If you’re looking for a medicinal mushroom, Cordyceps sinensis is a good choice. It’s a remarkable mushroom that parasitizes on a caterpillar. But it’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and polysaccharides that can support our health. Cordyceps (capsules or extract) can be used for fatigue, diabetes, and cancer, among other conditions.
The unique growth pattern of Cordyceps sinensis
Mushrooms are fungi, and their way of growing and reproducing has always been shrouded in a somewhat mysterious atmosphere. This is especially true for Cordyceps. This mushroom (also called Caterpillar fungus) grows at altitudes of 3000 to 5000 meters in the mountains of China, Tibet, and Nepal.
What’s remarkable is that Cordyceps has two forms: an animal one (looking like a worm) and a plant-like one. In its grass form, the mushroom looks more like grass. In this grass form, it releases spores that infect a rare caterpillar. The caterpillar dies, and the mushroom grows inside it. The fungal threads fill the caterpillar’s body, allowing Cordyceps to feed. In summer, the fruiting body forms and emerges from the dead caterpillar. Cordyceps is clearly a parasitic mushroom.
In Asia, it has made a name for itself as a medicinal mushroom and has been used there for thousands of years. Unfortunately, Cordyceps has become very rare because the caterpillar it needs to grow is threatened with extinction. Scientists have now succeeded in growing the mushroom on a different, plant-based substrate. It turns out that Cordyceps grown this way are just as medicinally potent as those growing in the wild.
Medicinal effects of Cordyceps
As mentioned, Cordyceps sinensis is a staple in Asian medicine cabinets. This natural remedy is used for various health issues. It’s becoming more well-known in the West too, with increasing research into its effects. Below you can read more about what you could use this mushroom for.
Anti-cancer Properties
Research shows that Cordyceps has powerful anti-tumor properties. The compounds in the mushroom can slow tumor growth. You can use it for various types of cancer, such as lung, skin, breast, liver, and colon cancer. Furthermore, Cordyceps was shown to have anti-cancer effects in mice with lymphoma, lung cancer, and melanoma.
But there’s another property that comes in handy with cancer. Conventional treatments like chemotherapy can cause leukopenia as a side effect. This means that the number of white blood cells decreases, which negatively affects your immunity. You become vulnerable to infections. Research in mice with leukopenia showed that after treatment with Cordyceps, they no longer suffered from this condition. It’s not yet clear whether this same effect occurs in humans; more research is needed. But it could mean that Cordyceps can prevent complications that may occur during cancer treatment.
Using Cordyceps for Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that is becoming increasingly common. When you suffer from it, your body no longer responds well to insulin. This keeps your blood sugar levels too high, which can cause a large number of health problems. For people with diabetes, it’s important to keep their blood sugar levels as stable as possible.
Cordyceps could play a role in this. The compounds in the mushroom mimic the functions of insulin in the body. That this works is shown by research where mice were given a Cordyceps extract. Their blood sugar levels subsequently dropped significantly. Additionally, Cordyceps was found to have a protective effect on the kidneys and spleen.
For Fatigue Issues
Chronic fatigue is a common condition that is still not well understood. But you can also experience fatigue after illness or severe stress. Cordyceps sinensis could help with this. People who consistently took a Cordyceps supplement for at least 6 weeks may notice improvements in their energy and endurance.
Cordyceps can help increase the body’s maximum oxygen uptake. This has a positive effect on your energy levels and organs. With more oxygen, the intestines can work better and absorb more nutrients, which also provides more energy. People suffering from fatigue can also combine Cordyceps with Reishi (capsules or extract) for an even more powerful effect against the symptoms.
Heart and Blood Vessels
Those who want to promote the health of their heart and blood vessels might also consider taking Cordyceps. In China, it’s used to treat arrhythmia, where the heart beats irregularly or too fast or too slow. The mushroom can also help regulate cholesterol levels. Furthermore, Cordyceps can help prevent damage to the heart and blood vessels that can occur from chronic kidney disease. This is because the mushroom contains adenosine, a compound with protective properties.
How to use Cordyceps?
Cordyceps is a supplement available as an extract or in capsules. Both are easy to take and safe to use. Only if you’re hypersensitive to mushrooms is it advisable to be cautious. You might also find it comforting to know that most Cordyceps supplements come from cultivated mushrooms. So you’re not using a rare mushroom that’s threatened with extinction. You can take it if you have symptoms, but it’s also an excellent supplement to use to support your overall health and prevent issues.
