14 Traditional Uses of Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that grows on insect larvae. These fungi attack the host and replace tissue and then grow long stems that can grow outside the host body. But what most people do not realize is that it has been used as a treatment for various conditions in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 1000 years.

It is just now becoming well known in the United States and is added to various supplements and products. There are a number of conditions that cordyceps treats as well as some pretty important health benefits. There are just two of the over 400 species of cordyceps that are actually beneficial, so you want to make sure that you are using Cordyceps Sinensis and Cordyceps militaris. Most of the time, you do not worry about this as legitimate supplement companies will be using one of these two strains.

1. Cordyceps Manages Type II Diabetes

One of the things that these fungi have been known to treat is type II diabetes. That’s because cordyceps contains a special type of sugar that can help to balance blood sugar and insulin levels within the body. Diabetes happens because the body is not able to produce enough insulin that converts sugar into energy.

When your body does not produce enough insulin, then glucose is not converted and there’s too much in the blood – a condition known as high blood sugar. Diabetes is an extremely serious illness that should be managed by your primary care provider and you will want to consult with your doctor before you stop using any medication that they are prescribed or try something else to manage type II diabetes. This includes cordyceps. However, there has been some fascinating research that shows that cordyceps may maintain blood sugar levels and a healthy range by working the same way the insulin does.