Cordyceps: what makes the mushroom unique? Description of useful properties

Eastern medicine is famous for its extraordinary approach and impressive effectiveness. It would not be a bad idea for our compatriots to borrow the experience of Chinese healers. For example, it is useful to adopt their knowledge of natural products.

The Chinese have known the medicinal cordyceps mushroom for more than 5,000 years. Its mycelium has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Modern technologies make it possible to produce dietary supplements based on this substance. Taking capsules is a component of complex therapy for many diseases. What effect does Cordyceps have on the human body? When are there indications for use and can dietary supplements cause harm? It is precisely these questions that we will address.

Extraordinary Chinese mushroom

Cordyceps belongs to the genus of ergot fungi. Essentially it is a parasitic fungus. Its spores attach to the body of insects, turning them into mummies. Most often, spores cling to caterpillars. Gradually they penetrate inside. And then they grow through the respiratory tract. Naturally, the caterpillar itself dies.

There are many varieties of this mushroom. However, only Chinese can be useful for a person. Others are extremely hazardous to health.

The medicinal properties of cordyceps are usually used as an addition to the main course of therapy. However, in many cases, taking a dietary supplement can solve quite serious health problems on its own.

Now Foods, Cordyceps, 750 mg, 90 Capsules

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About the cordyceps mushroom

Cordyceps is a mushroom from the ergot family. There are about four hundred subspecies in total, but only cordyceps has medicinal properties and is considered beneficial to health. The fungus is a parasite. Its spores, falling on an insect (caterpillar, butterfly, ant), are able to grow in it, mummifying it. Not only the mushroom is equally useful for humans, but also the insects that die from its effects. Cordyceps adapts well to its environment. Distributed in the northwestern regions of China. It grows in mountainous areas at an altitude of 6.5 thousand meters above the ground.

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Anastasia Rodionova

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Cordyceps mushroom has a specific and unique composition, thanks to which it successfully cures many diseases. It contains vitamins and microelements. Among them stands out: beta-carotene, vitamin groups E and B, coenzyme Q10. It contains fatty acids, polysaccharides, and phospholipids. Microelements include zinc, iron, manganese, calcium, selenium, and magnesium. Contains a mushroom and the strongest natural antibiotic - cordycepin, which helps fight many inflammatory processes in the body.

Related species

Cordyceps gray-ash is an inedible parasitic mushroom. Its fruit body is rigid, curved, with an oval or round head. The color of the fruit body is gray-brown or black-brown. Head with yellowish pimples. Cordyceps gray-ash grows on insect larvae, as well as on soil. Occurs singly, but can also be found in small groups. Fruits from summer to autumn.

Cordyceps militaris is also inedible. The shape of the fruiting body is fusiform, ellipsoidal or club-shaped. The leg is cylindrical. The color of the fruit body is orange, and the legs are almost white. The pulp is fibrous, whitish in color. Cordyceps militaris grows on pupae buried in the soil. They bear fruit from June to October.

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Impact on the human body

The dietary supplement containing cordyceps extract has the following effects:

• strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
• prevents thrombosis;
• takes part in the process of hematopoiesis;
• prevents the increase in bad cholesterol;
• improves brain function;
• stimulates immune function;
• promotes the removal of radionuclides;
• eliminates heavy metal salts from the body;
• inhibits the growth of cancer cells and prevents their appearance;
• stops inflammatory processes;
• alleviates the manifestations of allergic reactions;
• restores tissue of internal organs.

Beneficial properties of Cordyceps

The following medicinal properties of cordyceps are distinguished:

• harmful effects on pathogenic organisms;
• ability to destroy viruses and viral infections;
• bactericidal properties;
• the ability to relieve the inflammatory effect;
• removal of toxins;
• providing the body with antioxidants;
• combating allergic reactions;
• improving muscle tone;
• accelerating the recovery process after surgery or long-term illnesses;
• assistance in regaining strength after mental and physical labor;
• removal of heavy metals, toxins and radionuclides;
• positive effect on the condition of the heart muscle and blood vessels;
• normalization of cholesterol levels;
• the ability to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, stimulate brain function;
• improvement of the metabolic process;
• the ability to resolve blood clots and prevent the formation of new ones;
• ability to dissolve kidney stones;
• stimulation of bone marrow;
• positive effect on skin, hair and nail plates;
• improving the condition of the visual organs;
• treatment of oncological diseases;
• providing a general strengthening effect;
• improvement of immunity;
• fight against depression and insomnia.

