If you’ve never heard of “Winter Worm Summer Grass” mushroom, you’re not the only one! This mushroom is otherwise known as Cordyceps Militaris, and it was named “Winter Worm Summer Grass” because it has a unique life cycle that begins as a parasite. But don’t let that scare you—Cordyceps has some amazing properties which make it a very valuable medicinal mushroom.
Cordyceps is used in folkloric medicine in East Asia, specifically China and Korea. In Korea, they call it “Dong Chung Ha Cao.” After many years of being used traditionally, Cordyceps has now been scientifically researched, and it has a proven track record of benefits which range from increased exercise endurance, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and it can even boost your immune system.
Cordyceps Mushroom Boosts Immunity
Researchers administered Cordyceps Militaris mushroom extract in powdered form to healthy adult participants in a conducted study. The powder was encapsulated, following the standard practice for many medicinal mushrooms. The scientists also employed a control group that received placebos. They asked them to take the extract capsules for 4 weeks and they monitored both the Cordyceps group and the placebo group for markers that indicate how well an immune system is functioning.
Some of these markers included natural killer cell activity, tumor necrosis factor, T-helper cell cytokine clusters, lymphocyte proliferation, and interleukin. After the bloodtests, the scientists found an increase in the areas of natural killer cells, tumor necrosis factors, T-helper cell cytokine clusters, lymphocyte proliferations, and interleukin concentration. The study observed no adverse or harmful side effects, affirming the safety of Cordyceps supplementation.
While Cordyceps may seem improbable, studies demonstrate its immune-boosting properties, dispelling skepticism surrounding its therapeutic potential. Some people take medicinal mushrooms to boost their immunity because medicinal mushrooms usually contain active polysaccharide compounds which give them unique medicinal properties.
Selecting Quality Cordyceps Extracts
Commercially, Cordyceps mushrooms undergo fermentation for production. Purchase Cordyceps Militaris Extract with the ‘fruiting body’ for optimal benefits, as mycelium lacks essential nutrients. Select extracts carefully as polysaccharides crucial for benefits are in the fruiting body, not the mycelium. Not all mushrooms share this feature, but it’s a notable advantage when seeking Cordyceps mushrooms. The fruiting body contains large amounts of amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids along with the polysaccharides.
Choose Cordyceps from tested vendors like Noo-tropics.eu. Mushrooms can be subject to some soil toxicities and heavy metals that can make you sick. You can take medicinal mushrooms safely if you go with a trusted vendor who third-party tests.
Another unique way that Cordyceps may boost immunity is through modulating the immune systems through a process called adaptive immunity. Cordyceps acts as an adaptogen, adjusting immune functions in real-time according to the body’s needs, enhancing or suppressing as required.
Also read our blog on How to Create the Best Nootropic Stack
