by Dr.Harald Wiesendanger– Klartext
What the mainstream media is hiding
Traditional Chinese medicine knows it as one of the most powerful medicinal mushrooms of all: Cordyceps. What naturopaths have been saying about it for centuries has now been confirmed by numerous studies: it improves physical and mental performance, regulates the immune system, relieves pain, lowers high blood pressure – all this and much more, without serious side effects. Such non-patentable plants are a thorn in the side of the pharmaceutical industry. It is pushing for regulation.
In ancient China, a single gram of it was more expensive than four grams of silver. It is no wonder that this precious item was used primarily at the imperial court. (1)
It took a lot of effort to get there. Cordyceps sinensis is an extremely rare mushroom. It grows mainly at altitudes of 3,000 to 5,000 meters, on damp mountain meadows in the Himalayas and in the Tibetan highlands. Its career in traditional Chinese medicine began when shepherds wanted to find out why their yaks were so incredibly vital and resilient: while the animals were grazing, they ate Cordyceps.
The Tibetans call the coveted plant “Yartsa Gunbu.” This means “winter worm summer grass,” which describes its strange way of life. Cordyceps is a parasite with a special preference: its spores attack the caterpillars of insects living in the upper soil, in leaves or mosses. During the winter months, the parasite eats them from the inside until only the mummified shell remains. (Hence the name “winter caterpillar”.) The fungal threads, the mycelium of Cordyceps, have now completely filled their interior. Over the course of the summer, the mushroom breaks through the shell with its brown-orange fruiting body and grows out of the earth. At first glance, it vaguely resembles a blade of grass – hence “summer grass” – like a very slender finger without the typical mushroom cap.
This wild Cordyceps is still a rarity today. The enormous demand makes it almost priceless. Tibetans used it as a barter item for tea and silk, and many still use it as currency today. In large parts of the Tibetan highlands, the caterpillar fungus is still the most important source of income – in some places, up to 90%. A collector’s daily yield is just a few dozen specimens. A find brings in around 8 to 16 yuan, the same amount as half a day of hard work in road construction. (2) At one point, the price of a kilo was 320,000 yuan, the equivalent of 41,000 euros. (3)
In order to make Cordyceps generally accessible and affordable, Chinese researchers began a major project in the early 1970s. On extensive expeditions, they collected 200 subspecies of the wild mushroom and analyzed them in detail: What is their chemical composition? What biological effects do they have? How safe are they for human consumption? How can they be cultivated on a large scale?
The choice finally fell on a subspecies from Qinghai, a province in the northeast of the Tibetan plateau. It was given the name CS-4. Of all the 200 candidates examined, CS-4’s biochemical profile is the most similar to the tried and tested traditional Cordyceps. In 1987, the Chinese Ministry of Health granted official approval to CS-4.
Since then, Cordyceps has been marketed not only within the People’s Republic but worldwide. Western traders, as do Chinese suppliers, make money from it – and both work together brilliantly to construct marketing myths that boost sales. The rumor persists to this day that Chinese athletes had Cordyceps to thank for setting new world records in three disciplines at the 1993 World Athletics Championships. The same source of power is said to have enabled Chinese runners to set records in nine middle and long-distance races a few weeks later at the national championships. A year later, at the next World Championships in Rome, it is said that the medicinal mushroom gave China’s athletes victories in 12 of 16 races, including five more world records. (4) Anyone who knows about Beijing’s state-controlled doping can only smile wearily at this.
Distinguishing myth from reality requires sober science. What Cordyceps actually does biochemically in the human body is the focus of a growing number of studies. (5)
Energy boost thanks to Cordyceps.
One of the things that was shown was that Cordyceps directly stimulates the mitochondria, the power plants of the cells. In this way, it promotes energy production. In the liver cells of mice that were fed the mushroom, the amount of ATP – the main energy store – increased by up to 55 percent.