Properties of the mushroom

What properties does Cordyceps have that determine such a wide range of its effects on the human body? Effects of the mycelium of this mushroom:

1. anti-inflammatory;
2. antitoxic;
3. rejuvenating;
4. antioxidant;
5. protective;
6. regulatory;
7. immunostimulating;
8. antiallergic;
9. regenerating;
10. antidepressant.

In Chinese folk medicine, not only the parasitic mushroom is used, but also the bodies of mummified insects. They are even included in many local dishes. Of course, eating such food is a novelty for Russian people. It is much easier to buy cordyceps supplement, which has all the beneficial properties of the mycelium of the Chinese mushroom.

General characteristics of Cordyceps

The cordyceps mushroom was first discovered on the slopes of the Tibetan mountains. Nowadays, it is most widespread in the Middle Kingdom. There they learned not only to cultivate it, but also adapted it for a variety of uses. Cordyceps is most widespread in the provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai and Jilin.

Parasitic mushrooms especially like generously fertilized soils. The most comfortable habitat for it is the slopes of mountains (at an altitude of 6500 meters above sea level). Cordyceps is not afraid of low temperatures, it is not prone to oxygen starvation, and the fungus can easily adapt to a wide variety of conditions.

Sometimes the mushroom can be found not on the slopes of the mountains, but at their foot, but local residents claim that only those individuals that grow on the slopes of the mountains are useful. They have a vaunted list of medicinal effects.

Thus, the spores of the parasitic fungus are carried by wind currents and end up in the bodies of caterpillars that have fallen to the ground. The spores develop to form a fungal body right inside the insect, thereby killing it. The development cycle takes place during the cold season - late autumn - early winter. In spring, a mushroom stem and a rounded cap are formed. Then the cycle repeats: the fungus releases spores again and spreads them further.

Moth infected with cordyceps spores

More than 350 species of fungi and insects associated with Cordyceps are known in nature. The most popular variety of mushroom is the caterpillar one. The next most popular is the “zombie ant,” which releases chemicals that control the behavior of insects.

This variety of mushroom is very expensive because it is very rare - not everyone can afford the full course of using the supplement. This is the most expensive mushroom in the world. Wholesale prices in China reach 20 thousand dollars per kilogram.

When should you add cordyceps?

To date, there are no indisputable research results regarding the effectiveness of Cordyceps. But practice shows that taking the appropriate dietary supplement helps get rid of a number of diseases.

Cordyceps has the following indications for use:

cardiovascular diseases;

1. thrombosis;
2. cirrhosis of the liver;
3. oncology;
4. hepatitis;
5. pneumonia;
6. bronchitis;
7. asthma;
8. tuberculosis;
9. diabetes.

Many doctors have found the use of the drug Cordyceps effective in the fight against the above diseases. Doctors tend to combine the concepts of cordyceps and oncology, since there are known cases of successful cure for cancer with a concomitant course of this dietary supplement.

Doctor's Best, Ultra Cordyceps Plus, 60 Capsules

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People with low immunity should pay attention to this dietary supplement. Patients who often suffer from colds and viral diseases note a significant improvement in their health after taking the capsules.

The completed treatment is an opportunity to cleanse blood vessels and also avoid disruptions in the functioning of the heart. Dietary supplements undoubtedly have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. This includes preventing vascular blockage, improving blood composition, and supporting the heart muscle.

Cordyceps also effectively copes with respiratory problems. Doctors may prescribe a drug to help relieve mucus. Even the most severe coughing attacks gradually disappear thanks to a course of this dietary supplement. And the components of the mushroom help restore damaged cells of the lungs and bronchi.

