Cordyceps militaris
Aliases：Běi Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo (Northern Cordyceps); Běi Chóng Cǎo (Northern Caterpillar Fungus); Yǒng Cǎo (Pupa Fungus); Dōng Běi Chóng Cǎo (Northeast Cordyceps); Jīn Chóng Cǎo (Golden Caterpillar Fungus).
Yǒng Chóng Cǎo (Cordyceps militaris) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the dried composite body of the stroma of the fungus Cordyceps militaris (L. ex Fr.) Link. (Clavicipitaceae) and the pupa of the host insect; the cultivated product is obtained by inoculating Cordyceps militaris onto the pupae of the oak silkworm (Antheraea pernyi). In summer, grass-like “seedlings” emerge from the insect body, which is how it received the name “Yǒng Chóng Cǎo” (Pupa Fungus). It is also known as Northern Cordyceps (Běi Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo) and Northern Caterpillar Fungus (Běi Chóng Cǎo). It is an edible and medicinal fungus with a protein content of up to 40.7%, containing all essential amino acids in sufficient quantities and appropriate proportions.
Efficacy & Actions
Tonifies the lungs and kidneys, stops bleeding and resolves phlegm, and tonifies both yin and yang.
Indications
Used for pulmonary tuberculosis with cough, hemoptysis, blood-streaked sputum, night sweats, spontaneous sweating, anemia and weakness, post-illness debility, lumbago, impotence, spermatorrhea, soreness of the lower back and knees, and fatigue, among other conditions. It is also used for pulmonary tuberculosis, senile debility, and chronic bronchitis due to dual deficiency of the lungs and kidneys.
Modern Pharmacology
Antitumor: Cordycepin exhibits anticancer activity; can synthesize cordycepin and pentostatin. Immunomodulation: Polysaccharides enhance immune function and disease resistance. Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals and delays aging. Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral: Exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Sedative and hypnotic: Possesses sedative and hypnotic effects. Cardiovascular protection: Anti-arrhythmic and blood pressure-lowering effects. Anti-fatigue: Improves organ function and relieves fatigue. Hypoglycemic: Lowers blood glucose in diabetic nephropathy. Neuroprotective: Exhibits neuroprotective effects. Cardiopulmonary protection: Protects heart and lung tissues.
Ingredients
Nucleosides: Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), adenosine, inosine, etc. Cordycepin is a characteristic component. Sugar alcohols: Cordycepic acid (mannitol). Polysaccharides: Cordyceps polysaccharides. Sterols: Ergosterol, β-sitosterol. Enzymes: Superoxide dismutase (SOD). Other constituents: Pentostatin, inosine, proteins, amino acids, nucleotides, fatty acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and trace elements such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration (Decoction): The standard dosage is 5–10g. Powder Form: 0.5–1g per dose. Wine Infusion: Appropriate amount, may be steeped in liquor for consumption.
Contraindications
Contraindicated for individuals with a history of allergy to Cordyceps militaris. Not suitable for individuals allergic to fungi. Not suitable for infants and children. Not suitable for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Contraindicated in patients with acute high fever. Use with caution in patients with hypertension, stroke, or a tendency to bleed.
Selected Formulas
Yongchongcao Junfen Jiaonang (Cordyceps militaris Powder Capsules) (Modern Chinese Patent Medicine) Composition: Cordyceps militaris powder. Actions and Indications: Tonifies the lungs and kidneys, stops cough, and resolves phlegm. Used for chronic bronchitis with lung-kidney qi deficiency and kidney yang insufficiency. Symptoms include cough, wheezing, expectoration, spontaneous sweating, aversion to wind, cold body and limbs, lumbar soreness and weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and tinnitus. Yongchongcao Wine (Empirical Formula) Composition: Appropriate amount of Cordyceps militaris and white liquor. Usage: Steep Cordyceps militaris in white liquor and drink in moderation. Indications: Lumbago due to kidney deficiency, characterized by dull, aching pain and weakness in the lower back. Yongchongcao Powder (Empirical Formula) Composition: Cordyceps militaris. Usage: Grind into a fine powder and take orally. Indications: Post-illness debility and general weakness.
Daily Consumption
Yongchongcao Tea: Take 3–5g of Cordyceps militaris, steep it in an appropriate amount of boiling water, and drink it as a tea. Yongchongcao Chicken Soup: Place Cordyceps militaris together with chicken, red dates, longan, goji berries, and other ingredients in a pot. Add water and stew for about 1 hour. Season to taste before serving. Yongchongcao, Lily Bulb, and Pig Lung Soup: Clean the Cordyceps militaris, lily bulb, red dates, and pig lung thoroughly. Place all ingredients in a pot, add water, and stew for about 1 hour. Season to taste before serving. Yongchongcao and Polygonum multiflorum Soup: Place Cordyceps militaris, Polygonum multiflorum (Hé Shǒu Wū), and black-boned chicken together in a pot. Add water and stew for about 1 hour. Season to taste before serving. Stewed Young Hen Duck with Northern Cordyceps: Clean a young hen duck thoroughly. Stuff the duck’s abdominal cavity with Northern Cordyceps (Běi Chóng Cǎo). Place it in a pot with seasonings, cook until done, and add salt to taste. Yongchongcao Salad: Soak an appropriate amount of Cordyceps militaris in water for 10 minutes, then blanch briefly in boiling water. Mix with chopped fresh chili peppers, green peppers, garlic, and seasonings. Sprinkle with chopped scallions before serving.
Medicinal Parts
The dried composite body of the stroma (the grass-like part) and the sclerotium (the insect pupa part).
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from insects.
