How to grow cordyceps at home?

Chinese cordyceps is a mushroom that can survive in the harshest climates. His living conditions are really extreme. This is rocky soil, lack of moisture, low temperature and thin air. Chinese cordyceps grows in Tibet, Nepal, China. Cordyceps grown in high altitude conditions has amazing healing properties. For treatment, both the mycelium and the aerial part are used.

Specialists of traditional oriental medicine highly appreciate the pharmacological qualities of the mycelium of Chinese cordyceps. With the mycelium of cordyceps, they treat pulmonary tuberculosis, hemoptysis, cough, shortness of breath, back and joint pain, impotence, and stop bleeding. In addition, this remedy is a powerful aphrodisiac.

Mushroom mycelium:

• inhibits the growth of cancer cells;
• enhances immunity;
• improves sleep;
• slows down the aging process;
• enhances immunity;
• stimulates metabolism.

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Plant biology

Like all mushrooms, cordyceps reproduces by spores. They are thrown out in the warm season and carried by the wind.

Caterpillars, larvae, butterflies are used as a nutrient medium for cordyceps spores. Once on the body of an insect, spores begin to germinate. The larva dies, but the fungus continues to grow and release roots.

It releases cordycepin, a natural antibiotic, into the body of its carrier, so that the larva does not infect microorganisms. Outwardly, Chinese cordyceps is similar to grass. Having assimilated all the nutrients from the larva, the "insect plant" joins the root system of plants growing nearby, and also receives nutrition from them.

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Artificial production

The cultivation of Chinese cordyceps in the laboratory began in 1950. Artificial cultivation has become the only alternative, since Chinese cordyceps grows in the remote mountainous regions of China and is difficult to harvest. In addition, wildlife is unable to reproduce it in the amount that humanity needs. Currently, this most valuable mushroom is grown on an industrial scale all over the world. No larvae or caterpillars are used in industrial production. The seeds are germinated in a special substrate.

The demand for medicines containing cordycepin is constantly increasing. The market price is very high. And the only way to meet the demand is to grow the mushroom in the laboratory. An artificial product costs much less than a wild one.

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Artificial cultivation methods

1. This technology involves growing Cordyceps in two separate strains in an environment enriched with rattlesnake venom. As a result of the crossing of two types of mushrooms, genetic information is exchanged and a new hybrid strain with high biological activity is born. It has great pharmaceutical value.
2. The next method for obtaining a mushroom containing a large amount of biologically active substances is to grow cordyceps mycelium under diffused lighting and a temperature of 20–22 ° C for 30 days. Then the mycelium of cordyceps is kept in complete darkness at a temperature of 30 ° C and an oxygen concentration of 50%. In such conditions, it is stored for 4–5 months.
3. In industrial production, fungal spores are placed in a sterile nutrient substrate and conditions are created that mimic the natural habitat. The substrate consists of grains of sorghum, millet, vegetable oil and mineral additives. The substrate is sterilized, then the cordyceps mycelium is placed in it. The fungus grows, processes the substrate and develops the mycelium. Soon 96% of the substrate is replaced by cordyceps mycelium.

Artificial Cordyceps Seeds

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How to grow a mushroom at home

Growing Chinese cordyceps is possible in your own garden. To do this, prepare an area in the shade. If there is no plot, then you can place a box with earth in a small room. Seeds (mycelium) are offered by online stores.

Take humus, ordinary garden soil in equal proportions and mix. Sprinkle in a layer 15 cm high. Sow 100 g of Chinese cordyceps mycelium. To decompose live larvae in the amount of 5–6 kg on the mycelium of cordyceps. You can use the larvae sold for fishing. Sprinkle them with earth in a layer of 1–2 cm.

The crop is harvested in 3-4 months. You can get from 4 to 20 kg of mushrooms per square meter.

It is very convenient to use ready-made packages for growing at home with a substrate containing cordyceps seeds. You can germinate seeds directly in the container in which they are sold.

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Hybridization

Scientists managed to get new hybrid varieties by crossing several varieties of the fungus.

Hybridization of cordyceps is necessary to obtain a fungus that would produce the greatest possible amount of biologically active substances needed in medicine.

The venom of the rattlesnake is a stimulant of the fusion of the cell nuclei of different types of cordyceps. As a result of the fusion, genetic information is exchanged and a new type of fungus is formed, which has an increased content of cordycepin.

Hybrid samples have the best qualities of the parental lines and have a high pharmacological value.

Scientists managed to get new hybrid varieties by crossing several varieties of the fungus

In the modern world, many firms and companies in China, USA, Europe, Latin America are engaged in the cultivation of artificial cordyceps and manufacture pharmaceutical products from its mycelium and fruiting body. This led to the fact that counterfeit products began to enter the market. To combat counterfeiting, the latest measures were introduced to determine the quality of products.

