Cordyceps

Cordyceps, or caterpillar fungus, is a medicinal mushroom that has been used in China for over 2,000 years due to an impressive range of properties attributed to this mushroom. It is an important ingredient in Chinese herbal medicine.

In Chinese tradition, Cordyceps is known as ‘Dong Chong Xia Cao’, which means winter worm summer grass (the worm in winter becomes a plant in summer). In the wild, this mushroom grows on the caterpillar of a moth, which unfortunately does not survive the process.

These caterpillars live underground in the high mountains of southwest China and Tibet. Today, wild cordyceps has become rare because it has been extensively harvested from nature. Let’s take a quick look at the health benefits in dogs:

1. Improve sports performance / more energy:

For active dogs or sporting dogs involved in agility training, cordyceps can help improve endurance, stamina and overall performance. Cordyceps has beneficial effects on the respiratory system, where it can support lung function, improve oxygen utilization and promote overall respiratory health.

2. Good for breathing:

Cordyceps has a positive influence on the respiratory system. It can help support lung function, improve oxygen utilization and promote overall respiratory system health. This can be especially beneficial for dogs with breathing problems or dogs living in areas with poor air quality.

3. Protection of liver and kidneys:

Cordyceps sinensis stimulates liver function (including detoxification), supports the immune system in fighting (viral) liver infections and inhibits degenerative changes in the liver (fibrosis, cirrhosis). The medicinal mushroom is often used in China (additionally) in the treatment of liver diseases such as hepatitis A, B and C, liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis.

Cordyceps sinensis is also used as standard for kidney disorders. The mushroom protects the kidneys against damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation and prevents deterioration of kidney function.

4. Anticancer properties:

Cordyceps’ potential to slow tumor growth has generated significant additional interest in recent years. Research results show that the mushroom can provide anti-tumor effects in various ways.