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The traditional sourcing methods and the SuperFeast approach to Cordyceps
Wild cordyceps are super rare and insanely expensive to source, commonly grown in the mountainous regions of China, the Himalayas and Tibet. In the wild, cordyceps exist as a parasitic fungus that inhabits the body of insects such as caterpillars and ants. Ophiocordyceps sinensis, formerly ‘Cordyceps sinensis’ (we use a cultivated form of this strain at Superfeast), appears as a blade-like mushroom growing out of the head of a caterpillar. The cordyceps mycelium is encased in the mummified body of the caterpillar, this is where the fungus germinates. The fruiting body sprouts forth from the caterpillar, and is generally capless and shaped like a blade or twig.Â
Due to the prohibitive cost of this wild tonic herb, the Chinese developed a really smart and effective way to cultivate cordyceps mycelium, which they now grow in liquid fermentation tanks (and is completely caterpillar free!). This pure mycelium product is known as Cs-4 and this is what we use at SuperFeast.
At SuperFeast we primarily work with the fruiting bodies of our medicinal mushrooms (as opposed to the mycelium, which is another popular way of consuming mushrooms, but less traditional). We do have one exception to this rule and that is cordyceps.
A large body of research has demonstrated that Cs-4 (the cultivated strain of cordyceps) has a similar medicinal profile and level of active constituents to those found in wild cordyceps. Several years of compositional analysis as well as clinical trials have demonstrated that Cs-4 acts medicinally in a manner consistent with that of wildcrafted cordyceps. The term Cs-4 translates to mean the 4th strain of the cordyceps mycelium. Many strains of cordyceps mycelium have been researched and scientists have found that only the 4th strain of cordyceps mycelium could be grown using liquid cultivation methods. This method produces effective levels of all the active compounds found in the fruiting body of wild cordyceps.Â
Let’s dive a little deeper into some of the amazing health benefits of cordyceps mushroom.Â
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Athletic Performance and Fatigue
Cordyceps shot into the public eye in the early 90s following some record-breaking performances by female members of the Chinese athletic team. At the time there was some speculation as to what influenced the team members' unprecedented success, and the ladies put it down to a tight training and nutritional regime, one that included a cordyceps supplement. This aroused global interest in the performance-enhancing qualities that Cordyceps may embody. Since then, studies have shown Cordyceps to exert powerful antioxidant activity, enhance blood flow and increase oxygen absorption and utilisation within the body, factors that all have a positive impact on athletic performance.Â
Benefits to aerobic performance have been observed in those using cordyceps via the herb's ability to support vasodilation and metabolic efficiency. Significant improvements in exercise output were noted when cordyceps were used consistently over time. A result that is supportive of the traditional understanding of the herb, known for its profound capacity to strengthen the body when taken long term.Â
Cordyceps has been shown to have a positive influence on the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the compound our cells use as their energy currency. This may account for the herb’s significant performance-enhancing and anti-fatigue effects.
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Lung HealthÂ
Within the Taoist Tonic Herbal tradition and Traditional Chinese Medicine, cordyceps is a respected Lung tonic, used to treat ailments of the respiratory system and has since been shown to alleviate the symptoms of various respiratory illnesses including chronic bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, and phlegm. This is mainly due to the anti-inflammatory properties of cordyceps and its tendency to relax the bronchial walls and promote enhanced oxygen utilisation efficacy.
Cigarette smoking is a significant factor in the development of respiratory disorders and cordyceps has been found to reduce lung tissue deterioration in vitro. Cordyceps was shown to reduce the free radical damage associated with oxidative stress. In this regard, the herb may provide a promising treatment strategy in cases where chronic smoke exposure is involved.
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Anti AgeingÂ
When our Jing is topped up and overflowing, youthful beauty, overall body radiance and robustness are likely results. After all, our Jing essence is our genetic potential, it is the foundational energy used for our cellular turnover and our DNA expression, and it’s involved in all of our bodily processes. Cordyceps is a highly revered Jing tonic, nourishing both Yin Jing and Yang Jing.Â
From a phytochemical perspective, Cordyceps, due to its high antioxidant capacity has been crowned as an abundant anti ageing adaptogen. Cordyceps’ ability to uplevel the action of superstar antioxidants; superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, reduces free radical damage and oxidative stress within the body as a whole. A medicinal quality that pacifies inflammation and cellular decline.
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Immune modulationÂ
Cordyceps, like many of its medicinal mushroom friends, has a strong supportive action on the immune system. Cordyceps acts as a bidirectional modulating agent, regulating both innate and adaptive immunity via its ability to potentiate and suppress the immune response. An action that may be beneficial in conditions where autoimmunity is involved. Naturally high in polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans, medicinal mushrooms can provide deep nourishment to the immune cells and microbiome, which are particularly useful in re-balancing a dysbiosis of particular strains of bacteria such as Candida albicans.Â
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Tonification and Treasures
Tonification
In ancient Taoist medicine, tonic herbs and medicinal mushrooms were used to nourish and tonify specific systems within the body. These systems correlate with the natural elements, and their direct effect can be classified as either Major or Minor.
Major: Lung Metal/Kidney Water
Minor: Spleen Earth
Treasures
When there is harmony between the body systems and elements, we cultivate the expression of health known as our Treasures.Â
Major: Yin Yang Jing/Qi
Serving Suggestion
recipes
recipes
Nourishing Cordyceps Congee
Congee is medicinal and nourishing, the ultimate healing food.Â
Read more![Nourishing Cordyceps Congee](http://superfeast.com/cdn/shop/articles/chicken-ginger-congee-73639-1_520x500_acfd7384-73b5-4e6e-8427-21143cdd80e5_920x.jpg?v=1622926003)
recipes
The Codger's Cuppa - Cordyceps Tea (Recipe)
Today's recipe invites you to do just that! Introducing the Codger's Cuppa - and for those of you out there who are unsure what we mean by 'Codger', it means an older fellow (he might tend towards being eccentric, too...
Read more![The Codger's Cuppa - Cordyceps Tea (Recipe)](http://superfeast.com/cdn/shop/articles/Codger_s_Cuppa_Recipe_Feature_850x_958f99a9-2dde-4ef2-a11a-78a4e5e07cf1_920x.webp?v=1668019393)
recipes
Duxelle a la Mushroom
We have used Chaga medicinal mushroom in this recipe, but feel free to use *any* of our medicinal mushrooms, they will all work a treat. Vegan, refined sugar- and gluten-free, this recipe is deluxe, you’re going to love it.
Read more![Duxelle de la Mushroom](http://superfeast.com/cdn/shop/articles/Screen_Shot_2020-09-07_at_12.44.03_pm_920x.png?v=1599446772)