Cordyceps. What kind of animal is it and what is it eaten with?

So what is IT? It is difficult to say unequivocally - a plant, grass, mushroom, insect? ..

Allow me to speculate a little. We are used to separating the animal and plant worlds. Animals and plants interact with each other. Many plants are friends with insects - they give them their nectar, for which they have cross-pollination. But there are predatory plants that insidiously attract insects with their smell and bright colors, and then eat them.

In the truest sense of the word: the calyx of the flower slams shut, and the midge kaput. There is nothing strange in this: all living cells that make up both animals and plants are organic bricks. If an animal can eat a plant and process its organic cells into its own energy, then it also happens the other way around: a plant can eat an animal. We know this, somehow got used to it and are not surprised by this amazing phenomenon of nature.

(Everything is like in human society: both loyal friendship and betrayal ...)

We also know that if you plant a dill seed, then dill will grow, and a spikelet will grow from a wheat grain, and not an apple tree, for example. All living things in nature produce similar things to themselves: the lion gives birth to a lion cub, not a donkey. And the chilling words “the queen gave birth to a son or a daughter in the night” can be heard only in a fairy tale, and even there it turned out to be a lie.

But the CREATOR of our world has an irrepressible imagination ...

Isn't it amazing that, dying, a butterfly gives life to some kind of worm, which, hiding (from shame, probably) in a silk cocoon, conjuring something there, gives birth, in turn, to a beautiful butterfly ...

(Everything is like in human society: the most beautiful couple can have such a moral monster that is worse than a worm, and vice versa ...)

***

There are many parasites in the animal kingdom, and there are many of them in the plant world. We won't go for examples for a long time: mushrooms clinging to the trunks or roots of trees suck their juices (everyone knows chaga, for example).

Article from the magazine healthy lifestyle

• In the old days in Japan, REISHI mushrooms were called ghost mushrooms - it was so difficult to find them. They grew on old plum trees. One mushroom was found among several thousand trees. (You can imagine how much they cost then!). In ancient Chinese herbal manuscripts over 4,000 years ago, these unique mushrooms were called mushrooms of immortality. REISHI is used for many diseases - allergies, asthma, colds, bronchitis (as it strengthens the immune system) and even in such extraordinary situations as poisoning with poisonous mushrooms and ... fear of heights. REISHI increases the vitality of all organs, heals the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and helps the body fight arthritis and tumors. These mushrooms contain antihistamines. Chinese doctors claim that REISHI is especially useful for liver problems, leukemia, senile sclerosis and age spots on the skin.

• Shiitake mashrooms grow on Japanese Shila tree trees, which is why they are called that. Today it is the most famous and cultivated mushroom in the world. They are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, they contain polysaccharides, peptides, lignin derivatives, which more than others strengthen the immune system. Shiitake improves the functioning of the heart, kidneys, and maintains normal cholesterol levels. Chinese doctors recommend using Shiitake mushrooms for cancer prevention, but not for active forms of bladder cancer.

• Hoelen mushroom (PORIA in Chinese, and the Indians of eastern and southern America call these mushrooms TUCKAHOE) These mushrooms grow underground on the roots of pines and other trees in many countries around the world. Some specimens weigh 15-20 pounds. Regulates metabolism and water exchange in the body, helps to convert consumed food into energy and get rid of toxins. Recommended for nervous people, patients with lung problems (helps to clear the lungs of phlegm), with diarrhea, to normalize urination, with swollen and inflamed vocal cords, after illness and heavy stress. Easily absorbed by the body, soothes the heart, heals the spleen. In ancient China, PORIA powder was used to treat senile dementia, inflammation of the kidneys, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus erythematosus.

• Almost throughout Asia, in a warm climate, on different trees, especially on old and decaying ones, you can see wavy, trembling "ears". These are FUNGUS - mushrooms known in China and Japan for over 2000 years as a means of stimulating sexual activity, increasing semen production, increasing sex appeal. In addition, they increase vital energy, nourish the brain, lower the temperature, and cleanse the skin of freckles. Almost all lung diseases were treated with these mushrooms - from bronchitis to tuberculosis (in combination with other herbs) and bloody cough. And in Japan they are used to lower cholesterol and thin the blood.

(Just think: juices suck, parasites, and what are useful! Everything, as in human society ... But let's get back to the question, what is Cordyceps.)

***

Cordyceps is a genus of mushrooms that has about 400 species described. Some of them parasitize on other fungi, on plants, and some, for example Cordyceps sinensis (the most valuable and amazing) on ​​insects, specifically on the caterpillar Thitarodes. Cordyceps grows (lives) in the mountainous regions of China and India, in Tibet, the Himalayas, Nepal, Japan, Korea and Thailand.

