Product Overview
Parts used: The entire dried fungus
TCM category: Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
TCM nature: Warm
TCM taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: Kidney Lung
Scientific name: Ophiocordyceps sinensis or Cordyceps sinensis
Other names: Caterpillar fungus or Yartsa gunbu
Use of cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitionner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Collect the fungus and dry them
Dosage: 6-12 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Tonifies the Kidney Yang and assists the Lung Yin. Stops bleeding and resolves phlegm.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which cordyceps may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Back pain Knee pain Coughing Dyspnea Impotence Wheezing Bloody sputum
Contraindications*: This substance should be used with caution when there is an Exterior condition. Depending on where they were procured, Cordyceps sometimes contain high amount of arsenic and other heavy metals so they should be taken with caution.
Common TCM formulas in which cordyceps are used*:
For blood streaked sputum from the Lungs combine cordyceps with glehnia roots (Bei Sha Shen) and fritillary bulbs (Chuan Bei Mu).
For Kidney deficiency with impotence and shivers combine cordyceps with yam (Shan Yao), goji berries (Gou Qi Zi) and cornelian cherries (Shan Zhu Yu).
Key TCM concepts behind cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao)'s properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cordyceps are plants that belong to the 'Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency' category. Tonic herbs are used for patterns of Deficiency, when one lacks one of the 'Four Treasures' (Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang). Yang Tonics are generally used in combination with a small amount of Yin tonics. If Yin is deficient, neither Qi nor Yang herbs alone will be effective. The most common symptoms associated with Yang Deficiency are low libido and impotence. It is worth mentioning that another very effective remedy against Yang Deficiency is regular exercise.
Furthermore cordyceps are plants that are Warm in nature. This means that cordyceps tend to help people who have too much "cold" in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much cold in their body are said to either have a Yin excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition cordyceps can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Cordyceps also taste Sweet. The so-called "five elements" theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like cordyceps tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what organs and meridians they target. As such cordyceps are thought to target the Kidney and the Lung. According to TCM, the Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the body fluids that nourish the body.
