When it comes to supplements, the first thing that comes to mind for many people is ginseng. However, ginseng is quite expensive and may not be suitable for everyone. In fact, there is a medicinal herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine that closely resembles ginseng, with remarkable healing properties and a much lower cost: cordyceps.
In China, cordyceps has been used for over 2,000 years and is considered a great tonic for replenishing energy. A popular saying in Chinese folklore goes: “Drinking cordyceps water regularly will help prevent illness and protect health very well.”
Cordyceps has a sweet taste, slightly warm properties, and belongs to the lung, spleen, liver, and kidney meridians…
The legendary physician Li Shizhen (a famous Chinese physician and pharmacologist during the Ming Dynasty) even referred to cordyceps as “the elixir of life.” This highlights the significant benefits of cordyceps.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cordyceps is sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and belongs to the lung, spleen, liver, and kidney meridians, primarily serving to tonify the central energy, stop sweating, promote urination, reduce swelling, and nourish the liver.
Cordyceps – The “miracle drug” for boosting vitality, beneficial for diabetics
Cordyceps is the best energy-boosting herb. As the Chinese say: “One breath, one life.” This saying carries a lot of meaning. If a person lacks energy, they can easily feel fatigued and weak.
Lack of energy and blood stagnation is at the core of aging. It is also the source of all diseases, including bronchitis, asthma, gastric prolapse, uterine prolapse, hemorrhoids, myocardial ischemia, osteoporosis, and more. Therefore, middle-aged and elderly individuals must pay attention to replenishing their energy. Notably, cordyceps is one of the excellent tonics for energy replenishment.
The polysaccharides in cordyceps can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Moreover, cordyceps is extremely beneficial for diabetes. Laboratory studies from the First Hospital of Lanzhou University in China and the University of Leeds in the UK have shown that the polysaccharides in cordyceps can regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Scientists believe that cordyceps may have potential in treating diabetes and minimizing its complications.
Doctor’s Recommendations for the Best Ways to Use Cordyceps
Nutritionist Dr. Fu Dad, working at the Nanjing University Affiliated Hospital (China), stated that in addition to using cordyceps in medicinal formulations, using cordyceps in daily meals also has quite good effects.
Although soaking cordyceps in water for drinking is convenient, it cannot fully unleash its healing properties. Below are some methods of using cordyceps as recommended by the doctor.
Nutritionist Dr. Fu Dad
1. Boil Cordyceps in Water
While soaking cordyceps in hot water is the most convenient method, it does not dissolve all the nutrients into the water. Dr. Fu explains that boiling cordyceps in water is much more effective.
The method is also very simple: cut 50 grams of cordyceps into small pieces, boil in water for 30 minutes, let cool, and enjoy throughout the day.
Boiling cordyceps in water yields high effectiveness.
2. Cook Beef Soup with Cordyceps
This is Dr. Fu Dad’s favorite way to consume cordyceps.
Beef is rich in nutrients and lower in fat compared to pork. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, beef helps to tonify the central energy, nourish the spleen and stomach, and dispel wind-heat.
When simmering beef soup, you can add a few slices of cordyceps, which can tonify energy and lungs, nourish the heart, and soothe the mind, thus nourishing the body.
The preparation is straightforward: after the beef soup boils, add 10 grams of thinly sliced cordyceps. Of course, after preparing this dish, the beef soup will have a slight herbal flavor, but it is very beneficial.
3. Chicken Soup with Cordyceps
Since ancient times, chicken soup has been used to nourish the body, especially for those recovering from illness. Adding cordyceps to the soup doubles its nourishing effects, with a mild medicinal property that is suitable for both the elderly and children. For those who frequently feel fatigued, sweat excessively, or are prone to colds, chicken soup with cordyceps is the best choice.
Adding cordyceps to the soup doubles its nourishing effects.
Precautions When Using Cordyceps
According to Medicalnewstoday, there is currently insufficient scientific information to determine the appropriate dosage of cordyceps for different ages and health conditions…
According to the National Institutes of Health (USA), using cordyceps can lead to some side effects, including rash, itching, stomach discomfort, and nasal irritation.
Therefore, those who use cordyceps should consult their doctor, especially if they are ill or taking medication. Using herbal products alongside prescription medications can be unsafe and may cause reactions and side effects.