Cordyceps gracilis is found in some of the harsh regions of Norway, in the Alps and in very small numbers in Finland and Sweden.

Cordyceps in Chinese “Dong Chong Xia Cao Tochukas” literally means “a plant in summer, a worm in winter”.

The Chinese name is a literal translation of the original Tibetan name. Cordyceps was first described in the 15th century by the Tibetan doctor Zerhar Namniy Dorj (1439-1475) in his text "Oral Instructions for a Myriad of Medicines." In traditional Chinese medicine, its name is often abbreviated as “Chong Cao”, a generic name that applies to all varieties of Cordyceps.

More than 1500 years ago, the Tibetan meadows of the Himalayan mountains were covered with a variety of flowering plants. The cattle and sheep that grazed in the area were particularly attracted to the unusual, mushroom-like grass. Observant shepherds have noticed that the sheep and goats who eat this herb become stronger and more resilient and do not get sick. The rumor of this reached the doctors of the Ming Dynasty, who investigated such an amazing phenomenon and began to use IT to treat patients.

So what is IT all the same? In short, we can say that Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that invades the body of caterpillars and eats their soft tissue (overwinters in the body of the caterpillar).

In summer, it is difficult to notice a shapeless black-brown lump (mushroom) merged with the ground, from which green shoots 5-15 cm high grow. The above-mentioned smart sheep like to eat them. In summer, it is time for reproduction and the fungus shoots out spores. Some types of Cordyceps shoot at other mushrooms, some at plants, and the same famous Cordyceps sinensis - in an insect, takes root in its larva and hibernates in it. “Shoots”, perhaps, is said too loudly - after all, the caterpillar crawls very close, feeding on the roots. It is not entirely clear how this happens. How does a fungus infect a caterpillar? Perhaps, the mycelium of the fungus invading the insect through one of its breathing pores, or the insect swallows the fungal spore. Simply put, it is a symbiosis of a larva with a fungus.

The fungus invades the body of Thitarodes caterpillars, filling its entire cavity with mycelium and ultimately killing and mummifying the caterpillar, which dies near its burrow, half buried in the ground. In spring or early summer, it's time to come to life, and the dark brown body of the fungus sprouts from the forehead (already dead by that time) of the caterpillar. (Some kind of nightmare, just a horror movie in the world of insects ...)

Another species, Cordyceps gracilis, grows on the larvae of lepidopteran insect caterpillars (moth from the genus Hepialis).

Some Cordyceps species are able to alter the behavior of the insect host. Cordyceps unilateralis, for example, causes ants to crawl to the top of the plant, which they usually do not, and stay there until they die, increasing the maximum spread of spores around the fungus.

***

The mushroom is highly prized by the practitioners of Tibetan and Chinese medicine.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps sinensis is considered sweet and warm, which corresponds to the ducts of the lungs and kidneys. It maintains an exceptional balance between the forces of Yin and Yang (probably because it is both a plant and an insect). It retains a super-high ability to survive - it endures both cold and prolonged starvation, and oxygen deficiency in the highlands, and high solar activity in the mountains, and a sharp temperature drop, both daily and seasonal. In short, immunity, God forbid everyone.

In oriental folk medicine, Cordyceps was used as an aphrodisiac (in Nepal it is now called the Himalayan Vayagra in accordance with the trend of the times), and in combination with other herbs - for various problems from simple fatigue to cancer.

Thorough study and clear systematization of Cordyceps began in the 18th century with the Chinese anthology of medicinal substances (1757). Highly effective immuno-regulating agent - increases the reduced immunity and at the same time reduces the excess, which is especially necessary for organ transplantation.

The immune system is made up of the following elements:

- phagocytes - cells that attack various foreign viruses and bacteria;

- cells T - destroying the invading "aliens";

- special cells that limit the action of phagocytes and T.

If the immune system is healthy, then the attacking and suppressing cells are in balance. When this balance is disturbed, the body becomes sick. According to Chinese theory, a healthy immune system is a balance between the two opposing forces of Yin and Yang.Allergies and autoimmune conditions arise from an excess of attacking cells, while tumors, infectious and fungal diseases are due to their strong suppression. Western medicine treats these diseases in different ways (and treats mainly the effect, not the cause), while the Eastern medicine in these cases balances the immune system.

