When it comes to medicinal mushrooms, I think that Cordyceps might be one of the weirdest. Why do I say this?? Well this medicinal mushroom is known as a parasitic fungi which actually feed on insects from the inside out. Yes, truly a different fungi for sure. And we’ll learn more about that shortly but when it comes to immune dysfunction and imbalances, Cordyceps is one of the best ones to consider using for your dog. So let’s explore this a bit more in todays short video and how this can help your dog.
Did you know that there are more than 600 different species of Cordyceps mushroom. While they can be found worldwide, they are predominantly seen in Asian countries including China, Thailand and Japan.
How does this mushroom survive and thrive?? Well it starts by spores from the mushroom that land on insects that might come in contact with them. From here it actually will germinate and its thread like filaments known as hyphae grown into the body of that insect. Now I am feeling sorry for the insects but I guess that is mother nature!! These hyphae continue to grow, consuming the insect from the inside out, and become root-like structures (mycelium) which in turn will eventually become a mushroom which is the fruiting body of the fungi.
Yes it gets a bit weirder. When the insect’s insides are fully eaten by the mycelium, and when external conditions are just right, a spear shaped mushroom or fruit body grows out of the insect’s head. This is when the mushroom can be harvested for its medicinal benefits or if not, it will release spores again and the whole process repeats. I find this whole thing quite fascinating. There are two main varieties that are commercially available and that is cordyceps sinensis and cordyceps militaris.
So enough of how this mushroom makes its way in the world. The benefits of using this mushroom are far reaching and more and more these days I find myself using Cordyceps in my formulas. Lets look at some of the benefits and how to best use this to get maximum benefits for our dogs. Cordyceps has benefits when it comes to the health of your dogs lungs and general respiratory system including assisting with conditions like chronic bronchitis, asthma, general coughs and lung infections. As a kidney tonic it is also highly beneficial and can be used in chronic kidney disease along with kidney infections. In fact, where as Reishi has an affinity for the liver, Cordyceps has an affinity for the kidneys so that’s a good way to remember it too. It is an excellent convalescence tonic where there is a weakness in your dogs constitution or long term stress that has left the animal with fatigue and exhaustion.
But it is one of the best mushrooms to use when it comes to chronic immune imbalances and dysfunction, allergy states, and inflammatory and auto-immune disease patterns. Let’s take a look at 5 reasons why it works so well here.
1.Its Immunomodulation Effects: Cordyceps is known as an immunomodulator, which means it helps regulate and balance your dogs immune system. It may stimulate immune responses when the body is under threat from say and infection or it can help calm overactive immune responses in certain conditions. One of the ways it stimulates the immune response is by increasing Cytokines. These are signaling proteins that help direct immune cells to infection sites. Cordyceps has been shown to promote the production of certain cytokines like interleukins, which can amplify the body’s defense mechanisms. When it comes to calming the immune system down, one of the critical ways it can help here by Modulating T-Helper Cell Balance: Cordyceps can help maintain the balance with different types of t helper cells known as Th1 and Th2. An imbalance in these cells is often linked to autoimmune conditions. By balancing these cells it can help prevent that overstimulation that occurs with autoimmunity.
2Antioxidant Properties: Cordyceps contains antioxidants, which help protect immune cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. This supports overall immune function and cellular health. These properties are primarily attributed to various bioactive compounds found in Cordyceps, such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, and a compound known as cordycepin. These can all help reduce and neutralize free radicals in the body and help protect cells at a Dna level. This includes of course immune cells so by protecting these immune cells your dogs immune system stays balanced and alert.
3.Enhanced Natural Killer (NK) Cell Activity and supporting macrophage function: Studies have shown that Cordyceps can boost the activity of natural killer cells found within the immune system. These a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in detecting and destroying cancerous cells along with virus and other microbe infected cells. In addition, Cordyceps can enhance the ability of macrophages to fight infections. Macrophages are immune cells that engulf and digest pathogens and dead cells.
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects Cordyceps has significant anti-inflammatory effects that help modulate your dogs immune system and reduce harmful inflammation in their body. These effects are primarily achieved by regulating the production of cytokines which I mentioned earlier. Those, signaling proteins that play a critical role in controlling immune and inflammatory responses. Chronic inflammation is a key underpinning factor is all chronic disease but especially autoimmunity and cancers. By influencing inflammation, Cordyceps can contribute to better overall health and disease prevention.
5. Boost in Energy and Stamina: By improving energy levels and oxygen utilization, Cordyceps indirectly supports the immune system, especially in times when your dog has been under physical stress or fatigue, which can weaken immunity. It is an excellent adaptogen that has quite a profound effect on any animal in terms of their stress and inflammatory patterns and responses particularly if they are experiencing a chronic disease pattern including autoimmune disease.
So there you have 5 reasons that cordyceps can be one of the best choices to help support your dogs immune system no matter what they are experiencing. In terms of doses in the fluid extract I usually start with 1-2 drops per kg bodyweight 1-2 times daily and of course this can be given singularly or it combine swell with other mushrooms like Chaga, Turkey tail and Reishi as well as other adaptogens including Rhodiola.
You can email me at lyndall.pinchen@gmail.com to purchase this Mushroom.
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