Cordyceps TCM: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects

Cordyceps, known as “dong chong xia cao” (冬蟲夏草) or “insect plant” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), refers to the fungal species in the genus Cordyceps. It has a long history of medicinal use in China and Tibet.

This article explores the traditional uses, potential benefits, and safety concerns around cordyceps in TCM.

Traditional Uses in TCM

Cordyceps species like Ophiocordyceps sinensis have been used in TCM for centuries as:

• A tonic to enhance kidney yang and replenish essence [1,2]
• An invigorator for the lung and kidney to ease breathing difficulties [1]
• A remedy to stop bleeding and dissolve phlegm [1]
• A general wellness enhancer [1,2]

The combination of the Cordyceps fungus and the caterpillar host has been highly valued as a potentiator of longevity, strength, and vitality. It was reserved for royalty during the Qing dynasty. [3]

In TCM theory, Cordyceps is considered warming and sweet in nature. [4] It nourishes lung and kidney yin and yang, making it useful for yang deficiency conditions. [5]

Potential Health Benefits

Though high-quality clinical trials are still needed, preliminary research suggests Cordyceps may offer certain benefits:

• Exercise Performance: By increasing ATP production, Cordyceps may boost energy levels and endurance during exercise. [6,7]
• Immunity: Compounds like polysaccharides in Cordyceps may stimulate immune cells and proteins. This may enhance resistance to infections and cancers. [6,8]
• Oxygen Utilization: Cordyceps may improve oxygen uptake, which could benefit respiratory conditions and exercise capacity. [6,9]
• Libido and Fertility: As an aphrodisiac, Cordyceps may boost sexual health and fertility, especially in cases of yang deficiency. [10]
• Kidney Health: Cordyceps may protect kidney function by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage. This could help chronic kidney disease. [11,12]
• Lung Health: Through its actions on lung qi and fluid metabolism, Cordyceps may relieve cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. [5]
• Heart Health: By regulating cholesterol and triglyceride levels, Cordyceps may reduce some heart disease risk factors. [13]

Safety and Side Effects

Cordyceps is generally well tolerated but may cause mild stomach upset or dry mouth in some. [14] Safety concerns include:

• Contamination with heavy metals like arsenic, due to Cordyceps’ growth environment. Only high-quality, lab-tested products should be used. [15]
• Hormonal effects that may worsen estrogen-sensitive cancers. Cordyceps is not recommended for breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer patients. [16]
• Blood sugar lowering and immune effects that require caution in diabetes and autoimmune disorders. Monitor blood sugar and symptoms closely if using Cordyceps. [14]
• Blood thinning effects that increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. [17]

Due to limited safety data, Cordyceps is not recommended for children, pregnant/nursing women, or people with bleeding disorders. [14]

Conclusion

Cordyceps has a long history of traditional use as a tonic and lung/kidney remedy in TCM. Preliminary research shows it may offer exercise, immune, respiratory, kidney, heart, and sexual health benefits. However, due to quality control issues and potential side effects, consult your doctor before using Cordyceps supplements.

References

1. Shen-Nong. “Chinese Herb List – Cordyceps sinensis.” Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.shen-nong.com/eng/herbal/cordyceps.html.
2. TCM Wiki. “Cordyceps – TCM Herbs.” Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.tcmwiki.com/wiki/cordyceps.
3. G&L Acupuncture and Wellness Center. “Introduction to Herbal Medicine: Cordyceps Sinensis.” Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.gandlacupuncture.com/article/intro-to-herbal-medicine-cordyceps-sinensis/.
4. HST Medical. “Building Immunity with TCM.” Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.hstmedical.com/building-immunity-with-tcm/.
5. Me & Qi. “Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps) in Chinese Medicine.” Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.meandqi.com/herb-database/tonic-herbs-yang-deficiency/dong-chong-xia-cao.
6. Healthline. “6 Benefits of Cordyceps, All Backed by Science.” Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cordyceps-benefits.
7. ScienceDirect. “Cordyceps – A traditional Chinese medicine and another fungal therapeutic biofactory?” Journal of Fungi. Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031942208000423.
8. NCBI. “Traditional uses and medicinal potential of Cordyceps sinensis of Sikkim.” Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3121254/.
9. Cochrane Library. “Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease.” Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008353.pub2/full.
10. Mongabay. “Cordyceps, the Himalayan Viagra, kindles fortunes and begets plunder.” Accessed February 7, 2023. https://india.mongabay.com/2019/01/cordyceps-the-himalayan-viagra-kindles-fortunes-and-begets-plunder/.
11. NCBI. “Cordyceps sinensis promotes immune regulation and enhances antibacterial activity of antibiotics in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected rats.” Cellular & Molecular Immunology. Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6331100/.
12. Science Reports. “A simple and effective method to discern the true commercial Chinese cordyceps from counterfeits.” Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-59126-0.
13. NCBI. “Cordyceps militaris Improves Hyperuricemia and Reproductive Hormones in Hyperuricemic Mice.” Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5656018/.
14. WebMD. “Cordyceps.” Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/cordyceps-uses-and-risks.
15. Cancerschmancer. “Ancient Detoxification Superstar: The Cordyceps Mushroom.” Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.cancerschmancer.org/articles/ancient-detoxification-superstar-the-cordyceps-mushroom/.
16. Mycomedica. “Cordyceps – MycoMedica – chinese vital mushrooms.” Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.mycomedica.eu/cordyceps.html.
17. NCBI. “Current Perspectives on the Role of Cordyceps in Renal Disorders.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Accessed February 7, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/.