All the properties of Cordyceps are amazing: it strengthens the respiratory, circulatory systems, increases energy, appetite, endurance, improves sleep, sexual function. Cordyceps prevents allergies, depression, colds and flu, increases the energy of the lungs, adrenal glands, helps with liver cirrhosis, impotence, neurasthenia, rheumatic arthritis. Effectively prevents atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, also improves blood vessels and blood supply to the brain. It has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It works like antibiotics against most bacteria. Cordyceps also increases levels of natural antioxidants and thus promotes longevity. Has an anticarcinogenic effect, and also mitigates the side effects of radiotherapy, stimulates the activity of leukocytes.

It is a general health tonic. A typical dosage is 3-9 grams per day.

***

Wild Cordyceps are very expensive. Its value was one of the reasons for the Nepalese Civil War, as Nepalese Maoists fought against government forces for control of the lucrative export trade during the June-July harvest season. Collecting Cordyceps in Nepal was only legalized in 2001, and now the harvest of Cordyceps in Nepal is the highest compared to China, Thailand, Korea and Japan.

Over the past 20 years, the price of Cordyceps has been increasing continuously. In 2007, it already cost from US $ 3000 (lowest quality) to US $ 15,000 per kilogram (highest quality).

The popularity of this mushroom especially increased after two female athletes from China, Wong Jankxia and Ku Yunxia, ​​broke world records in long distance running (1500, 3000 and 10000 meters) in the early 1990s. They used Cordyceps on the recommendation of their trainer, who said that this mushroom helps athletes. (In addition, it, like Siberian ginseng, is approved by the Olympic Committee for use by athletes, since it is not doping).

As we all know, demand creates supply. Cordyceps is needed and you need a lot of it. This is how it must be produced, which is what some herbal companies do: they grow, feed, collect, freeze, grind and pack into capsules. These are the advantages of modern civilization!

According to studies (D Bensky, A Gamble, S Clavey, E Stoger, L Lai Bensky. 2006. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, 3rd ed. Eastland Press.), The mycelium of Cordyceps sinensis grown in the laboratory has clinical efficacy similar to wild, and even more resilient.

Amazing and amazing things exist in the world! Let's use everything that has been created for you and me.

And now to the question of the "panacea". I personally believe that in nature there is no single panacea for all ills. All plants created for you and me by the Almighty (someone thinks that all this was created by Nature) are a kind of the most effective healer for each specific person, for his specific situation, in this specific time interval. I am convinced that you need to use everything: honey, and mummy, and propolis, and bee pollen, and sea buckthorn, and rose hips, and golden root, and dandelion root, and pineapple, and coy, and papaya and many others (forgive generously whom I missed on my list) amazing, simply unique products in their uniqueness. And we will be healthy!

ANNA NEMEROVSKAYA

Cordyceps >> In vitro cultivation and quality control

Chinese cordyceps (lat. Cordyceps chinensis) Is a fungus belonging to the actinomycete family of fungi Clavicipitaceae. Cordyceps grows in the mountainous regions of China, Nepal, Tibet at an altitude of 2,000 to 6,000 meters. Cordyceps is an extremely interesting living organism.The life cycle of cordyceps includes the vegetative stage and the stage of parasitism in insect larvae. During the vegetative stage (plant stage), cordyceps forms spores, which, once they enter the insect organism, begin to develop feeding on the host's organism. With the body of the larva, Cordyceps enters the soil where it feeds on plant roots for a long time. Cordyceps possesses exceptional endurance, and is able to survive for a long time in conditions of low temperatures and lack of oxygen. After the death of the organism of the larva, the mycelium of cordyceps enters the soil directly, where it is transformed into a vegetative form. The aerial parts of the fungus produce spores and the life cycle repeats. In China and Japan, cordyceps are known as "Dong Chong Xia Cao" and "Tochukaso". Most often, cordyceps are consumed together with larvae, in which the fungus parasitizes. On the basis of biological materials containing cordyceps, according to the recipes of traditional medicine, a variety of drugs are made with antibacterial, antiviral and antitumor activity. Also known tonic and immunostimulating effect of cordyceps, its beneficial effect on the sexual function of the body.

Since 1950, artificial cultivation of cordyceps in laboratories began. The growing demand for drugs based on cordyceps has led to the emergence of a large number of products of questionable quality. In this regard, it became necessary to test the quality of products made on the basis of cordyceps for the presence of biologically active substances in them that have a beneficial therapeutic effect on the body.

Methods of artificial cultivation of cordyceps for the study of the quality of medicinal products made on the basis of cordyceps.
As mentioned above, the natural habitat of cordyceps is located in the remote mountainous regions of the Far East. In this regard, it became necessary to artificially cultivate cordyceps. In recent years, a method has been developed for artificially growing cordyceps in the laboratory. According to this methods, two separate strains of cordyceps are grown separately on media enriched with rattlesnake venom. In the area of ​​intersection of two strains, due to the exchange of genetic information between the two original strains, a new, hybrid strain with high biological activity and pharmaceutical value appears. Checking the quality of cordyceps products consists in determining the content of 6- (2-hydroxyethyl) -adenosine in them, a substance with maximum therapeutic activity.

