Cordyceps
Aliases：Xia Cao Dong Chong、Chong Cao、Dong Chong Cao
Dongchong Xiacao (Cordyceps) is a tonic Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried composite of the fungus Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. (family Clavicipitaceae) parasitizing the larva of a moth (family Hepialidae), consisting of the fungal fruiting body (stroma) and the dead larva. It is mainly produced in Sichuan, Xizang (Tibet), and Qinghai provinces.
Efficacy & Actions
Tonify the Kidney and benefit the Lung, stop bleeding and transform phlegm.
Indications
Kidney deficiency with essence insufficiency, impotence and spermatorrhea, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, chronic cough with deficiency wheezing, and consumptive cough with hemoptysis.
Modern Pharmacology
This product has immunomodulatory, anti-fatigue, and sex hormone-like effects, as well as ameliorative effects on kidney, lung, and liver injury, among others.
Ingredients
Cordyceps (Dongchong Xiacao) contains a variety of active components, primarily nucleosides and sterols. Nucleosides: including adenosine, adenine nucleoside, inosine, hypoxanthine, adenine, guanine, uracil, etc. Sterols: such as ergosterol. In addition, it also contains proteins, fatty acids, amino acids, and polysaccharides.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 3–9 g in decoction.
Contraindications
It should not be used alone in cases of Yin deficiency with blazing fire.
Selected Formulas
1. For impotence, spermatorrhea, and soreness of lower back and knees due to kidney yang deficiency with essence‑blood depletion Cordyceps can be used alone, steeped in wine, or combined with other yang‑tonifying herbs such as Yinyanghuo (Epimedium), Duzhong (Eucommia), and Bajitian (Morinda). 2. For consumptive cough with blood‑stained sputum Cordyceps can be used alone or combined with Shashen (Glehnia root), Chuanbeimu (Fritillaria), Ejiao (donkey hide gelatin), Shengdihuang (Rehmannia), and Maidong (Ophiopogon) to nourish yin, moisten the lung, stop bleeding, and transform phlegm. If wheezing due to qi deficiency is caused by deficiency of both the lung and kidney with failure of the kidney to grasp qi, Cordyceps may be combined with Renshen (Ginseng), Huangqi (Astragalus), and Hutaoren (walnut kernel) to supplement qi and help the kidney receive qi. 3. For post‑illness debility with poor recovery, or spontaneous sweating and chilliness Cordyceps can be stewed with chicken, duck, or pork. This preparation tonifies the kidney and consolidates the root, and also supplements the lung and strengthens the defensive qi.
Daily Consumption
Simmered tea: 1-3g, low heat 6-10 min, drink repeat 4-6 times, then eat the herb. Powder: 1-3g with warm water or capsules, 1-2 times/day. Soup: 3-5g, add 15-20 min before end, 1-2 times/week. Wine infusion: 3-5g, 50%+ liquor, 1 month, 10-30ml/day (avoid in alcohol allergy, pregnancy, liver disease). Porridge: 2-3 pieces with rice, add 10 min before done. Chew directly: fresh or soaked, 1-2 pieces/day. Dosage: 1-3g/day for health; 3-9g/day under guidance. Contraindications: Cold, fever, acute illness, yin deficiency with heat, damp-heat, pregnancy, infants. Avoid radish, mung beans, strong tea.
Medicinal Parts
dried composite of the stroma and the dead larval body
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from insects.