At the same time, Cordyceps enables the body to make better use of even the smallest oxygen reserves. This means that there is less oxygen deficiency in the tissue – which also gives the organism more energy. This is why many top athletes take the mushroom alongside training.
For a clearer head
Because the increased energy production and better oxygen supply also benefit the brain cells, regular consumption of the mushroom not only makes you more physically capable but also mentally.
Brightened psyche
Cordyceps has also proven to be a mood enhancer. Cordyceps has a high content of L-tryptophan. Our brain uses this amino acid to produce the happiness hormone serotonin.
In addition, Cordyceps, like St. John’s wort, inhibits the activity of the enzyme MAO, monoamine oxidase. Psychiatrists prescribe MAO inhibitors for depression.
This parasite makes you Lust
Even ancient Chinese writings praise Cordyceps as a highly effective aphrodisiac. It is said to have enabled the Chinese emperor to satisfy all of his numerous wives without any of them feeling neglected in the slightest. In the 21st century, many men would be happy if their virility were sufficient to satisfy even one partner to some extent.
Increased desire and potency thanks to Cordyceps have now been confirmed by placebo-controlled double-blind studies on several hundred men with “reduced libido and other sexual problems.” 64 percent of those treated became more sexually capable, compared to 24 percent in a comparison group that only received a placebo.
The physiological mechanism behind this has been clarified. Cordyceps relaxes the smooth muscle tissue in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. This allows blood to flow in more easily and causes an erection.
Unlike synthetic sexual enhancers, this natural aphrodisiac not only strengthens male potency. It also seems to increase female desire. This was shown in another double-blind study with 42 older women who complained of frigidity and other sexual problems. This improved in 19 of 21 test subjects who received Cordyceps – compared to zero in the placebo group.
The astonishing effect of the fungus on the sexuality of both sexes had already been indicated in animal experiments. When male, immature mice were fed Cordyceps for just six days, the weight of their testicles increased by 90 percent. In male rabbits fed the fungus for three months, the testicles weighed 30 percent more than in the control group; simultaneously, they produced three times more sperm.
Joint pain alleviated – even chronic.
Cordyceps contains Cordycepin – an active ingredient that can reduce acute and chronic pain in joints.
English doctors at the University of Nottingham noticed this effect in joint injuries. According to them, Cordycepin can also reduce osteoarthritis pain – no worse than conventional analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs such as cortisone, and without side effects. (6)
Stronger immune system
In a series of studies, Cordyceps has proven to be a “bidirectional immune regulator.” “Bidirectional” means that it works in two directions simultaneously. While it strengthens a weakened immune system on the one hand, it also slows it down when it is overactive, such as in autoimmune diseases. This effect seems to depend linearly on the dose: the more you take, the more pronounced the effect.
Several biochemical mechanisms work together here. Cordyceps increases the activity of natural killer cells, macrophages (“phagocytes”), and gamma interferon, a tissue hormone that activates these phagocytes. At the same time, the fungus stimulates the production of T cells, as well as immunoglobulins G and M antibodies that dock onto invading pathogens or degenerated cells so that defense cells can recognize them and render them harmless.
Cordyceps, combined with other medicinal mushrooms, could even play a role in the fight against Covid-19: both as a preventative measure and in acute infections. But who cares? State disease control officials prefer to give the frightened population the feeling of being “defenseless and at the mercy of others.” “The pandemic will not be over until there is a vaccine,” Angela Merkel made clear back in April 2020. Where would we be if natural and empirical medicine were able to contain the epidemic before the billions invested in “innovative,” untested, and therefore highly risky vaccines had paid for themselves? (See KLARTEXT “Phoenix under the Ashes.“)
Kidney and lung-friendly
Cordyceps protects and strengthens the entire cardiovascular system by relaxing vascular walls and lowering blood pressure. In particular, it relieves the kidneys enormously. After diabetes, hypertension is the second most common cause of severe kidney disease; in Germany, it is probably responsible for one in four dialysis cases. (7)
Experience has shown that the medicinal mushroom also positively affects lung function. It soothes coughs, loosens mucus, and inhibits inflammation.