According to the developed technology, to obtain cordyceps rich in biologically active substances, cordyceps mycelium is grown for 30 days at a temperature of 20-22oС, normal atmospheric pressure and diffused lighting. Further, the mycelium is kept in conditions of complete absence of light, temperature 3oС and oxygen concentration 50% for 15-20 weeks. An indicator of the quality of the grown mycelium is the presence in it of various biologically active substances, in particular deoxynucleosides: adenosine, 3'-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin) and 6- (2-hydroxyethyl) -adenosine. The determination of these substances is carried out using the methods of mass spectrography and chromatographic analysis.

Growing cordyceps on nutrient media

It is noted that cordyceps produces biologically active substances only under favorable conditions for development and growth. The cultivation of cordyceps is carried out on special media specially adapted for the development of the fungus. The optimal environment for the development of the fungus is a medium containing 1 part millet grains, 4 parts sorghum grains, mineral additives and vegetable oil (for example, peanut or soybean oil). The nutrient medium prepared from the components described above is sterilized and then inoculated with cordyceps mycelium. As cordyceps grows, it processes the nutrient substrate to develop mycelium. At the end of the growing cycle, more than 96% of the substrate is converted to fungal mycelium. Grown in such conditions cordyceps contains a large amount of biologically active deoxynucleosides.

Cordyceps hybridization methods

The technique of hybridization of cordyceps is aimed at removing new types of fungus that produce more biologically active substances used in medicine. One of the methods of hybridization is to stimulate the fusion of cell nuclei of various subtypes of cordyceps. To stimulate the fusion of nuclei, the venom of a rattlesnake is used. Added to the nutrient medium where two separate subspecies of Cordyceps develop, the rattlesnake venom stimulates the exchange of genetic information with the formation of a new recombinant species (Cordyceps sinensis Alohaensis), which has the characteristics of both species involved in the fusion, but genetically different from them. By itself, the venom of the rattlesnake has no toxic effect on the fungus. The merger takes place at the border of the development zones of the two colonies. The recombinant species is formed already a few hours after the contact of two colonies. In order to avoid contamination of the biomass of the new recombinant colony with the mycelium of the "parent colonies", the new colony, immediately after its formation, is transferred to a sterile nutrient medium that does not contain snake venom.

Hybridization quality control

Hybridization is a complex process in which a new genetically modified organism develops from two original parental organisms. Genetic differences are the reason for the competition between two colonies developing in the neighborhood. In order to check whether the obtained fungus is really a recombinant species, its mycelium is sown in the colonies of the "parents". If a zone of mutual inhibition (growth inhibition) arises between the colonies of the hybrid and the colony of the parents, then the resulting fungus is indeed genetically different from the parents.

The method of hybridization of cordyceps has significantly expanded the possibilities of using this unique natural resource in science and medicine. The hybrid cordyceps species combine the best qualities of the original parental lines. At the end of the hybridization and cultivation cycle, the biomass of cordyceps is analyzed for the presence of biologically active substances (adenosine, 3'-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin) and 6- (2-hydroxyethyl) -adenosine). For comparison, wild cordyceps contain no more than 0.091% 6- (2-hydroxyethyl) -adenosine (the substance with the highest therapeutic value), while recombinant species of Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis Alohaensis) contain up to 0.323% of this substance.

Benefits of laboratory-grown cordyceps

At the moment, the largest producer of cordyceps in the world is the American company Aloha Medicinals, which produces up to 175 kilograms of cordyceps per month, which is half of the total amount of cordyceps consumed in the world. In the laboratories of the company, under conditions almost identical to natural conditions, recombinant cordyceps is grown, containing a large amount of biologically active substances.

At the end of the twentieth century, there were reports of poisoning with natural cordyceps. A study carried out on this occasion established the cause of the poisoning. Natural cordyceps parasitizes in caterpillar bodies. Collecting cordyceps consists in catching caterpillars and drying them. Since ancient times, cordyceps collectors have strung the bodies of caterpillars on wooden sticks in order to increase the weight of the final product - dead caterpillars. However, recently, contrary to tradition, cordyceps collectors, in pursuit of profit, began to string caterpillars on pieces of wire. Prolonged stay of the wire in the body of a mummified caterpillar leads to its contamination with heavy metals.

Cordyceps grown in the laboratory is strictly controlled in accordance with the norms established in relation to all medicines and food additives. Accordingly, the content of heavy metals or other toxic substances in it is completely excluded.

