Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that parasitizes insects or plants and can control their hosts. C. sinensis, used in traditional Asian medicine, attacks caterpillars and is believed to benefit the immune system, liver, kidney, heart, and sexual dysfunction. Consumers should be careful when purchasing Cordyceps mushrooms due to safety concerns and should go to a reputable Chinese herbalist.
Cordyceps is a large fungal genus with about 400 species. This genus is notable for the way it reproduces: fungi parasitize insects or plants, then produce a fruiting body that sprouts directly from the host’s body. As if that weren’t enough, some insect-attacking species are actually capable of controlling their hosts and forcing them to engage in activities that will further the cause of the fungus. In other words, some Cordyceps species are capable of mind control!
The species of this genus, C. sinensis, has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine. This particular member of the Cordyceps genus attacks the caterpillars as they burrow underground, encouraging the caterpillars to stop near the surface so the fungus can put out a fruiting body that will emerge above the ground. The roughly club-shaped mushroom comes from the caterpillar’s head in most cases.
The resulting caterpillar-fungus combination is variously known as semitake, Chinese caterpillar mushroom, vegetable caterpillar, hsia ts’ao tung ch’ung, dong chong xia cao, and yarsha gumba. It is supposed to impart the benefits of vitality and energy, and is used to treat several conditions. In particular, the mushroom is often prescribed to people with sexual dysfunction, especially men, but it is also believed to benefit the immune system, liver, kidney and heart, and is also used to treat bronchial conditions.
Analysis of C. sinensis suggests that the mushroom contains compounds that stimulate T cells in the immune system, which means that some of the uses for this mushroom are not entirely far-fetched. The stimulation of helper cells actually strengthens the immune system, and some of the compounds in the mushroom appear to promote better liver function. Although the mushroom does not act as an aphrodisiac, it also contains chemicals that would also address erectile dysfunction.
Cordyceps mushrooms are available in some Asian markets and health food stores. Consumers should be careful when purchasing this and other substances used in traditional Chinese medicine because regulation and safety enforcement are erratic. Many dried mushrooms can resemble Cordyceps, making it difficult to confirm that you are looking at the right mushroom, and while the mushroom itself does not appear to be toxic, lead-contaminated samples have been found in numerous markets, which is an issue of concern. It is highly recommended that you go to a reputable Chinese herbalist, as you are willing to pay quite a high price.
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