Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on the larvae of insects. When these fungi attack their host, they replace its tissue and sprout long, slender stems that grow outside the host’s body (as in the picture above). The remains of the insect and fungi have been hand-collected, dried and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat fatigue, sickness, kidney disease and low sex drive. Feeling low on energy or need a pre-workout boost? This fungus has a long tradition of being very stimulating — for both energy and the libido.

Supplements and products containing Cordyceps extract have become increasingly popular due to their many purported health benefits. Of the more than 400 species of Cordyceps discovered, two have become the focus of health research: Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris. Much of the research on the health benefits of Cordyceps has been limited to animal or lab studies, so health experts currently can’t draw definitive conclusions about their effects on humans. However, their potential benefits are promising.

Taking cordyceps supplements may boost exercise performance and reduce inflammation. Cordyceps are thought to increase the body’s production of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. This may improve the way your body uses oxygen, especially during exercise. If you are of moderate fitness, it may be of benefit, but it has shown little to no improvement in the performance of well-trained athletes. Cordyceps may also hold anti-aging potential with its high antioxidant content. The elderly have traditionally used Cordyceps to reduce fatigue and boost strength and sex drive. And there have been promising findings that Cordyceps slows the growth of tumors and may also reverse the side effects associated with many forms of cancer therapy. With its unique sugars Cordyceps may also be helpful in treating type 2 diabetes.

I have been taking a daily Cordyceps supplement of 1000 mg of C. sinensis for about a year, along with supplements of tumeric with black pepper and drinking copious amounts of chaga tea. Suggested dosages range up to 3000 mg per day. It is hard to conclude to the benefits of any particular regimen, however, in general it is clear to me that my overall sense of well being has improved, with better energy levels and less need of sleep. Most interesting to me has been the complete subsidence of a progressive case of onset psoriasis that was becoming problematic a year ago. I do credit the fungal and botanical supplements I have been taking with boosting my immune function to restore balance and health to my skin. In conclusion, I believe my life experience and health are indeed enhanced by the addition of these, so certainly plan to continue with all three.