Topical Cordyceps Uses

Cordyceps sinensis, also known simply as cordyceps, caterpillar fungus and Dong Chong Xia Cao, is translated from its Chinese meaning to the English "winter bug, summer herb." The herbal remedy is made from the antlered, stick-like fungus that grows on the backs of certain species of caterpillars. The fungus has a symbiotic relationship with the caterpillar. It acts as a parasite by growing on the skin of the larvae before the formation of a cocoon. The fungus is found in the high mountain regions of Asia and has been a popular component of traditional Chinese medicine, documented as far back as the 15th century.

Cancer

• Cordyceps as a topical remedy has the ability to combat cancer, according to WebMD. The treatment does this by regulating and controlling the diffusion of cancer cells in the body. Cordyceps is also known to boost the immune system, thus increasing the effectiveness of a cancer patient's T cells in their immune system. This can be extremely beneficial for those undergoing extensive radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery due to cancer.

High Cholesterol

• The herbal remedy can also combat high or elevated levels of cholesterol, according to WebMD. Cordyceps in the bloodstream strengthens the circulatory system while decreasing the elevated pulse in high-cholesterol patients. It raises levels of "good" cholesterol while subsequently lowering levels of "bad" cholesterol. In those with high cholesterol, the immune system's cells can slow down and build up along the artery walls. This buildup can lead to creation of cholesterol plaques and subsequent blockage of the arteries. Cordyceps speed up the activity of the immune system's cells, thus helping to prevent blockage in the blood stream.

Tinnitus

• Cordyceps as a remedy can also aid in the treatment of tinnitus. Tinnitus is a ringing, swishing or any other type of noise that appears to originate in the ear or head. Tinnitus is not a disease itself but a symptom of a number of underlying causes. While not all forms of tinnitus can be treated with cordyceps, depending on the origin of the symptom, the herbal remedy can help, according to WebMD. If tinnitus is the result of accumulated fluid in the inner ear and the resulting pressure of that buildup, then the application of cordyceps can alleviate the symptom.

Impotence

• Cordyceps has also been found to act as an aphrodisiac. That is, the application of the fungus has been known to treat impotence by increasing a man's libido and subsequently eradicating the effects of erectile dysfunction, according to a study done at the Beijing Medical University in China. The study found that 64% of 200 men reported an improvement in sexual function after taking cordyceps. Impotence has also been known to be a symptom of high blood pressure and, as noted above, cordyceps is effective at treating such.