Pharmacological features of cordyceps preparations

On the basis of cordyceps (natural or grown in laboratories), a wide range of drugs is produced.The biologically active nucleosides contained in cordyceps have a beneficial effect on the metabolic processes of the body. In particular, adenosine is recognized as one of the most important modulators of blood vessel tone at the tissue level. Under the influence of adenosine, vasodilation occurs, as a result of which the blood flow to the tissues increases. Improving blood circulation stimulates regenerative processes and tissue regeneration. Also, adenosine mediates many chemical reactions in a living cell. Cordyceps, in addition to the usual adenosine, also contains its active forms, which have a long-term beneficial effect on the metabolism in the body.

Cordyceps is prescribed for chronic diseases of internal organs, chronic or severe infections. Cordyceps helps in the treatment of acute and chronic poisoning, metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases.

Before using any cordyceps-based drug, make sure of its quality and be sure to consult with your doctor. Cordyceps preparations are contraindicated in pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as children.

This mushroom belongs to the genus Ergot. It parasitizes certain types of living organisms, namely insects. To date, about 400 species of these mushrooms are known. It is not so easy to call Cordyceps a mushroom, nevertheless it is. Let's take a closer look at what we are dealing with.

Appearance

Surprisingly, cordyceps is quite widespread throughout the world. Sometimes a person may simply not pay attention to him, although in fact the mushroom is under his feet. The population is due to an impressive number of insects, which the fungus uses for its own growth. However, in certain regions, the diversity of cordyceps is higher - the tropics.

Perhaps the most popular parasitic fungus is the one-sided cordyceps. It is able to influence the behavior of insects and parasitizes the common ants we all know.

Fungi reproduce due to the fact that they parasitize on caterpillars, ants and other insects. Spores get on their bodies, grow and take root directly under the outer shell. Over time, the insect dies, and a new life of cordyceps develops inside it.

The fungus has a rather interesting and unusual developmental cycle. The fact is that he prefers butterfly caterpillars. Spores spread downwind and fall onto plants. The caterpillar feeds on these plants. For a long period of time, the mushroom may not manifest itself in any way. Until winter, the caterpillar eats calmly, preparing to turn into a full-fledged butterfly with the onset of spring. But it is by spring that the disputes come to life and begin to actively develop.

After the mycelium has spread, the cordyceps manages to capture the entire body of the caterpillar. As soon as the weather turns warm, the body of the fungus begins to grow from the mouth of the insect. It then prevents the caterpillar from decomposing, creating a close bond for the rest of its life. From the point of view of treatment, it is a full-fledged mushroom with a caterpillar body that is recommended to be used.

Features of appearance

The appearance of the cordyceps is non-standard. The caterpillar becomes light brown, and the mushroom itself becomes dark brown. If we break it in half, then inside we will see a completely white substance.

The sizes are usually small and are no more than 11 centimeters. The largest ones especially had a length of 13 cm. The thickness at the widest point was 3-4 centimeters. Body with extensions towards the fruiting part and at the tip. The middle is narrowed. A very pleasant smell comes from the mushroom, and its taste is sweetish.

It is possible to determine that cordyceps is in front of you due to the appearance - solid and long. It develops on very thick caterpillars.

You can see the growth process of the fungus in the following video.

Where grows

For the first time, based on the information available today, this mushroom was found high in the mountains of Tibet. Now it grows mainly in China, where they learned to cultivate it. This mushroom does not grow in Russia.

Studies show that the Cordyceps' favorite habitat is the high mountains in China. In this case, the height above sea level should be from 3500 meters. For about two years, the embryo lives underground, due to which it manages to accumulate an abundant amount of nutrients, juices and other useful components.

Preparation method

It is quite rare to find fresh cordyceps, since special dietary supplements are mainly made from it, which are supplied to us.

But if it happened that you managed to find a natural mushroom somewhere, then it must be dried, crushed and turned into powder. It is in this form that it should be taken, simply washed down with a glass of water.

Peculiarities

There are some key features specific to cordyceps. First of all, they relate to ways to distinguish a true beneficial parasitic mushroom from fakes. Plus some other nuances.

• We are dealing with a fungus-traveler, cruel to the body of insects.
• Until now, some are actively arguing about whether to attribute this mushroom to the fauna or flora.
• After the death of the insect, the fungus takes root, clings to the herbs growing nearby, feeds on their substances, vitamins.
• The breeding feature provoked an unusual appearance, which consists of two parts. The first is an insect, and the second is a smooth sprout.
• Caterpillars, in which cordyceps grows, are also used for the preparation of medicines.
• It is believed that the size of the mushroom directly affects the quality and quantity of beneficial properties in it. The largest specimens are the most useful.
• The rarity of the fungus is due to the difficult conditions in which it develops - high altitude, lack of oxygen, low temperature.
• The price for this mushroom is enormous. In some cases, the cost was set at 400 thousand for one kilogram.
• After scientists managed to identify the true huge benefits of cordyceps, they began to grow it artificially. It is noteworthy that the mushroom has not lost its beneficial properties.
• The mushroom has a pleasant aroma and sweetish taste.