In addition, cordyceps is a natural antioxidant. It is appropriate to use it to improve skin condition. The benefits for the face are enormous. Firstly, the skin is rejuvenated under the influence of the active substances that make up Cordyceps. Secondly, the complexion improves, the skin takes on a healthy appearance.

MRM, Cordyceps, strain CS-4, 60 capsules

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Medicinal properties

As noted, the safety of Cordyceps in humans has not yet been studied. However, a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine suggests that they are non-toxic. Since 1964, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia has officially registered the drug Cordyceps sinensis as a herbal preparation. C. sinensis, known in Chinese as Dongchongxiacao (summer winterworm herb), is one of the most famous traditional Chinese medicinal mushrooms. In fact, the Chinese government has approved the use of Cordyceps CS-4 in hospitals and recognizes it as a safe, natural product with the following properties:

• normalizes immunity;
• removes inflammatory processes in the body;
• fights infectious and viral diseases (for example, influenza, acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections, colds, etc.);
• cleanses the blood;
• is a means of preventing cancer;
• eliminates the problem of narrowing of blood vessels;
• normalizes blood sugar and cholesterol levels;
• helps normalize liver function;
• cleanses the blood of waste and toxins, evens out the blood formula;
• has proven itself as a means of combating fungal diseases (including thrush in men and women).

Preparations with cordyceps

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Indications for use

Cordyceps, used in Chinese medicine for more than several thousand years, is currently recommended for use as part of complex therapy for the following diseases:

• Diseases of the genitourinary system - cystitis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, colpitis, endometritis, impotence, dysmenorrhea, pollution, uterine bleeding;
• Chlamydia, anaplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex;
• Liver lesions - hepatitis, cirrhosis, to activate metabolism in liver cells;
• Respiratory diseases - bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis;
• Disorders of the cardiovascular system - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, ischemia, coronary sclerosis, arrhythmia, threat of thrombosis;
• Blood diseases - thrombocytopenic purpura.
• Organ transplantation – Cordyceps is used as an immunomodulator to reduce the body’s rejection of a transplanted organ;
• Autoimmune processes;
• Excessive physical, mental and nervous stress;
• Stressful situations.

And also Cordyceps, according to the instructions, can be prescribed as an addition to the main treatment of benign and malignant neoplasms. Dietary supplements are used as a means of suppressing the tumor focus, helping to reduce intoxication and reduce adverse reactions of radiotherapy. For preventive purposes, Cordyceps is traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a general tonic that helps increase the body's defenses:

• If you have problems with the immune system (frequent colds, viral diseases or decreased tone);
• Cordyceps Tianshi is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of neoplasms of any nature (recommended for oncology: leukemia, melanoma, adenoma, polyps, cysts and other neoplasms);
• to strengthen the immune system and reduce the negative consequences of chemotherapy and radiotherapy courses (before and during procedures);
• with increased physical activity;
• for sinusitis, otitis media and purulent tonsillitis;
• with an unstable psycho-emotional background, increased psychological stress;
• for problems with sleep and excessive arousal;
• for viral diseases: influenza, herpes, hepatitis C and hepatitis B;
• for diseases of the genitourinary system (chlamydia, pyelonephritis, urethritis, prostatitis and cystitis), it is necessary to undergo a recovery course using the drug Tianshi capsules Cordyceps Sinensiss;
• for liver problems (chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis);
• for problems with the cardiovascular system (including hypertension, for the treatment and prevention of stroke/heart attack);
• for blood diseases (including blood formula disorders);
• for problems with the respiratory system (bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, etc.).

Pharmacological properties

Cordyceps is well known in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for centuries to treat many ailments. Although cordyceps mushroom shows promise in many areas, little has been studied about its effects in humans. Thus, more research is needed before experts can provide specific descriptions of pharmacological properties. Animal and laboratory studies show that cordyceps can improve heart health and fight inflammation, cancer, diabetes and aging. However, the results obtained cannot be generalized to humans. However, human studies have been conducted on the effects of cordyceps on exercise performance. Mushrooms have been found to potentially increase energy and oxygen consumption during exercise.

