Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo · Cordyceps
Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo (冬虫夏草, Cordyceps) is a herb of Warm nature and Sweet flavor, in the “Yang Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to tonify Kidney Yang, Tonify Lung Yin, Stop Bleeding.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo
- Characters
- 冬虫夏草
- Botanical name
- Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc.
- Family
- Cordycipitaceae
- Part used
- Fungal body and caterpillar
- Nature
- Warm
- Flavor
- Sweet
- Meridians
- Kidney, Lung
- Category
- Yang Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Origin
- Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan
Actions according to tradition
- Tonify Kidney Yang
- Tonify Lung Yin
- Stop Bleeding
- Transform Phlegm
Traditional uses
- Kidney deficiency with impotence
- Sore and weak lower back and knees
- Chronic cough and wheezing
- Spontaneous sweating and night sweats
- Post-illness weakness
Studied effects and current applications
- Enhances athletic performance
- Increases energy and stamina
- Improves respiratory function
- Supports kidney health
- Boosts libido
- Anti-aging properties
Applications under investigation
- Athletic performance enhancement
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- COPD and asthma
- Kidney disease
- Sexual dysfunction
- Cancer support
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Auto-immune diseases (may stimulate immune system)
- Bleeding disorders
Relative contraindications
- Rapid heart rate
- Fever
- Pregnancy
- Insufficient safety data. Avoid or use under supervision.
- Breastfeeding
- Insufficient safety data.
- Children
- Limited safety data in children.
- Older adults
- Generally well-tolerated
Possible adverse effects
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Increased bleeding risk
When to stop
- Before surgery (2 weeks)
- Signs of bleeding
- Auto-immune flare
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immunosuppressants | Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus | Moderate | May counteract immunosuppressive therapy Avoid in transplant recipients |
| Anticoagulants | Warfarin | Mild | May mildly affect platelet function Monitor INR |
| MAO Inhibitors | Phenelzine | Mild | Possible additive stimulant-like effects Use cautiously |
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 6-12 grams daily
- Powder
- 2-4 grams daily
- Extract
- As per label
- Tincture
- 2-3 ml (1:5) 2 times daily
- Acute use
- 2-4 weeks
- Chronic use
- 1-3 months
- Maximum
- Use with breaks
- Children
- Safe for children in reduced doses.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 6-12g for 30-45 min. Can add to soups.
Kidney Yang, lung support
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Cordyzepin (adenosine analogue) and beta-glucan polysaccharides
Adenosine nucleoside analogue · Antitumor, antifungal, immunomodulatory, adaptogenic
Inhibition of RNA synthesis (chain termination), AMPK activation, mTOR blockade · 0.1-0.3% in cultivated strains; variable in the wild
β-1,3/1,6-glucan polysaccharides · Immunomodulator, anti-fatigue, hypoglycemic
Macrophage and NK activation, AMPK activation in muscle · 3-10% in cultured mycelium
Steroid (vitamin D2 precursor) · Immunomodulator, antitumor
Conversion to vitamin D2 by UV light, NK modulation · 0.1-0.4%
sugar alcohol · Antioxidant, kidney protector, osmoprotector
Free radical capture, cellular osmotic protection · 2-8%
organic acid · Expectorant, pulmonary vasodilator
Reduction of bronchial surface tension, smooth muscle relaxation · variable
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Spring (May-June) in high mountain areas (3500-5000 m) of Tibet and Qinghai
Hand-picked before the fungal stroma fully emerges and releases spores. The season lasts just 3-4 weeks. Wild Cordyceps (冬虫夏草) is harvested at altitudes of 3500-5000 m when the snow melts. The cultivated one (Cs-4) is available all year round.
Whole specimen (larva + stroma) cleaned by hand with a soft brush, dried at low temperature (no more than 40°C) to preserve cordyzepin and adenosine. It is used whole in soups or decocted.
Cordyceps sinensis mycelium grown in the laboratory on rice or other substrates, fermented and freeze-dried. It contains cordycepin and polysaccharides but in variable concentrations depending on the producer.
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