How to choose and where to buy

Today, we sell cordyceps mainly as dietary supplements, which means you need to look for it in pharmacies. A medicinal composition is made from the mushroom and distributed into capsules.

It is not recommended to buy a mushroom from your hands. The fact is that under such circumstances there is a great risk of paying for a fake. In addition, there are many types of poisonous cordyceps that vendors pass off as medicinal. As you can imagine, buying such a product is not worth it.

Nutritional value and calorie content

The exact figures regarding the nutritional value and caloric content of the mushroom in its raw form are unknown. But the drugs obtained on its basis have the following data per 100 grams of the product:

Protein	Fats	Carbohydrates	Calorie content
0.6 grams	0 grams	58 grams	235.4 kcal.

Chemical composition

Of course, the medicinal properties found in cordyceps are due to its rich chemical composition. Among the most important substances for the human body are the following:

• Vitamin C, Vitamins of group B, Vitamin D, Vitamin PP, Vitamin E, Vitamin K;
• Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats;
• Amino acids;
• Antioxidants
• Coenzymes, Enzymes;
• Calcium, Potassium;
• Iron, Phosphorus;
• Magnesium, Manganese;
• Selenium, Zinc, Boron;
• Antibiotic and stuff.

Beneficial features

In terms of beneficial effects, cordyceps is one of the best mushrooms in the world. Let's highlight the most important of them from the point of view of human health.

• Has a detrimental effect on pathogenic organisms;
• Destroys viruses and viral infections (flu, herpes, AIDS);
• Has bactericidal properties;
• Relieves inflammation;
• Removes toxins;
• Provides antioxidants;
• Fights allergic reactions;
• Improves muscle tone;
• Recovers after operations, long-term illnesses;
• Helps to regain strength after mental and physical labor;
• Removes heavy metals, toxins, radionuclides;
• Has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels;
• Normalizes cholesterol levels;
• Expands blood vessels and improves blood flow, stimulates the brain;
• Helps to improve metabolism;
• Helps with male infertility, allows you to restore potency;
• Dissolves blood clots, prevents the formation of new ones;
• Fights bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, promotes expectoration;
• Dissolves kidney stones;
• Stimulates the work of the bone marrow;
• Has a positive effect on skin, hair, nails;
• Serves for the benefit in the treatment of eye diseases;
• It is used in the treatment of cancer;
• It has a general strengthening effect, strengthens the body and increases immunity;
• Fights depression, insomnia, nervous system disorders, and so on.

In fact, this is not a complete list of useful properties. It should be noted that among medicinal mushrooms, it is not only one of the best, but also the most expensive. In many ways, it was the abundance of useful qualities and the inaccessibility for most people that led to the fact that the mushroom began to be grown artificially. Most importantly, when cultivated, cordyceps did not lose the same properties as when growing in the wild in the mountains of Tibet.

You can learn even more about cordyceps in the following video.

Harm and contraindications

As such, cordyceps does not harm itself. This is if we talk about medicinal varieties. The most important thing is not to confuse it with fakes, as well as dangerous species.

As for the medical cordyceps, its contraindications can be expressed as follows:

• Not recommended for pregnant women, as well as for mothers during breastfeeding;
• Children under 12 should also not be given this mushroom;
• The properties of cordyceps are not fully understood, in this regard, doctors do not advise taking it together with anticoagulants;
• For the same reason, do not use the mushroom at the same time as drugs that act to expand the bronchi.

Instructions for use

If you decide to use a drug based on cordyceps, you must first understand the features of its use.

First of all, it is a completely safe and non-toxic drug. So there is no need to fear an overdose.

For prophylaxis, two courses are taken during the year for 30 days. For treatment, the course lasts 90-120 days.

There are two main recipes for taking the drug.

• Pour 0.5 grams of mushroom powder with 200 ml of water. Insist 8 hours. It is necessary to drink before meals 3 times a day for a third of a glass. Stir the mixture before drinking.
• Pour 0.5 grams of the drug into 30 ml of water. You need to drink an hour before breakfast.

Growing

Unlike some other varieties of expensive medicinal mushrooms, the secret of growing cordyceps does not exist. However, this is not as easy as it seems at first glance.

Biological features

It is no secret that cordyceps, being a fungus, multiplies by spores. He throws them out during the warm season, and the spores are spread over a wide area due to the wind.