There is currently no consensus on the dosage people should take to reap its potential health benefits or how safe it is. If you decide to take a Cordyceps supplement, make sure you purchase the supplement from a reputable manufacturer and follow their directions for use. Preparations with cordyceps mycelium are not medicine. They are created as a dietary supplement to the daily diet.

Contraindications to the use of Cordyceps

Cordyceps mycelium will not be beneficial if contraindications are not taken into account. Failure to comply with prohibitions is quite risky. In what cases should you give up dietary supplements?

• with individual intolerance;
• during pregnancy;
• during lactation;
• children under 12 years old.

There are no other restrictions on taking capsules. But you should still consult with your doctor about the upcoming course.

Fungi Perfecti, Host Defense, Cordyceps, 120 Capsules

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Where to buy cordyceps and how much does it cost?

The cost of cordyceps and medicines of various forms based on it varies from 3 to 4 thousand rubles. The drugs sold in domestic pharmacies have undergone relevant scientific research in clinics in China, America and Japan, which means they are completely safe for the human body.

The shelf life of encapsulated cordyceps is always indicated on the bottle: it is usually 2 years from the date of release of the drug. Liquid cordyceps retains its medicinal properties for one and a half years.

You can purchase it both online and in regular pharmacies.

The role of the constituent substances

What is the secret of the versatile effects of Cordyceps on humans? After analyzing all the components, you can understand that there is nothing surprising in such versatility. The composition contains many substances beneficial to the body.

Vitamin A (beta-carotene)

Powerful antioxidant. Is a participant in redox processes. Normalizes metabolism. Participates in the formation of bone tissue. Increases immunity. Protects against ARVI. It has a rejuvenating effect and also prevents the early manifestations of old age. It is thanks to vitamin A that the phrase cordyceps and oncology is possible. After all, beta-carotene, which is part of the mushroom, is an effective remedy against cancer.

B vitamins

Increase stress resistance and strengthen the nervous system. They have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the stomach. Control blood glucose levels. That is why it is useful to take Cordyceps for diabetes. Also, vitamins of this group participate in metabolic processes occurring at the cellular level.

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Prevents early age-related changes. Promotes tissue regeneration processes. Has a beneficial effect on reproductive function. Prevents the formation of blood clots and strengthens blood vessels. Normalizes blood pressure. Improves blood clotting. Stimulates blood circulation. Vitamin E allows the use of cordyceps for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Also, its presence is no less important than the presence of beta-carotene in terms of cancer prevention. Tocopherol also improves the condition of patients with diabetes.

Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone, coenzyme)

Provides cells with energy. Has an antioxidant effect. Acts as an antiallergen. Increases the body's defenses. Ubiquinone plays a special role in the treatment of many diseases. For example, it is used for heart failure, cardiac ischemia, cirrhosis, hepatitis, diabetes and many other serious diseases. Coenzyme Q10 is also used as an oncoprotective agent. In addition, this substance can be useful for the face, as it has a rejuvenating effect on the skin.

Fatty acid

Participants in various vital processes occurring in the body. Reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. A lack of fatty acids can lead to complications such as heart disease. Fatty acids are also extremely important for skin health.

Phospholipids

This is a source of phosphoric acid, without which a person cannot live. They are an integral part of cell membranes. They take part in the transportation of various substances.

Polysaccharides

Improves the digestion process. They are a source of energy. They have an effect on blood cholesterol levels.

Antibiotic cordycepin

Killer effect on pathogenic microorganisms.

Manganese

Needed for bone and connective tissues. Stimulates the production of a hormone necessary for the thyroid gland. Does not allow fats to be deposited in the liver. Important for the health of the nervous system. Takes part in metabolic processes. Promotes wound healing. Increases immunity.

Zinc

Prevents the development of diabetes. Essential for bones, hair, skin. Increases mental abilities. Zinc deficiency can cause gastrointestinal upset. A deficiency also leads to increased fatigue and memory impairment.

Calcium

Has an effect on the ability of muscles to contract. A necessary element for the central nervous system. Participates in the synthesis of hormones and enzymes. Lack of calcium leads to increased bone fragility, decreased immunity and pressure surges.

