Cordyceps Sinensis : A fungus that costs more than a car !

Cordyceps is one of the most unique, rare, and treasured plants used in herbal medicine. In its natural form, Cordyceps can be found only at elevations above 3500 meters in isolated areas of northern Dolpa, Nepal. This herb is actually a type of fungus which grows on the backs of caterpillars indigenous to Nepal, China and Tibet. Due to its rarity, Cordyceps harvested in the wild is very expensive. Wild cordyceps from Nepal is supposed to be the best in the world. Scientific research has proven that wild cordyceps is richer in certain components, and also that the proportions of its ingredients are different from the cultivated herb, and this might make some differences in the activity. However, the laboratory versions of Cordyceps has become an alternative for people who cannot afford Natural Cordyceps.

Cordyceps is an edible fungus (mushroom) that parasitizes the caterpillar of the insect Thitarodes (Hepialus). Its scientific name is Cordyceps sinensis and its common names are “summer herb winter worm”, yartsa gunbu (Tibetan translation of “summer herb winter worm”), yarshagumba (Nepali), keera jhar (Indian) and dong chong xia cao (Chinese). It belongs to the family Ascomycota (ascomycete fungi) that includes more than 400 identified species worldwide. Cordyceps and its host (insect larva/caterpillar) grow in grass and shrub lands of Tibetan plateau and the Himalayas, at an altitude of 9,800 to 16,000 ft. The fungus attacks caterpillar while feeding on plant roots. It will invade the body of the caterpillar, filling its entire body cavity with mycelium (vegetative part of fungus), and eventually killing and mummifying it. In spring or early summer, the dark brown to black fruiting body (mushroom) of Cordyceps will emerge from the forehead of the caterpillar, growing from 5 to 15 cm.

Used for nearly 1500 years in traditional Nepalese and Chinese medicine, the Cordyceps fungus has been found to be very effective in treating circulatory, respiratory, and immune system problems in addition to its most popular usage as a powerful aphrodisiac. Recent studies performed at Beijing Medical University of China and in Japan have shown a 64% success rate among men suffering from impotence vs. 24% in the placebo group.

In ancient Nepal, Cordyceps was highly recommended as one of the most effective medicines for all illness. Due to its anti-aging and cure-all properties, it can be compared to ginseng, reishi and deer velvet. In general, cordyceps is a tonic that helps build strength, improve organic functioning, strengthen the immune system and contributes to longevity.

MEDICAL USE OF CORDYCEPS OR YARSAGUMBA OR YARCHAGUMBA

Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba is also considered potent at strengthening lung and kidneys, increasing energy and vitality, stopping hemorrhage, decreasing phlegm.
Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba has traditionally been used for impotence, backache, to increase sperm production and to increase blood production.
Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba is used specifically for excess tiredness, chronic cough and asthma, impotence, debility, anemia, to build the bone marrow.
Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba is taken for shortness of breath, asthma, impotency, emission, soreness of loins and knees, dizziness and tinnitus.
Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba is also use for strengthen the immune system of tumor patients who have received radiotherapy, Chemotherapy or operation Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba can also used as Natural Viagra.
Restore health during convalescence and treat deficiency syndrome caused by overstrain.
Strengthen the immune system to help the body resist and withstand attacks from virus and bacteria.
Prevents tumor activity.
Regulates abnormal wakefulness and other sleep problems at night and thus improves sleep quality, also reduces severity of nocturia.
Improves blood circulation and regulates blood pressure.
Reduce triglycerides and cholesterol level, thus promoting cardiovascular heath.
Improve sexual fuction in men and also combat infertality in women.
Alleviates arrhythmias, thus protects the heart.
Resists allergy.
Increases vitality and stamina. It is especially useful in alleviating fatigue, enhancing physical endurance and mental acuity.
Controls liver, lung and kidney dysfunction, amd thus protects them. It also resists respiratory problems.
Reduces pains of loins and knees.
Neutralizes side effects caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Protects against free radical damage and oxidative stress, thus slows down the effect of aging.