I’ve written to you before about the incredible life-changing benefits of Cordyceps sinensis. This rare Tibetan fungus has been proven in numerous studies to:
- Lower blood sugar and improve insulin resistance1
- Increase oxygen delivery throughout the body2
- Fight out-of-control inflammation3
- Boost your immune system4
- Provide powerful anti-cancer protection5
- Improve heart function6
And now, a new study shows that Cordyceps sinensis can enhance the bedroom performance of millions of men by reducing erectile dysfunction.
In a study at the Endocrinology Institute of Chinghai, researchers tested the effects of Cordyceps on 286 impotent men who were given a gram of the mushroom three times a day. After 40 days, 183 of the patients reported an improvement in their sexual performance and sex drive.7
This backs up earlier research done at the same institution.
In that study, 50 patients suffering from impotency were also treated with “Himalayan Viagra.” After 40 days, 13 of the men reported full recovery of sexual functions, and 20 reported a feeling of sexual arousal and achieving a full erection.
And in a third study, researchers demonstrated that 64.8% of Cordyceps users reported significant improvement in sexual function compared with just 23.8% of the placebo group.8
Cordyceps sinensis has been considered a libido-booster by tribesmen in the Himalayan mountain ranges of Tibet for more than 2,000 years.
Its aphrodisiac effects were first noted by yak herders, who observed an increase in the animals’ sexual activity immediately after they grazed on the mushrooms. But until now, no one knew why it was so effective.
As it turns out, this humble mushroom enhances the levels of serum luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn increases plasma testosterone production.9
But Cordyceps sinensis isn’t the only fungus that fuels bedroom fire…
There is another species of Cordyceps mushroom known as Cordyceps militaris. And it also shows promise in boosting the sexual health of both men and women – especially those with diabetes.
In a 2021 animal study, researchers divided a group of male and female rats into two groups. Half were induced with diabetes. As the disease progressed with time, the scientists noted that sexual activity between the animals declined.10
The researchers then supplemented both groups with cordyceps militaris. The results stunned the scientists…
Within 30 minutes of taking the mushroom, the ability to complete sexual activity was 83% for healthy rats and 66.7% in diabetic rats.
A human study of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia also found positive results when it came to improving sexual function. In this study, the men received a dose of 250 mg.11
Look for wild-harvested cordyceps from Tibet
When choosing a supplement, always check the source. Some Cordyceps supplements come from harvested sources that are 50 times weaker than natural, wild sources.
As a supplement, I recommend wild Cordyceps from Tibet. Take 2 to 5 grams twice daily for best results.
You can also brew a cup of Cordyceps tea. I add peppermint to enhance the flavor. Here’s a simple recipe I use:
- Boil 2 cups of filtered water in a small saucepan.
- Add one gram of dried cordyceps to water. Boil vigorously for one minute.
- Turn down the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add a tablespoon or so of crushed mint leaves.
- Place a lid on the pan and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy.
I recommend doubling or even tripling the recipe and enjoying another cup of cold iced tea later.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD, CNS
References:
1. Li Y, et al. “Cordyceps inhibits ceramide biosynthesis and improves insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis.” Sci Rep. 2022 May 4;12(1):7273.
2. Mishra RN and Upadhyay Y. “Cordyceps sinensis: The Chinese Rasayan-current research scenario.” Int J Res Pharma Bio Sci. 2011:2(4):1503-1519.
3. Park SY, et al. “Anti-inflammatory effects of Cordyceps mycelium (Paecilomyces hepiali, CBG-CS-2) in Raw264.7 murine macrophages.” Orient Pharm Exp Med. 2015;15(1):7-12.
4. Jung S, et al. “Immunomodulatory effects of a mycelium extract of Cordyceps (Paecilomyces hepiali; CBG-CS-2): A randomized and double-blind clinical trial.” BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019; (19):77.
5. Yoon S, et al. “The anticancer properties of cordycepin and their underlying mechanisms.” Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Oct; 19(10):3027.
6. Wang L, et al. “Bidirectional regulatory effects of Cordyceps on arrhythmia: Clinical evaluations and network pharmacology.” Front Pharmacol. 2022;13: 948173.
7. Kakraliya S. “Improving sexual performance by Cordyceps mushroom and it’s health benefits.” Just Agric. 2021;52-55.
8. Zhu J, et al. “The scientific rediscovery of an ancient Chinese herbal medicine: Cordyceps sinensis: part I.” J Altern Complement Med. 1998 Fall;4(3):289-303.
9. Chen Y, et al. “Functional study of Cordyceps sinensis and cordycepin in male reproduction: A review.” . J Food Drug Anal. 2017 Jan;25(1):197-205.
10. Nguyen T, et al. “A study of the aphrodisiac properties of Cordyceps militaris in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.” Vet World. 2021 Feb; 14(2): 537–544.
11. Hsieh S, et al. “The effects of Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies in micturition and prostate size in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients: A pilot study.” Pharmacol Res. Sept 2022;4:100143.