Posted on 15th Jun 2011 @ 1:26 PM

Cordyceps are an unusual mushroom that can only grow under certain circumstances in the wild. Originally from China, Cordyceps have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years.  

The listed health benefits of Cordyceps are the results of the numerous Chinese trials of Cordyceps mushroom supplements.

• Enhancing and strengthening of the immune system. Cordyceps is supposed to increase the number of the Natural Killer Cells, which are responsible for the body defense against viruses and bacteria. Some trials show that the fungus works effectively in the leukemia stricken individuals.
• Improving sexual function in men and increasing libido by stimulating the production of sex hormones. Cordyceps may also be a means for fighting female infertility.
• Building muscles and improving physical performance. Those Chinese athletes, who use Cordyceps, tend to show better results than the other sportsmen.
• Providing anti-aging and fatigue reducing effects. The fungus works as an antioxidant and increases cellular formation, especially in the elderly patients. It also promotes more restful sleep, soothes the nervous system, and reduces anxiety, thus working as a sedative.
• Improving the respiratory function. Cordyceps shows good results in fighting against cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma, since it relaxes bronchial walls and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Enhancing cellular oxygen uptake. This benefits all the body systems, giving them more energy and vitality.
• Benefiting the vascular system by improving circulation, regulating blood pressure, and strengthening the heart muscle.
• Protecting liver and kidneys. Cordyceps improves blood flow to these organs (as well as to the others), which results in their better activity and ability to fight the diseases, including Hepatitis and chronic kidney disease.

Western Medicine is just starting to recognise the benefits of Cordyceps and medicinal mushrooms in general. Someday these mushrooms that have been used for milenia in the East will become commonly used in the West. 

Learn more about Cordyceps.