Iron

Participant in redox reactions. Part of many enzymes. Iron is necessary to prevent anemia. Without a sufficient amount of this element, complete transport of oxygen is impossible. Deficiency affects the condition of the skin, reduces the body's protective function, and provokes attacks of dizziness.

Paradise Herbs, Tibetan Cordyceps, 60 Capsules

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Saturating the body with important vitamins and microelements is the primary task of the Cordyceps dietary supplement. Once in the gastric tract, vital substances are absorbed into the blood and distributed throughout the body, exerting their influence on certain organs and systems.

Nature's Way, Cordyceps, Standardized, 60 Capsules

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Benefits of cordyceps for humans

The active substances in the plant determine its beneficial properties:

1. cordycepin has the ability to suppress the growth of pathogens and reduces the risk of developing malignant tumors;
2. amino acids improve the functioning of the nervous and immune systems, help restore damaged muscle tissue, and normalize hormonal levels;
3. beta-carotene participates in metabolic processes, restores epithelial functions, strengthens the elasticity of blood vessels, and helps fight cancer;
4. tocopherol , being an antioxidant, strengthens the immune system;
5. vitamin B12 supports the functioning of the liver and central nervous system;
6. phospholipids and fatty acids are involved in cell repair processes;
7. polysaccharides stimulate the immune system.

The dietary supplement brings invaluable benefits to the health of the human body. It is enriched with natural antioxidants, which helps stimulate cell metabolism, reducing inflammatory processes.

Cordyceps preparation in capsules

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that lead to various diseases and premature aging. Clinical studies have shown that the nutritional supplement is useful during sports: its use increases the level of energy expended and improves the supply of oxygen to cells during physical activity.

Strengthening the immune system

The drug promotes self-cleansing of the body and increases tone, is a highly effective means for strengthening the immune system and regulating immune reactions. It is considered a natural antibiotic, having the ability to suppress many pathogenic bacteria, including streptococcus, pneumococcus, and staphylococcus.

Cordyceps has a strong anti-inflammatory effect (source), increases the efficiency of the cardiovascular system by dilating blood vessels and improving blood supply to the heart and lungs.

A drug based on cordyceps improves performance. It promotes the secretion of adenosine triphosphate, a substance necessary for the transfer of energy to muscle tissue. As a result, physical performance improves even in older people: general weakness decreases and libido increases.

Help with diabetes

Consuming cordyceps is effective for diabetes! Read more in scientific research: one, two and three.

High blood sugar leads to disastrous health consequences. The active substances that make up the mushroom imitate the action of insulin, maintaining sugar levels within normal limits.

The dietary supplement reduces damage to the mechanism of the heart muscle. The dietary supplement reduces the level of cholesterol and triglycerides, the high content of which leads to diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Hepatoprotector

In liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, its cells are damaged as a result of the inflammatory process and cease to perform functions necessary for the body. With cirrhosis, functional cells gradually die off, being replaced by connective cells.

• Clinical trials have shown that taking Cordyceps for three months results in a reduction in the number of damaged cells and an improvement in disease symptoms.
• This happens because the drug contains the active ingredient cordycepin. Being a natural antibiotic, it inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The inflammation gradually subsides, and the cells begin to recover.
• Cordycepin increases the activity of enzymes in liver tissue, thereby stimulating its work. In addition, the drug prevents relapse of the disease by protecting cells from destruction.

Antitumor effect

The results of clinical studies have shown that the active ingredients of the dietary supplement are promising agents in the treatment of neoplasms. Taking cordyceps can reduce the risk of occurrence and development of cancer. Links to a number of studies: one, two and three.

The polysaccharides included in its composition increase the number of lymphocytes, leukocytes and antibodies in the blood plasma. These cells, in turn, act on the degenerated cells of the malignant tumor, thereby suppressing the main focus of cancer.

Lipid components and cordycepic acid in the dietary supplement destroy free radicals, helping the body's immune system fight changes in cells and prevent new ones.

How to take a nutritional supplement correctly?

Capsules containing cordyceps extract have a specific dosage. It is this indicator that should be used as a starting point when prescribing the number of capsules to be consumed per day. To make it easier for potential consumers to understand, Cordyceps instructions are included.

