Cordyceps

Other Names of Cordyceps: Cordyceps sinensis, yarsha gumba, summer herb, winter worm and caterpillar fungus

Useful parts of the plant: All parts of the mushroom are useful, especially the grass part which happens to be the fruit body

Cordyceps are basically a genus of sac fungi and are a type of mushroom which are known to be available in almost 400 known species and are found growing on the back of caterpillar larvae. These mushrooms have immense healing properties and are known to help in treatment of a number of diseases. The mushroom grows largely in the Himalayan Mountains of the Tibetan region. Its nutritional properties were first discovered by the local herdsmen when they noticed their cattle getting stronger after consuming these mushrooms.

Nutritional Properties of Cordyceps: With regards to the nutritional information and properties of cordyceps, this herb is known to contain nucleosides such as uracil, inosine, uridine which are required for the production of RNA, DNA as well as other such biological molecules. Additionally, cordyceps are also known to be rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E, K, B complex, proteins, sterols, and fatty acids.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses

Cordyceps are known to be effective against liver problems as research has shown that they have the ability to alter the levels of T lymphocyte subsets and are also effective in treating hepatic fibrosis. Hence cordyceps are used as a natural herbal remedy for those who are diagnosed with liver fibrosis.

Another one of the health benefits of cordyceps is that it is also known to act as a supplementary treatment for diabetes. This is mainly on account of the presence of a particular polysaccharide which is known to be a strong antioxidant that is known to have blood glucose lowering effects. The polysaccharide present in cordyceps helps to improve the metabolism of glucose and increase the sensitivity of insulin. This in turn is known to be helpful in controlling the diabetes.

Health benefits and therapeutic uses of cordyceps also include it being used for the natural treatment of certain cancers.

The regular administration of cordyceps is also known to be beneficial to the kidneys and the lungs as it strengthens them and also increases their overall vitality. This is achieved because cordyceps help in increasing the circulation of blood to various parts of the body thereby enhancing their performance.

Cordyceps are also known to be used regularly by sportsmen as they promote cellular formation on account of their antioxidant properties. They are known to minimize the fatigue in the body by reducing anxiety, promoting good quality sleep and also by soothing the overall nervous system of the individual.

Another one of the medicinal uses of cordyceps is that it is used as an herbal remedy for various diseases that are related to the blood vessels in the brain and also coronary heart disease.

As part of the therapeutic uses, cordyceps are also known to improve as well as maintain good health of the respiratory system as it has anti-inflammatory properties and tends to relax the bronchial walls thereby enabling the individual to fight against asthma , cough and chronic bronchitis.

Other Uses

Some of the other uses of cordyceps are that it is known to stimulate the sex hormones which in turn enhance sexual performance and in some cases it is also known to be effective against infertility. Cordyceps are also known to have anti-aging properties and act as a diuretic. Cordyceps are recommended to those undergoing treatment for various types of cancers as they are known to control the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Overall, the use of cordyceps is known to be relatively safe and without any side effects. However, like any other herbal remedy, you should always consult your doctor before taking up a herbal treatment which is mostly true in the case of those who are already consuming medication , children as well as pregnant women.