2 cm) wide. They’re usually orange or brown.

It’s a worm fungus, and is found only on the Tibetan Plateau. The normal harvesting period stretches from April to August. Other Cordyceps species grow all over the world, mainly in Asia notably Nepal, China, Japan, Bhutan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand.

gambar-cordyceps-liar-678x381    PHOTO SOURCE

HEALTH BENEFITS

Although written record of Cordyceps sinensis use appeared in Traditional Chinese Medicine centuries ago. However, the last two decades have seen a great increase in research on Cordyceps as a medicinal mushroom in the West.

  • Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
  • Immune Function
  • Anti-Tumor
  • Anti-Aging Properties
  • May Boost Exercise Performance

Cautions: This supplement isn’t for everyone. Those who shouldn’t take it:

  • Pregnant women
  • Women who are breast-feeding
  • People with multiple sclerosis
  • People with rheumatoid arthritis
  • Those with other autoimmune diseases

 

*for educational use only. The information on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified physician or health practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any condition. This site is also not to be used as the final word in identification. Never eat anything you haven’t positively identified at least three times before. Please use your common sense and be safe!

 

References