Cordyceps fungus belongs to the genus ergot: it parasitizes on insects. When the spores of this fungus fall on an ant, butterfly or caterpillar, their growth and development occurs, as a result of which the insect mummifies. Cordyceps has healthy properties and is able to improve the condition of patients even in severe diseases.
General characteristics
Cordyceps is widely distributed in eastern countries. This is due to the large number of insect species, due to which the fungus receives conditions for development, and natural conditions comfortable for their development. Most fungi develop in caterpillars.
This mushroom has an unusual development cycle. His disputes are located on earth in a calm state. When an insect appears nearby, on whose body cordyceps is capable of developing, spores are attached to its body with the help of papillae. Usually, the development of the fungus occurs in the body of the caterpillar, during its wintering period.
The mycelium of the parasitic fungus grows inside the body of the insect and gradually completely fills its body, literally sucking out all the juices from it. Cordyceps secretes cordycepin, a natural antibiotic, into the body of an insect. Thanks to this, the parasite creates a defense against pathogenic microorganisms.
Under such conditions, the host insect dies, and its body, like a skeleton, becomes a reliable protection of the fungus from bacteria and various injuries.
How the growth of the parasite fungus occurs in the body of the insect is shown in this video:
The appearance of cordyceps is unusual: as it parasitizes, the caterpillar acquires a brownish tint, while the mushroom itself has a saturated brown color. The mushroom grows up. The height of the parasite does not exceed 11-13 cm.
Cordyceps emits a pleasant aroma. It tastes sweetish.
This parasitic fungus has a valuable composition. It contains the following elements:
- vitamins B, C, E, K, PP;
- antioxidants;
- enzymes;
- amino acids;
- coenzymes;
- iron;
- magnesium;
- zinc;
- potassium;
- calcium.
Cordycepin contained in mushrooms deserves special attention. This substance is a powerful antitumor element that also reduces the activity of many viruses, including hepatitis viruses and HIV.
Cordycepsic acid contained in parasitic fungi helps lower blood cholesterol, strengthens ligaments and bones, and reduces intracranial pressure.
Another valuable substance in the composition of cordyceps is adenosine, a high-energy substance. It improves the condition of the skin, makes wrinkles less pronounced, prevents the risk of blood clots and helps to dissolve existing ones.
Scientists have still not determined which area cordyceps belongs to: flora or fauna.
Places of growth
Cordyceps was first discovered in the high mountains of Tibet. It is currently growing in China. In this country, they learned to cultivate it. In China, cordyceps is widely distributed in the provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai, Jilin.
These parasitic fungi love fertilized soils. The preferred habitat of Cordyceps is mountainous regions at an altitude of 6500 m above the ground. Cordyceps is not afraid of low temperatures, does not lack oxygen, and is well adapted to any conditions.
Sometimes this mushroom is also found in the foothills, but the Chinese claim that only those species that grow high above the ground have a full range of medicinal effects.
Useful properties of cordyceps
The Chinese have studied the healing properties of the fungus to the greatest extent. They proved that cordyceps has such valuable properties:
- stimulates blood circulation and favorably affects the composition of the blood;
- restores the supply of strength and energy after increased physical exertion;
- has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- rejuvenates body cells;
- removes toxins from the body;
- has a bactericidal effect;
- restores liver cells;
- protects the body from radiation;
- struggling with infertility;
- contributes to the suppression of cancer cells;
- improves muscle tone;
- normalizes the general well-being of those who suffer from diabetes;
- normalizes liver and kidney function;
- stimulates the functioning of the spleen;
- stimulates the brain;
- restores the functionality of the nervous system;
- accelerates metabolic processes in the body;
- dissolves kidney stones;
- improves the endocrine system;
- lowers blood cholesterol;
- positively affects the condition of nails, skin, hair;
- strengthens potency;
- acts as a natural antibiotic, suppressing many pathogenic microorganisms, including streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, pneumococcus;
- rejuvenates the body;
- promotes resorption of blood clots.
The Chinese believe that the cordyceps mushroom is able to preserve the original Qi energy, which is given to a person at birth, from parents. The initial amount of this energy cannot be increased, but due to the composition of the fungus it can be preserved throughout life.
Also, oriental doctors believe that cordyceps is effective in treating diseases that, from the point of view of traditional medicine, are difficult or not amenable to treatment at all.
