Cordyceps - Fantastic Fungi

Fungi – they’ve been around since the beginning of time, but apart from making a delicious topping on toast for breakfast or adding them to a tasty stir-fry, do we really understand and appreciate the power of these substances?

Mushrooms have been used for centuries to support human health, from cognition and memory to energy and stamina, sleep and cardiovascular support, liver health and gut microbiome. One thing they all have in common is that certain beneficial mycelium and the fruit body (mushrooms) have been shown to support an engaged immune response.

Cordyceps is one of the most prized and therapeutically active medical plants in Chinese medicine. It is regularly used to treat bronchial inflammation, respiratory conditions, liver and kidney disorders and for its anti-bacterial and immune enhancing properties. It has also been traditionally recommended for sexual function and drive, fertilisation and menopausal symptoms.

Studies have shown it supports the endocrine system, providing antioxidant, anti-aging and hypolipidemic activity. Cordyceps contains a special type of sugar that may help those with diabetes as it can keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range by mimicking the action of insulin.

Japanese researchers have found that cordyceps can dilate the aorta by as much as 40% under stress, enabling increased blood flow to muscles, thus causing a significant improvement in endurance. It can also improve the way the body uses oxygen and helps increase ATP for delivery of energy to the muscles – ideal for optimal exercise performance.

As you can see why Cordyceps is a extremely valued fungi. Researchers report that those who take Cordyceps feel calm, stronger, can combat fatigue, are more energetic and can recover from illness faster.