Forest Magic for Endurance and Immunity As the weather cools and winter approaches, as we age, when we need to recover from illness or build endurance for exercise, traditional Chinese medicine, TCM, recommends enhancing our kidney/adrenal and lung health capacity.

As the weather cools and winter approaches, as we age, when we need to recover from illness or build endurance for exercise, traditional Chinese medicine, TCM, recommends to enhance our kidney/adrenal and lung health capacity. Doing so with carefully chosen Chinese herbs helps ease weakness, chronic pains in lower back and legs, deepens breath, protects the heart and enlivens sexual vitality. 

Cordyceps sinensis remained a well-guarded energy tonic treasure reserved for Emperors. Today in traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for toning kidney/adrenal endurance, lungs and breath capacity and recovery from illness and exercise. It became known to the Western world during the 1993 National Games when Chinese athletes out-performed all contenders in strength, speed and endurance. Chinese female runners broke nine world records in the 1500 m, 3000 m, and 10,000 m events. Their coach, Ma Zunren, attributed their success to a diet that included Cordyceps. The cordyceps were mistaken for steroids because they were so effective at enhancing endurance and reducing recovery time after athletic competition. 

Some studies suggest that Cordyceps can improve physical and mental health, and enhance physical performance. Cordyceps may also have anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor properties. 

High Quality Tonic 

Cordyceps grows in high-altitude regions, and there are about 600 variations found around the world. It's sometimes called a mushroom. There is a knock-off lab-made version that doesn't grow a mushroom. Therefore it is important to order real cordyceps from a reputable source that tests for purity and effectiveness. 

WingHopFung sells the best quality pure cordyceps from Tibet and northern China. Cordyceps can be consumed as a tea or soup ingredient daily with no reported side effects. However pregnant and breast-feeding mothers should avoid use without the guidance of their doctor. Patients using blood thinning or immunosuppressive drugs should also consult medical advice or monitor use. 

Science-based Benefits 

1. May Boost Exercise Performance — Cordyceps are thought to increase the body’s production of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. This may improve the way the body uses oxygen, especially during exercise. 

2. Anti-Aging Properties— The elderly have traditionally used Cordyceps to reduce fatigue and boost strength and sex drive. Researchers believe their antioxidant content may explain their anti-aging potential. While enhancing sexual vitality and drive, cordyceps has shown promise in reducing prostate swelling. Several studies have found that Cordyceps increase antioxidants, helping to improve memory and sexual function. 

Hormones: One study showed that supplementation of Cordyceps not only directly enhances the levels of serum LH and testosterone but also improves the sperm count and motility compared to the bisphenol A-treated rats. Other studies have indicated that the mushroom may balance testosterone levels and enhance estrogen levels. Consult a professional before using Cordyceps mushrooms or supplements to balance hormones.

3. Potential Anti-Tumor Effects —Cordyceps’ potential to slow the growth of tumors has generated significant interest in recent years. Researchers believe the fungi may exert anti-tumor effects in several ways. In test-tube studies, Cordyceps have been shown to inhibit the growth of many types of human cancer cells, including lung, colon, skin and liver cancers.

4. May Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes —Cordyceps contain a special type of sugar that may help treat diabetes. Diabetes is a disease in which the body either does not produce or respond to the hormone insulin, which normally transports the sugar glucose into your cells for energy. When the body does not produce enough insulin or respond well to it, glucose cannot enter the cells, so it stays in the blood. Over time, having too much glucose in the blood can cause serious health problems. Therefore, it’s important for people with diabetes to make sure their blood sugar levels are well controlled. Interestingly, Cordyceps may keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range by mimicking the action of insulin.

5. Possible Benefits for Heart Health — As research emerges on the effects of Cordyceps on heart health, the benefits of the fungi are becoming increasingly apparent. In fact, Cordyceps are approved in China for the treatment of arrhythmia, a condition in which the heartbeat is too slow, too fast or irregular.  A study found that Cordyceps significantly reduced heart injuries in rats with chronic kidney disease. Injuries to the heart from chronic kidney disease are thought to increase the risk of heart failure. The researchers attributed these findings to the adenosine content of Cordyceps. Adenosine is a naturally occurring compound that has heart-protective effects.

Cordyceps may also have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. Animal research has shown that Cordyceps decrease “bad” LDL cholesterol LDL can raise your risk of heart disease by leading to the buildup of cholesterol in arteries. Similarly, Cordyceps have been shown to decrease triglyceride levels in mice. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in blood. High levels are linked to a greater risk of heart disease. 

6. May Help Fight Inflammation —Cordyceps helps fight inflammation in the body. Although some inflammation is good for healing, too much can lead to diseases like heart disease and cancer. Research has shown that when human cells are exposed to Cordyceps, special proteins that increase inflammation in the body become suppressed. Thanks to these potential effects, researchers believe Cordyceps may serve as a useful anti-inflammatory supplement or drug. In lab research, Cordyceps have been shown to reduce inflammation in the airways of mice, making them a potential therapy for asthma. Additionally, Cordyceps supports a healthy inflammation response, which can alleviate occasional anxiety and stress. Why does this matter? Inflammation is linked to the development and progression of anxiety and depression.

How to Cook Cordyceps 

The taste: earthy and nutty flavor, with a hint of umami. Cordyceps taste good! And since the ingredients are water soluble, you will feel the energizing effects almost immediately. A less expensive form of cordyceps is called cordyceps flowers. Both are high potency tonic herbs. 

Cordyceps Tea 

Bring water to a boil and steep 6-8 pieces of cordyceps in the water for 10- 15 minutes until the cordyceps are soft. Remove the cordyceps fruit bodies and set them aside for soup. Drink the steeping liquid warm, season with lemon, ginger or honey. 

Cordyceps Latte 

Place cordyceps in water and simmer at low heat for 10 minutes, remove the cordyceps fruit bodies. To the warm liquid add almond milk, coconut oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, optional turmeric powder and black pepper. Allow the latte to steep until the coconut oil melts, drink it warm. 

Slow-cooked cordyceps water extract, broth 

In a crock pot add a handful of cordyceps (6-10 pieces)  to 1 litre of water. Cook on low heat for 5 - 8 hours. Add optional chicken, duck, carrot, shiitake, bamboo shoots or chopped celery 

Cordyceps Linguine 

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Cordyceps
• 3 ounces dried high quality linguine or spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon toasted breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for finishing
• 1 large shallot cut in half, then juliened thinly
• 2 tablespoons fresh sliced chives
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: A good handful of fresh watercress trimmed into 1-2 inch pieces
• Dried red pepper flakes optional, to taste

Instructions

1. Gently cook the shallot and oil in an 8 inch saute pan, stirring occasionally, until the shallot is wilted and soft. Add the wine and reduce by half.
2. Soak the dried cordyceps in warm water for 5-10 minutes. Remove the cordyceps fruit bodies and keep the soaking liquid. Add the cordyceps to the pan and wilt, then turn off the heat. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta, then toss with the cordyceps in the pan. Double check the seasoning for salt, add some of the chili flakes to taste if using, then toss in the watercress and chives, season with a little more olive oil to taste, return the pan to the heat just to warm through, add some of the cordyceps soaking liquid. Avoid over cooking the cress and the mushrooms, and divide the pasta between two warmed bowls, garnishing with the breadcrumbs and chives.

For more information about Cordyceps, CLICK HERE!

Tags

chinese traditional herbs Clean Lungs collagen Cordyceps energy food healthy herbs immunity

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