Basically, the instructions for use recommend drinking 1-2 capsules once or twice a day. There is no fundamental difference in how to take dietary supplements relative to your nutrition schedule. This can be done both before and after meals. The main thing is not to miss the next dose.

Sometimes doctors advise increasing the dosage to 3 capsules at a time for medicinal purposes. However, you can swallow more cordyceps than indicated in the instructions only as prescribed by a specialist.

The duration of the course also depends on the expected result. As a rule, it lasts from 1 to 3 months.

Fungi Perfecti, “Cordyceps military for body protection” from the “Mushrooms for body protection” series, mushroom energy drink based on cordyceps military, 60 capsules in a vegetable shell

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How to drink cordyceps - instructions for use

Oddly enough, this is a rather complex and controversial issue. Out of curiosity, I looked for information about products that I had worked with before and could not understand what the real content of the active substance was in that elixir. It is written that 30 ml contains 70% cordyceps and only 9% water... But I have the impression that something is “not agreed” there.

The elixir was very liquid, the cordyceps mushroom is solid, even when fresh, if you think logically, with 9% water you will get at least a “porridge”, but not a liquid... So the real content of the active ingredient is difficult to determine.

But there the recommended doses ranged from a few drops under the tongue to several 30 ml jars. And micro doses also gave amazing results. Sometimes micro doses were more effective than full doses.

In my practice, there was a unique case of recovery of a boy who had been in an accident. A neighbor brought us a friend who had suffered a tragedy in their family: her son’s 14-year-old adopted son was hit by a minibus, which ran over his head. And now for half a year the boy has been like a vegetable. The doctors said that once he recovered in half a year, he would remain like this for the rest of his life... And they strictly forbade him to self-medicate. The woman was in despair. The family had no money, and cordyceps-based drugs were expensive. But she had nothing to lose, half a year had passed, the boy looked like a living corpse...

We gave her some cordyceps-based drugs, and she began, secretly from everyone, to give the boy micro doses, but regularly. A week later, the boy began to concentrate his eyes for the first time since the accident. Then he started trying to move. A month later he began to try to get up. His adoptive grandmother came running to us and thanked us with tears in her eyes. Then she added cordyceps-based capsules with lingzhi and soy lecithin.

Half a year passed, we no longer saw this woman, the last thing we heard was that the boy began to talk and was trying to walk with assistance. And then my brother was hospitalized with an injury, and there I met a friend whose child was suffering from a brain injury.

I told her the story with that boy. She immediately asked: “He was 14 years old and he got hit by a minibus?” I nodded. She grabbed my hand and dragged me somewhere. It turned out that such a boy was lying with her son in the ward - he was being prepared for the installation of plates. When I saw him, I was shocked. He had dents in his head on both sides, the size of half a large orange... At the same time, he himself walked, slightly dragging his leg, was of sound mind and spoke quite confidently.

I couldn’t believe that it was the same boy and started questioning: “Tell me, did your grandmother secretly give you a strange liquid to drink, and then capsules?” His eyes brightened and he fell at his feet and began to thank me for giving all this to his grandmother. For giving him back his life. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life... And this is what Cordyceps can do, even when given in micro doses.

Where to buy Cordyceps dietary supplement?

Cordyceps mycelium in capsules is not found in pharmacies. You can only buy such a product via the Internet. To avoid counterfeits, it is better to order through the official website of the selected manufacturer or on iHerb. Just fill out a special form and wait for the parcel.

Purchasing Cordyceps dietary supplement is an opportunity to get rid of many health problems. Medicines are not always needed to improve the condition of the body. Sometimes taking a dietary supplement is much healthier, safer and even more effective.

Applications of Cordyceps

The mushroom is not eaten as food; its main area of ​​application is medicine. It helps with problems with the heart and blood vessels, diseases of the respiratory system, problems with the genitourinary system, sexual impotence, pain in the lumbar region, liver diseases, blood diseases and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatism, as well as malignant neoplasms of various organs. Cordyceps is used to detoxify the body at various stages of chronic poisoning, during heavy drug therapy and when living in radioactive zones. The mushroom allows you to alleviate the condition of the body during transplantation, helps with premature aging and fading of the skin.

