I have recently discovered a Chinese herbal remedy that has some remarkable health benefits. It is called Cordyceps, also known as Chinese caterpillar fungus; I must confess I have never heard of it until very recently. Apparently, it came into prominence in 1993 when a team of Chinese women’s track and field runners broke nine world records at the Chinese National Games in Beijing. Suspicion was aroused that these women were taking illegal performance enhancing steroids. The team tested negative for illegal drugs. The secret of their performance it seems was Cordyceps that they had been taking as a daily tonic.
Find out more about this intriguing herb by reading this article and watching the video on the next page.
Cordyceps has many health benefits and is a potent aphrodisiac. Here are 4 benefits with scientific studies:
1) Aging
In a 2009 study published in Phytotherapy Research, scientists discovered that treatment with cordyceps helped improve brain function and increase antioxidant activity in aging mice.
2) Diabetes
Published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine), a 2002 study on rats showed that cordyceps may help fightinsulin resistance (a condition linked to increased diabetes risk).
3) Cancer
Preliminary studies suggest that cordyceps holds promise for protection against some forms of cancer. In tests on human cells, for example, the authors of a 2008 study from the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnologyfound that cordyceps may help increase immune defense against breast cancer.
Additionally, a 2007 study on human cells (published in the Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials) determined that cordyceps may inhibit the spread of colon cancer.
4) Strep Infections
Cordyceps may help protect against group A streptococcal infections (such as strep throat), according to a 2005 study from the Journal of Medical Microbiology. In tests on mice, researchers found that cordyceps helped decrease the growth and spread of streptococcus bacteria.
Proponents also claim that cordyceps can protect against the following health problems:
- asthma
- depression
- diabetes
- fatigue
- high cholesterol
Using Cordyceps for Health
Due to a lack of supporting research, it’s too soon to recommend cordyceps for treatment or prevention of any health problem. If you’re considering using it, talk to your doctor to weigh the potential risks and benefits. Keep in mind that alternative medicine should not be used as a substitute for standard care. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
Source: altmedicine.about.com