Cordyceps sinensis

The mushroom is called Caterpillar fungus, because it resembles a caterpillar and it grows as a parasite on the mummified caterpillars’ body.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps has beneficial effects on liver, lungs and the kidneys. Modern science has proved these hypotheses to be true. Nowadays the mushroom is used to treat liver diseases (hepatitis and cirrhosis), asthma, chronic bronchitis, tubercolosis and acute kidney failure. Clinical studies have shown that Cordyceps can increase the amount of HDL cholesterol and reduce the amount of LDL cholesterol. It seems to be a promising supplement in treating hyperlipidemia, and it helps preventing atherosclerosis.

A study shows that Cordyceps extract dilated aorta, by 40 percent under stress. Dilation increases blood flow, which can benefit muscles. It has general cardiotonic properties, which means that it increases the heart’s muscle tone, and inhibits cholesterol from being deposited in the aorta.

Cordyceps is considered one of the best sexual tonics. It is recommended for frigidity, impotence, infertility, and sexual dysfunctions.

In test tube experiments, Cordyceps inhibits the proliferation of human leukemia cells. It seems to be beneficial to patients suffering from blood cancer.