Cordyceps from Daocheng

Cordyceps from Daocheng

　　Cordyceps is a commonly used authentic traditional Chinese medicinal herb produced in Sichuan. It consists of the dried stroma and sclerotium of the fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, which parasitizes larvae of ghost moths (Hepialidae). Also known as summer grass-winter worm, winter worm summer grass, or simply cordyceps, it was first documented in the Qing Dynasty text "Ben Cao Cong Xin." It has a unique appearance, with the stroma growing singly from the head of the host larva, slender and club-like, typically measuring between 4 cm and 11 cm in length. It has a warm nature and sweet taste, and is known for benefits such as nourishing lungs and kidneys, and enhancing vitality.

　　The best-quality cordyceps from Daocheng come from the high-altitude Mula area, where the elevation is around 4,500 meters and the surrounding environment remains pristine and unpolluted. The optimal harvest period for Daocheng cordyceps is in the first half of May. Those harvested in the latter half of May and in June are considered inferior. By that time, the cordyceps are mostly hollow and have very low medicinal value.