Cordyceps Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Cordyceps are often referred to as a type of mushroom. However, they’re classified as part of the Ascomycetes fungus family. Cordyceps, known by their botanical name of cordycep sinensis, are native to the Himalayan mountains. Cordyceps have been used as a superfood for 5,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine.¹ Cordyceps are often referred to as “caterpillar mushroom” or “winter worm”. These names come from the fact that cordyceps are actually a parasitic fungus that attaches to host caterpillars in Tibet. When the caterpillar dies, the cordycep fungus begins to grow from the caterpillar's head. Today, most cordyceps are grown on soybeans or other hosts, instead of caterpillars.² Ancient Tibetans knew of the cordyceps benefits as a medicinal remedy because of how their sheep would gain vitality and health whenever they consumed cordyceps.²

Cordyceps Health Uses and Health Benefits

According to Tibetan and Chinese history, traditional healers used cordyceps benefits to treat 21 different ailments.³ For many reasons, cordyceps are considered a superfood and are becoming increasingly in high-demand. Cordyceps are known to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat chronic disease caused by oxidative stress.¹ One of these known uses is cordyceps for adrenal fatigue, because of its energy-boosting properties. Cordyceps benefits for improved health include:¹

• Anti-aging effects
• Boosting immune system health
• Improving sexual dysfunction
• Increasing athletic performance, including treating muscle soreness
• Controlling blood sugar levels
• Detoxifying the liver
• Combatting respiratory illnesses
• Improving blood circulation

Cordyceps uses include being a natural remedy for the following conditions:

• Adrenal Gland Disorders - Cordyceps are known to help boost energy levels and vitality. This is why cordyceps for adrenal fatigue can help combat adrenal gland disorders.
• Hepatitis - Cordyceps benefits include being able to remove toxins and lower inflammation in the liver caused by hepatitis.
• Emphysema - Cordyceps are known to help combat respiratory illnesses and improve breathing.
• Cirrhosis of the Liver - Cordyceps can help eliminate toxins from the liver and treat damage caused by cirrhosis.
• Gynecomastia - Cordyceps are a natural remedy for gynecomastia because they help to boost blood flow.

Cordyceps Side Effects and Precautions

Cordyceps have limited side effects and are felt to be generally safe to use by most people. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women shouldn’t take cordyceps since its safety has not yet been fully studied.¹

References

1. https://draxe.com/cordyceps/
2. https://www.mdidea.com/products/herbextract/cordyceps/data03.html
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3121254/