Effective radical scavenger
“Free radicals” sounds like an extremist party that the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution should take a close look at as soon as possible. However, they are intermediate products of our metabolism that are constantly created in every cell of the human body: highly reactive, very aggressive oxygen compounds. Because their electrons are unpaired, they continuously try to snatch electrons from another atom or molecule. If they react with these, new radicals are formed, leading to electron robbery. This sets off a chain reaction in which radicals in the body constantly multiply. This causes “oxidative stress”.
The unhealthier our diet, the more environmental toxins we are exposed to, and the more our organism is burdened with such “reactive oxygen radicals” (ROS). Among other things, they damage cell components, the cell nucleus and DNA, and destroy blood vessels. They increase the risk of numerous dreaded diseases, from arteriosclerosis to cancer and rheumatism, heart attacks and strokes, as well as diabetes, cataracts, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s.
Cordyceps is also useful in this case. In a Chinese double-blind study with 59 test subjects between the ages of 60 and 84, another significant effect emerged: the medicinal mushroom can significantly increase the concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD) – one of the body’s most important enzymes that have an antioxidant effect. It also impressively reduces the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the plasma. Both values return to the level of young adults and, in some cases, even exceed them.
MDA values are alarm signals indicating how much oxidative stress the body is under. MDA is formed when unsaturated fatty acids oxidize.
Most diabetics have constantly elevated MDA levels. They also suffer from “metabolic syndrome,” the fatal triad of obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Cordyceps can help against this, too.
On the one hand, the fungus can expand blood vessels and relax the smooth muscles of the vessel walls. This ensures that the body has better blood flow and blood pressure drops.
On the other hand, Cordyceps can also lower cholesterol levels – by an average of 17 percent after one to two months of use, as a Chinese study of 273 patients found.
That is why the fungus definitely deserves to play a role in the holistic treatment of diabetes.
Helpful against cancer
TCM doctors also use Cordyceps as an anti-cancer agent. The medicinal mushroom stimulates the formation of white blood cells, which perform essential tasks in the immune system. In tumor tissue, it prevents cancer cells from dividing and sticking together. It also apparently disrupts protein production and inhibits the formation of new blood vessels, literally “starving” them. (8)
Unsurpassable all-rounder?
The enormous variety of positive effects on our health apparently makes Cordyceps a virtually perfect medicine, a gift from nature for everyone, in any case. The Internet is full of praise in the highest tones that sound suspiciously like disguised advertising; they try to make us believe that this mushroom, in particular, is the solution to all problems, the ultimate solution.
Every medicinal mushroom, not just Cordyceps, represents an impressive mixture of vital substances with a number of health-promoting substances. This easily creates the impression of a uniquely broad spectrum of effects. But other mushrooms also lower cholesterol levels, for example. Even though Cordyceps has a positive impact on fat metabolism, blood sugar, and liver functions, experts do not consider it the first choice; in such cases, they consider Shiitake, Pleurotus and Maitake, Coprinus, Reishi, or the mushroom to be significantly more effective.
What is urgently needed are independent studies that scientifically compare the rare wild form with the cultivated mass product. Do the affordable powders and capsules from online retailers have anywhere near the same effect as the original, natural Cordyceps mycelium? The same applies to promises of effectiveness for health products as to statistics: when in doubt, we should only trust those that we have faked ourselves.
Can the biochemical and nutritional properties of cultivated Cordyceps, particularly the proportion of the crucial active ingredient Cordycepin, be largely retained? This is certainly possible but requires special care. Indian biologist Sandeep Das, professor and dean at the Bodoland University of Assam, has researched this for almost a decade. Grown on sterilized brown rice, the mushrooms are harvested in his laboratory after 60 days and then freeze-dried to minus 86 degrees. “This completely removes the moisture from them and helps to increase their longevity without them spoiling,” explains Das. He has trained thousands of farmers, entrepreneurs and other interested parties in this over the years.
