Cordyceps was a well kept Chinese secret until the Beijing Olympics in 1993 when the world got to know how cordyceps had boosted the performance of some of the Chinese athletes and enabled them to break world records. However, this wasn't always a secret, as ancient Chinese texts have always extolled the virtues of cordyceps and outlined its amazing medicinal properties.

There are over 400 species of cordyceps, but for our purposes, we will consider cordyceps sinensis to understand how it can be beneficial to us. Cordyceps sinensis is commonly known as the caterpillar fungus. It is typically found in China, Tibet, Nepal, and the Himalayan regions of India. The caterpillar fungus germinates in living organisms, typically larvae, kills the insect, and then mummifies it, after which the cordyceps emerges from the body of the insect.

Cordyceps sinensis has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for various purposes. In Chinese, it is known as dong chong xia cao, which means 'winter worm, summer grass' - a perfect explanation for describing how the cordyceps sinensis starts out as a worm in the winter to become a plant in the summer.

Benefits

Cordyceps sinensis has a number of benefits for overall general health, but there are some specific reasons as to why it is favored by many. Here are some of the benefits provided by cordyceps sinensis:

• Improved Immune system - Cordyceps sinensis is commonly used to boost the immune system and make people stronger. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that cordyceps increases the white blood cell count and thus protects the body against viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses. The elderly in Chinese society also use it as a form of 'super ginseng' to improve their stamina and health.

• Better physical performance - In the context of the Chinese athletes in the Olympics, cordyceps was used to improve their performance and to build up muscle. The results of their performance were there for the whole world to see. Cordyceps helped these sports people by increasing their stamina and energy levels and is now a popular supplement in the sports community.

• Improved libido - Here's good news for those who think they need Viagra. Cordyceps stimulates the production of sex hormones in men and improves sexual function as a result. The regular intake of cordyceps also ensures that female fertility is boosted.

• Anti-aging functions - Cordyceps has plenty of antioxidants which prevent the free radicals from oxidizing the cells and thus prevent aging. Also interesting to note is that the composition of cordyceps essentially affects gene clusters and actually reverses the effects of aging. For older patients, cordyceps is a good supplement to keep their minds fresh and revived.

• Reducing fatigue - Another amazing function of cordyceps is that it soothes the nervous system and promotes sleep so that people can feel refreshed. It lowers anxiety levels and helps you feel at ease.

• Respiratory functions - Cordyceps is an anti-inflammatory substance and can relax the bronchial walls. This makes it a great option for preventing coughs and other respiratory diseases.

• Boosting organ performance - Cordyceps ensures that the blood flow to organs such as the liver and kidneys is increased, thereby making them perform better. Due to this, these organs are able to fight diseases better by keeping chronic kidney disease and hepatitis at bay.

• Fighting cancer - Cordyceps affects the development of cell proteins and prevents the formation of mRNA molecules which are essentially required by cancer cells to survive. When these basic needs are eliminated, cancer cells are effectively terminated. It's interesting to note that cordyceps was used as part of a cancer treatment drug called Cordycepin in the 1950s; however, it did not prove to be that effective.

Side effects

The amount of research that has been conducted on cordyceps is still rather minimal, so it's definitely not safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers to consume cordyceps. Also, it's not advisable to give it to children. One of the effects of cordyceps is that it induces weight loss, which might not be viewed as a bad thing by many people. Since cordyceps causes the immune system to become more active, people suffering from autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis may find the symptoms to be more pronounced.

Usage

Cordyceps supplements are easily available for those who want the benefits without the hassles. These supplements make it easier to consume the mushroom. However, cordyceps can be converted into a powder as well, which can be used as part of a capsule. Traditionally, cordyceps mushrooms were boiled with chicken and made into a soup. Today, however, it's easier to sprinkle the brown powder over chicken soup or broth to fortify it immeasurably.

References -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps

http://cordyceps.net/

http://www.cgcmall.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=hr0011

http://www.naturalnews.com/028409_cordyceps_cancer.html

http://www.chinese-herbs.org/cordyceps/benefits.html

Bee pollen have ninety six different nutrients and is extremely good for health. It also has forty kinds of proteins which aid the functioning of the body parts and organs. Bee pollens are also rich in twenty two varieties of amino acids, carotene, fatty acids as well as enzymes. It is also rich in magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc and copper in small quantities. The nutrients in bee pollens are extremely good for health.

Benefits of Bee pollens:

Bee pollens have many health benefits. Bee pollens should be taken in ample quantity, because only five percent (approximately) ingredients are absorbed in the body. Many herbal manufacturers are working to increase the percentage of active ingredients dissolved by the body. The healthiest bee pollens are those which have been freeze dried. Dried and frozen bee pollens stop loss of nutrients by avoiding oxidization. Also make sure that the bee pollens are not excessively processed as it frees it of the essential nutrients as well as enzymes.

