Single Herb Glossary
Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo 冬蟲夏草
| Pharmaceutical name | Cordyceps Chinese caterpillar fungus "winter bug summer herb" |
| Category | Tonify Yang |
| Key Properties | Gently tonifies KD Yang, Augments Essence Tonifies Lungs, Settles cough & wheezing, Stop sweating |
| Properties | Sweet Warm |
| Tropism | LU, KD |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Augments the Kidneys & Tonifies the Yang 2) Tonifies KD Yang, Augment LU Yin, Transform Phlegm, & Stops Bleeding (consumptive cough w/ blood streaked sputum) |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with Exterior conditions Side effects may include: headache, irritability, restlessness, edema, swelling of face and extremities, epistaxis, decreased volume of urine, yellow, greasy tongue coat, thready, rapid pulse |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Cordycepic acid 7 to 9%, cordycepin, 3-deoxyadenosine, amino acid approximately 25% |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Adrenocortical: shown to stimulate secretion of adrenal gland hormones in mice • Immunostimulant: shown to enhance phagocytic activities of macrophages • Male reproductive: decoction shown to increase sperm count and sperm motility in mice • Sedative and hypnotic: decoction given to mice on a daily basis increases duration and improves quality of sleep • Cardiovascular: administration associated with decrease in heart rate and blood pressure for over one hour; decreases oxygen requirement of cardiac muscles in mice • Antiarrhythmic: administration decreases length and severity of aconite-induced cardiac arrhythmia in mice • Antihyperlipidemic: administration lowers TG, TC, LDL and VLDL while increasing HDL in rats • Antibiotic: antibiotic effect against Staphylococcal spp., Streptococcal spp., Bacillus anthracis, and some dermatophytes • Antineoplastic: demonstrated preliminary effectiveness against cancer cell activity in mice • Respiratory: dilates and relaxes bronchial muscles to relieve asthma; does not, however, have any antitussive or expectorant effects • Others: increases colony-forming units (CFU) and platelets |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.