Nov 2, 2009
Cordyceps – A Traditional Chinese Aphrodisiac
Ironically, since the introduction of Viagra, the search for a natural alternative for erectile dysfunction has increased significantly. And as it turns out, the Chinese may already have had the answer two millennia ago.
Cordyceps is a minute fungus found at high altitudes of the Tibetan plateau. Its hard to imagine that it ever got noticed and discovered, let alone that its now become one of the most sought after medicinal mushrooms in the world.
Since around the dawn of our age, Chinese physicians have prescribed Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac and general vitalizing tonic. The first reference to Cordyceps as a medicinal fungus occurred around 200 A.D. in a book titled, The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman.
There is a reason why the common English name for Cordyceps is Caterpillar fungus. In nature, it grows as a parasite on silk-worm caterpillars, eventually killing them, and finally sprouting out of their dead bodies. Not very appetizing, is it? However, Cordyceps sinensis can now be grown on a rice medium and harvested free from any caterpillar carcasses, heavy metals, or contaminating bacteria and funguses. Cordyceps grown under these controlled conditions has been shown to contain the same therapeutic compounds as its wild counter-parts.
A study out of China, which was released over a decade before the introduction of Viagra, reported a 64% improvement in erectile dysfunction from a daily consumption of 1,000 mg of Cordyceps sinensis. [1]
Three possible factors may help explain why Cordyceps could have an effect on erectile dysfunction:
- Three modern scientific studies have concluded that Cordyceps helps improve physical stamina, vitality and endurance. [2,3,4] At the Chinese National Games of 1993, nine world records were set by female athletes. When questioned about the secret behind their success, they said it was due to their use of Cordyceps. [5,6]
- Cordyceps sinensis helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow [7,8], which is certainly an important factor in erectile function.
- Last but not least, Cordyceps extract was shown in two studies to cause a significant increase in the testosterone production in male subjects. [9,10]
Note: This article is for scientific and informational purposes only. It is very important to always consult with a licensed medical doctor before using an herb to treat any medical condition.
