What is cordyceps sinensis, technically? Is it a mushroom?
May 8, 2019
Cordyceps is a fungus that usually infects its insect host, the Himalayan Bat Moth, or Hepialis armoricanus Oberthur, at the larval stage. By invading the digestive tract and germinating within the insect host, the fungus gains its nutrients from feeding on non-vital organs within the host’s body. While the insect host stays buried underground throughout the entire winter, the Cordyceps mycelia slowly takes over the host’s body, mummifying the insect host. In the spring, the fungus’ fruiting body emerges out of the head of the insect host and disperses its mature spores, which infect other larva, allowing the life cycle to regenerate.
The result? An extremely potent fungus that is used to treat a variety of ailments in Bhutanese Medicine while boosting overall stamina and vitality.
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