The traditional healing and medicinal practices of Asia have made their way into modern lives, giving us some incredible new solutions to our ailments. Cordyceps mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine for centuries. However, they have recently been adopted by the West for their medicinal properties.
What are cordyceps mushrooms?
Sometimes referred to as the caterpillar fungus, Cordyceps are not like any other mushrooms you have seen. Used since the 15th century; these mushrooms are found only above 4,500 meters above the sea level in the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau. Several health benefits are associated with the use of these mushrooms, and they are still being used in Asian cultures to improve health and vitality. Let’s look at the 7 most powerful health benefits of using cordyceps mushrooms.
Maintain blood glucose
If you have higher blood glucose, then cordyceps mushrooms could be a boon for you. Consumption of these mushrooms not only helps in lowering blood sugar through a polysaccharide but also lowers cholesterol and serum triglycerides. However, the most important feature of this remedy is that it improves the body’s insulin sensitivity. Once the root of the problem is taken care of, the body responds better to sugar and hence, you can recover from diabetes more quickly.
People who have gained weight due to diabetes will show a marked loss of body fat. Many diabetes sufferers also suffer from excessive thirst with diabetes. This condition also improves with the use of these mushrooms. Another important benefit that comes along with better blood glucose management is better kidney function. Diabetes patients often have kidney-related disorders which also improve with the use of this remedy.
Anti-aging benefits
Probably one of the most popular uses of these mushrooms is its anti-aging properties. The mushroom will help in improving the overall functioning of the body, affecting the cardiovascular, reproductive, respiratory, and immune systems in particular. This makes it easier for the body to cope with the effects of aging and provides more vitality as well.
The polysaccharides found in Cordyceps help in lowering inflammation in the body as well. The oxidative damage in the body, caused by age, is reduced dramatically with the use of Cordyceps. Additionally, fat mobilization of the body improves with time. This helps in keeping the body fitter and younger for longer.
Increases libido
Cordyceps improve sexual function in humans. They have been known as aphrodisiacs for centuries. Tonics made of these mushrooms have been used by both men and women to improve their reproductive function. Blood circulation in the body (especially reproductive organs) increases due to use of the mushrooms.
This helps in enhancing libido and getting rid of some sexual dysfunctions. Multiple studies have proven the effect of Cordyceps on the reproductive system. There has been a decrease in inflammation, and the body’s endurance has risen significantly. This herb has also been used in the treatment of infertility and impotence.
Beats fatigue
If you have been suffering from chronic fatigue, Cordyceps will work like magic for you. The mushrooms are well known for improving endurance and blood circulation in the body. This is not all; it helps in keeping you active, removing inflammation as well as fatigue from the body. Your body starts using more oxygen which increases cellular energy production in turn.
You get better stamina and experience less fatigue at the end of the day. As it works on your adrenal glands, you will feel less stress, and your body will be able to cope with stressful situations better. Your sleeping patterns will also improve considerably. If you are an athlete, you will find great value in this remedy as it helps in better oxygen consumption in the body and improves blood circulation. This could help improve performance in competitive sports.
Better brain health
As cordyceps help you in keeping stress levels low, it can help in keeping your brain healthier. Stress causes chronic inflammation in the brain which further reduces brain activity and makes it difficult to process information. Your mental health may get seriously compromised because of this.
Neurotransmitters in your brain will also become imbalanced, creating further problems as memory fades and cognitive processing slows down. Your reasoning and judgment will be gravely affected which could eventually lead to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Cordyceps directly reduces hippocampus inflammation in the brain which helps in improving moods, cognition, and memory.
Better respiratory functions
Cordyceps are especially beneficial for boosting respiratory functions. It can be used for treating chronic bronchitis as well. It can be used for a variety of respiratory problems, coughs, weakness, asthma, etc. It helps in boosting oxygen intake in the body. Your lungs function at their best capacity and pump more oxygen to the farthest corners of the body. This helps in making you feel more energetic and reducing blockages as well. As blood circulation improves in the body, you get to detoxify your system more easily. This works in a loop to improve your body’s functioning manifold.
Improves liver function
Cordyceps are being used in the treatment of liver problems as well, especially with people who suffer from Hepatitis B. The mushrooms can help in detoxifying the liver. This, in turn, leads to better digestion and better heart function as well. The oxidative stress on the liver can be reduced with the help of Cordyceps. This leads to a faster metabolism, as amino acids, choline, and fatty acids are digested faster. A rejuvenated liver helps in cleaning the body of toxins. If you have any digestive problems, they could be gone simply with the use of Cordyceps.
Though Cordyceps mushrooms are 100% herbal and natural, you should be careful while using them, especially if you are diabetic or use blood thinners. You must consult your doctor before using it. The mushrooms can thin blood and reduce blood sugars to a considerable extent, which may not be good for a diabetic or a heart patient without proper medical guidance. Otherwise, this is a natural remedy that will provide you with multiple health benefits and help you stay youthful and energetic for longer.