Chinese Cordyceps fungus (Codonopsis pilosula)

Actions: Adaptogen, tonic, immune stimulant, restorative.

Common Uses: Caterpillar fungus or Winter Worm - Summer Grass, those are the common names used for the highly prized Chinese tonic herb Cordyceps, which gained national publicity in a mainstream publication (Newsweek) a few years back because of its use by Chinese women athletes engaged in breaking world running records. In ancient China this fungus was used exclusively in the Emperor's Palace because of its scarcity. Approximately 5 grams were stuffed into the stomach of a duck and roasted until well cooked, then the Cordyceps was removed and the duck was slowly eaten, twice daily over a period of 8-10 days, this was thought to be as potent as 50 grams of Panax Ginseng. The New York Journal of Medicine reported that Cordyceps has properties similar to Ginseng, being used to strengthen the body after exhaustion or long term illness. It has traditionally been used for impotence, backache, to increase sperm production and to increase blood production. In China, Cordyceps is used medically to regulate and support the gonads and as a lung and kidney tonic. It is used specifically for excess tiredness, chronic cough and asthma, impotence, debility, anemia, to build the bone marrow and reduce excess phlegm. The clinical studies done on Cordyceps in China have been numerous and remarkable, indicating the fungus can improve liver functions, reduce cholesterol, adjust protein metabolism, improve immune functions, and has a therapeutic value in aging disorders including loss of sexual drive. These are just some of the reported benefits attributed to this remarkable fungus. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant. Available in formula only.

Formulas containing this herb:

Catuaba/Fo-ti Plus
Catuaba/Guarana Plus
Damiama Plus
Panax Power Plus
Mai-T Mushroom Plus
SumaFlex Plus
SuMaca Plus
SumaCeps Plus
Yohimbé Plus