{"id":6090,"date":"2019-04-30T02:48:40","date_gmt":"2019-04-30T02:48:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6090"},"modified":"2021-11-10T13:01:22","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T13:01:22","slug":"14-traditional-uses-of-cordyceps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-traditional-uses-of-cordyceps\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Traditional Uses of Cordyceps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Cordyceps Manages Type II Diabetes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the things that these fungi have been known to treat is type II diabetes. That\u2019s because cordyceps <\/a>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When your body does not produce enough insulin, then glucose is not converted and there\u2019s too much in the blood \u2013 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 insulin does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Cordyceps Can Treat Liver Diseases<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are also some studies that show that cordyceps have a positive impact on liver disease. The main job of the liver is to filter the blood as it comes from the digestive system before it goes out to the rest of the body. Think of the liver as a sort of water filtration plant for your blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It removes all the impurities and things that shouldn\u2019t be in there when your blood passes through the liver. Some of that gets processed and distributed while other substances get removed as waste. But when there is something wrong with your liver, you are not able to process these toxins <\/a>as well as you should be able to and that can cause them to accumulate and create very serious health problems. Cordyceps has been shown to treat liver disease and help protect your liver from damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Cordyceps Can Treat Kidney Diseases<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kidney disease can also see a positive impact from using cordyceps. Your kidneys are also an important filtering system for your body as well. They remove wastes in extra fluid from your body including acid that is produced by the cells and maintain a healthy balance of the water, salts, and minerals that you need like calcium, phosphorus, and potassium <\/a>within the blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, your kidneys also make hormones that control your blood pressure and create new red blood cells as well as keep your bones strong. But when you have kidney disease, then these things do not happen and it can have extremely significant health risks. Those with damaged kidneys often have to go on dialysis as well as a number of hormones in order to maintain the job done by the kidneys. Luckily, cordyceps have actually been shown to keep your kidneys healthy and even treat damaged kidneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Cordyceps Can Treat Cold Symptoms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are certain cold symptoms that can be treated by cordyceps as well. One of the big ones is bronchitis. Bronchitis <\/a>is a fairly common infection that some people get that is marked by deep and very wet coughing. When a person with bronchitis coughs, there\u2019s a great deal of mucus produced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s because this infection goes deeper than a standard cold or flu. Another illness that is similar to bronchitis but much more serious is tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is extremely contagious and its causes are rare these days. But in order to give or sell some extra protection or treat conditions that involve coughing and colds, you may want to try cordyceps because the research has been pretty positive. Researchers have seen significant results when it comes to treating many bronchial infections with cordyceps as well as helping to treat rheumatism as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Cordyceps Has Been Shown to Have Anti-Aging Properties<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some studies have also shown cordyceps to have anti-aging<\/a> properties. In fact, this is an extremely popular natural remedy among the elderly because it does a lot more than anti-aging on the outside; it also has an impact on improving the skin from the inside as well. One of the current theories is that high antioxidant content cordyceps is one of the reasons why they are so effective in anti-aging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These benefits are not just based upon appearance or cosmetics; research conducted on aged mice showed that cordyceps helped improve both memory and sexual function. The antioxidants in cordyceps work to eliminate free radicals which are believed to be the major cause of aging. There is also a great deal of anecdotal evidence that it works really well on humans as well although there has been no research conducted on humans yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Cordyceps May Be Effective Against Tumors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This herb <\/a>has also been shown to be particularly effective against tumors. Cordyceps has been shown to slow the growth of tumors and that\u2019s why a great deal of research has been done in recent years. Researchers believe that this particular fungus may have several ways that it stops or slows the growth of tumors and even reverses them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, in laboratory studies, cordyceps were able to slow the growth of various types of cancer cells from humans including skin cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer. Additional research on mice showed that cordyceps also work on lymphoma, melanoma, and lung cancer extremely effectively. Cordyceps is able to do one additional important task: reverse the side effects that are associated with cancer therapy. One example is the condition where the number of white blood cells decreases and lowers the body\u2019s defenses that are called leukopenia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Cordyceps May Increase Longevity <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cordyceps may also be able to increase longevity in several areas. As previously mentioned, this herb may be able to give people strength including the elderly. This can improve the quality of life for that person, but it can also improve the longevity of that life. One of the reasons the researchers give for this is the production of a molecule called adenosine triphosphate which primarily works delivery energy to the muscles<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike many of the other supplements that are listed here, this one is actually seen in several laboratory tests that were conducted using human subjects. The study showed a significant improvement in V02 which is used to measure fitness levels in human beings. However, cordyceps does have some limitations. It is intended for use by someone who rarely exercises and does not seem to have an impact at all on athletes and those who are already in shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Cordyceps Has Many Fertility Benefits <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a number of fertility benefits that you should be aware of if you are planning on using cordyceps. One of the ways in which this can be used when it comes to fertility is as a female aphrodisiac<\/a>. It doesn\u2019t seem to work as well as a male aphrodisiac, but it does have some pretty significant health benefits for men as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, cordyceps has been shown to treat erectile dysfunction and has fertility benefits for both men and women. You should definitely consider using it if you have any fertility concerns, but make sure that you let your doctor know that you are trying this particular herbal supplement so that you can see if it interacts with any of the other fertility medications or hormones that you are getting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Boosts Exercise and Cardiovascular Performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is convincing evidence showing how Cordyceps mushrooms can improve exercise <\/a>performance in users. Research shows that cordyceps use increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, the essential biological component for delivering energy to the muscular system.