Side effects? Almost none.
What about risks and serious side effects? Cordyceps has been used for centuries and has apparently never been dangerous to anyone, not even at extremely high doses. Hypersensitive people only report digestive problems and diarrhea shortly after they start taking it. But these side effects usually subside quickly.
However, Asthmatics should be careful if they use sprays containing beta-2 sympathomimetics. Cordyceps also relaxes the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract, which means that the fungus may increase the effect of the medication.
Anyone taking medication should, as a precaution, discuss with a naturopathic doctor or an experienced alternative practitioner how to dose Cordyceps.
On the pharmaceutical industry’s hit list
Mycotherapy, healing with mushrooms, has always been a thorn in the side of pharmaceutical manufacturers. In every new campaign, they have their lobbyists, PR professionals, and professorial hired mouths marching in to unsettle us and put pressure on the legislator: Since it is “not evidence-based” – in other words, verified in large-scale controlled studies, the kind that only pharmaceutical giants can finance – this stuff must be strictly regulated, ideally banned altogether. Hypocritically, “consumer protection” is used as an excuse: sometimes plants like Cordyceps are said to be “ineffective placebos” that are used to rip off unsuspecting consumers. Sometimes, they are considered “dangerous,” which is why they cannot be regarded as mere food or nutritional supplements.
In truth, medicinal mushrooms, like all herbal medicine, are under constant attack primarily because they have such fantastic healing effects, with manageable or even no side effects, as long as they are used professionally. This applies not only to minor ailments but also to severe indications. They get in the way of the pharmaceutical industry in some of its most lucrative areas of application – from diabetes and high blood pressure to depression and impotence, rheumatism and lipid metabolism disorders, arthritis, and cancer. No wonder that mycotherapy is being crushed: it disrupts the lucrative business with synthetic medicines. (9)
Where do you get them from?
“Cordyceps is not the same as Cordyceps,” warns the online portal “Center of Health” rightly. The wild mushroom is not only rare and extremely expensive – in dried form, it can be contaminated with bacteria.
This speaks in favor of cultivated Cordyceps. However, this often comes from Chinese production, which is of unreliable quality. Because it is usually grown in heavily polluted areas, it can be contaminated with heavy metals.
Experts recommend organic Cordyceps preparations. This ensures that the mushroom mycelium – as in Professor Das’s laboratory – was cultivated on organic rice or other “clean” grain-based nutrient media, not using caterpillars. Vegans and vegetarians, in particular, attach importance to this.
The Society for Vital Mushroom Science eV (GFV) and an association of the same name in Switzerland provide trustworthy therapists.
How to dose?
Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 1,600 years, with daily doses between 1,000 and 3,000 milligrams. To this day, mycotherapists recommend sticking to this range. For many health problems, even 0.75 grams of mycelium per day is sufficient. Depending on the application, the daily dose can rise to over 3 grams, corresponding to 4 to 5 commercially available CS-4 capsules.
The mushroom is taken as a powder, stirred into a glass of hot water, or in capsules. The slightly earthy smell is hardly disturbing.
The prices for the organic powder range between 115 and 250 euros per kilo. 100 to 200 capsules usually cost between 15 and 30 euros.
How much patience do users need?
Some users notice the first effects in no time. “Although I’ve only been taking the capsules for a few days,” reports a verified buyer on Amazon, “so far, it’s noticeable that I’m somehow in a surprisingly good mood. Since then, I’ve had no more circulatory problems and feel generally better.” After seven days, another feels “more enduring, generally fitter and more efficient, more focused and more alert in the head.”