1. It helps in making the immune system stronger thus making your body more resistant to diseases and allergies.

2. This is also a good herbal cure to manage stress. As stress has become a very common ailment in today's time, bee pollen has gained immense popularity in the recent years because of its stress^[1] buster properties.

3. Bee pollen helps in energizing the body and making the body more energetic.

4. Bee pollens are also helping in improving male health, it increases the sperm count as well as prevents prostate related problems.

5. Bee pollens are used by athletes as an herbal aid to improve their energy levels and increasing endurance. Everyday use of bee pollens is helpful in improving the health of sportmen, athletes as well as those involved in physical activities.

6. Bee pollens are also helpful in weight maintenance. They help in reducing the fat accumulated in the body thus reducing weight. This natural supplement helps a person manage weight without losing any energy levels usually caused by dieting and fad diets.

7. Bee pollens are helpful in increasing the metabolic activity of the body. It is extremely helpful in dissolving the fat cells and flushing them out of the body. This fat dissolving action is possible due to lecithin present in bee pollens. Everyday consumption will have positive impact on your health.

8. Bee pollens are also helpful in reducing the cholesterol levels in the body. High levels of cholesterol^[2] increases the risk of several health conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. High cholesterol levels have also been linked to diabetes and high blood pressure. A good balanced diet and everyday consumption of bee pollens can help bring down the cholesterol levels^[3].

9. Research on mice has shown that bee pollen is helpful in reducing the occurrence of breast cancer^[4] in those who are genetically inclined to the disease. (By stating this fact we do not encourage testing on animal, we are just stating a fact.)

10. Antibodies found in bee pollen are known to reduce the effects of aging. They are helpful in reducing age spots, wrinkles, dryness and dullness of the skin.

11. Bee pollens are also helpful in detoxification of the body.

12. They help in improving the health of a female reproductive system. It also helps women ease the discomforts caused due to PMS.

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• Migraine headaches
• Blood pressure - can lower blood pressure, so be careful if you are already taking a BP medication
• Anti inflammatory
• Asthma
• Improve kidney function
• Regulates immune system
• Many cancer related benefits - also used to help chemotherapy patients
• Cardiovascular problems
• Allergies
• Insomnia
• Menstrual problems, constipation, hemorrhoids,
• Improves energy level - general feeling of well being

It is a known fact that yoga imparts more energy, strength and flexibility. Several people turn to yoga for stress reduction, and then decide to adhere to it, as it makes them, feel, look, and remain young, agrees Larry Payne, Ph.D, a yoga Director at Loyola Marymount University, and co-author of Yoga Rx.

Unlike in traditional exercises, yoga blends moves that enhance circulation, flexibility, balance and strength, along with meditative techniques, including deep breathing.

“In fact, yoga serves as a natural face-lift^[1]. It cleanses, relaxes and restores,” he adds.

Yoga reduces signs of aging considerably in the following ways.

Minimizes wrinkles: Yoga has the ability to reduce stress, relaxing clenched jaws and furrowed brows, apart from easing away the wrinkles naturally^[2]. Further, it helps in enhancing and maintaining the glow of skin by reducing oxidative stress that reduces skin’s elasticity. According to a study conducted on a group of 104 people in India, their oxidative stress levels dropped by 9 percent, within 10 days of yoga practice.

Weight control: In a 10-year study conducted in Washington on 15,500 men and women, over 45 years of age, participants who did not do yoga, gained up to 35 pounds, while those who practiced regularly, lost nearly 5 pounds.

Easing pain: Yoga yields promising results in relieving back pain^[3], particularly the lower-back. A study on 101 people with low back pain, by the University of Washington, revealed that people who do yoga or stretching exercises atleast once a week for three months, had great improvement over their condition.

Cures insomnia: The amount of sleep lowers with age. This is because the levels of brain’s night-time sedative, melatonin, decreases with age. An Indian study on 15 men aged 25 to 35, practicing yoga daily for three months, revealed that the melatonin levels of these men increased.

Brain sharpness: The researchers at the Jefferson Medical College revealed that just a single yoga class checks the release of stress hormone Cortisol, as high amounts could lead to age-related memory problems.

Shedding flab: Although regular weight loss programs and exercises help in shedding those extra pounds, they do little to cut down on the flab, often associated with ageing^[4]. Our skin is attached to something call ‘facia’. Yoga helps in gently stretching and rejuvenating the underlying fascia, making it more springy and flexible. Although, the improvement will not happen overnight, when practiced regularly for months, you can see a real difference.

Facial toning: Facial exercises, also called yoga exercises for the face, help in toning and bringing harmony to your facial features. Light facial exercises, apart from toning facial muscles, also helps sculpt and define the face, helping to achieve chiseled jaw-line, enhanced cheekbones, and minimizing wrinkles.

Immunity booster: Another wonderful benefit of regular yoga practice is that it helps detoxify on a daily basis, while also boosting immunity levels. It can no-doubt improve hearing and eyesight, while reducing stiff neck, and improving blood circulation to these organs.