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of elevated ATP levels from cordyceps use, it improves how the body uses oxygen. Thus, athletes using cordyceps before exercise help them absorb more oxygen while training, leading to improved endurance and stamina during workouts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A study shows the effects of cordyceps mushroom intake in 30 healthy adults. The study involved the use of 3-grams of cordyceps mushrooms administered one hour before exercise. The study results show that the group eating the mushrooms increased their VO2 max by an average of 7%. That kind of improvement offers a considerable competitive advantage to athletes in any sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also a study of using cordyceps mushrooms as a supplement in teenagers. Using the same 3-gram dose, teenagers increased VO2 max by 11% on average. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Good for Heart Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is research available on the effects of cordyceps mushroom on the cardiovascular system<\/a> and heart health. The mushroom is so effective in boosting heart health that it’s a standard remedy issued in Chine for resolving issues like arrhythmia and palpitations in affected individuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another study also shows that cordyceps mushrooms given to rats with chronic kidney disease reduce a heart attack risk. Since kidney failure is a leading cause of heart attacks, it’s interesting to know that cordyceps could potentially protect against a cardiac event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers attribute the protective effect on the cardiovascular system to the presence of Adenosine in the cordyceps mushroom. This naturally-occurring compound provides the heart with protective benefits. Adenosine also has potential benefits for reducing LDL cholesterol in your blood while boosting heart-friendly HDL cholesterol levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The use of cordyceps mushroom in mice also dropped overall triglyceride levels and the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Lower cholesterol levels lead to better heart health and longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Reduces Inflammation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cordyceps mushroom <\/a>also provides a potent anti-inflammatory effect on the body. While we need some inflammation to aid in athletic recovery, too much inflammation slows the process. Too much systemic inflammation in your body can lead to adverse health events like heart attacks. Keeping inflammation to a minimum is good for your heart and your health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consuming 3-grams of cordyceps mushrooms each day helps to increase levels of inflammation-fighting particles in your bloodstream. Cordyceps have a potent anti-inflammatory effect across the body that reduces levels of systemic inflammation. The effect starts in the digestive system, preventing digestive inflammation from expanding the intestinal wall, stopping inflammatory particles from escaping the digestive system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The anti-inflammatory effect also helps the muscular and nervous systems clear stress and free radicals from the body, removing anxiety feelings. Regular use of cordyceps mushrooms can help people deal with the stress and tension they receive while assisting them in balancing their moods and enhancing cognitive function.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Do Manufacture Cordyceps Mushroom Supplements Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It’s challenging to grow cordyceps mushrooms. In the wild, they thrive on the back of caterpillars in the forested regions of Asia. They are a rare mushroom and hard to find. Fortunately, science understands how to grow these mushrooms in an artificial environment. Today, there are dozens of wellness and fitness supplement brands retailing cordyceps mushrooms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the challenging nature of growing the original cordyceps mushroom, supplement manufacturers develop another version known as “Cordyceps CS-4.” This mushroom has all the beneficial health properties of the original cordyceps, but it’s easier to grow in artificial conditions. As a result, supplement manufacturers don’t have to spend a fortune sourcing original cordyceps mushrooms for supplement products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When shopping for your cordyceps mushroom supplement, ensure that the manufacturing brand adheres to the NSF International (NSF) or United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards. These third-party testing organizations safeguard the purity of the mushrooms you receive in your supplement<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. What Is the Traditional Dosage of Cordyceps Mushrooms?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cordyceps mushrooms produce a potent effect during use, and most athletes swear they can feel the difference in their workouts<\/a>. Adding cordyceps mushrooms into your supplement schedule increase your performance by upping your stamina and endurance in the gym or on the sports field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cordyceps mushrooms are the ideal supplement to add to your workout protocol if you’re a runner, track athlete, MMA fighter, or cyclist. The mushrooms’ compounds help increase oxygen consumption, making you last longer at your chosen activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are no official guidelines for dosing mushrooms. However, most supplement brands recommend taking around one to three grams daily. Joe Rogan, the world’s most famous podcaster, recommends using cordyceps mushrooms in training. He states that he uses up to 5 to 7-grams of mushrooms in his training sessions. Joe reckons that the mushrooms give him more stamina and the ability to complete longer workouts at higher intensity levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Does Consuming Cordyceps Mushroom Produce Side Effects?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might have some concerns about running dosages as high as Joe Rogan. However, there is no evidence or reported side effects of over-consuming cordyceps mushrooms. Unlike some other mushroom species, cordyceps do not create any toxic effect on the body. They don’t elevate liver enzymes<\/a>, and they’re safe to use before every training session. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it’s important to note that the cordyceps is a specialist mushroom with a specific purpose. Trying to use other mushrooms to get the same training effect won’t work for you. Different mushroom varieties don’t have the same amount of the critical component Adenosine to elevate VO2 max levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cordyceps mushrooms have an extensive history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, and they still provide an effective treatment for many ailments today. The Chinese government even went as far as to approve  Cordyceps C-4 mushrooms for treatments in hospital settings. The non-toxic effect of mushrooms makes it safe for doctors to recommend to patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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