Cordyceps in cosmetology

The unique aspects of this unusual mushroom are widely used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. The ability of cordyceps to stimulate the production of collagen, give the skin elasticity, nourish it, and maintain the elasticity of the epidermis is reflected in Batel cosmetics, where there is a whole series with this “miracle of Tibet.”

Cordycepin, an important component of cordyceps, restores damaged tissue and has powerful antioxidant properties. The Batel product line with cordyceps extract includes the following creams: For hands and feet, Softening nourishing, smoothing for face and neck, tightening, smoothing for face and neck, anti-wrinkle. Mask and Shampoo to increase hair thickness, Cleansing and rejuvenating peeling.

What is cordyceps

Cordyceps is a unique phenomenon in the mushroom kingdom. In appearance and development cycle, it rather resembles an insect, but according to scientific classification it belongs to the ergot genus. This so-called “caterpillar” parasitic fungus is found only in a limited number of natural areas. The most common habitats for its growth are the foothills and mountains of China. For this reason, cordyceps is also called Chinese cordyceps.

Between flora and fauna

The fungus has a unique development cycle: it reproduces by parasitizing insects. Most often, its “hosts” are butterfly caterpillars. Mature cordyceps can wait a long time for the caterpillar to appear on the surface of the earth. When she finds herself in the “affected zone,” the fungus shoots spores in her direction: falling on the body of the future host, they penetrate under the outer shell, and then into the tissues of all internal organs of the caterpillar.

Before the onset of cold weather, the spores do not manifest themselves in any way: the infected “host” feeds and grows in the same way as healthy larvae. When it's time to hibernate, the caterpillar burrows into the ground. However, she is no longer destined to turn into a butterfly - from the cordyceps spores that have penetrated her body, mycelium will sprout in winter and the caterpillar will die, becoming a breeding ground for the mycelium.

In the summer, a long stem of a fruiting body will sprout from the head of the host and a long, two-year period of ripening of the mushroom will begin. During the entire time that the “embryo” of this amazing creature is underground, it absorbs many useful components and compounds. In this case, the mushroom actually becomes one with the larva. This is how the unique composition of cordyceps is formed, making it one of the most powerful and expensive drugs in Chinese medicine.

This is interesting. Substances secreted by Cordyceps mummify the caterpillar - it does not rot, completely retaining its appearance. Thanks to this unique feature of the active substances of the fungus, it is used in medicine to slow down and stop the process of tissue necrosis.

Cordyceps price

The cost of a natural drug is high, beware of cheap counterfeits. Average prices for dietary supplements in Moscow pharmacies:

Name of point of sale	Packaging cost in rubles
	Capsules 90 pieces	Cordyceps extract liquid (30 ml)
Live200	2461	2390
Tianshi	1650	2156
Maydik	2110	1936
Doctor Stoletov	2515	2500
Mosapteka	2590	2475

Reviews about taking medicines based on cordyceps

On the Internet you can come across a large number of laudatory reviews about the supplement in question. People note that with regular use of medicines based on cordyceps, immunity increases - complaints about colds become several times less, this is especially noticeable during seasonal epidemics. Patients taking medications say that they really work: the mushroom helps with a variety of diseases. Some say that regularly taking supplements can lead to insomnia. There are also descriptions of fatal cases, so you should consult your doctor before taking Cordyceps.

So, Grigory writes: “I took Cordyceps to increase immunity, drank large packs all summer. As a result, common seasonal diseases were avoided.”

Alexander says that he used cordyceps to treat the respiratory system. I took 2 capsules per day - morning and evening. All problems went away, my health improved.

Cordyceps preparations

Today, Chinese medicine produces many medicines based on medicinal mushrooms, so it is not surprising that many are interested in the question: which brand of cordyceps is better?

Let us immediately note that bona fide suppliers of Chinese medicines do not offer bad drugs. However, there is still a better manufacturer among them. This is the Chinese market leader in the field of biotechnology - transnational.