Cordyceps (Asthma)

Medicinal mushrooms have potent anti-inflammatory and immune​​ modulatory properties. Cordycep​​ is very useful for people suffering from asthma. The mechanism is believed to be due to​​ its ability to relax the lungs and trachea. Instead of reacting to the symptoms with inhalers, Cordycep​​ actually reduces the number of incidences where an inhaler is required and increases energy levels and dramatically improves endurance and stamina.

Asthma refers to a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, which results in their narrowing. An allergic reaction to dust and pollen, smoke, pollutants and other stimuli may cause the narrowing. The inflammatory nature of asthma is seen in recurring spells of wheezing, cough, tightness in the chest, and breathlessness. The disorder is brought about by various cells of the immune system that appear to have gone into overdrive and remain in a chronically activated state. Certain commonly used drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can also exacerbate the symptoms of asthma.

In one clinical study of Cordyceps conducted by Beijing Medical University, Cordyceps provided to be beneficial to asthma patients. All patients under this study had been treated unsuccessfully with antibiotics and other Western medications. It was reported that the total effective rate for the Cordyceps group was 81.3% measured by FEV1 scores within an average of 5 days’ treatment.

 Researchers at Meiji Institute of Health Science in Japan in 1995 found that Cordyceps can inhibit tracheal muscle contractions and relax the airways of mice. This is particularly important to asthma patients as it allows for increased airflow to the lungs. Moreover, Cordyceps’ anti-inflammatory properties bring further relief to asthma patients whose airways become obstructed, due to an allergic reaction resulting in swelling of the bronchial pathways.

Cordyceps increases respiratory secretions to facilitate expectoration, while calming cough. Several clinical studies have confirmed its beneficial effects in patients with chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and cor pulmonale, with improvement of pulmonary function. In patients with a cough as an equivalent of asthma, Cordyceps provided better, faster relief.