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Cordyceps (Dongchongxiacao)
Pharmaceutical Name : Cordyceps
Botanical Name: Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.)
Sacc
Common Name: Cordyceps, Chinese caterpillar
fungus
Source of Earliest Record: Bencao Congxin
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations: The fungus and the carcass of
the larvae of various insects are collected
in the period of the Summer Solstice (tenth
solar term). They are cleaned and dried in
the sun or baked.
Properties & Taste: Sweet and warm
Meridians: Kidney and lung
Functions:
1. To tonify lungs and kidneys;
2. To stop bleeding;
3. To resolve phlegm
Indications & Combinations:
1. Deficient kidneys manifested as impotence,
seminal emissions and soreness and pain in
the lower back and knees. Cordyceps (Dongchongxiacao)
is used with Dogwood fruit (Shanzhuyu), Dioscorea
(Shanyao) and Dadder seed (Tusizi). The herb
can also be used alone.
2. Chronic cough and asthma or cough with
bloody sputum due to lung deficiency. Cordyceps
(Dongchongxiacao) is used with Glehnia root
(Shashen), Donkey hide gelatin (Ejiao) and
Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu).
3. Spontaneous sweating and aversion to
cold due to weakness of the body or illness.
Cordyceps (Dongchongxiacao) is cooked with
chicken, duck or pork.
Dosage: 5-10 g
Cautions & Contraindications: This substance
should be used cautiously in cases with exterior
syndromes. |
