Traditional Use of Cordyceps

Whilst only gaining popularity in the Western World over the last 20 years or so, Cordyceps has been widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Of the many benefits most closely associated with this weird and wonderful fungus, it was mainly used to protect the liver, improve kidney function, alleviate symptoms of respiratory illness and to enhance libido. It was also recommended as a tonic for “all illness”, with the ability to improve energy, endurance, stamina, appetite and disrupted sleep patterns.

Top 7 Benefits of Cordyceps

1. Boosts Energy

One of the most undeniable health benefits of cordyceps is its ability to significantly boost energy levels. It has long been known among athletes for the bursts of energy it can provide. It increases the amount of oxygen uptake in the body and enhances cellular energy production, thereby providing that extra push for people who need a shot of energy.

2. Protects Heart Health

Research on the effects of cordyceps has come up with many exciting results, especially in relation to cardiovascular health. One study showed that patients given a powdered supplement of cordyceps were significantly less likely to suffer heart failure. This is mainly due to the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of the herb, which can prevent heart arrhythmias and other complications.

3. Regulates Respiratory Function

Cordyceps is able to increase the amount of oxygen taken in by the lungs, and while this is helpful for athletes, it is also beneficial for those suffering from respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. By increasing your oxygen intake, you help prevent respiratory distress and weakness. Also, increasing oxygen levels help oxygenate the body’s extremities better, so the organ systems as a whole run more efficiently.

4. Anti-aging Properties

Cordyceps have powerful concentrations of anti-aging compounds that can help rejuvenate the skin, eliminate dead or dying cells, and improve the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles, and age spots, effectively shaving years off your life!

5. Improves Libido

Cordyceps impact sexual dysfunction in men. Numerous studies have shown that men suffering from low levels of sexual energy or poor libido saw clear improvement after adding its herbal supplements to their diet.

6. Detoxifies the Body

Although the exact chemical pathway of this is unclear, studies have shown that kidneys health improve notably after only one month of regular cordyceps herbal usage.

7. May Have Anticancer Potential

People are always looking for the next big solution in the battle against cancer, and some of the unique biochemical compounds found in cordyceps certainly fit the bill in that respect. A collaborative research by the National Yang-Ming University, China suggests that there have been direct correlations between the consumption of Cordyceps sinensis and tumor size reduction. With the antitumor activity, it can help slow the spread of cancer and work as a great aid for people suffering from this disease.

Cordyceps are a source of very beneficial bioactive compounds which, according to a 2015 study are able to decrease cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in lung cancer cell lines.

Research conducted by a couple of medical institutes at Korea found that the extract of cordyceps is very potent in inhibiting the growth of the tumor and can help in slowing the spread of colorectal cancer.

Studies also show that cordyceps extracts are helpful in preventing lung cancer.

Very few research studies are out but one 2008 paper suggests that cordyceps help in reversing the side effects of cancer therapy like leukopenia. Leukopenia is a condition where the white blood cell count (WBC) in the body decreases, which actually makes you prone to infection. Studies on human subjects are yet to be done but the results look very promising.

Who should take Cordyceps?

1. Working adults

Provides working adults with sustained energy to juggle with work and family

2. Elderly

Helps boost energy level for Elderly

3. Athletes

Provides vitality and sustained energy to stay on top

4. After childbirth

Relieves fatigue, invigorates energy and helps speed up postnatal recovery