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What is
Cordyceps?
Cordyceps is actually a
type of fungus (just like mushroom). It’s Chinese name, when
translated literally, means “Winter Worm and Summer Grass”. In
winter, it attaches itself onto the body of Helpilus Armoricans
worm (a type of moth), propagates and derives nutrients from it
until the worm dies. This is called winter worm. In summer, when
the temperature warms up, the spore develops into fungal stroma,
and looks like grass, thus the name Summer grass. Cordyceps has
long been the privileges of the Emperors and the rich and
powerful.
Cordyceps
are extremely unique, rare, and treasured plants utilised within
herbal medicine. Used for nearly 2000 years in traditional Chinese
medicine (TCM), the Cordyceps fungus has been found to be very
effective in helping with circulatory, respiratory, and immune
system problems.
- In
ancient China, Cordyceps was highly recommended as one of the most
effective medicines for all illnesses. Due to its anti-aging and
cure-all properties, it can be compared to ginseng, reishi and deer
velvet.
- In
general, Cordyceps is a vitally active ingredient that helps build
strength, assists efficient organ functioning, strengthens the
immune system.
From Qing
Dynasty (1644 AD), Cordyceps was seen as a “Precious and
Miraculous” herb. In “New Herbalism” (1757) it was documented to
“Tonify the lungs and benefit the kidneys, ceases bleeding and
resolve phlegm”.
Modern
studies on Cordyceps and analysis of its active constituents have
resulted in a lot of excitements and interests in this herb.
Japanese regard Cordyceps as the miracle herb for “improving
constitution, and as the source of vitality for middle aged and
elderly.”
That
is why Cordy Plus is regarded as the best natural healthcare
product.
Advance
Topic:
 Cordyceps for World
Records
As
reported by Newsweek (September 27, 1993),Cordyceps first came
under the spotlight during 1993 when China’s Olympic women’s
running team broke three world records at the World Outdoor Track
Championships in Stuttgart. Puzzlingly, the international governing
body that polices drug violations for track teams could find no
evidence of banned substances. The coach of the team then disclosed
that the secret of the team’s success was Cordyceps.
It was
found that the Cordyceps drinks could help the athletes recover
much faster and also enhance endurance, leading to more vigorous
training and better performance.
In Chinese
medicine, Cordyceps is widely documented and recognised as the herb
that can nourish, tonify and strengthen your body, and as a tonic
to enhance endurance.
Benefit
of Cordyceps:
- Increases
energy level
- Boost
Immune System
- Reduces
the effects of radiation treatment
- Lowers
blood pressure and increases blood supply
- Reduces
asthma and respiratory problems
- Rejuvenates male sex
ability
- Amazing
anti-agar
- Lowers
bad cholesterol
- Makes
other nutrition work better
- Improves
memory
Wild Cordyceps is very rare and extremely
expensive
Cordyceps
is latin meaning “stick like” and sinensis means “from
China”.
Wild
Cordyceps is very rare and there are over 300 types of Cordyceps
spread through out the world. According to researches, around 40
different species of Cordyceps are of medicinal value.
Most of
these are spread in the high prairies 3000 to 5000 metres above sea
level in Si Chuan 四川, Qing Hai青海, Tibet西藏, Yun Nan雲南, and Gui
Zhou貴州 provinces of China. These places are extremely cold with
dramatic weather changes and are extremely difficult to
access.
Therefore
wild Cordyceps are extremely expensive. But due to strong market
demand, some unethical dealer may use other materials as fake
Cordyceps to profit. So please be careful when purchasing wild
Cordyceps.
Major Constituents and
Effects of Cordyceps
The myriad
of active constituents contained in Cordyceps is what makes it so
precious. These include Ribonucleosides, Mannitol, Sterols, organic
acid, polysaccharides, protein, polyamine, amino acids, superoxide
dismutase, dipeptides, vitamins, minerals and trace elements
etc.
Ribonucleoside
compound
These
include Uridine, Uracil, Adenosine and other nucleic acids. These
are essential
components
of our DNA and RNA, and also in the formation of our cells. These
nucleic acids can also regulate nerve conduction, and adrenal gland
secretions. Clinically they are often used to regulate heart, brain
and kidney micro-circulation and overall immune
function.
Cordyceps sinensis
polysaccharides
A lot of
the amazing effects of Cordyceps are found to be due to
polysaccharides. Some of the examples are: regulation and
enhancement of the immune function, regulating spleen’s function,
regulation of glucose metabolism, regulate blood circulation,
promote dermal (skin) cell repair, and promote the formation of red
blood cells.
Mannitol
Also known
as Cordycepin acid. It is an anti-oxidant and free radical
scavenger, and promotes the metabolic process.
Dipeptides
Can
enhance the immune function.
Trace
Elements
Cordyceps
contain around 20 trace elements that are important in maintaining
electrolytes balance and homeostatic environment in our body. One
key trace element is Selenium (Se), which is a well-known
anti-oxidant, and has the effect of enhancing immune function.
There are also vitamins A, B group etc contained within Cordyceps
which are of assistance to regulating the nervous system and
cardiac functions.
Super-oxide
Dismutase
This
enzyme can break down the super-oxide free radicals in our body to
prevent oxidative damages.
 Biochemical analysis of
the medical benefits
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In a number of Chinese clinical studies, primarily in elderly
patients with fatigue, it was noted that Cordyceps-treated patients
reported significant improvements in their level of fatigue,
ability to tolerate cold temperatures, memory retention and body
energy.
•
Recent research has shown that Cordyceps can improve peak
performances during sports, and also has muscle-building
capability.
•
In TCM, Cordyceps has been used to help problems regarding blood
pressure, cardiovascular system. Clinical tests performed at the
Hunan Medical University have shown that Cordyceps is effective in
assisting enhancement of sexual energy.
•
Cordyceps species are sources of biochemicals with interesting and
pharmacological properties, like cordycepin; the anamorph of
Cordyceps subsessilis (Tolypocladium inflatum) was the source of
ciclosporin – a drug helpful in human organ transplants.
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