A third reports: “After my corona infection, I kept having problems breathing properly. I constantly felt weak, listless, and somehow wasn’t really fit anymore.” After just under a week of taking Cordyceps, “I actually noticed how I was getting better and better at breathing. Placebo or not, I really feel much fitter, get out of bed better in the morning, and am more relaxed in everyday life.”
In the age of purchased online product reviews, such praise should be taken with the greatest caution – but the author of this article, who is guaranteed not to be bought, can also confirm it after curious self-experimentation.
Lasting therapeutic effects, however, do not occur overnight. As with all natural and empirical healing measures, the organism needs time to normalize pathological processes. In the case of chronic stress, a clear, lasting effect is likely to be seen after one to one and a half months at the earliest, but perhaps not until three months later.
Harald Wiesendanger
This article should be understood as a therapy recommendation; it does not replace detailed advice from a qualified doctor or alternative practitioner.
Notes
(1) K. Jones: Cordyceps, Tonic Food of Ancient China, Seattle, 1997; G. M. Halpern: Cordyceps, China’s Healing Mushroom, New York 1999.
(2) Daniel Winkler: „Yartsa Gunbu (Cordyceps sinensis) and the Fungal Commodification of Tibet’s Rural Economy“, Economic Botany 62 (3) 2008, S. 291–305, http://mushroaming.com/sites/default/files/Winkler%20Yartsa%20Gunbu%20EB%202008.pdf
(3) Daniel Winkler: “Caterpillar Fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis). Production and Sustainability on the Tibetan Plateau and in the Himalayas “, Asian Medicine 5/2009, S. 291–316, http://mushroaming.com/sites/default/files/Winkler Cordy Production Sustainability 2011.pdf
(4) Rich Gravelin: “Boost energy with cordyceps: this Chinese fungus helps athletes go further, “Natural Health, August 2002.
(5) J. S. Zhu/G. M. Halpern/K. Jones: „The Scientific Rediscovery of a Precious Ancient Chinese Herbal Regimen: Cordyceps sinensis. Part 2“, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 4 (4) 1998, S. 429-457; Bao-qin Lin, Shao-ping Li: Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2. Aufl., Kap. 5: „Cordyceps as a Herbal Drug“, 2011; s. zusammenfassend Daniel Winkler: „Caterpillar Fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis). Production and Sustainability on the Tibetan Plateau and in the Himalayas“, Asian Medicine 5/2009, S. 291–316, http://mushroaming.com/sites/default/files/Winkler%20Cordy%20Production%20Sustainability%202011.pdf
(6) “Caterpillar fungus could hold the key to relieving the pain of osteoarthritis“, Science Daily, 25.4.2015, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150425123547.htm; Edmund K. Li u.a.: „Safety and efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi) and San Miao San supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial“, Arthritis and Rheumatism 57 (7) 2007, S. 1143-1150, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17907228/; https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/krankheiten/rheuma-knochen-gelenke/arthrose-uebersicht/cordyceps-pilz-gegen-arthroseschmerzen-ia
(7) https://healthcare-in-europe.com/de/news/bluthochdruck-ist-eine-haeufige-ursache-fuer-nierenversagen.html; https://www.pronovabkk.de/gesundheit/nierenschwaeche-und-bluthochdruck.html
(8) Cornelia H. de Moor u.a.: “Cordycepin Inhibits Protein Synthesis and Cell Adhesion through Effects on Signal Transduction, “Journal of Biological Chemistry, November 2009; Cordis Forschungs- und Entwicklungsinformationsdienst der Gemeinschaft, “Pilzinhaltsstoff im Einsatz gegen Krebs,” Januar 2010; J. H. Xiao u.a.: “Secondary metabolites from Cordyceps species and their antitumor activity studies, Recent Patents on Biotechnology, Januar 2007.
(9) https://naturheilt.com/blog/heilpilze-auf-abschussliste/; https://www.yamedo.de/blog/vitalpilze-arzneimittel-2015/
Wikipedia-Foto: Von Andreas Kunze – Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16244069