You may have heard the phrase ‘Himalayan Viagra’. This is a subspecies of the so-called natural Viagra that covers a group of drugs that are supposedly or really able to fight erectile dysfunction. This term refers to Chinese Cordyceps (Cordyceps Sinensis). What is it and does it really work?
Chinese Cordyceps and its Properties
Cordyceps Sinensis is a species of mushroom from the Ophiocordycipitaceae family. This family belongs to the group of ascomycetes in the group of mushrooms and is characterized by a specific life cycle. It is sometimes called a caterpillar fungus. Cordyceps grows in the meadows of the Himalayas and in the Tibetan plateau.
At the end of summer, its spores infect butterfly larvae in the soil. With the growth of the caterpillar, the fungus also grows, gradually immobilizing and mummifying its host. It puts it in such a position that only a head sticks out above the ground. Before the cold period, a small fungal bud appears from the head. After wintering, in the spring, the body of the fungus grows from the caterpillar which gives rise to spores and the cycle begins anew.
The Use of the Remedy for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
It is believed that Cordyceps helps to treat various diseases, ranging from colds and flu to malignant tumors. This means presumably improves blood flow, enhances oxygen saturation of the blood, which positively affects erectile function. Many sellers and healers attribute to it the properties of increasing libido.
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Cordyceps is at Risk Due to Extensive Use in Folk Medicine
In the Chinese market, Cordyceps is sold for $100 per 1 gram, that is, this remedy is more expensive than gold. Researchers note that sales of this fungus intensified with the growth of the Chinese economy and have become a symbol of the economic boom. They bring about a 5 billion dollarprofit a year. Due to the highest demand, a real ‘gold rush’ has begun in the poor areas of the Himalayas. Its impact on biological diversity has until recently gone unnoticed. Locals report that Cordyceps pickers spend more time in the mountains but bring less booty. This makes them to collect all the mushrooms , including those that have not yet had time to givesporules. As a result, the Cordyceps yield is declining every year. Scientists report that if the fungus population drop to a critical level, this will lead to uncontrolled propagation of caterpillars and butterflies, which will cause irreparable harm to the fragile mountain ecosystem and ultimately the human residents themselves will suffer too.
Therefore, the researchers reasonably believe that the introduction of control and limits for the fungus extraction is required. A rotational collection system is also needed, that is, at least one year, one section of the meadow must ‘rest’ in order to recover after the hunters’ intervention. The central problem is that it is difficult to implement control measures in the highlands.
Does Himalayan Viagra Really Work?
The Chinese are famous for strange methods for treating various diseases. The use of various parts of animals is popular among these people, which negatively affects the animal kingdom. Often these methods do not actually meet the expectations of patients. Although Cordyceps’s effectiveness is relatively proven , according to the study by Ashok Kumar Panda and Kailash Chandra Swain (Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 2011) available evidence look very promising but there is a lack of studies performed on humans.
Its positive effect on testosterone levels has some scientific justification however problems with this hormone are not the only cause of erectile dysfunction.
Hence, Cordyceps may be helpful in some cases but it is unlikely to outperform sildenafil (Viagra) in treating erectile dysfunction in males. We would like to recommend using it only as an additional remedy for strengthening the whole body and not as a specific tool for combating impotence.
If you need a quick and guaranteed effect in the form of improved potency, it is better to turn to classic and already established remedies on the market namely type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors (primarily Viagra, Cialis and Levitra).