They learned about the valuable properties of this fungus by chance: shepherds grazing sheep in the Himalayas began to notice that sheep love grass that looks like mushrooms. Those animals that more often than others ate this grass became more resilient, did not get sick, lived longer than the rest. Rumors began to circulate about the properties of this herb, which gradually reached the Chinese doctors. Since then, work began on the study of the properties of cordyceps.
In Russia, cordyceps does not grow, but it can be purchased as a dietary supplement. Capsules with cordyceps mycelium have a full range of therapeutic effects.
Contraindications
It is impossible to use cordyceps in any form in the presence of certain autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus). In this case, an increase in the body's immune response is possible.
Also, cordyceps should not be given to children under the age of 3 years, used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Means based on this parasite fungus contribute to the leaching of calcium from the body, therefore, during the period of their administration, preparations with the content of this mineral should be used.
Elderly people must strictly observe the dosage when taking drugs based on this fungus.
Methods for growing cordyceps mushroom
Thanks to its valuable properties, cordyceps is highly regarded. Researchers were interested in the possibility of artificial breeding of this fungus, since its large-scale collection is difficult due to its growth in remote mountain regions.
Artificially, cordyceps is grown in the following ways:
- Breeding of the parasite fungus with two separate strains in a medium enriched with rattlesnake venom. When two species of fungi are crossed, a new hybrid strain with high biological activity is born.
- Germination of cordyceps mycelium. The necessary conditions for this are ambient lighting and a temperature in the range of + 20-22 degrees. Under such conditions, the mycelium is present for a month, after which it is left in a room that is completely darkened. The air temperature should be +30 degrees.
- Industrial method. In this case, a parasitic fungus with healing properties is grown in a nutrient substrate and create conditions that mimic the natural environment of its growth. In this case, the involvement of caterpillars or other insects is not required. The composition of the nutrient mixture includes millet, sorghum grains, mineral additives. As the fungus develops, up to 96% of the substrate is replaced by cordyceps mycelium.
Growing at home
Cordyceps can also be bred at home. A garden plot is enough for this. It should be in the shade. If there is no personal site, you can plant this mushroom in the basement or shed, in boxes with earth.
To grow cordyceps, you will need the mycelium of this parasite fungus. First you need to mix in equal proportions the usual earth taken from the garden, with humus, pour the mixture into a box. Layer thickness - 15 cm.
In the obtained culture medium, 100 g of cordyceps mycelium should be sown. Arrange live larvae on top (those that are sold in shops for fishermen are suitable). There should be a lot of them - about 5-6 kg. Larvae should be sprinkled with ground 1-2 cm.
The first harvest can be expected after 3-4 months.
The use of cordyceps in medicine
Cordyceps is used for diseases and disorders such as:
- pneumonia;
- bronchial asthma;
- bronchitis;
- ARVI;
- flu;
- tuberculosis;
- cystitis;
- pyelonephritis;
- uterine bleeding;
- endometritis;
- colpitis;
- cardiac ischemia;
- angina pectoris;
- hepatitis;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- leukemia;
- anemia;
- sexual dysfunction;
- prostatitis;
- infertility;
- herpes;
- benign neoplasms of the mammary glands;
- malignant tumor damage to internal organs.
Cordyceps has a healing effect, and at the same time has a preventive effect, preventing the development of almost any disease in the future.
Cordyceps can be purchased in the form of a dietary supplement in powder or capsules, as well as in the form of a liquid for oral administration. Typically, the dosage of such funds is 5-10 g per day.
If there are natural bodies of cordyceps, then various agents with a therapeutic effect are prepared on their basis. For the treatment of various diseases occurring in acute form, the following composition is prepared:
- Take one cordyceps, triturated.
- The resulting mixture is divided into two equal parts.
- The first part of the powder from the mushroom is poured into 200 ml of room temperature water, stirred, left for 12 hours in a dark place.
- Drink the resulting infusion.
- The next day, repeat all the manipulations with the second part of the mushroom powder.
The course of treatment using a powder solution lasts 10-12 days.
Cordyceps tincture also has healing properties. To prepare it, you need to take 1 cordyceps, grind into powder, add 100 ml of vodka. The product should be infused in a dark place for 3-4 weeks. Shake the infusion periodically. Take vodka tincture with cordyceps should be a teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach.
Side effects from taking Cordyceps-based products include diarrhea, bloating, nausea, and a feeling of dryness in the mouth.
The cordyceps mushroom has many health benefits. It can be consumed in the form of a biologically active food supplement or you can try to grow it in a home farm for personal needs or subsequent sale.