Caterpillars, butterflies, or various larvae serve as a breeding ground. When spores get on them, the process of germination into the body begins. Over time, the body dies, but the fungus continues to grow, releases roots. By releasing a special antibiotic into the carrier, caterpillars or larvae do not die from the effects of microorganisms.

Now let's look at how such an unusual mushroom is grown.

Artificial technique

The Chinese began making the first attempts at laboratory cultivation of cordyceps back in 1950. The artificial method is the only alternative, since the growth area of ​​this fungus is too hard to reach, it is extremely difficult to get there. In addition, in the wild, a person cannot get as many mushrooms as he needs.

Caterpillars or larvae are not used in laboratories. Instead, specially prepared substances act as a nutrient medium.

Production at an industrial level is now established in many countries of the world. The most successful in this component in China, the United States, Latin America and especially in Nepal.

Now humanity can get as many cordyceps mushrooms as it needs. Every year the demand for this product is increasing, as more and more people discover the beneficial properties of this plant. Farmed Cordyceps are much cheaper than wild Cordyceps. And in terms of quality, they are not inferior to each other.

Method number 1

This technique involves growing with two separate strains. The mushrooms are placed in an environment that is enriched with rattlesnake venom. Two types of cordyceps are crossed, they exchange genetic data and create a new hybrid strain, characterized by high biological activity and value from the point of view of pharmacology.

Method number 2

Here we are already talking about growing mycelium. Requires a temperature of about 22 degrees Celsius, ambient lighting and 30 days. After that, the mushroom is placed in a completely dark place, the temperature rises to 30 degrees, and the oxygen concentration is reduced to 50 percent. In these conditions, the fungus lives for about 5 months.

Method number 3

For industrial production of cordyceps spores, it is necessary to place them in sterile special substrates and create conditions that maximally repeat the natural habitat of the fungus. The substrate contains sorghum grains, vegetable oils, mineral-based additives, millet. After a certain time, about 96 percent of the entire substrate is replaced by mycelium.

Method number 4. At home

It is possible that you can grow cordyceps in your garden. To do this, you need a shaded area, or a box with soil and a small room, a basement. The seeds, that is, the mycelium, can be purchased in stores or even online.

Take equal parts of the soil and humus from the garden, mix them and make a layer about 15 centimeters. Sow 100 grams of mycelium there, place 5 kilograms of larvae on top. Those that are offered for fishing in the corresponding stores are also suitable. Now cover the larvae with a layer of earth of 2 centimeters.

The crop may appear after 120 days. Yields can be influenced by many factors. Nevertheless, as practice shows, one square meter grows from 4 to as much as 20 kilograms of product.

To grow it at home, the substrate packs sold in stores are great for you. They already have mushroom seeds added. Cordyceps must be grown using such a substrate inside the containers in which it is sold.

Growing hybrids

Experts managed to grow new types of cordyceps by crossing different types. Due to this, mushrooms were obtained that have the greatest value from the point of view of medicine.

The cell nuclei of the fungi fuse due to the poison from the rattlesnake. An exchange of genetic data begins, a new species is created, the amount of cordycepin in which is much greater than in the wild mushroom. In addition, bred hybrids reproduce better.

Unfortunately, after the creation of new, better quality cordyceps, counterfeit products began to enter the markets, which are passed off as expensive and incredibly useful species.

However, tough measures are now being applied, with the help of which it is possible to identify counterfeits, to check the quality of supplied mushrooms and to prevent counterfeits from reaching the shelves.

Interesting Facts

Traditional Chinese medicine uses cordyceps as a rejuvenating drug and also recommends it as an aphrodisiac.

This mushroom is present in some dishes of Chinese cuisine, and together with the larva in which it grew.

Wild mushroom is incredibly expensive. Because of him, the civil war in Nepal began in many ways. Local Maoists fought against the government and wanted to gain control of lucrative exports during the harvest season (which starts in June and ends in July).

Collecting cordyceps in Nepal was made legal only in 2001.

Nepal has the largest harvest of cordyceps, ahead of China, Korea, Japan and Thailand.

For the past 20 years, cordyceps has become more and more expensive every year. Already in 2007, they asked for 3 thousand dollars for the lowest-grade cordyceps, and the best one cost from 15 thousand dollars. Today prices go up to 50 thousand dollars for some types.

The popularity of the mushroom came in the early 90s of the twentieth century. This happened after two athletes from China showed several world records in long-distance running at once. According to some reports, their trainer recommended the use of cordyceps, since the mushroom has positive properties for athletes. It is not classified as doping, just like Siberian ginseng. The Olympic Commission authorizes its use.

According to research, artificially grown cordyceps has beneficial properties similar to wild mushrooms. Plus, the laboratory mushroom is more viable.